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Install a processor and heat sink

Standard and T-shaped heat sinks are available for your server. This task has instructions for replacing a standard heat sink, which requires a Torx #T20 screwdriver. The instructions for replacing a T-shaped heat sink are similar.

About this task

CAUTION
The processor and heat sink replacement can only be performed by trained service technicians.
CAUTION
Make sure that all server power cords are disconnected from their power sources before performing this procedure.
Attention
  • Read Installation guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

  • Power off the server and disconnect all power cords for this task.

  • Prevent exposure to static electricity, which might lead to system halt and loss of data, by keeping static-sensitive components in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system.

  • See Lenovo ServerProven website for a list of processors supported for your server. All processors on the system board must have the same speed, number of cores, and frequency.

  • Before you install a new processor, update your system firmware to the latest level. See Update the firmware.

  • Optional devices available for your system might have specific processor requirements. See Thermal rules.

  • The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions for the processor. Do not power on the server with the heat sink removed.

  • 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 electrical connectors in the processor socket. Do not remove the grease cover from a heat sink until you are instructed to do so.

Procedure

  1. Install the processors.
    Figure 1. Processor installation
    Processor installation

    1. Slide the processor carrier into the rail frame.
    2. Push the rail frame down until the blue latches lock into place.
    3. Close the force frame.
    4. Tighten the screws in the installation sequence shown on the force frame.
    Note
    Use an ESD safe screwdriver and set the maximum torque value to 14.0 ± 0.5 inch-pounds.
  2. Install the standard or performance heat sinks.
    Note
    For a new heat sink, the thermal grease is pre-applied to the heat sink. Remove the protective cover and install the heat sink.
    1. Orient the heat sink with the screw holes on the processor plate. The captive screws on the heat sink should align with the screw holes on the processor plate.
    2. Tighten all the captive screws in the installation sequence shown on the heat-sink label.
    3. (Optional) Tighten the two screws located in the front of the performance heat sink.
    Note
    Use an ESD safe screwdriver and set the maximum torque value to 14.0 ± 0.5 inch-pounds.
    Figure 2. Standard heat sink installation
    Standard heat sink installation

    Figure 3. Performance heat sink installation
    Performance heat sink installation

After you finish
  1. If there are memory modules to install, install them. See Install a memory module.

  2. Install other options you want to install.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube