System Board
Removing The System Board
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 came with the product.
CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Program 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.
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the
electrical outlet.
2. If installed, remove the front bezel.
3. Open the system.
4. Remove the following:
a. cooling shroud
WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for some time after the system has
been powered down. Allow time for the memory modules to cool before handling them.
Handle the memory modules by the card edges and avoid touching the components.
b. memory modules
c. cooling fan cables
d. expansion cards and expansion-card risers
WARNING: The heat sink is hot to touch for some time after the system has been powered
down. Ensure that you do not touch the heat sink while removing the system board.
e. heat sink and processor
5. Disconnect all other cables from the system board.
CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the
system board from the chassis.
6. Remove the screws on the system board and slide the system board toward the front of the system.
CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor,
or other components.
7. Hold the system board by its edges and lift the system board out of the chassis.
CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor,
or other components.
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