Owners Manual

WARNING: To protect the power supply from electrostatic discharge, the captive screws must be covered
with the rubber cap before inserting the mating connector into the power supply.
3. Rotate the rubber cap clockwise to fix it over the captive screws.
4. Insert the mating connector into the power supply.
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.
NOTE: After the system board is replaced, you must update the system with the latest available BIOS and iDRAC versions.
For more information, go to Dell.com/XCSeriesmanuals.
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 re-installed or installed on
another system board.
1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 56.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 57.
3. Remove the following:
a. Air shroud
b. Cooling fan assembly
c. Rear hard drive cage (if applicable)
d. Power supply unit(s)
e. All expansion card risers
f. Integrated storage controller card
g. iDSDM
h. Processors and heat sink modules
i. Processors and DIMM blank
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the processor pins when replacing a faulty system board, ensure that
you cover the processor socket with the processor protective cap.
j. Memory modules and memory module blanks
k. Network daughter card
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. Holding the system board holder, loosen the release pin, slightly lift the system board, and then slide it toward the front of
the chassis.
Sliding the system board toward the front of the chassis disengages the connectors from the back of the chassis slots.
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Installing and removing system components