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Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink.

Attention
  • Microprocessors are to be removed only by trained technicians.

    Important: Always use the microprocessor installation tool to remove 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.

Installation tool has two settings for installing two different sizes of microprocessors. The settings that are marked on the tool are L for smaller low core microprocessors, and H for larger high core microprocessors.

Figure 1. Microprocessor installation tools
Microprocessor installation tools

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

  1. Read the safety information that begins on Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect all power cords.
  3. Remove the top cover (see Removing the top cover).
  4. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  5. Locate the microprocessor to be removed (see System-board internal connectors).
  6. If you are removing microprocessor 1, remove the memory modules from DIMM connectors 6 and 7. If you are removing microprocessor 2, remove the memory modules from DIMM connectors 18 and 19. See Removing a memory module for instructions.
  7. 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. Open the heat sink retention module release lever to the fully open position.
      Figure 2. Heat sink retention module release lever
      Heat sink retention module release lever
    2. Lift 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. Heat sink removal
      Heat sink removal
  8. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer.
    Figure 4. Microprocessor socket levers and retainer disengagement
    Microprocessor socket levers and retainer disengagement
    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.
  9. Remove the microprocessor from the socket.
    1. Select the empty installation tool and ensure that the handle is in the unlocked position. If the installation tool handle is not in the unlocked position, use the following instructions for your installation tool:
      • 1 lift the interlock latch and hold it up while you 2 twist the microprocessor installation tool handle counterclockwise to the unlocked 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 5. Installation tool handle adjustment
        Installation tool handle adjustment
        The following illustrations show the installation tool in the locked and unlocked positions.
        Figure 6. Locked and unlocked positions
        Locked and unlocked positions
    2. Align the installation tool with the screws, as shown in the following graphic, and lower the installation tool on the microprocessor. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only when it is aligned correctly.
      Figure 7. Installation tool alignment
      Installation tool alignment
    3. To remove the microprocessor, gently twist the handle of the installation tool clockwise until it locks in the H or L position, depending on the size of microprocessor, and then lift the microprocessor out of the socket.
      Figure 8. Installation tool handle adjustment
      Installation tool handle adjustment
    4. Lift the microprocessor out of the socket.
      Figure 9. Installation tool removal
      Installation tool removal
  10. If you do not intend to install a microprocessor on the socket, install the socket cover that you removed in 9 on the microprocessor socket.
    Attention
    The pins on the socket are fragile. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.
  11. If you are instructed to return the microprocessor, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.