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Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink.

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.

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.
  • Do not allow the thermal grease on the microprocessor and heat sink to come in contact with anything. Contact with any surface can compromise the thermal grease and the microprocessor socket.
  • Dropping the microprocessor during installation or removal can damage the contacts.
  • Do not touch the microprocessor contacts; handle the microprocessor by the edges only. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and the socket.
  • 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.
Note
Be sure to use the installation tool that comes with your microprocessor installation tool assembly. 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

To remove 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. Remove the heat sink:
    Attention
    Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it. If the thermal material on the microprocessor or heat sink becomes contaminated, you must wipe off the contaminated thermal material on the microprocessor or heat sink with the alcohol wipes and reapply clean thermal grease to the heat sink.
    1. Rotate the heat sink release lever to the fully open position.
      Figure 2. Rotate the heat sink release lever to the open position
      Rotate the heat sink release lever to the open position
    2. Remove the heat sink out of the server. After removal, place the heat sink (with the thermal grease side up) on a clean, flat surface.
      Figure 3. Remove the heat sink out of the server
      Remove the heat sink out of the server
  5. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer:
    Figure 4. Open CPU socket
    Open CPU socket
    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 microprocessor contacts. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and the socket.
  6. Install the microprocessor on the microprocessor installation tool:
    Note
    If you are replacing a microprocessor, use the empty installation tool that comes with the new microprocessor to remove the microprocessor.
    1. Select the empty installation tool and ensure that the handle is in the open position. If the installation tool handle is not in the open position, use the following instructions for your installation tool:
      • If using Installation Tool A, twist the microprocessor installation tool handle counterclockwise to the open position.
        Figure 5. Installation tool A handle adjustment
        Installation tool A handle adjustment
      • If using Installation Tool B, 1 lift the interlock latch and hold it up while you 2 twist the microprocessor installation tool handle counterclockwise to the open position, and then release the interlock latch. The following illustration of the installation tool shows the location of the interlock latch and counterclockwise rotation of the handle before loading the microprocessor.
        Figure 6. Installation tool B handle adjustment
        Installation tool B handle adjustment
    2. Align the installation tool with the alignment pins on the microprocessor socket and carefully lower down the tool on the microprocessor. The installation tool rests on the socket only if aligned correctly.
      Figure 7. Align the installation tool
      Align the installation tool
    3. Twist the handle on the installation tool clockwise.
      Figure 8. Twist the handle clockwise
      Twist the handle clockwise
    4. Lift the microprocessor out of the socket.
      Figure 9. Lift microprocessor out of the socket
      Lift microprocessor out of the socket
  7. If you do not intend to install a microprocessor on the socket, install the socket cover that you removed before on the microprocessor socket.
    Attention
    The pins on the socket are fragile. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.

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