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Remove the processor board

Follow instructions in this section to remove the processor board.

About this task

A processor board provides different connectors or slots to connect different components or peripherals of the system for communication. The board and the supporting metal sheet constitute a base for the system board assembly. If the processor board fails, it must be replaced.

Important

  • This task must be operated by trained technicians that are certified by Lenovo Service. Do not attempt to remove or install it without proper training and qualification.

  • When removing the memory modules, label the slot number on each memory module, remove all the memory modules from the system board assembly, and set them aside on a static-protective surface for reinstallation.

  • When disconnecting cables, make a list of each cable and record the connectors the cable is connected to, and use the record as a cabling checklist after installing the new system board assembly.

Attention

  • Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to ensure that you work safely.

  • Power off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables. See Power off the server.

  • Keep static-sensitive parts in their static-protective packages until installation to prevent exposure to static electricity. Handle the parts with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding systems. Place the parts on a static-protective surface.

Procedure

  1. Prepare your server.
    1. Record all system configuration information, such as Lenovo XClarity Controller IP addresses, vital product data, and the machine type, model number, serial number, Universally Unique Identifier, and asset tag of the server.
    2. Save the system configuration to an external device with Lenovo XClarity Essentials.
    3. Save the system event log to external media.
    4. Power off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables. See Power off the server.
    5. If the server is installed in a rack, slide the server out on its rack slide rails to gain access to the top cover, or remove the server from the rack. See Server replacement.
    6. Remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.
    7. Remove the air baffle. See Remove the air baffle.
    8. Remove the system fan-pack. See Remove a system fan-pack.
    9. If your server comes with a rear drive assembly, remove it first. See Remove the 2.5-inch rear drive assembly.
    10. Record where the cables are connected to the system board assembly; then, disconnect all the cables.
      Attention
      Disengage all latches, cable clips, release tabs, or locks on cable connectors beforehand. Failing to release them before removing the cables will damage the cable connectors on the system board assembly. Any damage to the cable connectors may require replacing the system board assembly.
    11. Remove all the following components if they are installed, and put them in a safe, static-protective place.
    12. Pull out the power supply units slightly. Ensure that they are disconnected from the system board assembly.
  2. Remove the system board assembly.
    Figure 1. System board assembly removal
    system board assembly removal
    1. Hold the release pins 1 and 2 at the same time and lift the system board assembly up.
    2. Tilt the assembly as illustrated above.
    3. Slide the system board assembly toward the front of the server.
  3. Remove the system I/O board, see Remove the system I/O board.
Figure 2. The processor board

Note
The processor board comes with a supporting metal sheet. No further removal is needed.

After you finish

  • If you are instructed to return the component or optional device, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.

Important
Before you return the system board assembly, make sure that the processor socket is covered. There is a processor external cap covering the processor socket on the new system board assembly. Slide the processor external cap out from the processor socket on the new system board assembly, and install the external cap on the processor socket on the removed system board assembly.

If you are planning to recycle the system board assembly, follow the instructions in Hardware disassembling for recycle for compliance with local regulations.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube