Installing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to install a microprocessor and heat sink in the blade server.

The following notes describe the type of microprocessor that the server supports and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor:

The following illustration shows how to install a microprocessor and heat sink in the blade server.


Graphic illustrating the removal of a microprocessor and heat sink
Attention:
  1. 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.
  2. Do not touch the contacts in the microprocessor socket. Touching these contacts might result in permanent damage to the system board.

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

  1. Remove the heat-sink filler, if one is present.
  2. If you are not installing a new microprocessor and a new heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink and microprocessor; then, apply new thermal grease before installation (see Thermal grease).
    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.
  3. Open the microprocessor socket release lever and retainer:

    Graphic illustrating how to open the microprocessor retainer
    1. Open the release lever on the microprocessor socket.
    2. Open the microprocessor retainer.
      Attention: Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
  4. Install the microprocessor in the microprocessor socket:
    1. Touch the static-protective bag that contains the new microprocessor to any unpainted surface on the BladeCenter chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, carefully remove the microprocessor and the installation tool from the package.
    2. The microprocessor is preinstalled on the installation tool. Release the sides of the cover and remove the cover from the installation tool.
      Note: 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.
    3. Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only if properly aligned.

      Graphic illustrating installation tool
    4. Twist the handle on the microprocessor tool counterclockwise to insert the microprocessor into the socket. The microprocessor is keyed to ensure that the microprocessor is installed correctly. The microprocessor rests flush on the socket only if properly installed.

      Graphic illustrating installation tool
      Attention:
      • Do not press the microprocessor into the socket.
      • Do not touch exposed pins of the microprocessor socket.
      • Make sure that the microprocessor is oriented and aligned correctly in the socket before you try to close the microprocessor retainer.
      • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink or on top of the microprocessor. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it.
  5. Remove the socket cover, if one is present. Keep the socket cover in a safe place for potential future use.

    Graphic illustrating how to remove the socket cover
  6. Close the microprocessor socket release lever and retainer:

    Graphic illustrating how to close the microprocessor retainer
    1. Close the microprocessor retainer on the microprocessor socket.
    2. Close the release lever on the microprocessor socket.
  7. If you are reinstalling a heat sink that was removed from the blade server, complete the following steps.
    Attention: Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. If the thermal grease on the microprocessor or heat sink becomes contaminated, wipe off the contaminated thermal grease on the microprocessor or heat sink with the alcohol wipes and reapply clean thermal grease to the heat sink (see Thermal grease).
    1. Make sure that the thermal grease is still on the bottom of the heat sink and on the top of the microprocessor.
    2. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The heat sink is keyed to assist with proper alignment.
    3. Align and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor in the retention bracket, thermal grease side down. Press firmly on the heat sink.
    4. Align the screws on the heat sink with the holes on the heat-sink retention module.
    5. Press firmly on the captive screws and tighten them with a screwdriver, alternating among the screws until they are tight. If possible, each screw should be rotated two full rotations at a time. Repeat until the screws are tight. Do not overtighten the screws by using excessive force. If you are using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to 8.5 Newton-meters (Nm) to 13 Nm (6.3 foot-pounds to 9.6 foot-pounds).
  8. If you are installing a new heat sink, complete the following steps.
    Attention:
    • Do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
    • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. If the thermal grease on the microprocessor or heat sink becomes contaminated, wipe off the contaminated thermal grease on the microprocessor or heat sink with the alcohol wipes and reapply clean thermal grease to the heat sink (see Thermal grease).
    1. Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink.
    2. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The heat sink is keyed to assist with proper alignment.
    3. Align and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor in the retention bracket, thermal grease side down.
    4. Press firmly on the heat sink.
    5. Align the screws on the heat sink with the holes on the heat-sink retention module.
    6. Press firmly on the captive screws and tighten them with a screwdriver, alternating among the screws until they are tight. If possible, each screw should be rotated two full rotations at a time. Repeat until the screws are tight. Do not overtighten the screws by using excessive force. If you are using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to 8.5 Newton-meters (Nm) to 13 Nm (6.3 foot-pounds to 9.6 foot-pounds).
  9. If you are not installing a new microprocessor and a new heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink and microprocessor; then, apply new thermal grease before installation (see Thermal grease).
  10. Install the optional expansion unit, if you removed one from the blade server to replace the battery (see Installing an optional expansion unit for instructions).
  11. Install the cover onto the blade server (see Installing the blade server cover).
  12. Install the blade server into the BladeCenter unit (see Installing the blade server in a BladeCenter unit).