Pass the Supermicro MI300X GPU SMI300XS Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

When reinstalling theNVMe backplane, several critical cables must be properlyreconnectedto ensure the system functions correctly.

Required Connections:

SATA Cable→ Some NVMe backplanesalso support SATA drives, requiring SATA connectivity.

Power Cables→ The NVMe backplanerequires direct powerto enable SSD operations.

MCIO Cables→ These cables providehigh-speed data connectivitybetween the NVMe drives and the motherboard.

54-Volt Power Cable→ Thissupplies direct powerto the NVMe backplane foroptimal performance and stability.

Why other options are incorrect?

B (Only SATA cable)→ NVMe backplanes usePCIe-based storage. While SATA connectionsmayexist,they are not the only required cables.

C (Only MCIO cables)→ While MCIO cables are necessary for PCIe-based NVMe drives,power cables must also be reconnectedfor the system to function.

D (Only power cables)→Data communication would failwithout MCIO connections, rendering the systemunable to detect NVMe drives.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro NVMe Service GuideandAS-8125GS-TNMR2 Installation Manualemphasize thecorrect reinstallation of power and data cablesto avoidhardware malfunctions.

Why Secure One End of the PCIe Tray First?

TheSupermicro MI300X chassis is designed for modular tray installation, meaningsecuring one end firstensures:

Proper alignment of PCIe slots and connectors

Stable mountingto prevent unwanted movement

Prevention of unnecessary strain on installed expansion cards

What Happens If Both Ends Are Handled at the Same Time?

ThePCIe tray may shift out of alignment, making it difficult to properly install other components.

Misalignment can cause:

PCIe devices to not seat properly

Power or data cables to be obstructed

Increased risk of mechanical damage during reinstallation

Step-by-Step Correct Installation Process:

✅Step 1:Align the PCIe tray with its designated mounting slots.✅Step 2:Secure screws onone end firstto hold the tray in place.✅Step 3:Adjust the other end and ensureproper seatingbefore fully tightening all screws.✅Step 4:Reconnect all PCIe cables and verify system connectivity.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B (Cables getting in the way)→ While cable management is important, the main issue istray movement, not cable obstruction.

C (Tray will not function)→ The tray will functiononce properly seated, butincorrect installation can lead to PCIe misalignment.

D (Tray will break)→ The tray is designed for durability; it will not break unlessexcessive force is applied.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Service Guideconfirms thattrays must be secured at one end first to ensure proper alignment.

Importance of Proper Alignment in Motherboard Tray Installation

Themotherboard tray in Supermicro MI300X systemsisprecisely designedto fit intopre-existing grooves in the chassis.

Ensures a Secure Fit

If the motherboard tray isnot aligned with the grooves, itmay not seat correctly, causing structural instability.

Prevents Cable Routing Issues

Improper alignmentcan interfere with airflow and cable routing, leading to cooling inefficiencies.

Guarantees Proper PCIe and Power Connections

Misalignmentcan cause PCIe slots and power connectors to be slightly off-position, leading tofailed component detection.

Proper Installation Steps for the Motherboard Tray:

✅Step 1:Slide the motherboard tray into thechassis groovesfor proper alignment.✅Step 2:Ensure it isflush with the chassisbefore securing screws.✅Step 3:Tighten screws evenly to prevent misalignment.

Why is False Incorrect?

IfFalse were correct, it would imply that the motherboard tray can be installedwithout aligning it properly, which isnot possiblein Supermicro MI300X systems.

The systemwill not function properlyif the motherboard tray is misaligned.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Service Manualconfirms that themotherboard tray must be aligned with the grooves before securing it with screws.

Understanding MCIO Cables in Supermicro MI300X Systems

MCIO (Multi-lane Cable I/O) connectorsare used forhigh-speed data transmission between the motherboard and NVMe SSDs or PCIe devices.

These connectorsmust be handled carefully, as improper removal cancause pin damageorpermanent failure of the interface.

How to Properly Unlock and Release MCIO Cables

Locate the release levers on the MCIO connectors

Each MCIO connector has asmall built-in release leverthat locks it in place.

Press down on the release levers

This disengages the locking mechanism andallows the cable to slide out easily.

Gently pull the MCIO cable straight out

Do not pull at an angleas it can damage thehigh-density connector pins.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A (Pull really hard)→ Forcing the connector without releasing the latch canbreak the MCIO pins or damage the motherboard socket.

B (Remove screws)→ MCIO cablesdo not use screws; they have built-in locking mechanisms.

D (Loosen bolts)→ There areno boltssecuring MCIO cables; only therelease lever is needed for unlocking.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Motherboard Manualstates thatpressing down on the release levers is the correct method to unlock MCIO cables.

Themidplane bracket in Supermicro MI300X GPU systemsis secured with6 screwsthat must beremoved before disassembly.

Why 6 screws?

3 screws on each side of the chassishold the midplane bracket in place.

This design helps stabilize the midplaneand prevents movement.

Failure to remove all 6 screws can result in forcefully damaging the bracket.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Disassembly Manualspecifies that6 screws must be removed before handling the midplane bracket.

When reinstalling trays (GPU, motherboard, or PCIe) inSupermicro MI300X GPU systems, it iscrucial to secure one end firstbefore working on the opposite end.

Why is this necessary?

To prevent tray misalignment

Trays in Supermicro systemshave specific guide rails and screwsthat must bealigned correctly before full installation.

If both ends are handled simultaneously,one end may shift, causingmounting misalignment.

Avoiding unwanted movement

If you install a tray at both ends without securing one first,it can get pushed out, leading to incorrect seating.

This can causepoor PCIe connectivity, power delivery issues, or misaligned airflow paths.

Ensuring cables are properly routed

If a tray is not secured properly,cables may shift during installation, increasing the risk of pinched or damaged cables.

Why other options are incorrect?

B (Cables getting in the way)→ While cable management is important, the key issue istray movement, not cables.

C (Tray will not function)→ The traywill function once properly seated, but incorrect installation cancause connectivity issues.

D (Tray will break)→ The tray is designed for durability;it will not break unless excessive force is applied.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Service Guideconfirms that traysmust be secured at one end before installing the opposite end to ensure proper alignment.

Why Do Supermicro Systems Use Grooves for Alignment?

InSupermicro MI300X systems, themidplane bracket is aligned using built-in grooves in the chassis.

Ensures Perfect Alignment

The midplane mustline up perfectlywith power, PCIe, and data connections.

Grooves act as physical guides, ensuringprecise placementwithout guesswork.

Prevents Installation Errors

Without grooves, technicians mightinstall the midplane slightly misaligned, leading toconnection failures.

Ensures PCIe and MCIO lanes align correctly, preventing signal loss.

Supports a Tool-Free Installation

Grooves allowdrop-in installation, reducingmanual adjustments.

Minimizes risk of flexing or damaging the midplane PCB.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A (Guide stickers in the chassis)→ Stickersmay be present for labeling but do not physically align the midplane.

C (Arrows in the chassis)→ Arrows arevisual indicators only, not physical alignment tools.

D (Velcro in the chassis)→ Velcro isnot used in midplane installation.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Hardware Guideexplicitly states thatgrooves in the chassis help with midplane bracket alignment.

Before removing theNVMe backplanein aSupermicro MI300X GPU system,all NVMe drives must be disengaged but not fully removed.

Why is this necessary?

Ensures safe backplane removal

NVMe drives are directly connected to the backplane viaMCIO or U.2 connectors.

Keeping them engaged couldput stress on the connectors, causing damage.

Prevents accidental disconnects

Removing the drives completely isnot necessary, butdisengaging them ensures they do not obstruct removal.

Avoids power damage

If the drives remain engaged during backplane removal, they may still haveresidual power, which can causeconnector damage or electrical failure.

Why other options are incorrect?

B (Disengage PSUs)→ While power should be off,removing PSUs is not required for NVMe backplane removal.

C (Disengage fans)→ Fans are independent components anddo not interfere with the NVMe backplane.

D (Disengage the field engineer)→ Not a valid answer; field engineers are not system components.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro NVMe Storage Disassembly Guiderecommendsdisengaging NVMe drives but not fully removing thembefore backplane removal.

When working withSupermicro MI300X GPU systems, it ishighly recommendedtomap or take a pictureof cable connections before disconnection.

Reasons:

Ensuring Proper Reconnection→ NVMe backplanes have multiplecritical connections(MCIO cables, power cables, data lanes, and SAS connections). Misplacing any of these cables could cause:

Boot failures

Drive detection issues

Performance degradation

Avoiding Errors in Cable Routing→ Supermicro documentation states thatimproperly routed cables can obstruct airflow, potentially leading tooverheatingin high-performance systems.

Easing Future Troubleshooting→ If issues arise after reassembly, aphoto or cable mapallows engineers toquickly verifywhether cables werereconnected properly.

This best practice isofficially recommendedinSupermicro’s service and installation guidelinesfor NVMe backplanes.

Understanding the AOM Bracket in Supermicro MI300X Systems

TheAOM (Add-On Module) bracketis used to holdoptional expansion cards, such as:

RAID controllers

Additional network interface cards (NICs)

BMC/IPMI modules for system management

Why is the Screw Located on the Side of the Motherboard Tray?

The AOM bracket is secured to the chassis via a single screwthat is located on theside of the motherboard tray.

This designkeeps the bracket firmly in placewhile still allowing foreasy removal when needed.

Removing the screw first prevents unnecessary strain on the bracketand ensuressafe removal of the AOM card.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A (On top of the hard drive tray)→ The hard drive tray does not secure the AOM bracket.

B (On top of the fan tray)→ Fans do not hold down the AOM bracket.

D (On the rear of the power supply)→ The power supplyis not directly connected to the AOM bracket.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Expansion Module Guidespecifies that theAOM bracket is secured by a single screw located on the side of the motherboard tray.