System board
Removing the system board
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 came with the product.
NOTE: This is a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU). Removal and installation procedures must be 
performed only by Dell certified service technicians.
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.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the TPM plug-in module from the system board. After the 
TPM plug-in module is installed, it is cryptographically bound to that specific system board. Any 
attempt to remove an installed TPM plug-in module breaks the cryptographic binding, and it 
cannot be re-installed or installed on another system board.
1. Ensure that you follow the Safety instructions.
2. Keep the Phillips #2 screwdriver ready.
3. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
4. Remove the following components:
a. memory modules
b. expansion cards
c. heat sink and processor
d. iDRAC port card, if installed
Steps
1. Disconnect all cables from the system board.
CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the 
system board from the chassis.
2. Remove the screws on the system board, and slide the system board toward the front of the chassis.
3. Hold the system board by the touch points and lift it out of the chassis.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the system board, do not lift the system board by holding a 
memory module, processor, or other components; hold the system board by its edges only.
88