Removing the system backplane from the 9009-41A, 9009-41G, 9009-42A, 9009-42G, 9223-42H, or 9223-42S

Follow these steps to remove the system backplane from a server to replace a failing part or as part of another service procedure.

1. Ensure that you have the electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap on and that the ESD clip is plugged into a ground jack or connected to an unpainted metal surface. If not, do so now.
2. For a rack-mounted system, lift the air baffle (A) straight up as shown in Figure 1.
   For a stand-alone system, remove the air baffle (A) straight out as shown in Figure 2.

   Place the air baffle upside down on a clean area.

   

   

3. Remove the PCIe adapters:
   1. Label and disconnect all external cables that are attached to the adapters.
   2. Record the slot number and location of each adapter being removed. See the following figure.

      

   3. Set the adapter latch (A) in the target slot to the open position by rotating the latch (A) in the direction that is shown in the following figure.
      (L007)

      

      CAUTION:

      A hot surface nearby. (L007)
   4. Carefully grasp the adapter (B) by its top edge or tailstock, and remove the adapter from the slot as shown in the following figure.
      Attention: A pin on the tailstock of the adapter resembles a removable screw. Do not remove this pin. It is required for correct alignment and seating.

      

      

   5. Place the adapter on an appropriate ESD surface.
   6. Repeat steps 3.a through 3.e for the remaining adapters.
4. Remove the rear USB cable:
   1. While pressing the latch release on the connector, unplug the rear USB cable (A) from the system backplane as shown in the following figure. The connector on the system backplane that has the USB port symbol with an arrow that points to the rear of the system.

      

   2. At the rear of the system, press on the tabs (B) in the direction that is shown in the previous figure to release the rear USB cable (C).
   3. Lift the rear USB cable out of the system.
   4. Place the rear USB cable on an appropriate ESD surface.
5. Disconnect the front USB cable from the system backplane.
   1. Pressing the latch release on the connector, disconnect the front USB cable (A) from the system backplane as shown in the following figure. The connector on the system backplane that has the USB port symbol with an arrow that points to the front of the system.
   2. Unfasten the cable from the hook and loop fasteners that secure the cable to the right side of the chassis.
   3. Route the cable over the side of the system and out of the way to provide clearance for removing the backplane.

   

6. Remove the service processor card:
   1. At the rear of the system, unlatch the PCI adapter retainer (A) for the service processor card as shown in Figure 8.
   2. Pull the service processor card straight up from the slot by holding the two card holder brackets (B) at the front and rear of the card as shown in the following figure.

      

   3. Place the service processor card on an appropriate ESD surface.
7. Remove the vital product data (VPD) card:
   1. Grasp the VPD card by the plastic housing as shown in the following figure.
   2. Pull the VPD card out of its slot in location P1-C13 on the system backplane. See the following figure.

      

   3. Place the VPD card on an appropriate ESD surface.
8. Remove the PCIe adapter dividers:
   1. Place your finger on the top edge of the PCIe adapter divider (A) to hold the divider steady as shown in the following figure.

      
   2. Press down on the retaining latch at the back edge of the divider (B) as shown in the following figure.

      

   3. Slide the divider away from the system chassis and towards the inside of the system. When the tab on the divider (C) clears the groove in the system backplane, lift the divider to remove it from the system. See the following figure.

      

   4. Place the adapter divider in a clean area.
   5. Repeat steps 8.a through 8.d for the remaining adapter dividers.
9. Disconnect the front SAS cable or cables from the drive backplane, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
   1. Identify and label the front SAS cable or cables.
      Note: Pay attention to the locations of the connectors where the cable or cables attach to the disk drive backplane and the SAS RAID internal adapter, if present. Depending on your configuration, one or two front SAS cables might be connected to the SAS RAID adapter. A rear SAS cable might also be connected to the SAS RAID adapter.
   2. Press the cable connector latch and disconnect the front SAS cables from the drive backplane as shown in the following figures. Leave the front SAS cable or cables connected to the SAS RAID adapter, if present.

      

      

      

      

10. Remove the SAS RAID adapter or adapters, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
    1. Locate the SAS RAID adapter you want to remove.
    2. If a rear SAS cable is attached to the SAS RAID adapter, label and disconnect the rear SAS cables from the SAS RAID internal adapters in positions P1-C49 and P1-C50 by pressing the connector latch and unplugging the cable. See the following figure.

       

    3. If a rear SAS cable is attached to the SAS RAID adapter, unlatch the PCI retainer (A) for the PCI adapter slot P1-C6 at the rear of the system. Then, lift and remove the rear SAS cable adapter (B). See the following figure.
       Ensure that the rear SAS cable does not catch on any components while you are lifting the rear SAS adapter out of the slot.

       

    4. Place the rear SAS cable and connector on an appropriate ESD surface.
    5. Twist the screws (A) counterclockwise to release the SAS RAID adapter. Lift both the SAS RAID adapter and the front SAS cable out of the slot. Ensure that the front SAS cable does not catch on any components while you are lifting the SAS RAID adapter out of the slot.
       See the following figure.

       

    6. Place the SAS RAID internal adapter on an appropriate ESD surface.
    7. Repeat steps 10.a through 10.f for any additional SAS RAID adapters.
11. Remove the NVMe M.2 carrier card, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
    1. Twist the screws (A) counterclockwise to release the NVMe M.2 carrier card.
    2. Lift the NVMe M.2 carrier card out of the slot as shown in the following figure.

       

    3. Place the NVMe M.2 carrier card on an appropriate ESD surface.
12. Remove the internal RDX docking station, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
    1. Disconnect the RDX power cable (A) from the back of the RDX docking station and route the cable over the side of the system as shown in the following figure.
    2. Disconnect the front USB cable (B) from the back of the RDX docking station and route the cable over the side of the system as shown in the following figure.

       

    3. Push the blue tab on the internal RDX docking station latch upwards to release the internal RDX docking station as shown in the following figure.
    4. Gently slide the internal RDX docking station and its latch out from the system. Remove the internal RDX docking station latch from the docking station in the direction of the arrow shown.

       

    5. Place the RDX docking station on an appropriate ESD surface.
13. Remove the filler for the RDX docking station, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
    1. Push down on the clips (A) to unlock the filler from the chassis as shown in the following figure.

       

    2. Holding the clips, pivot the filler away from the disk drive backplane.
    3. Lift the filler out of the system, and place it on an appropriate ESD surface.
14. Remove the NVMe U.2 pass-thru cards, if present. Otherwise, continue with the next step.
    1. Label the NVMe cables that are connected to the NVMe drive backplane connectors (J2) and (J3), depending on your configuration. Disconnect the NVMe cables from the NVMe drive backplane as shown in the following figure.

       

    2. Twist the screws (A) counterclockwise to release the NVMe U.2 pass-thru card. Lift both the NVMe U.2 pass-thru card and the NVMe cable out of the slot as shown in the following figure.

       

    3. Place the NVMe U.2 pass-thru card on an appropriate ESD surface.
    4. If a second NVMe U.2 pass thru card is present, repeat steps 14.a through 14.c.
15. Remove the front drives enough to prevent them from interfering with the removal of the system backplane:
    1. Unlatch a front drive by pushing the drive tab (A) to release the drive lever (B) as shown in the following figures.

       

       

    2. After the drive unlatches, unplug but do not remove the front drive from its slot. Using the drive lever, pull the drive about 2.5 cm (1 in) from the system or far enough to prevent it from interfering with the removal of the disk drive backplane.
    3. Repeat 15.a through 15.b for the other front drives.
16. Remove the disk drive backplane:
    • If you have a base function disk drive backplane, continue with step 17.
    • If you have a 12-drive expanded function disk drive backplane, continue with step 22.
    • If you have an 18-drive expanded function disk drive backplane, continue with step 27.
    • If you have an NVMe drive backplane, continue with step 32.
17. Label and disconnect the signal cable (A) and the power cable (B) from the disk drive backplane as shown in the following figure.
    Unlatch the clips that secure the connectors to the disk drive backplane.

    

18. Ensure that all cables are carefully positioned out of the way, such that the disk drive backplane can be easily lifted and removed.
19. Carefully unscrew the captive thumbscrew (A) of the disk drive backplane until fully loose as shown in the following figure.
    If needed, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws.

    

20. Using the thumbscrew (A) and the disk drive backplane holder (B), slide the disk drive backplane to the side in the direction that is shown in the following figure, so that the disk drive backplane clears the tabs in the chassis.

    

21. Lift the base function disk drive backplane out of the chassis and place the base function disk drive backplane on an appropriate ESD surface. Continue with step 36.
22. Label and disconnect the signal cable (A) and the power cable (B) from the disk drive backplane as shown in the following figure.
    Unlatch the clips that secure the connectors to the disk drive backplane.

    

23. Ensure that all cables are carefully positioned out of the way, such that the disk drive backplane can be easily lifted and removed.
24. Carefully unscrew the captive thumbscrew (A) of the disk drive backplane until fully loose as shown in Figure 32.
    If needed, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws.

    

25. Using the thumbscrew (A) and the disk drive backplane holder (B), slide the disk drive backplane to the side in the direction that is shown in the following figure, so that the disk drive backplane cutouts clear the tabs in the chassis.

    

26. Lift the 12-drive expanded function disk drive backplane out of the chassis and place the 12-drive expanded function disk drive backplane on an appropriate ESD surface. Continue with step 36.
27. Label and disconnect the signal cable (A) and the power cable (B) from the disk drive backplane as shown in the following figure.
    Unlatch the clips that secure the connectors to the disk drive backplane.

    

28. Ensure that all cables are carefully positioned out of the way, such that the disk drive backplane can be easily lifted and removed.
29. Carefully unscrew the captive thumbscrews (A) and (B) of the disk drive backplane until fully loose as shown in the following figure.
    If needed, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws.

    

30. Using the thumbscrews (A) and (B), slide the disk drive backplane to the side in the direction that is shown in the following figure, so that the disk drive backplane clears the tabs in the chassis.

    

31. Lift the 18-drive expanded function disk drive backplane out of the chassis and place the 18-drive expanded function disk drive backplane on an appropriate ESD surface. Continue with step 36.
32. Label and disconnect the signal cable (A) and the power cable (B) from the NVMe drive backplane as shown in the following figure.
    Unlatch the clips that secure the connectors to the NVMe drive backplane.

    

33. Carefully unscrew the captive thumbscrew (A) of the NVMe drive backplane until fully loose as shown in Figure 38.
    If needed, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws.

    

34. Using the thumbscrew (A) and the NVMe drive backplane holder (B), slide the NVMe drive backplane to the side in the direction that is shown in the following figure. Ensure that the NVMe drive backplane cutouts clear the tabs in the chassis.

    

35. Lift the NVMe drive backplane out of the chassis and place the NVMe drive backplane on an appropriate ESD surface. Continue with step 36.
36. Remove the fans enough to prevent them from interfering with the removal of the system backplane:
    1. Put your thumb against the front of the latch, (A) as shown in the following figure, and put your index finger against the rear of the latch.
    2. Push against the latch with your thumb and pull out with your index finger. This action releases the latch.
    3. Rotate the handle in the direction shown in the following figure to unlock the fan from its slot.
    4. After the fan unlatches, unplug but do not remove fan from its slot. Pull the fan out far enough to prevent it from interfering with the removal of the system backplane. See the following figure.
    5. Repeat 36.a through 36.d for the other fans.

    

37. Disconnect the control panel cable from the system backplane:
    1. Unplug the control panel cable from the system backplane as shown in the following figure. As you face the chassis, the connector is in the left front corner. You can pull the cable from the system backplane by using the cable cover near the plug.

       

    2. Route the cable over the side of the system and out of the way to provide clearance for removing the backplane.
38. Disconnect the control panel display cable from the system backplane:
    1. Unplug the control panel display cable from the system backplane as shown in the following figure.

       

    2. Route the cable over the side of the system and out of the way to provide clearance for removing the backplane.
39. Remove the heat sink from the system processor module:
    1. Loosen the heat sink actuation screw by turning the supplied hex key counterclockwise (A). Loosen the screw until it moves freely. See the following figure.

       

    2. Grip the heat sink (B) on opposing sides and remove the heat sink by lifting it upward. Set the heat sink aside with the module side facing upward.
       Note: If you plan to remove dust or debris from the heat sink, this operation must be performed in another room that is greater than 7.6 m (24.9 ft) away from the work area.
    3. Place the heat sink on an appropriate ESD surface.
    4. If your system has a second system processor, repeat steps 39.a through 39.c to remove the other heat sink.
40. Remove the thermal interface material (TIM) from the system processor module or modules:
    1. If the system uses the gray-colored TIM: Using the tweezers, remove the gray-colored TIM from the top of the processor and place it in a clean, dry area as shown in the following figure.
       The system can use two types of TIMs. One TIM is silver-colored with trimmed corners and typically adheres to the heat sink. The other TIM is dark gray with square corners and will lightly adhere. The gray-colored TIM needs to be removed before the processor is removed.

       Note: The gray-colored TIM can be removed using tweezers and reused, but it is best left on the heat sink during servicing. Be careful not to damage the gray-colored TIM as it is very light and porous.

       

    2. If your system has a second system processor, repeat step 40.a to remove the other system processor module.
41. Remove the system processor module or modules:
    1. Open the packaging of the system processor module tray. Remove the tray cover and set it aside. Place the system processor module tray on a solid surface.
    2. Ensure that the removal tool (A) is in the open position as shown in Figure 45. The middle pin (B) must be pushed down and blue tabs (C) must be turned inward.

       

    3. Using the supplied removal tool, align the tool over the system processor module on the system backplane as shown in the following figure. Lower the tool over the system processor module by ensuring the two guide pins (A) are inserted into the alignment holes (B) on each side of the tool. Ensure that the chamfered edge on the tool aligns with the chamfered edge of the processor (C).

       

    4. With the removal tool sitting on top of the system processor module, push down on the pin (A) slightly so that the blue tabs (B) snap outward and the jaws engage with the system processor module as shown in the following figure. Make sure that both of the tool jaws are locked onto the system processor module by pushing down on the tool.
       Important: Do not press the blue release tabs until directed to do so later.

       

    5. Hold the outside of the tool and use it to lift the system processor module from the socket. Lift the tool upward slowly to ensure that the jaws are fully engaged with the system processor module. Ensure that the system processor module does not disengage and fall back into the socket of the system processor module. If the system processor module falls back into the socket of system processor module, the pins may be damaged. Place the system processor module on the system processor module tray as shown in the following figure.

       

    6. To release the system processor module, push the pin downward. Hold the pin down while pushing the blue tabs inward. Ensure that the pin catches on the openings in the blue tabs, and that the blue tabs are locked in a fixed position. See the following figure.
       Note: To prevent the system processor module from falling, pull up on the round lever before you place the tool on the system processor module tray.

       

    7. Place the cover on the system processor module tray.
    8. If your system has a second system processor module, repeat steps 41.a through 41.g to remove the other system processor module.
42. Place the socket dust covers in the system processor module sockets on the system backplane:
    1. Lower the socket dust cover over the sockets on the system backplane and ensure that the holes (B) on the socket dust cover align with the two guide pins (A) on the system backplane. Push straight down until the latches (D) on the socket dust cover engage with the latches (C) on the backplane. See the following figure.

       

    2. If your system has a second system processor, repeat step 42.a to install the other socket dust cover.
43. Remove the fan socket from the right side of the bulkhead on the system backplane:
    1. Pull out the release pin (A) towards the front of the system. See the following figure.

       

    2. Slide the fan socket to the side to release it from the bulkhead. See the following figure.

       

44. Remove the system backplane:
    Notes:

    • You might find it helpful to use a magnetic screwdriver.
    • Do not remove the silver Torx screws.
    1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew and remove the screw that is underneath the fan socket.
    2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew and remove the remaining three black screws (A) that mount the backplane to the chassis. See the following figure.

       

    3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew and remove the two screws (B) that attach the backplane to the power supply cage. See the following figure.
    4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew and remove the four screws (C) that attach the backplane to the sides of the system chassis. See the following figure.
    5. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew and remove the remaining four screws (D), which are aligned vertically, that attach the backplane to the sides of the system chassis. See the following figure.
    6. After you remove the screws, place your fingers in positions (A) and (B) and slide the system backplane slightly toward the front of the system as shown in the following figure.
       Note: Slide the system backplane carefully. There is just enough space for the power connectors to clear the flange on the power supply cage (C).

       
    7. Grasp the system backplane by positions (A) and (B) on the front and middle metal bulkheads and lift up until the pins disengage from the bottom of the chassis. See the following figure.

       

    8. Tilt the system backplane so that the front end is high and the back end is low as you continue to lift the system backplane out of the chassis. When the system backplane catches on the pins (A) on the power supply cage, slide the system backplane forward until it clear the pins. Then, lift the system backplane completely out of the system. See the following figure.

       

    9. Place the system backplane on an appropriate ESD surface.
45. Replace the fan socket on the right side of the bulkhead on the system backplane you just removed:
    1. Insert the socket tabs into the bulkhead.
    2. Slide the socket to the side to fasten it to the bulkhead.
    3. Ensure that the pin clicks into place to secure the socket to the bulkhead.
46. Set the new system backplane on the ESD surface next to the system backplane you just removed.
47. Remove the fan socket from the right side of the bulkhead on the new system backplane:
    1. Pull out the release pin towards the front of the system.
    2. Slide the fan socket to the side to release it from the bulkhead.
48. Transfer the memory modules and fillers to the new system backplane:
    1. Unlock a memory module or filler from its connector by pushing the locking tabs away from the module in the direction that is shown in the following figure.
       The lever action of the tabs pushes the memory module or filler out of the connector. If you find it difficult to open the tabs with your fingers, you may use the tips of ball point pens or the eraser ends of pencils to open the tabs. The levers must be opened simultaneously, so that the memory module lifts straight up.

       

    2. Hold the memory module or filler by the edges and pull it out of the system. Note the location from which you are removing the memory module.
    3. Identify the corresponding location on the new system backplane and ensure that the locking tabs are open. See the following figure.

       

    4. Press the memory module or filler straight down, firmly into the slot, until the locking tabs lock into place.
    5. Repeat 48.a through 48.d for the remaining memory modules and fillers.
49. Install the vital product data card in the new system backplane:
    1. Align the VPD card in its slot in location P1-C13 on the new system backplane as shown in the following figure.

       

    2. Push the VPD card into place until it is fully seated in the new system backplane.
50. Install the trusted platform module card in the new system backplane:
    1. Grasp the TPM card by the plastic housing as shown in the following figure.
    2. Pull the TPM card out of its slot in location P1-C14 on the system backplane.

       

    3. Insert the TPM card into its slot in location P1-C14 on the new system backplane as shown in the following figure.

       

    4. Push the TPM card into place until it is fully seated in the new system backplane.