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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 server supports and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor and heat sink:

  • Microprocessors are to be installed only by trained technicians.
    Important
    Always use the microprocessor installation tool to install a microprocessor. Failing to use the microprocessor installation tool may damage the microprocessor sockets on the system board. Any damage to the microprocessor sockets may require replacing the system board.
  • The server supports certain Intel Xeon scalable multi-core microprocessors, which are designed for the LGA 2011 socket. These microprocessors are 64-bit dual-core or quad-core microprocessors with an integrated memory controller, quick-path interconnect, and shared last cache. See the Lenovo ServerProven website for a list of supported microprocessors.
  • Do not mix microprocessors with different cores in the same server.
  • The server supports up to two microprocessors when the microprocessor 2 expansion board is installed.
    Note
    Microprocessor 2 expansion board is supported when the second microprocessor is installed.
  • When two microprocessors are installed, the air baffle and fan 2 must be installed to provide proper system cooling.
  • When you install the second microprocessor, you must also install additional memory, the air baffle, and fan 2. See Memory module installation for details about the installation sequence.
  • To ensure proper server operation when you install an additional microprocessor, use microprocessors that have the same QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) link speed, integrated memory controller frequency, core frequency, power segment, internal cache size, and type.
  • Mixing microprocessors of different stepping levels within the same server model is supported.
  • When mixing microprocessors with different stepping levels within the same server model, you do not have to install the microprocessor with lowest stepping level and features in microprocessor socket 1.
  • Read the documentation that comes with the microprocessor to determine whether you have to update the server firmware. To download the latest level of server firmware and other code updates for the server, go to the Fix Central website.
  • The microprocessor speeds are automatically set for this server; therefore, you do not have to set any microprocessor frequency-selection jumpers or switches.
  • If the thermal-grease protective cover (for example, a plastic cap or tape liner) is removed from the heat sink, do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink or set down the heat sink. For more information about applying or working with thermal grease, see Thermal grease.
    Note
    Removing the heat sink from the microprocessor destroys the even distribution of the thermal grease and requires replacing the thermal grease.
  • Do not remove the first microprocessor from the system board to install the second microprocessor.
  • To order an additional optional microprocessor, contact your Lenovo sales representative or Lenovo reseller.

There are two types of microprocessor installation tools. The tools are similar in function and design, however Tool A has one setting for installing one size of microprocessor, and supports the following families of microprocessors: E5-26xx, E5-46xx. Installation Tool B has two settings for installing two different sizes of microprocessors. The settings that are marked on Tool B are L for smaller low core microprocessors, and H for larger high core microprocessors. Installation Tool B supports the following families of microprocessors: E5-26xx, E5-46xx, E5-26xx v2, E5-46xx v2.

Microprocessor Installation Tools A and B are shown in the following illustration.
Figure 1. Microprocessor installation tools
Microprocessor installation tools

Read the safety information in Safety and Installation guidelines.

If you are replacing a server component in the server, you need to turn off the server and peripheral devices, and disconnect the power cords and all external cables.

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

  1. Carefully turn the server on its side so that it is lying flat, with the cover facing up.
    Attention
    Do not allow the server to fall over.
  2. Unlock and remove the left-side cover (see Removing the left-side cover).
  3. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  4. Rotate the heat sink retention module release lever to the open position.
    Figure 2. Rotate heat sink
    Rotate heat sink
  5. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer:
    Figure 3. Open the microprocessor socket release lever
    Open the microprocessor socket release lever
    1. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to open and open it.
    2. Open the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
    3. Open the microprocessor retainer.
      Attention
      Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
  6. Install the microprocessor on the microprocessor socket:
    1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new microprocessor to any unpainted on the chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, carefully remove the microprocessor from the package.
    2. Release the sides of the cover and remove the cover from the installation tool. The microprocessor is preinstalled on the installation tool.
      Figure 4. Release the sides of the cover to remove microprocessor
      Release the sides of the cover to remove microprocessor
      Note
      Do not touch the microprocessor contacts. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and the socket.
    3. Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only if properly aligned.
      Figure 5. Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket
      Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket
    4. Install the microprocessor using the following instructions for your installation tool.
      • If using Installation Tool A, twist the handle on the microprocessor tool assembly counterclockwise to the open position to insert the microprocessor into the socket, and lift the installation tool out of the socket.
      • If using Installation Tool B, 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 tool handle in the open position.
      Figure 6. Installation Tool B
      Installation Tool B
      Figure 7. Installation tool handle adjustment
      Installation tool handle adjustment
      Attention
      • Do not press the microprocessor into the socket.
      • Make sure that the microprocessor is oriented and aligned correctly in the socket before you try to close the microprocessor retainer.
      • Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink or on top of the microprocessor. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it.
  7. Remove the microprocessor socket dust cover, tape, or label from the surface of the microprocessor socket, if one is present. Store the socket cover in a safe place.
    Figure 8. Remove the microprocessor socket cover
    Remove the microprocessor socket cover
    Attention
    When you handle static-sensitive devices, take precautions to avoid damage from static electricity. For details about handling these devices, see (Handling static-sensitive devices).
  8. Close the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer:
    1. Close the microprocessor retainer on the microprocessor socket.
    2. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to close and close it.
    3. Close the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
      Figure 9. Close the release lever
      Close the release lever
  9. Install the heat sink:
    Attention
    • Do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
    • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. See Thermal grease for more information.
      Figure 10. Thermal grease in heat sink
      Thermal grease in heat sink
    1. Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink.
    2. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The heat sink is keyed to assist with proper alignment.
    3. Align the heat sink to the retainer bracket tabs and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor, thermal material side down.
      Figure 11. Install the heat sink
      Install the heat sink
    4. Press firmly on the heat sink.
    5. Rotate the heat sink release lever to the closed position and hook it underneath the lock tab.
      Figure 12. Rotate the heat sink release lever to the closed position
      Rotate the heat sink release lever to the closed position
  10. If you installed the second microprocessor, install the air baffle (see Replacing the air baffle).
  11. Install and lock the left-side cover (Installing the left-side cover).

If you have replaced a server component or installed an optional device in the server, you need to reconnect the power cords and all external cables, and turn on the server and peripheral devices.

  • Thermal grease
    The thermal grease must be replaced whenever the heat sink has been removed from the top of the microprocessor and is going to be reused or when debris is found in the grease. Use this information to replace damaged or contaminated thermal grease on the microprocessor and heat sink.