Skip to main content

Install a heat sink

Follow the instructions in this section to install a heat sink. This task requires a Torx T20 driver.

About this task

Important

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

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.

  • 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.

Note

Prepare the following screwdrivers to ensure you can install and remove the corresponding screws properly.

Torque screwdriver type listScrew Type
Torx T20 screwdriverTorx T20 screw

Procedure

  1. Do the following according to your need.
    If you are replacing a processor and reusing the heat sink:

    1. Remove the processor identification label from the heat sink and replace it with the new label that comes with the replacement processor.

    2. Wipe off old thermal grease on the heat sink with an alcohol cleaning pad.

    If you are replacing a heat sink and reusing the processor:

    1. Remove the processor identification label from the old heat sink and place it on the new heat sink in the same location.

      Note
      If you are unable to remove the label and place it on the new heat sink, or if the label is damaged during transfer, write the processor serial number from the processor identification label on the new heat sink in the same location as the label would be placed using a permanent marker.

    2. Wipe off old thermal grease on the processor with an alcohol cleaning pad.

    3. Check whether the manufacturing date on the new heat sink exceeds two years.

      • If yes, wipe off the thermal grease on the new heat sink with an alcohol cleaning pad, and go to step 2.

      • If no, go to step 3.

  2. Apply new thermal grease on the top of the processor with a syringe by forming four uniformly spaced dots, while each dot consists of about 0.1 ml of thermal grease.
    Figure 1. Applying thermal grease
    Applying thermal grease

  3. Install the heat sink.
    Note
    For reference, the torque required for the fasteners to fully tighten is 1.22-1.46 newton-meters (10.8-13.0 inch-pounds).
    Figure 2. Installing a standard heat sink
    Installing a standard heat sink

    Figure 3. Installing a performance heat sink
    Installing a performance heat sink

    1. Align the triangular mark and screws on the heat sink with the triangular mark and threaded posts on the processor socket; then install the heat sink on the processor socket.
    2. Fully tighten all the screws in the installation sequence shown on the heat-sink label.

After you finish

  1. Install the system fan cage if you have removed it. See Install the system fan cage.

  2. Complete the parts replacement. See Complete the parts replacement.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube