Installing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to install a microprocessor and heat sink.

Before you begin

Before you install a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:
  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the node is installed in a chassis, remove it (see Removing the Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734 from a chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the management node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the management node with the bezel pointing toward you.

About this task

The following notes describe the type of microprocessor that the management node supports and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor:
  • This component can be installed as an optional device or as a CRU. The installation procedure is the same for the optional device and the CRU.
  • The optional microprocessors that IBM® supports are limited by the capacity and capability of the compute node. Any microprocessors that you install must have the same specifications as the microprocessors that came with the compute node.
  • Each microprocessor socket must always contain a socket cover and heat-sink filler or a microprocessor and heat sink. If the compute node has only one microprocessor, it must be installed in microprocessor socket 1.
  • If you are installing a second microprocessor, make sure that the microprocessors are identical.
  • Before you install a new microprocessor, download and install the most current level of UEFI code (see Updating firmware and software for more information about updating firmware).
  • When you install a second microprocessor, you might have to install additional memory, or redistribute memory across the DIMM connectors. See Installing a DIMM for more information.
  • 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 microprocessor 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 for use during the replacement procedure (see Parts listing - Flex System Manager Types 7955, 8731, and 8734).
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Thermal grease
Attention:
  1. Do not use any tools or sharp objects to lift the locking 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.

Procedure

To install 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 management node cover).
  2. Remove the heat-sink filler, if one is present.
  3. 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.
  4. Install the microprocessor on the microprocessor socket:
    1. Touch the static-protective bag that contains the new microprocessor to any unpainted surface on the chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, carefully remove the microprocessor and installation tool from the package.
    2. Release the sides of the cover and remove the cover from the installation tool. The microprocessor is preinstalled on the installation tool.
      Graphic illustrating 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 it is 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 it is properly installed.
      Attention:
      • Do not press the microprocessor into the 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 material on the bottom of the heat sink or on top of the microprocessor. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it.
  5. Close the microprocessor socket release retainer and levers.
    Graphic illustrating the microprocessor and heat sink
    1. Close the microprocessor retainer on the microprocessor socket.
    2. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to close, and close it.
    3. Close the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
    4. If a socket cover is installed over the microprocessor retainer, it is released as you close the retainer. Remove the socket cover from the compute node and store it in a safe place.
      Attention:
      • If you are installing a new heat sink, do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
      • Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it.
  6. If you are installing a new heat sink, remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink. If you are reinstalling a heat sink that you previously removed from the compute node, make sure that the thermal material is still on the bottom of the heat sink and on the top of the microprocessor.
    1. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The heat sink is keyed to assist with proper alignment.
    2. Align and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor in the retention bracket, thermal material side down.
    3. 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).

What to do next

After you install a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:
  1. Install the cover (see Installing the management node cover).
  2. Install the node in a Flex System Enterprise Chassis chassis (see Installing a management node in a chassis for instructions).
Parent topic: Removing and replacing Tier 2 customer replaceable units (CRUs)