How to Remove the FW1/FW2/FW4A Motherboard

Overview

In some cases you might need to service the CMOS battery on a Vault. On the FW1/FW2/FW4A platform it is located on the concealed side which requires removing the the motherboard to access.  In this article we will cover how to remove the motherboard on a FW1/FW2/FW4A platform.

CMOS battery type: CR2032

Procedure

• Place the device on a flat surface with the bottom plate facing up
• Remove the 4 screws located at the corners of the bottom plate

• With the bottom plate removed and access to the motherboard, remove the mSATA, RAM and WiFi module if installed.
• Removing the I/O faceplates can vary depending on the hardware revisions. Previous versions will have a screw on each side holding the faceplates on. The more recent versions are held on by the same screws which were removed with the bottom plate.

• Remove the screws holding the motherboard to the chassis/heatsink as seen below
• Note the two types of screws holding the motherboard to the chassis. Be sure to replace the correct type of screw in the correct location.

• Remove the motherboard from the chassis/heatsink. Please note the thermal paste or pad is reapplied before reassembly.

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