Owners Manual

5. socket release lever (2) 6. CPU socket

Related references

Safety instructions on page 62

Related tasks

Removing a sled on page 87

Removing the heat sink on page 93

Installing a processor

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: When installing only one processor, the processor must be installed in the processor 0 (for the socket location, see

the System board connectors section).

NOTE: If you are upgrading your processors, prior to upgrading your system, download and install the latest system BIOS

version from Dell.com/support/home. Follow the instructions included in the file download to install the update on your

system.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions section.

2. Unpack the processor if it has not been used previously.

NOTE:

If the processor has already been used, remove any thermal grease from the top of the processor by using a lint-

free cloth.

3. Remove the system board assembly.

Steps

1. Align the processor with the socket keys on the CPU socket.

CAUTION:

Positioning the processor incorrectly can permanently damage the system board or the processor.

Be careful not to bend the pins in the CPU socket.

2. With the release lever on the processor socket in the open position, align the processor with the socket keys and set the

processor lightly in the socket.

CAUTION:

Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned correctly, it engages

easily into the socket.

3. Close the processor shield.

4. Rotate the socket release lever down until it snaps into place.

5. Using a clean lint-free cloth, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink.

6. Apply thermal grease evenly to the center of the top of the new processor.

CAUTION:

Using excess thermal grease can cause grease to contact the processor shield, which can cause

contamination of the processor socket.

7. Place the heat sink on the processor.

8. Using a Phillips screwdriver, tighten the heat sink retention screws.

Next steps

1. Replace the system board assembly.

Installing and removing system components