Pass the Supermicro MI300X GPU SMI300XS Questions and answers with ValidTests

Theyellow warning labelis a critical indicator toprevent damagewhen servicing themidplane and ribbon cable connections.

Reason for Warning Label:

Theflat panel/ribbon cable is delicateand isconnected between multiple system components.

If themidplane is removed first, itstretches and applies force on the ribbon cable, leading to:

Broken cable connectors

Torn ribbon cable

System interface failure(front panel controls, LED indicators, or data communication)

Why other options are incorrect?

A (Cable is hot)→ Ribbon cablesdo not generate heatand thisis not the purpose of the warning label.

B (Remove after midplane)→ Thecable must be removed BEFORE the midplane, not after.

C (Optional removal)→It is mandatory, not optional, to prevent damage.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Maintenance Manualstates thatremoving the flat panel/ribbon cable firstisa required stepbefore handling the midplane.

The SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) forSupermicro NVMe backplanesvaries depending on thespecific model and system configuration.

Thecorrect SKU for the NVMe backplane used in the Supermicro MI300X system differs from the given part number.

Referencingofficial Supermicro product sheets and service manuals, theBPN-NVME5-HS219N-S24 does not matchthe correct SKU for this system.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro NVMe Storage System Compatibility Guidelists the correct SKU for MI300X GPU systems, confirming that the given SKU is incorrect.

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.

Why Must the Screws Be Loosened First?

ThePCIe, motherboard, and GPU trays in Supermicro MI300X systemsaresecured by screws on both sidesto ensure:

Structural stability

Vibration resistance

Secure connection of PCIe lanes and data paths

Proper Tray Removal Process:

✅Step 1:Identify the tray to be removed (PCIe, motherboard, or GPU).✅Step 2:Loosen screws on both sidesto release tension on the tray.✅Step 3:Slowly and evenlypull the tray outto avoid damaging connectors.✅Step 4:Support the tray from the bottomwhile sliding it out to prevent bending.

Why This Method Is Important?

Preventing Connector Damage→ Pulling the tray without loosening screwscould damage PCIe connectorsor misalign the board.

Avoiding Strain on Other Components→ A stuck traycould put pressure on adjacent cables and connectors.

Ensuring a Safe Removal→ The slow and controlled movementreduces the risk of accidentally dropping or flexing the tray.

Why False Is Incorrect?

IfFalse were correct, it would suggest that the tray can be removedwithout loosening screws, which isnot possibledue to the secure mounting system.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Hardware Maintenance Guideconfirms thatloosening screws and carefully pulling the tray out is the correct disengagement procedure.

Themidplane bracketinSupermicro MI300X GPU systemsconnects multiple crucial components, includingstorage, PCIe devices, and power distribution systems.

Why must the MCIO and Flat Panel/Ribbon cables be removed?

MCIO Cable (Option B)→

MCIO (Multi-lane Cable I/O)cables are responsible forhigh-speed NVMe communicationbetween the motherboard and storage components.

These cables must bedisconnected before midplane removal, asforcing them out without removal can cause connector damage.

Flat Panel/Ribbon Cable (Option C)→

Theflat panel/ribbon cableis used forsystem communication, front panel connectivity, or sensor data transmission.

If not removed, it can be torn or pinched, leading tomalfunctioning front panel indicators, buttons, or management controllers.

Incorrect Answers Explained:

A (Power cable)→ Power cables are usuallysecured independentlyand arenot directly attached to the midplane bracket. Removing them isnot a required stepfor midplane bracket removal.

D (SATA cable)→ SATA cables arefor legacy storage systemsanddo not need to be disconnectedunless working on SATA-specific backplanes.

Official Documentation Reference:

SupermicroService ManualforAS-8125GS-TNMR2explicitly states thatMCIO cables and ribbon cables must be removed before handling the midplane bracketto preventsystem damage.

Removing the motherboardrequires careful handlingto preventbending pins, PCB damage, or static discharge.

Correct Removal Process:

First, remove all 12 screws securing the motherboard.

Avoid touching any exposed pins or contacts.

Carefully slide the motherboard slightly out of the rear of the tray.

Support it with one hand underneath to prevent bending.

Continue sliding it out without tilting it.

Why other options are incorrect?

A (Touch pins & shove motherboard)→ Touching pins cancause electrostatic damageandforcing it out can damage components.

B (Hold like a pizza)→ Usingone handdoes not provide enough support, increasing the risk ofbending or dropping the motherboard.

C (Tilt chassis & shake it out)→ This is acompletely impropermethod and canseriously damageconnectors and PCB components.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro MI300X System Removal Guideadvises toslide the motherboard out carefully while supporting it underneath.

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.

Thecorrect and safemethod to remove the backplane from the motherboard tray is to useboth hands, gently tilting thetop of the backplanetowards yourself while carefullylifting it up and outof the motherboard tray.

This ensures that:

No undue forceis applied to the connectors or PCB.

No components or cablesare unintentionally damaged.

Proper handling of static-sensitive componentsis maintained.

Removing the backplane improperly can result in:

Connector damageto the motherboard or backplane.

PCB warping, which could lead to future malfunctions.

Potential data center downtimedue to component failure.

According toSupermicro's official documentation, this method aligns withindustry best practicesandrecommended service proceduresforSupermicro MI300X GPU systems.

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.

TheAOM (Add-On Module) bracketis used to mount optional components like:

RAID controllers

Additional networking interfaces

BMC/IPMI modules

In theexample system shown in the video, theright AOM bracket does not contain an AOM card. This is because:

Supermicro’s default system configurations do not always ship with optional AOM cards.

Theleft AOM bracketusually housesoptional RAID or networking expansions, but theright bracket remains unoccupiedunless a specific expansion module is installed.

Official Documentation Reference:

SupermicroHardware Deployment Guideconfirms that theright AOM bracket is optionalandnot pre-installedin base configurations.