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Removing the system board

Use this information to remove the system board.

Note
  1. 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.
  2. When you replace the system board, make sure that you remove the Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) Advanced Upgrade and place it on the new system board. For information about the Advanced Upgrade, see Using the remote presence and blue-screen capture features
    Note
    You have to reactivate the Features on Demand (FoD) after replacing the system board.
  3. Before you replace the system board, make sure that you back up any features on demand (FoD) keys that were enabled. Reactivate any Features on Demand features after replacing the system board. Instructions for automating the activation of features and installing activation keys is in the Lenovo Features on Demand User's Guide. To download the document, go to the Lenovo Features on Demand website, log in, and click Help.

Read the safety information in Safety and Installation guidelines.

If you are replacing a server component in the server, you need to slide the server out from the rack enclosure, turn off the server and peripheral devices, and disconnect the power cords and all external cables.

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. Remove the cover (see Removing the cover).
  2. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  3. Remove the PCI riser-card assembly (see Removing the PCI riser-card assembly).
  4. Note where the cables are connected to the system board; then, disconnect them.
    Attention
    Disengage all latches, cable clips, release tabs or locks on cable connectors when you disconnect all cables from the system board (see Internal cable routing and connectors). Failing to release them before removing the cables will damage the cable connectors on the system board. The cable connectors on the system board are fragile. Any damage to the cable connectors may require replacing the system board.
  5. Remove any of the following components that are installed on the system board and put them in a safe, static-protective place:
    • Adapters (see Removing an adapter)
    • DIMMs (see Removing a DIMM)
      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.
    • Microprocessors and heat sinks (see Removing a microprocessor and heat sink)
      Note
      1. Remove the socket covers from the microprocessor sockets on the new system board and place them on the microprocessor sockets of the system board you are removing.
      2. Do not allow the thermal grease to come in contact with anything, and keep each heat sink paired with its microprocessor for reinstallation. Contact with any surface can compromise the thermal grease and the microprocessor socket. A mismatch between the microprocessor and its original heat sink can require the installation of a new heat sink.
    • Remote RAID battery holder (see Removing the RAID adapter battery or flash power module holder)
  6. Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis, and put the screws in a safe place.
    Figure 1. System board removal
    System board removal
  7. Carefully hold on to the edges of the system board. Avoid touching the connectors on the system board. Lift and tilt the system board upwards and slightly pull the system board forward (towards yourself). Then carefully lift and remove the system board from the server.
    Note
    When you remove the system board from the server, avoid touching the cable clips on the side of the chassis and the connectors on the system board. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components inside the chassis.

If you are instructed to return the server component or optional device, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.

Attention
Make sure to place the socket cover for the microprocessor socket on the system board before returning the system board.