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Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement)

Prerequisite Only
This is a prerequisite-only guide! This guide is part of another procedure and isn’t meant to be used alone.
    1. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the top Expansion Card cable: step 1, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the top Expansion Card cable: step 1, image 2 of 2
      • Pull the top Expansion Card connector straight out of its socket in the Mainboard to disconnect it.

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    2. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the main power cable: step 2, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the main power cable: step 2, image 2 of 2
      • While squeezing the clip on the main power cable, pull it straight up and out of its socket to disconnect it.

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    3. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the CPU power cable: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the CPU power cable: step 3, image 2 of 2
      • While squeezing the clip on the CPU power cable, pull it straight up and out of its socket to disconnect it.

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    4. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the bottom Expansion Card cable: step 4, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the bottom Expansion Card cable: step 4, image 2 of 2
      • Pull the bottom Expansion Card connector straight out of its socket in the Mainboard to disconnect it.

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    5. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 5, image 2 of 2
      • Lift the Desktop so it stands upright on your work surface.

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    6. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Right Panel: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Right Panel: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Right Panel: step 6, image 3 of 3
      • Use your fingers to grip the top of the Right Panel and slide it upward to release its clips.

      • Remove the Right Panel.

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    7. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the top plate screws: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the top plate screws: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the top plate screws: step 7, image 3 of 3
      • While holding the Desktop steady, use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the eight 4.0 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the top plate.

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    8. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the top plate: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the top plate: step 8, image 2 of 2
      • Lift the top plate off the Desktop and remove it.

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    9. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 9, image 2 of 2
      • Lay the left side of the Desktop on your work surface so the underside of the Mainboard is facing upward.

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    10. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Loosen the SSD screw: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Loosen the SSD screw: step 10, image 2 of 2
      • If you have secondary storage installed, follow the next two steps. Otherwise, skip here.

      • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the SSD.

      • The SSD and its heat spreader will pop up to an angle when its screw is fully loosened.

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    11. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the SSD: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the SSD: step 11, image 2 of 2
      • While holding the heat spreader upright, grab the SSD by its edges and pull it out of its socket.

      • Remove the SSD.

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    12. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Install the heat spreader: step 12, image 1 of 1
      • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw securing the heat spreader.

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    13. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Wi-Fi Module screw: step 13, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Wi-Fi Module screw: step 13, image 2 of 2
      • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the 7.0 mm‑long Phillips screw securing the Wi-Fi module.

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    14. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the Wi-Fi module: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the Wi-Fi module: step 14, image 2 of 2
      • Grip the Wi-Fi module by its edges and pull it straight out of its socket.

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    15. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Wi-Fi module: step 15, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Wi-Fi module: step 15, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Wi-Fi module: step 15, image 3 of 3
      • Move the Wi-Fi module towards the center of the Mainboard to keep it out of the way.

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    16. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Reposition the Desktop: step 16, image 3 of 3
      • Rotate the Desktop onto its right side so the Mainboard is facing upward.

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    17. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the power button: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Disconnect the power button: step 17, image 2 of 2
      • Use your fingers to lift the power button cable connector off its nine‑pronged socket on the Mainboard.

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    18. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Mainboard screws: step 18, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Mainboard screws: step 18, image 2 of 2
      • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the four 8.2 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the Mainboard.

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    19. Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Mainboard: step 19, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Mainboard: step 19, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Mainboard Removal (Mainboard Replacement), Remove the Mainboard: step 19, image 3 of 3
      • Grab the Mainboard by its heatsink and pull it towards the front of the Desktop to slide it out of the rear port cutout.

      • Slide the Mainboard towards the top of the Desktop to remove it from the chassis.

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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