Replacing the base function system backplane in the 8247-42L, 8286-41A, or 8286-42A

Learn how to replace the base function system backplane.

1. Ensure that you have the electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap on and that the ESD clip is connected to an unpainted metal surface. If not, do so now.
2. Install the system backplane.
   1. Using the top guide rails towards the front of the replacement backplane (D), slide it in the direction that is shown to install it in the chassis as is shown in Figure 1.
   2. Tighten the captive thumbscrew (C).
   3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, install and tighten screw (A) that secures the backplane to the side of the chassis.
      Figure 1. Installing the backplane

      
   4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, install and tighten 10 black screws (A) as shown in Figure 2.
   5. Using a Phillips screwdriver, install and tighten two silver screws (B) as shown in Figure 2.
      Figure 2. Location of system backplane screws

      
3. Place the original system backplane on the packaging for the replacement system backplane FRU and place it near the system with the replacement system backplane.
4. If your system is an 8286-41A, replace the rear air baffle and rear air baffle guide on the replacement system backplane. If your system is not an 8286-41A, skip this step.
   1. Remove the three screws that secure the top cover attach bracket by using a T-10 Torx driver. Then, remove the top cover attach bracket, as shown in Figure 3.
      Figure 3. Removing the top cover attach bracket

      
   2. Replace the rear air baffle guide by inserting it into the system until the latch clicks, as shown in Figure 4.
      Figure 4. Replacing the rear air baffle guide

      
   3. Align the rear air baffle with the rear air baffle guide. Slide the rear air baffle into the rear air baffle guide, as shown in Figure 5.
      Figure 5. Replacing the rear air baffle

      
   4. Install the top cover attach bracket. Then, install and tighten the three screws that secure the top cover attach bracket by using a T-10 Torx driver, as shown in Figure 6.
      Figure 6. Installing the top cover attach bracket

      
5. If your system is an 8286-41A and you had to remove the plastic air flow assembly, replace the assembly, otherwise skip this step.
   1. Position the front baffle bracket into the sheetmetal opening, then slide the bracket to the side, as shown in Figure 7.
      Figure 7. Replacing the front baffle bracket

      
   2. Replace the front inner guide by carefully pressing the top, side, and bottom edges into the sheetmetal opening until the detents snap into place, as shown in Figure 8.
      Figure 8. Replacing the front inner guide

      
   3. Replace the air duct by lining the slot in the bottom of the duct with the tab on the front inner guide, then lower the duct into position, as shown in Figure 9.
      Figure 9. Replacing the air duct

      
6. Remove the system processor socket cover from the replacement system backplane.
   1. Grasp the socket cover tabs with the supplied cover removal tool (part number 00FX605). Squeeze the removal tool handles. Then, lift the cover straight up, as shown in Figure 10.
   2. Repeat step 6 for the remaining system processor socket cover.
   Figure 10. Removing the system processor socket cover

   
7. Remove dust and debris from the system processor socket in the replacement system backplane.
   1. If dust or debris is present on the system processor socket, use the supplied air pump (part number 45D2645) to clean the socket. If your air pump is not assembled as shown in Figure 11, fasten the tip onto the bulb. Blow small bursts of air from the center toward the sides of the socket, as shown Figure 11.
   2. Repeat step 7 for the remaining system processor socket.
   Figure 11. Removing dust and debris from the system processor socket

   
8. Remove the heat sink from the original system backplane.
   1. Loosen the heat sink actuation screw by turning the supplied 5.5 mm nut driver (part number 43W3032) counterclockwise (A) until the screw becomes loose and moves freely as shown in Figure 12.
   2. Grip the heat sink (B) by the grooves on opposing sides and remove it by lifting straight up.
   3. Inspect the heat sink for any dust or debris on it. If you must remove dust or debris from the heat sink, it must be done in another room or greater than 25 feet (7.62 meters) away from work area.
   4. Place the heat sink upside down on an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) surface.
   5. Repeat step 8 for the remaining heat sink.
   Figure 12. Removing the heat sink

   
9. Remove dust and debris from the system processor module area in the original system backplane.
   1. If dust or debris is present, use the supplied air pump (part number 45D2645) to clean the system processor module area. Blow small bursts of air from the center toward the sides of the system processor module as shown in Figure 13.
   2. Repeat step 9 for the remaining system processor module.
   Figure 13. Removing dust and debris from the system processor module area

   
10. Prepare the system processor module for removal from the original system backplane.
    1. Using the supplied removal tool, align the beveled corner (A) of the tool over the beveled corner of the system processor module as shown in Figure 14.
    2. Lower the tool over the system processor module by ensuring the two guide pins (C) are inserted into the alignment holes (B) on each side of the tool.
       Figure 14. Lowering the removal tool onto the system processor module

       
    3. With the removal tool (A) sitting on top of the system processor module, push down on the tool to lock the system processor module into the tool, as shown in Figure 15. Make sure that both of the tool jaws are locked on the system processor module. Do not press the blue release tabs until directed to do so later.
       Note: The tool drops slightly when you push the tool down so that the jaws can grab the bottom of the system processor module.
       Figure 15. Locking the system processor module into the tool

       
11. Holding the outside of the tool, lift the tool and system processor module from the socket of the original system backplane. Then, turn it over so that the system processor module side is up.
    1. Ensure that both jaws (A) are firmly grabbing the system processor module, as shown in Figure 16.
       Note: If both jaws are not firmly grabbing the system processor module, press down on the corner of the system processor module closest to the jaw until it locks into place. Do not touch any part of the system processor module other than the corners.
    Figure 16. Preparing for system processor module installation

    
12. Install the system processor module in the replacement system backplane:
    1. Lower the tool and system processor module onto the socket. Align the beveled corner (A) of the tool with the beveled corner on the socket. Ensure that the two guide pins (C) are inserted into the alignment holes (B) on each side of the tool. Use care to lower the tool evenly without tilting the tool. See Figure 17.
       Note: Do not attempt to slide the tool and the system processor module in any direction while the system processor module is touching the socket. If the tool and the system processor module are not aligned with the guide pins, lift the tool and the system processor module and reposition them.
       Figure 17. Installing the system processor module

       
    2. After the tool and system processor module holes and guide pins are properly aligned, squeeze and hold the two blue release tabs (A) together until a firm stop is reached, as shown in Figure 18. Then, lift the tool off the system processor module.
       Figure 18. Removing the system processor module tool

       
13. Repeat step 10 through 12 for the remaining processor.
14. Inspect the thermal interface material (TIM) for visible signs of damage, as shown in Figure 19.
    Note: When the heat sink is removed from the failed system processor module, the TIM should be adhered to the heat sink. Unless damaged, the TIM that is adhered to the heat sink can be reused. Replacing the TIM is optional and is only performed if the TIM is damaged. Do not reuse the removed heat sink if the TIM is damaged. Either discard the heat sink and the damaged TIM locally or return them to IBM® based on part-order-form part status. It is recommended that a spare TIM and heat sink, part number 00E8868, be on hand when replacing the system processor module.
    Figure 19. Inspecting the thermal interface material

    
15. Repeat step 14 for the remaining heat sink.
16. Are you replacing the TIM or heat sink?

    Yes:

    Continue with step 17.

    No:

    Go to step 18.

17. Install a new TIM pad:
    1. If the TIM or heat sink must be replaced, order part number 00E8868 (heat sink and TIM).
    2. Open the TIM packaging and carefully remove the TIM, holding it by the edges of the carrier strip and holding it away from the shipping container.
    3. Remove the protective film from the clear carrier strip by using the supplied tweezers.
       Note: The TIM must remain flat. Small wrinkles are acceptable, but folds are not acceptable.
    4. Using the tweezers, remove the TIM from the carrier strip and center it onto the system processor module with the black side facing up. If the replacement TIM has a red stripe, the side with the red stripe must be facing up. Align the beveled edges of the TIM and the system processor module (A), as shown in Figure 20.
       Figure 20. Installing the TIM onto the processor lid

       
18. Install the heat sink in the replacement system backplane:
    1. Lower the heat sink over the system processor module, ensuring that the two guide pins (B) are inserted into the alignment holes on each side of the tool, as shown in Figure 21.
    2. Ensure that the heat sink load arm is engaged.
       Note: If the load arm is not engaged, you must manually engage the load arm onto the heat sink while the load screw is being tightened. See Figure 22.
       Figure 21. Installing the heat sink

       
19. Secure the heat sink:
    1. Upon placing the heat sink on the system processor module, ensure that the heat sink load arm on the side of the heat sink becomes engaged, as shown in Figure 22.
    2. While you are holding the heat sink in place, use the supplied 5.5 mm nut driver (part number 43W3032) to tighten the heat sink actuation screw. Turn the screw clockwise a few turns.
    3. Is the load arm still engaged?

       Yes:

       Continue turning the actuation screw clockwise until a firm stop is reached. If a torque tool is available, tighten the screw to 2.5 nm.

       No:

       Unscrew the actuation screw. Hold the load arm onto the heat sink while you are tightening the screw until a firm stop is reached. If a torque tool is available, tighten the screw to 2.5 nm.

       Note: If during this step, the heat sink moves noticeably, it is likely that the load arm is not engaged. If the heat sink moves noticeably, unscrew the actuation screw and hold the load arm onto the heat sink while you are tightening the screw until a firm stop is reached. If a torque tool is available, tighten the screw to 2.5 nm.
    Figure 22. Securing the heat sink

    
20. Repeat step 18 and 19 for the remaining heat sink.
21. Replace the PCI adapter dividers.
    Note: One PCI adapter divider is unique. It has three light pipes and must be installed in the location between PCI adapter slots P1-C1 and P1-C2.
    1. Holding the top edge of the PCI adapter divider (A), align the divider with its slot in the system.
    2. Slide the divider toward the retention notches (B) as shown in Figure 23.
    3. Ensure that the tabs on the divider align with the notches (B) on the system chassis.
       Note: The light pipes below the light-pipe plate must fit through the holes in the plate.
    4. Press on the divider until the lower edge guide pin (C) slides into the slot to secure the divider.
    5. Repeat step 21 for the other PCI adapter dividers to be installed.
       Figure 23. Installing the PCI adapter dividers

       
22. If your system is an 8247-42L, install the graphics processing unit (GPU) adapters into the PCIe adapter slots they were removed from. Otherwise, skip this step.
    1. Install the GPU adapter into its PCIe adapter slot location. Press down on the locking latch (B) and close the adapter latch (A) by rotating it in the direction shown. See Figure 24.
       Figure 24. Installing the GPU adapter

       
    2. Install the GPU adapter rear shield. Tilt the top of the shield so the tabs fit into the slots in the sheet metal, then rotate down the shield and push the plastic locking pins (A). See Figure 25.
       Figure 25. Installing the GPU adapter rear shield

       
    3. Connect the power cable from the GPU adapter to the connector (A) on the power distribution board. See Figure 26.
       Figure 26. Reconnecting the GPU adapter power cable

       
23. Replace the PCI adapters. For instructions, see Replacing a PCI adapter with the power turned off.
24. Reconnect the power distribution signal cable (A) to the rear of the power supply assembly and the system backplane connector. See Figure 27.
    Figure 27. Replacing the power distribution signal cable

    
25. Replace the system I/O card. For instructions, see Replacing the system I/O card with the power turned off.
26. Replace the rear USB cable. For instructions, see Replacing the rear USB cable.
27. Reconnect the front USB cable to the system backplane connector as shown in Figure 28.
    Figure 28. Reconnecting the front USB cable

    
28. Replace the USB cable cover by inserting the slots on the cover over the pins on the chassis. Grasp the top handle of the cover and pull the cover toward the front of the system. Pull the cover forward until the slots are seated on the pins and the top handle of the cover latches. See Figure 29.
    Figure 29. Replacing the USB cable cover

    
29. Replace the memory modules. For instructions, see Replacing a memory module.
30. Replace the VPD card. For instructions, see Replacing the vital product data card.
31. Replace the time-of-day battery. For instructions, see Replacing the time-of-day battery.
32. Align the disk drive backplane with its corresponding connectors inside the system.
33. Using the ledge at the top of the disk drive backplane and facing towards the front of the system, replace the backplane. Tilt it towards the rear and lower it down into the chassis. Align the backplane cutouts with the tabs in the chassis to insert it into the system. Slide the backplane to the side as is shown in Figure 30.
34. Carefully tighten the captive thumbscrews (A) until each one is secured to the system's chassis.
    Figure 30. Replacing the disk drive backplane

    
35. Replace the PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID internal adapter 6 Gb. Do not connect the front SAS cables to the disk drive backplane now. For instructions, see Replacing the PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID internal adapter 6 Gb.
36. Reconnect the signal and control panel cables (A), and the power Y cable (B), to the disk drive backplane and the system backplane, as shown in Figure 31.
    Figure 31. Reconnecting the power, signal, and control panel cables

    
37. Reconnect the front SAS cables to the disk drive backplane as is shown in Figure 32. Push the connector in until the connector latch clicks. Arrange the cables against the side of the chassis.
    Figure 32. Reconnecting the front SAS cables

    
    Notes:

    • If you have one PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID internal adapter (CCIN 57D7) in slot P1-C14 (base-storage feature), one SAS cable connects the lower disk drive backplane connector (J1) to the P1 connector on the adapter. A SAS cable connects the upper disk drive backplane connector (J2) to the P2 connector on the same adapter. See Figure 33.
      Figure 33. Reconnecting the SAS cable in a base-storage configuration

      
    • If you have two PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID internal adapters (CCIN 57D7) (split-disk feature), the short SAS cable connects the upper disk drive backplane connector (J2) to the P2 connector on the adapter in slot P1-C14. The long SAS cable connects the lower disk drive backplane connector (J1) to the P1 connector on the adapter in slot P1-C15. See Figure 34.
      Figure 34. Reconnecting the SAS cable in a split-disk configuration

      
    • For information about SAS cable part numbers, see 8247-42L, 8286-41A, or 8286-42A system parts.
38. Replace the SAS cable cover. Place the cover slots onto the pins on the side of the chassis. The triangle symbol on the SAS cable cover lines up with the triangle symbol on the side of the chassis when the cover slots and pins are aligned correctly. Push the cover forward toward the front of the system until the handle latches in place. See Figure 35.
    Figure 35. Replacing the SAS cable cover

    
39. Replace the fan cage with the fans installed. For instructions, see Replacing a fan cage.
40. Replace the hinged air baffle. For instructions, see Replacing the air baffle and Closing the air baffle.