2006 Xserve Teardown

Written By: mitch

Comments: 3

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 50 minutes

Introduction

A quick step by step guide to full dissemble a 2006 Xserve Apple Server

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Unplug power and connections and hold power for 15s to make sure the residual power is gone
Careful with the fibre lines if you have a raid attached
Graphic card if installed

Step 2

Unscrew the two thumb screws at the back.
Pull back on the top, then remove the top cover.

Can’t seem to get the cover off my x serve i’ve undone the screws at the back but it doesn't seem to want to budge?

sambetsy - 23/03/20

Pull on the thumb screws strait back it will un hook after a short distance then lift straight off

mitch - 23/03/20

Frankly, this is the hardest part of the "take-apart". Because of the age of these things, the cover gets stuck. It happens. A couple of things to check for,

1. Make sure the "Allen" key lock at the front is set to the "Unlock" position. Otherwise, this will prevent the cover from being removed.

2. If the cover is really stuck, (has happened to me more than once), use a LARGE flat bladed screwdriver and GENTLY pry the back of the cover, at the rear, and at the front, so that the cover SLIDES back. It will slide back approx. 3/8", and then you can lift it up. When you replace it, if you anticipate doing this often, you might consider applying a very, very thin layer of lithium grease to the areas that bind, so that the cover isn't so hard to remove the next time.

ECJohansen -

Step 3

pull out and to the right with the black locking lever
Pull out module

Step 4

Push on the caddy handles to release the handle's then pull each one out.

Step 5

use a #1 phillips on the 5 screws holding the Airduct in place.
slide up and out easily.
carefull with the backplane-to-logic board I/O cable

Step 6

please note these are captive thumb screws and will not come all the way out
To remove the fan array you need to loosen two phillips on the right and left of the array as noted in the pic's.
Carefull around the fan plug requires you to pull straight up after screws are lose

Step 7

Loosen the two captive screws that secure the riser bracket to the back panel.
pull up a little to clear the captive screws then lean back should come out easy
the Screws in the case act like alinement pins careful when pulling up
Also a good time to check the ROM battery! Replace battery only with type CR2032.

Step 8

This is a delicate cable push the 2 sides together to release
This cable is molded to go back in only one way do not try any other orientation
Pop one side out then rock the connector wile pressing on the other tab for easier removal
The connecter is keyed for one way only

Step 9

they are only press in connectors use a Spudger to pry one side, should come free after a little force
Carefull with the connecters as they can be damaged!
Note! there is adhesive on the side of the cable along the power module's side