How To
Summary
How to Remove / Install System Board
Steps
System Board Removal
Preparation
⚠️ Important Notice: Only certified technicians should perform complex repairs. Basic troubleshooting and minor component replacements should be done strictly according to your product documentation or under guidance from official support channels. Unauthorized servicing may void your warranty. Always follow the safety precautions provided with your equipment.
⚠️ TPM Advisory: If your system uses a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with encryption, ensure you generate and securely store a recovery key when prompted during setup or configuration. Replacing the system board will require this key to access encrypted data.
⚠️ TPM Handling Warning: Do not attempt to remove the TPM plug-in module from the system board. It is cryptographically tied to the board and cannot be reused or transferred.
Before proceeding:
- Review the safety instructions.
- Follow the steps outlined in the “Before working inside your system” section.
- Remove the following components:
- Cooling shroud
- Fan assembly
- Power supply unit(s)
- Expansion card risers
- Storage controller card
- Internal dual SD module
- Internal USB key (if present)
- PCIe card holder
- Cable retention bracket
- Heat sinks or blanks
- Processor(s) or blanks
⚠️ Use a protective cap on the processor socket to avoid damaging pins. - Memory modules and blanks
- Network daughter card
Procedure
- Disconnect all cables connected to the system board.
- ⚠️ Avoid damaging the system identification button during removal.
- ⚠️ Do not lift the board by any installed components such as memory or processors.
- Grip the designated holder, press the blue release pin, lift the board slightly, and slide it forward to disengage it from the rear connectors.
- Carefully lift the board out of the chassis.
System Board Installation
Preparation
- Review the safety instructions.
- Follow the steps in the “Before working inside your system” section.
⚠️ Reminder: Only perform authorized repairs. Unauthorized actions may affect warranty coverage.
Procedure
- Unpack the replacement system board.
- ⚠️ Handle the board only by its designated touch points. Avoid lifting it by any components.
- ⚠️ Be cautious not to damage the system identification button during installation.
- Lower the board into the chassis and slide it backward until it clicks into place.
Post-Installation Tasks
Install the TPM module if applicable. Refer to the relevant documentation for guidance.
🔍 Note: TPM modules are permanently attached to the system board and cannot be reused. A replacement TPM will be included with a new board if needed.
Reinstall the following components:
- Cable retention bracket
- PCIe card holder
- Storage controller card
- Internal USB key (if applicable)
- Internal dual SD module
- Expansion card risers
- Heat sinks or blanks, and processor(s) or blanks
- Memory modules and blanks
- Network daughter card
- Fan assembly
- Cooling shroud
- Power supply unit(s)
Reconnect all cables to the system board.
🔍 Ensure cables are routed neatly along the chassis wall and secured with the provided brackets.
Follow the steps in the “After working inside your system” section.
Restore system settings:
- Import your iDRAC Enterprise license. Refer to the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide.
- Use the Easy Restore feature to recover the Service Tag, or enter it manually if needed.
- Update the BIOS and iDRAC firmware.
- Re-enable the TPM if applicable.
Document Location
Worldwide
Historical Number
2
Was this topic helpful?
Document Information
Modified date:
06 November 2025
UID
ibm17242996