Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement)

ID: 191551

Description:

Steps:

1. Pull the top Expansion Card connector straight out of its socket in the Mainboard to disconnect it.

2. While squeezing the clip on the main power cable, pull it straight up and out of its socket to disconnect it.

3. While squeezing the clip on the CPU power cable, pull it straight up and out of its socket to disconnect it.

4. Pull the bottom Expansion Card connector straight out of its socket in the Mainboard to disconnect it.

5. Lift the Desktop so it stands upright on your work surface.

6. Use your fingers to grip the top of the Right Panel and slide it upward to release its clips.
7. Remove the Right Panel.

8. While holding the Desktop steady, use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the eight 4.0 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the top plate.

9. Lift the top plate off the Desktop and remove it.

10. Lay the left side of the Desktop on your work surface so the underside of the Mainboard is facing upward.

11. If you have secondary storage installed, follow the next two steps. Otherwise, skip here.
12. Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the SSD.
13. The SSD and its heat spreader will pop up to an angle when its screw is fully loosened.

14. While holding the heat spreader upright, grab the SSD by its edges and pull it out of its socket.
15. Remove the SSD.

16. Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw securing the heat spreader.

17. Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the 7.0 mm‑long Phillips screw securing the Wi-Fi module.

18. Grip the Wi-Fi module by its edges and pull it straight out of its socket.

19. Move the Wi-Fi module towards the center of the Mainboard to keep it out of the way.

20. Rotate the Desktop onto its right side so the Mainboard is facing upward.

21. Use your fingers to lift the power button cable connector off its nine‑pronged socket on the Mainboard.

22. Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the four 8.2 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the Mainboard.

23. Grab the Mainboard by its heatsink and pull it towards the front of the Desktop to slide it out of the rear port cutout.
24. Slide the Mainboard towards the top of the Desktop to remove it from the chassis.