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Remove a heat sink

Use this information to remove a heat sink.

About this task

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.

Procedure

Note

  • It may take some time for the heat sink to cool down after the system has been powered down.

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

  1. Prepare your server.

    1. Remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.

    2. Remove the air baffle. See Remove the air baffle.

    3. Remove the fan cage (only for removing the performance heat sink). See Remove the system fan cage.

    4. Remove any parts and disconnect any cables that might impede your access to the heat sink and processor.

  2. Use a Torx #T20 screwdriver to loosen all the captive screws in the removal sequence shown on the heat-sink label. After loosening each captive screw, wait for several seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor. Then, slightly lift the heat sink away from the system.
    Note
    The suggested tightening torque value is 14.0 ± 0.5 inch-pounds (1.525 – 1.638 newton meters).
    Figure 1. Removing a standard heat sink
    standard heat sink removal

    Figure 2. Removing a performance heat sink
    Performance heat sink removal

After you finish

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube