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Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink.

Attention
  • Be extremely careful, the pins on the socket are fragile. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.
  • Do not allow the thermal grease on the microprocessor and heat sink to come in contact with anything.
  • Removing the heat sink from the microprocessor destroys the even distribution of the thermal grease and requires replacing the thermal grease.
  • 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.
  • Use the microprocessor installation tool that came with the new microprocessor to remove and install the microprocessor. Failure to use the microprocessor tool may cause damage to the pins on the socket. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.

To remove a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:

  1. Read the safety information that begins in Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. Turn off the server (see Turning off the server) and all attached peripheral devices. Disconnect all power cords; then, disconnect all external cables as necessary to replace the device.
  3. Remove the server cover (see Removing the server top cover).
  4. Disconnect any cables that impede access to the heat sink and microprocessor.
  5. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  6. If you are removing microprocessor 1, remove the memory module from DIMM connector 5. If you are removing microprocessor 2, remove the memory module from DIMM connector 12. See Removing a memory module for instructions.
  7. Loosen the screws on the heat sink with a screwdriver, alternating among the screws until they are loose. If possible, each screw should be rotated two full rotations at a time.
  8. Gently pull the heat sink off the microprocessor. Lift the heat sink out of the server. If the heat sink sticks to the microprocessor, slightly twist the heat sink back and forth to break the seal. After removal, place the heat sink on its side on a clean, flat surface.
    Note
    Removing the heat sink from the microprocessor destroys the even distribution of the thermal grease and requires replacing the thermal grease.
    Figure 1. Heat sink removal

    Heat sink removal
  9. Release the microprocessor retention latch by pressing down on the end, moving it to the side, and releasing it to the open (up) position.
  10. Open the microprocessor bracket frame by lifting up the tab on the top edge. Keep the bracket frame in the open position.
    Figure 2. Open the microprocessor bracket frame
    Open the microprocessor bracket frame
  11. Align the holes on the microprocessor installation tool with the screws on the microprocessor bracket, then place the microprocessor installation tool down over the microprocessor 1 . Twist the handle clockwise 2 to attach the tool to the microprocessor.
    Note
    You can pick up or release the microprocessor by twisting the microprocessor installation tool handle.
    Figure 3. Microprocessor tool attachment
    Graphic illustrating the microprocessor tool being used to attach to the microprocessor.
  12. Carefully lift the microprocessor straight up and out of the socket, and place it on a static-protective surface. Remove the microprocessor from the installation tool by twisting the handle counterclockwise.
    Attention
    Do not touch the pins on the socket. The pins are fragile. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.
    Figure 4. Microprocessor removal
    Graphic illustrating the microprocessor tool being used to attach to the microprocessor.
  13. If you are instructed to return the microprocessor, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you. Do not return the microprocessor installation tool.