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Removing the system board

Use this information to remove the system board.

Note
  1. Before you replace the system board, make sure that you backup any features on demand (FoD) keys that were enabled. Remember to re-enable the features on demand (FoD) keys after installing the new system board. For more information on Features on Demand (FoD), including instructions for automating the activation and installation of the activation key by using ToolsCenter or Systems Director, see the Features on Demand User's Guide at the Lenovo Features on Demand website under the Help section.
  2. When you replace the system board, you must either update the server with the latest firmware or restore the pre-existing firmware from a diskette or CD image. Make sure that you have the latest firmware or a copy of the pre-existing firmware before you proceed.
Before you remove the system board from the server, take the following steps to save data, firmware, and configuration data:
  • Record all system configuration information, such as IMM IP addresses, vital product data, and the machine type, model number, serial number, Universally Unique Identifier, and asset tag of the server.
  • Using the Advanced Settings Utility (ASU), save the system configuration to external media.
  • Save the system-event log to external media.
Note
When you replace the system board, you must either update the server with the latest firmware or restore the pre-existing firmware that the customer provides on a diskette or CD image. Make sure that you have the latest firmware or a copy of the pre-existing firmware before you proceed.

To remove the system board, 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. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  5. Remove all PCI riser-card assemblies with the adapters in them (see Removing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  6. Disconnect all cables from the system board. Make a list of each cable as you disconnect it; you can then use this as a checklist when you install the new system board.
    Attention
    Disengage all latches, release tabs or locks on cable connectors when you disconnect all cables from the system board. Refer toInternal cable routing). for more information. Failing to release them before removing the cables will damage the cable sockets on the system board. The cable sockets on the system board are fragile. Any damage to the cable sockets may require replacing the system board.
  7. Remove the DIMMs from the system board and set them aside on a static-protective surface for reinstallation (see Removing a memory module).
    Note
    Make a note of the location of each DIMM as you remove it, so that you can later reinstall it in the same connector.
  8. Remove all heat sinks and microprocessors, and set them aside on a static-protective surface for reinstallation (see Removing a microprocessor and heat sink).
    Note
    1. Be sure to keep the heat sink and microprocessor from each microprocessor socket of the old system board together so that you can install them on the new system board together. For example, when you remove the heat sink and microprocessor from microprocessor socket 1 of the old system board , install them both on the same socket on the new system board.
    2. Use an alcohol wipe to remove any thermal grease from the tabs on the microprocessor bracket frame on the old system board.
      Figure 1. Use an alcohol wipe to remove any thermal grease from the tabs
      Use an alcohol wipe to remove any thermal grease from the tabs
    3. Always use microprocessor installation tool to remove a microprocessor. Failing to use microprocessor installation tool may damage the microprocessor sockets on the system board. Any damage to the microprocessor sockets may require replacing the system board.
  9. Remove the socket covers from the microprocessor sockets on the new system board and place them on the microprocessor sockets of the old system board that you are removing.
    Figure 2. Socket cover removal
    Socket cover removal
  10. Loosen the nine screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
    Figure 3. Loosen screws
    Loosen screws
  11. Slightly lift the system board at the side that is near the CPU1_PWR to create a small angle of elevation between the system board and chassis.
    Figure 4. Tilt the system board
    Tilt the system board
  12. Gently push the external input/output connectors toward to the fan cage as much as possible.
    Figure 5. Push the system board toward to the fan cage
    Push the system board toward to the fan cage
  13. Grasp the system board on both the cable clip near the microprocessor 2 and PCI riser card connector 1. Then, slightly lift the system board to create a small angle of elevation by leaning the edge against the partition of the power supply between the system board and chassis.
    Figure 6. Lift the system board slightly
    Lift the system board slightly
  14. Carefully lift up the system board by placing both hands diagonally and remove it from the chassis. Be careful to avoid damage any surrounding components or bend the pin inside the microprocessor socket.
    Figure 7. System board removal
    System board removal
  15. If you are instructed to return the system board, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.
    Attention
    Make sure to place the socket covers for the microprocessor sockets on the system board before you return the old system board.