Related linksSafety instructionsBefore working inside your systemAfter working inside your systemSystem boardA system board (also known as the motherboard) is the main printed circuit board found in systems. The system board allowscommunication between many of the crucial electronic components of the system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) andmemory, and also provides connectors for other peripherals. Unlike a backplane, a system board contains significant number of sub-systems such as the processor expansion cards, and other components.Removing the system boardPrerequisitesCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting andsimple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and supportteam. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safetyinstructions that are shipped with your product.CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to create arecovery key during program or System Setup. Be sure to create and safely store this recovery key. If you replace thissystem board, you must supply the recovery key when you restart your system or program before you can access theencrypted data on your hard drives.CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the TPM plug-in module from the system board. Once the TPM plug-in module isinstalled, it is cryptographically bound to that specific system board. Any attempt to remove an installed TPM plug-inmodule breaks the cryptographic binding, and it cannot be re-installed or installed on another system board.1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions section.2. Follow the procedure listed in the Before working inside your system section.3. Remove the following components:a. Processor expansion module, if installedb. Cooling shroud, if installed.c. Cooling fan assembly.d. Power supply unitse. All expansion card risersf. Integrated storage controller cardg. Internal dual SD moduleh. Internal USB key, if installed.i. PCIe card holderj. Heat sinks or heat sink blanksk. Processors or processor blanksCAUTION: To prevent damage to the processor pins when replacing a faulty system board, ensure that youcover the processor socket with the processor protective cap.l. Memory modules and memory module blanksm. Network daughter cardSteps1. Disconnect all cables from the system board.CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the system board from thechassis.149