System board
A system board (also known as the motherboard) is the main printed circuit board in the system with different connectors used to connect
different components or peripherals of the system. A system board provides the electrical connections to the components in the system to
communicate.
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
CAUTION:
If you are using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to create a
recovery key during program or System Setup. Be sure to create and safely store this recovery key. If you replace this system
board, you must supply the recovery key when you restart your system or program before you can access the encrypted data on
your hard drives.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to remove the TPM plug-in module from the system board. Once the TPM plug-in module is installed,
it is cryptographically bound to that specific system board. Any attempt to remove an installed TPM plug-in module breaks the
cryptographic binding, and it cannot be reinstalled or installed on another system board.
1
Follow the safety guidelines listed in
2
Follow the procedure listed in
3
Remove the following:
a
Air shroud
b
Internal cooling fan
c
Expansion card holder
d
Expansion cards, if installed
e
vFlash/IDSDM module
f
Internal USB key, if installed
g
Processors and heat sink modules
CAUTION:
cover the processor socket with the processor protective cap.
h
Memory modules
i
TPM
Steps
1
Disconnect all cables from the system board.
CAUTION:
Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the system board from the chassis.
CAUTION:
Do not lift the system board by holding a memory module, processor, or other components.
2
Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
3
Holding the post, incline the system board at an angle, and lift the system board out of the chassis.
134
Installation and Service Manual
Installing and removing system components
Safety
instructions.
Before working inside your
To prevent damage to the processor pins when replacing a faulty system board, ensure that you
system.