Server tour: Heatsink, CPU and fans

A pair of metal levers (one of which is obscured by the fan baffle in this image) retain the heatsink in its place on top of the CPU.





The notches on the bottom of the heatsink are there to ensure that it is installed with the correct orientation. You can also see the copper heatpipes within the heatsink in this image. The Intel Xeon processors used in this server utilise a Socket J CPU interface featuring 771 pins, similar to the 775-ping Socket Tinterface used on desktop systems.





To remove or install a CPU, the lever must first be unlocked and raised, and then the CPU retention cover must be raised.






Much like Socket T systems, Socket J systems also feature a land-grid array (LGA) design. This processor package also features two notches, again to ensure that the CPU is installed with the correct orientation.






Some servers feature internal USB headers. It’s not uncommon to see USB keys installed within servers, as this provides the means to remotely update server firmware during the boot process, or to install updated drivers during remote installation.






A number of fan trays are installed in the front of the server in order to provide cooling to the components that reside behind. A total of six fans are installed here, in redundant pairs.






Each fan tray can be removed simply by lifting it off the main board. This image also shows the fan headers on the main board that owers each pair of fans.


Next: Memory, slots and graphics card

The Full Tour
A typical rack server
Opening it up
Heatsink, CPU and fans
Memory, slots and graphics card
Power supply
The USB and LED panels
Storage options
Cables
Managing the server