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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 top cover (see Removing the server top cover).
  4. If you have the optional hot-swap rear hard disk drive cage installed, rotate it up (see Rotating the optional hot-swap rear hard disk drive cage up).
  5. Remove the PCI riser-card assembly (see Removing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  6. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  7. Disconnect any cables that impede access to the heat sink and microprocessor.
  8. If you are removing microprocessor 1, remove the memory module from DIMM connector 6. If you are removing microprocessor 2, remove the memory module from DIMM connector 12. See Removing a memory module for instructions.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.


  11. 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 (with the thermal grease side up) on a clean, flat surface.
    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 replace it.


  12. Release the microprocessor release lever by pressing down on the end, moving it to the side, and releasing it to the open (up) position.
  13. Open the microprocessor bracket frame by lifting up the tab on the top edge. Keep the bracket frame in the open position.

    Note
    Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
  14. Locate the microprocessor installation tool that comes with the new microprocessor.
  15. Align the holes on the installation tool with the screws on the microprocessor bracket, then place the microprocessor installation tool down over the microprocessor. Twist the handle clockwise to attach the tool to the microprocessor.
    Note
    You can pick up or release the microprocessor by twisting the microprocessor installation tool handle.


  16. 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.

  17. 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.