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Remove the system board

Use this procedure to remove the system board.

Attention
Removing and installing this component requires trained technicians. Do no attempt to remove or install it without proper training.

Before removing the system board:

  1. Record all system configuration information, such as Lenovo XClarity Controller (XCC) IP addresses, vital product data, and the machine type, model number, serial number, Universally Unique Identifier, and asset tag of the server.

  2. Use the Lenovo XClarity Essentials to save the system configuration to external media.

  3. Save the system-event log to external media.

    Note
    When replacing the system board, always update the server with the latest firmware or restore the pre-existing firmware. Make sure that you have the latest firmware or a copy of the pre-existing firmware before you proceed.

  4. Read the safety information and installation guidelines (see Safety and Installation Guidelines).

  5. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables (see Power off the server).

  6. If the server is installed in a rack, slide the server out on its rack slide rails to gain access to the top cover, or remove the server from the rack.

  7. Remove the top cover (see Remove the top cover).

To remove the system board, complete the following steps:

  1. Remove the power supply unit(s) (see Remove a hot-swap power supply unit).
  2. Remove the system board air baffle and power interposer (see Remove the system board air baffle and the power interposer) or the processor and memory expansion tray and the expansion tray air baffles (see Remove the processor and memory expansion tray).
  3. Remove the fan cage assembly (see Remove the fan cage assembly).
  4. Disconnect all cables from the system board. Make a list of each cable as you disconnect it and use it as a checklist after installing the new system board.
  5. Remove all the memory modules from the system board, and set them aside on a static-protective surface for reinstallation (see Remove a memory module).
    Important
    Record the slot number of each memory module before removing it, and make sure to install it back to the exact same slot on the new system board later.
  6. Remove the PCIe riser-card if it has been installed (see Remove the PCIe riser-card assembly).
  7. Remove the LOM adapter if it has been installed (see Remove the LOM adapter).
  8. Remove all the other adapters installed on the system board (see Remove an adapter).
  9. Disconnect the USB 3.0 cable of operator panel tray assembly and remove it vertically from the system board.
    Figure 1. Disconnecting USB 3.0 vertically

  10. Remove all the PHMs installed on the system board (see Install a processor and heat sink).
  11. Remove the drive backplanes and cables connected to the system board (see Remove a drive backplane).
  12. If there is an installed TCM/TPM, remove it (see Remove the TCM/TPM adapter (for Chinese Mainland only)).
  13. Grasp the system board handle and thumbnail, and slide the system board toward the front of the server.
    Figure 2. System board removal


  14. Rotate the long side of the system board up, and remove the board from the server.
    Figure 3. System board removal


    Note
    This handle only serves the purpose of removing system board. Do not attempt to lift the whole server with it.
After removing the system board:

  • If you are instructed to return the component or optional device, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.

    Important
    Before you return the system board, make sure that you install the processor socket dust covers from the new system board. To replace a processor socket dust cover:

    1. Take a dust cover from the processor socket assembly on the new system board, and orient it correctly above the processor socket assembly on the removed system board.

    2. Gently press down the dust cover legs to the processor socket assembly, pressing on the edges to avoid damage to the socket pins. You might hear a click on the dust cover is securely attached.

    3. Make sure that the dust cover is securely attached to the processor socket assembly.

  • If you are planning to recycle the system board, follow the instructions in Disassemble the system board for recycle for compliance with local regulations.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube