Installing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to install a microprocessor and heat sink.

The following notes describe the type of microprocessor that the compute node supports and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor:

• This component can be installed as an optional device or as a CRU. The installation procedure is the same for the optional device and the CRU.
• The optional microprocessors that Lenovo supports are limited by the capacity and capability of the compute node. Any microprocessors that you install must have the same specifications as the microprocessors that came with the compute node.
• Each microprocessor socket must always contain a heat-sink filler or a microprocessor and heat sink. If the compute node has only one microprocessor, it must be installed in microprocessor socket 1.
• If you are installing a second microprocessor, make sure that the microprocessors are identical.
• Before you install a new microprocessor, download and install the most current level of UEFI code (see Updating firmware and device drivers).
• When you install a second microprocessor, you might have to install additional memory or redistribute memory across the DIMM connectors (see Installing a DIMM).
• Installing microprocessor 2 enables DIMM connectors 13 through 24 and the expansion connector (see System-board connectors). Microprocessor 2 is also required by some optional devices, such as PCIe hard disk drives, that can be installed in the compute node (see documentation that comes with the optional device for additional information and requirements).
• The microprocessor installation tool might become worn after several uses. Make sure that the tool can hold the microprocessor securely if you are reusing an existing microprocessor installation tool. Do not return the tool with other parts that you are returning.
• If you are installing a second microprocessor, the microprocessor option kit comes with a microprocessor installation tool that you must use when you install a microprocessor. The microprocessor installation tool comes with the replacement microprocessor installed on it and a cover over the microprocessor.
• If you are replacing a defective microprocessor, the CRU kit comes with one installation tool with the replacement microprocessor installed on it and a cover over the microprocessor, and one empty installation tool without a cover.
• If you are replacing a defective microprocessor, you must obtain the following for use during the replacement procedure (see Parts listing, Types 9532 and 2951).
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Thermal grease

Attention

• Remove and install only one microprocessor at a time. When removing or installing a microprocessor, protect the other microprocessor socket with a microprocessor heat sink filler.
• Always use the microprocessor installation tool to remove or install a microprocessor. Failure to use the microprocessor installation tool can damage the microprocessor sockets on the system board. Any damage to the microprocessor sockets might require replacing the system board.
• Different microprocessor types might require a different type of heat sink. To maintain adequate cooling, make sure that you install the heat sink type specified for your microprocessor.
• Thermal grease can stay functional on the heat sink for two years. When installing a new heat sink, make sure to check the manufacturing date to ensure the thermal grease is still functioning. If the date is over two years ago, replace the thermal grease to avoid seating issues.

Note

Be sure to use the installation tool that comes with your microprocessor. The installation tool has two settings for installing two different sizes of microprocessors. The settings that are marked on the tool are L for smaller low core microprocessors, and H for larger high core microprocessors. The tool automatically adjusts during use to the correct setting for your microprocessor.

To install a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps.

1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
2. If you are not installing a new microprocessor and a new heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink and microprocessor; then, apply new thermal grease before installation (see Thermal grease).
3. Remove the heat-sink filler, if one is present.
   Attention

   • Do not use any tools or sharp objects to lift the locking levers on the microprocessor socket. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the system board.
   • Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor socket. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the microprocessor contacts and the socket.
4. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer.
   
   
   
   1. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to open (labeled on the microprocessor-retention assembly) and open it.
   2. Open the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
   3. Open the microprocessor retainer.
5. Install the microprocessor in the microprocessor socket.
   1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new microprocessor tool assembly with microprocessor to any unpainted on the compute node or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component.
      Attention

      Dropping the microprocessor during installation or removal can damage the contacts.
   2. Open the packaging that contains the new microprocessor installation tool assembly and carefully remove the installation tool assembly with microprocessor from the package.
      Attention

      Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket; handle the microprocessor by the edges only. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the microprocessor contacts and the socket.
   3. Release the sides of the cover and remove the cover from the installation tool. The microprocessor is preinstalled on the installation tool.
      
      
      
   4. Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only if it is properly aligned.
      
      
      
   5. Twist the handle of the installation tool assembly counterclockwise until the microprocessor is inserted into the socket, and lift the installation tool out of the socket.
      
      
      

      The following illustration shows the installation tool handle in the open position, ready for tool removal.

      
      
      

      The following illustration shows removing the installation tool handle.

      
      
      
      Attention

      • Do not press the microprocessor into the socket.
      • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink or on top of the microprocessor. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. If the thermal material becomes contaminated, see Thermal grease
   6. Remove the microprocessor protective dust cover, tape, or label from the surface of the microprocessor socket, if one is present.
      
      
      

      Attention

      • Make sure that the microprocessor is aligned correctly in the socket before you try to close the microprocessor retainer.
      • Make sure that the dust cover is removed before you try to close the microprocessor retainer.
6. Close the microprocessor socket release retainer and levers.
   
   
   
   1. Close the microprocessor retainer on the microprocessor socket.
   2. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to close (labeled on the microprocessor-retention assembly) and close it.
   3. Close the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
      Attention

      • If you are installing a new heat sink, do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
      • Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it. If the thermal material becomes contaminated, see Thermal grease.

      Important

      The heat sinks for microprocessor 1 and microprocessor 2 are not interchangeable. Make sure that you install each heat sink on the correct microprocessor. The shorter heat sink installs on microprocessor 2 and the taller heat sink installs on microprocessor 1.
7. If you are installing a new heat sink, remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink. If you are reinstalling a heat sink that you previously removed from the compute node, make sure that the thermal material is still on the bottom of the heat sink and on the top of the microprocessor.
   1. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The a notch on the heat sink is keyed to a tab on the light path diagnostics panel to assist with proper alignment.
   2. Align and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor in the retention bracket, thermal material side down.
   3. Press firmly on the heat sink.
   4. Align the screws on the heat sink with the holes on the heat-sink retention module.
   5. Using a 5 mm (3/16-inch) nut driver, start the first captive screw, as shown on the heat sink label, and tighten it two full revolutions; then, press down on the opposite corner of the heat sink with your finger and tighten the captive screw in that corner two full revolutions.
   6. Press firmly on each of the captive screws and tighten them with a 5 mm (3/16-inch) nut driver, alternating among the screws, as shown on the heat sink label, until they are tight. If possible, each screw should be rotated two full rotations at a time. Repeat until the screws are tight. Do not overtighten the screws by using excessive force. If you are using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to 8 inch-pounds (in-lb) to 10 in-lb (0.9 Newton-meters (Nm) to 1.13 Nm). Refer to the label on the heat sink for more information.