Skip to main content

Processor and heat sink replacement (trained technicians only)

Use this information to remove and install a processor or a heat sink.

Important

  • This task must be operated by trained technicians that are certified by Lenovo Service. Do no attempt to remove or install it without proper training and qualification.

  • Before replacing a processor, check the current PSB fuse policy. See Service process before replacement at Service process for updating PSB fuse state.

  • After replacing a processor, ensure that the processor fuse status is expected without unexpected XCC event logs. See Service process after replacing a processor at Service process for updating PSB fuse state.

  • When the server has a L2AM (The Lenovo Neptune Liquid to Air Module) installed, you must apply for a L2AM module handle (LACM heat sink bracket) first if you need to install or remove the system board assembly or processor. However, while replacing the old L2AM with a new one, you do not need to apply for a module handle (LACM heat sink bracket) as the new L2AM package contains it.

Attention

  • Before reusing a processor or heat sink, make sure you use Lenovo proven alcohol cleaning pad and thermal grease.

  • Each processor socket must always contain a cover or a processor. When replacing a processor, protect the empty processor socket with a cover.

  • Do not touch the processor socket or processor contacts. Processor-socket contacts are very fragile and easily damaged. Contaminants on the processor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures.

  • Do not allow the thermal grease on the processor or heat sink to come in contact with anything. Contact with any surface can compromise the thermal grease, rendering it ineffective. Thermal grease can damage components, such as the electrical connectors in the processor socket.

  • This section is for processor and heat sink replacement. For the replacement of the L2AM (The Lenovo Neptune Liquid to Air Module), refer to The Lenovo Neptune Liquid to Air Module replacement (trained technicians only).

The following illustration shows the components of the processor and heat sink.
Figure 1. Process and heat sink components
PHM components
1 Captive screws (8)2 Heat sink
3 Processor identification label4 Heat sink triangular mark
5 Screw bolts (6)6 Retention frame triangular mark
7 Processor contacts8 Processor triangular mark
9 Carrier triangular mark10 Processor carrier
11 Processor heat spreader 
  • Remove a heat sink
    Use this information to remove a heat sink. This task requires a Torx T20 screwdriver. This procedure must be executed by a trained technician.
  • Remove a processor
    Use this information to remove a processor. This task requires a Torx T20 screwdriver. The procedure must be executed by a trained technician.
  • Install a processor
    Use this information to install a processor. This task requires a Torx T20 screwdriver. The procedure must be executed by a trained technician.
  • Install a heat sink
    Follow the instructions in this section to install a heat sink. This task requires a Torx T20 screwdriver. The procedure must be executed by a trained technician.