User Guide

Mac Pro (8x) Take Apart — Processor Heatsinks 69
Processor Heatsinks
The Mac Pro (8x) computer uses a special coating on the processor heatsink and processor to
manage the temperature in the computer. The silver-colored coating comes applied to the
underside of the heatsink and the top of the processor.
Use the following guidelines when handling the processor heatsink and/or processor:
Wear disposable nitrile or latex gloves.•
Avoid touching the silver-colored coating on the underside of the heatsink and the top of •
the processor.
Always make a visual inspection of new or existing heatsinks and processors before •
installing them in the computer. See “Processor Heatsink and Processor Visual Inspection
Instructions” in the Troubleshooting chapter for more information.
• When removing or replacing the heatsink and/or processor, do not allow the heatsink to be
separated from the processor for more than 30 minutes. The special coating on the heatsink
and processor degrades with exposure to air; more than 30 minutes exposure could result in
damage to the computer and a repeat, multi-part repair.
Tools
The only tool required for this procedure is a long-handled, magnetized 3 mm athead hex
screwdriver.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, open the computer, lay it on its side with the access side facing up, and remove
the following:
Hard drives and hard drive carriers in drive bays 1 and • 2
PCI Express card installed in slot • 1
Any 12-inch PCI Express card• s
Processor heatsink cove• r
Front fan assembl• y
Top and bottom memory card• s with DIMMs
Memory cage with rear fa• n
IMPORTANT:
If you need to install
a new heatsink or
processor, reassemble
the unit while you are
waiting for the new
part to arrive.