Remove and Install Motherboard CPU and Heatsink

Remove and install CS-Storm 500NX 1U motherboard CPU and heatsink.

  • Remove the motherboard tray is removed from the chassis and place the tray on a stable ESD-safe work surface.
  • Tools:
    • Adjustable torque driver, 5–12 in-lb
    • Vacuum pen
    • Plastic putty knife
  • Supplies:
    • Isopropyl alcohol, 90% or higher concentration
    • Clean, lint-free cloth
    • Thermal interface material (TIM)

This procedure describes how to replace a CS-Storm 500NX 1U CPU and heatsink. Motherboards are not shipped with processors or DIMMs installed. Processors, heatsinks, and memory DIMMs must be removed from the defective motherboard and installed on the replacement motherboard.

Remove Heatsink

The heatsink is attached to the CPU socket with captive fasteners. Use an adjustable torque driver to loosen four screws located on the heatsink corners.

  1. Disconnect the heatsink fan power cable from the motherboard.
  2. Start with one screw (A) and loosen it by giving it two rotations.
  3. Proceed to loosen the remaining screws (B, C, and D) by giving each two rotations. Repeat this process by loosening each screw two rotations, each time, until all screws are loosened.
  4. Lift the heatsink straight up.
    Figure: Remove CPU Heatsink

Clean Heatsink and CPU

  1. Use a plastic putty knife to remove excess TIM from the heatsink.
  2. Clean the heatsink with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the cloth is not dripping. Do not use paper towel as it will leave lint behind.
    Figure: Clean CPU Heatsink
  3. Clean the surface of the CPU with a new cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Take your time to prevent any alcohol or TIM debris from contaminating the socket.
  4. Use a dry cloth to dry the CPU and heatsink so they are ready for a new application of TIM.

Remove Processor

  1. Unlatch the CPU load plate.
    1. First, release the lever handle marked with the "Unlock (1)" symbol.
    2. Next, release the second lever handle.
    Figure: Unlatch the CPU Load Plate
  2. Open the load plate.
    1. Lift the load plate.
    2. For a replacement motherboard, open the latch taking care not to touch any of the pins inside the socket.
    3. Remove the socket cover from the load plate by pressing it out.
    Figure: Open the CPU Load Plate
  3. Cray Service recommends using a vacuum pen to install and remove processors. Remove the CPU:
    1. Carefully lift the CPU out of the socket. DO NOT drop the CPU on the socket pins.
    2. Immediately place your other hand underneath the processor to protect the socket pins. Place the processor on an ESD-safe work surface or processor packaging.
    Figure: Remove CPU from Socket

Install Replacement CPU

  1. Install the replacement CPU.
    1. If necessary, remove the CPU from its packaging. Carefully remove the protective cover from the bottom side, taking care not to touch any contacts.
    2. Align the CPU with the socket so that the processor cutouts match the four orientation posts on the socket.
    3. Note the location of a gold key at the corner of the CPU.
    4. Carefully place (DO NOT drop) the CPU into the socket. Hold the CPU down with your finger as you release the vacuum pencil.
    Figure: Install CPU in Socket
  2. Close the load plate. Carefully lower the load plate down over the CPU.
    Figure: Close the CPU Load Plate
  3. Lock the load plate.
    1. Push down on the locking lever marked with the "Lock (1)" symbol.
    2. Slide the tip of the lever under the notch in the load plate. Make sure the load plate tab engages under the socket lever when fully closed.
    3. Repeat the steps to latch the locking lever on the other side. Latch the levers in the order shown.
    Figure: Lock CPU Load Plate

Install Heatsink

  1. Apply TIM to the top of the CPU as shown. Apply 5 small dabs/drops of TIM in an X pattern. Do not spread the grease. (If using a new heatsink, remove the protective film covering the thermal interface material on the bottom side of the heat sink; no grease is needed for this situation.)
    Figure: Apply TIM to CPU
  2. Attach the heatsink. Position the heatsink fins in the proper orientation over the CPU.
    1. Start with screw A and engage the screw threads by giving it two rotations. (Do not fully tighten.)
    2. Proceed to screw B and engage screw threads by giving it two rotations. Continue by engaging screws C and D.
    3. Continue by giving each screw, using the same pattern, two rotations each time until each screw is lightly tightened. Torque each screw to 8 inch-lb.
    Figure: Install CPU Heatsink
  3. Connect the heatsink fan power cable to the motherboard.