Replace a heat sink

This task has instructions for replacing a heat sink. Heat sink replacement requires a Torx #T20 screwdriver.

Read the installation Guidelines

Power off the server for this task

ATTENTION: Static Sensitive Device Ground package before opening

Before installing some options, such as middle drive cage or GPU adapter, you might need to replace the heat sink with the required heat sink. For detailed information on heat sink selection, see Technical rules for processor and heat sink.

CAUTION

Make sure that all server power cords are disconnected from their power sources before performing this procedure.

Attention

• 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.

To replace the heat sink, complete the following steps:

Watch the procedure. A video of the installation and removal process is available at YouTube

1. Remove the installed heat sink.
   1. Use a Torx #T20 screwdriver to loosen all the captive screws in the removal sequence shown on the heat-sink label.
   2. After loosening each captive screw, wait for about several seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor. Then, carefully lift the heat sink up.
   Figure 1. Removing a heat sink
   

   

   
   
2. Install the new 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.
   Figure 2. Installing a heat sink