Remove and Install a Processor Cover Plate

Cover plates are plastic inserts that attach to the processor load plate and protect the pins of an unoccupied psocket. Cover plates are installed on replacement motherboards and need to be removed before installing processors and heatsinks. When removing or installing processor cover plates, ensure that the pins in the processor socket are not damaged.

1. Ensure proper ESD protection.
2. Release the two processor pressure frame retaining levers on the processor socket [1].

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   Caution - Component damage. The pins in the processor socket are fragile. Opening the pressure frame and the load plate exposes the pins. Do not touch or damage the processor socket pins.

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   1. Disengage the processor release lever on the right side of the processor socket (viewing the server from the front) by pushing down and moving it to the side away from the processor, and then rotating the lever upward.
   2. Disengage the processor release lever on the left side of the processor socket (viewing the server from the front) by pushing down and moving it to the side away from the processor, and then rotating the lever upward.
   
   
3. Lift the processor pressure frame up to the fully open position [2].
   
4. With the pressure frame in the open position, do one of the following:
   • To remove a cover plate, gently push on the underside of the plate.

     The plate is fitted into the pressure frame. Pushing on the underside of the plate causes the it to pop out of the frame.

     
     
   • To install a cover plate, align the plate with the top side of the pressure frame and gently push it into the frame until it locks in place.

     The cover plate is notched to fit the pressure frame and must align correctly.

     
     
5. Close and lock the load plate.
   

Next Steps

• Motherboard Assembly Replacement