Replacing the system board
Attention
Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support
This section provides instructions on how to replace the system board.
CAUTION:
The heat sink and microprocessor might be very hot. Turn off the computer and wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before opening the computer cover.
To replace the system board:
1.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 126.
2.Pivot the drive bay assembly upward to gain access to the system board. See “Accessing the system board components and drives” on page 127.
3.Remove the hard disk drive. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 136.
4.Remove all memory modules and adapter cards that are currently installed. See “Installing or replacing a memory module” on page 130 and “Installing or replacing an adapter card” on page 132.
5.Carefully take note of the cable routing and the location of all cable connectors on the system board, and then disconnect all the cables. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 129.
6.Remove the heat sink and fan assembly from the failing system board. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 142.
7.Remove the heat sink and fan assembly retainer by releasing the four screws that secure the retainer on the system board, and then lifting the retainer off the system board.
8.Carefully slide the system board toward the front of the chassis so that it can be released from the four mounting studs that secure the system board in place, and then lift the system board out of the chassis.
9.Remove the microprocessor socket cover from the new system board.
10.Remove the microprocessor from the failing system board and install it on the new system board. See “Replacing the microprocessor” on page 144.
11.The failing system board must be returned with a microprocessor socket cover to protect the pins during shipping and handling. Install the microprocessor socket cover removed from the new system board on the failing system board.
To install the microprocessor socket cover:
a.Make sure the microprocessor has been removed from the microprocessor socket, and then close the microprocessor retainer and lock it into position with the small handle.
