To replace the system board, do the following:1. Remove all media from the drives and turn off all attached devices and the computer. Then, disconnectall power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.2. Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 136.3. Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 1364. Pivot the drive bay assembly upward. See “Accessing the system board components and drives” onpage 138.5. Remove all memory modules and PCI Express cards that are currently installed. See “Installing orreplacing a memory module” on page 141 and “Installing or replacing a PCI Express card” on page 139.6. Remove the heat sink and fan assembly from the failing system board. See “Replacing the heat sink andfan assembly” on page 158.Note: Do not let the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink and fan assembly get in contactwith anything.7. Record the cable routing and cable connections and then disconnect all cables from the system board.8. Remove the six screws that secure the system board.Figure112. Removing the screws that secure the system board9. Slide the system board to the front of the computer and then carefully lift the system board out of thechassis. Place the failing system board on a flat, clean, and static-protective surface.10. Remove the microprocessor from the failing system board and install it on the new system board. See“Replacing the microprocessor” on page 164.168 ThinkCentre M73 Hardware Maintenance Manual
