Skip to main content

Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink.

Note
This procedure should be performed only by trained service technicians.
Before you remove the microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:
  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the compute node is installed in a Flex System chassis, remove it (see Removing a compute node from a chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.
The following notes describe information that you must consider when you remove a microprocessor:
  • A socket cover and heat-sink filler or a microprocessor and heat sink must always be installed on microprocessor sockets 1, 3, and 4. Microprocessor socket 2 will only have a socket cover when a microprocessor is not installed. If the compute node has only one microprocessor, it must be installed in microprocessor socket 1.
  • The microprocessor installation tool might become worn after several uses. Make sure that the tool can hold the microprocessor securely if you are reusing an existing microprocessor installation tool. Do not return the tool with other parts that you are returning.
  • If you are installing a second microprocessor, the option kit comes with a microprocessor installation tool that you must use when you install a microprocessor. The microprocessor installation tool comes with the replacement microprocessor installed on it and a cover over the microprocessor.
  • If you are replacing a defective microprocessor, the CRU kit comes with one installation tool with the replacement microprocessor installed on it and a cover over the microprocessor, and one empty installation tool without a cover.
  • If you are replacing a defective microprocessor, you must obtain the following items for use during the replacement procedure (see Parts listing, Types 7167 and 2590):
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Thermal grease
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.
Microprocessor Installation Tools

To remove a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps.
Graphic illustrating the removal of a microprocessor and heat sink

  1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
  2. Locate the microprocessor that is to be removed (see System-board connectors).
  3. 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.
    1. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw on one side of the heat sink to break the seal with the microprocessor.
    2. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the heat sink, rotating each screw two full turns until each screw is loose.
    3. Gently pull the heat sink from the microprocessor.
    Attention
    Do not use any tools or sharp objects to lift the release levers on the microprocessor socket. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the system board.
  4. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer.

    Graphic illustrating the microprocessor and heat sink
    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 connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
  5. Remove the microprocessor from the socket.
    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.
      • 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.

      Illustration of the installation tool
    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.

      Illustration of the installation tool
    3. Using the following instructions for your installation tool, remove the microprocessor.
      • If using Installation Tool A, gently twist the handle clockwise to the closed position and lift the microprocessor out of the socket.
      • If using Installation Tool B, 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.

      Graphic illustrating installation tool
If you are instructed to return the microprocessor and heat sink, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.