Maintenance and Service Guide

Heat sink
CAUTION: The bond between the heat sink and the processor may be very tight.
If the computer will power on, before removing the heat sink, turn on the computer until it warms the heat
sink. Warming the heat sink lessens the bond between the heat sink and the processor, thereby making
separating them easier.
Make sure not to pull the processor out of the socket when you lift the heat sink, especially if you cannot
warm the heat sink prior to removal. Inadvertently removing the processor can damage the pins.
The heat sink is secured atop the processor with four captive Torx screws.
1. Prepare the computer for disassembly (Preparation for disassembly on page 17).
2. Remove the access panel (Access panel on page 18).
3. Remove the fan (Fan on page 40).
4. Loosen the four captive screws (1) that secure the heat sink to the system board tray.
CAUTION: Heat sink retaining screws should be removed in diagonally opposite pairs (as in an X) to
even the downward forces on the processor. This is especially important as the pins on the socket are
very fragile and any damage to them may require replacing the system board.
5. Lift the heat sink from atop the processor (2) and set it on its side to keep from contaminating the work
area with thermal grease.
Reverse the removal procedures to install the heat sink.
When reinstalling the heat sink, make sure that its bottom has been cleaned with an alcohol wipe and fresh
thermal grease has been applied to the top of the processor.
CAUTION: Heat sink retaining screws should be tightened in diagonally opposite pairs (as in an X) to evenly
seat the fan sink on the processor to avoid damage that could require replacing the system board.
Heat sink 41