Replacing a Motherboard

This article explains what to consider when swapping a motherboard and how to proceed.

If you have questions about the replacement of your motherboard, please feel free to contact us.

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  What you'll need: Screwdriver, ESD protection, thermal grease, and paper towels. Optional side cutters and cable ties.
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  Complete all the preparations to begin the expansion of the motherboard. If necessary, remove the server from the rack and place it on a stable surface. Protect yourself and the device from electrostatic discharge (e.g. special gloves or grounding cable)!
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  Now you can open the cover. Some devices can be fixed with screws. We recommend that you take a picture or a sketch of the motherboard before you remove parts, so that later you are able to correctly connect everything.
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  First, remove any accessory boards ...
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  ... and memory, and then unplug all cables.
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  Turn the plastic pins on the fan, take them out and remove the CPU-cooler/fan. Attention: only undo fasteners and screws on the cross, otherwise the CPU can become damaged! (Tip: For particularly large motherboards leave the radiator/fan mounted to make removing it from the chassis easier. )
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  Now loosen all the screws that are holding the motherboard in place.
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  Remove the motherboard by slightly lifting forward and place it on a soft surface, (e.g. a piece of foam).
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  When removing the CPU be very careful not to bend the pins!
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  Clean the CPU and reinstall it the same way in the new motherboard.
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  Close the plastic cover on the new motherboard, to prevent damage to the pins.
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  Now evenly spread thermal grease on the processor. Caution: Do not use too much, otherwise the thermal conductivity effect can be lost!
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  The motherboard can now be re-attached to the chassis and the CPU-cooler/fan can be mounted. Attach all components and cables as before. Use here the picture or sketch created initially as a guide.

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Author: Dominik Hilpert