Owners Manual

Related references
Safety instructions on page 62
Related tasks
Installing a sled on page 89
Heat sinks
The heat sink transfers heat away form the processor as the processor is unable to dissipate sufficient heat to moderate this
temperature. The heat sink is designed to maximize its surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding it, such as
the air. Thermal grease improve the heat sink's performance by filling air gaps between the heat sink and the heat spreader on
the processor.
Removing the heat sink
Prerequisites
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.
NOTE: Place the foolproof pins of two processor heat sinks facing inside.
1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions section.
2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals.
3. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and disconnect the peripherals.
4. Remove the system board assembly.
WARNING:
The heat sink may be hot to touch for some time after the system has been powered down. Allow
the heat sink to cool before removing it.
CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the processor. The heat
sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.
Steps
1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen one of the heat sink retention screws.
Wait for 30 seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor.
2. Remove the other heat sink retention screws.
3. Lift the heat sink off the processor and set the heat sink aside with thermal grease side facing up.
Installing and removing system components
93