How to Replace Processor Heatsink Module for PowerEdge R750xa

Discover the process of removing and installing the air shroud, processor, and heat sink module in your system. Detailed steps guide you through disengaging the OCP card, ensuring anti-tilt wire positions, and securing the PHM. Learn how to reassemble the components for optimal system performance.

"Prerequisites
Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions.
Power off the system and all attached peripherals.
Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the peripherals.
If applicable, remove the system from the rack.
Remove the system cover.

Remove the air shroud:
Press the latch on the air shroud.
NOTE:To remove left air shroud, press the latch on right air shroud and the opposite way.
Hold the edges of the air shroud, and lift the air shroud out of the system.


Removing the processor and heat sink module:
Ensure all four anti-tilt wires are in the locked position (outward position), and then using a Torx T30 tool, loosen the captive nuts on the processor heat sink module (PHM) in the order that is mentioned below:
Loosen the first nut three turns.
Loosen the nut diagonally opposite to the nut you loosened first.
Repeat the procedure for the remaining two nuts.
Return to the first nut and loosen it completely.
NOTE:Ensure that the anti-tilt wires on the PHM are in locked position when loosening the captive screws.
Set all the anti-tilt wires to unlocked position (inward position).
Lift the PHM from the system and set the PHM aside with the processor side facing up.

Removing the processor:
Place the heat sink with the processor side facing up.
Using your thumb, lift up the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) break lever to release the processor from the TIM and retaining clip.
Holding the processor by the edges, lift the processor away from the retaining clip.
NOTE:Ensure to hold the retaining clip to the heat sink as you lift the TIM break lever.
Using your thumb and index finger, first hold the retaining clip release tab at the pin 1 connector, pull out the tip of the release tab, and then lift the retaining clip partially from the heat sink.
NOTE:Ensure to return the TIM break lever back to its original position.
Repeat the above procedure at the remaining three corners of the retaining clip.
After all the corners are released from the heat sink, lift the retaining clip from the pin 1 corner of the heat sink.

Installing the processor:
Place the processor in the processor tray.
NOTE:Ensure the pin 1 indicator on the processor tray is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the processor.
Place the retaining clip on top of the processor in the processor tray aligning pin 1 indicator on the processor.
NOTE:Ensure the pin 1 indicator on the bracket is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the processor before placing the retaining clip on the processor.
NOTE:Before you install the heat sink, ensure to place the processor and retaining clip in the tray.
Align the processor with retaining clip, by using the fingers press the retaining clip on all the four sides until it clicks into place.
NOTE: Ensure the processor is securely latched to the retaining clip.
If you are using an existing heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink by using a clean lint-free cloth.
Use the thermal grease syringe included with your processor kit to apply the grease in a thin spiral design on the bottom of the heat sink.
CAUTION:Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact with and contaminating the processor socket.
NOTE:The thermal grease syringe is intended for single use only. Dispose the syringe after you use it.
For new heat sink, remove the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) protective film from the base of heat sink.
Place the heat sink on the processor and press the base of the heat sink until the retaining clip locks onto the heat sink at all the four corners.
CAUTION:To avoid damaging the fins on the heat sink, do not press down on the heat sink fins.
NOTE:
Ensure latching features on retaining clip and heat sink are aligned during assembly.
Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the heat sink is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the retaining clip before placing the heat sink onto the retaining clip.

Installing the processor and heat sink module:
Set the anti-tilt wires to the unlocked position on the heat sink (inward position).
Align the pin 1 indicator of the heat sink to the system board, and then place the processor and heat sink on the processor socket.
CAUTION:To avoid damaging the fins on the heat sink, do not press down on the heat sink fins.
NOTE:Ensure that the PHM is held parallel to the system board to prevent damaging the components.
Set the anti-tilt wires to the locked position (outward position), and then using the Torx T30 tool, tighten the captive buts on the PHM in the order below:
In a random order, tighten the first nut three turns.
Tighten the nut diagonally opposite to the nut you tighten first.
Repeat the procedure for the remaining two nuts.
Return to the nut screw to tighten it completely.
Check all the nuts to ensure they are firmly secured.

Install the air shroud:
Align the slot on the air shroud with the tab on the left or right air shroud.
Lower the air shroud into the system until it is firmly seated.

Replace the system cover.
If applicable, install the system into the rack.
Reconnect the peripherals and connect the system to the electrical outlet, and then power on the system.