Skip to main content

Install a processor-heat-sink module

This task has instructions for installing processors and heat sinks. Heat sink replacement requires a Torx #T20 screwdriver.

About this task

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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Technical rules.

Procedure

  1. Take the new part out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
  2. Prepare your server.

    1. Power off the server.

    2. Remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.

    3. Record and disconnect any cables. See Internal cable routing.

    4. Remove any components that are impeding the procedure.

    5. Install any components that are required before installing or removing the component(s).

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

  4. Install the standard or performance heat sink.
    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.
    Note
    Use an ESD safe screwdriver and set the maximum torque value to 14.0 ± 0.5 inch-pounds.
    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.
    Figure 2. Installing a standard heat sink
    Standard heat sink installation

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

After you finish

Install any options that you have purchased.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube