Supermicro SMI300XS Supermicro MI300X GPU Service Specialist (SMI300XS) Exam Exam Practice Test

Understanding the Midplane in Supermicro MI300X Systems

Themidplane in the Supermicro MI300X GPU systemacts as acentral connection hubthat links various system components, such as:

NVMe storage backplanes

PCIe interconnects

Power distribution pathways

Motherboard to GPU communication lanes

Because of itsdelicate nature and multiple connectors,it must be removed carefullyto avoiddamaging fragile electrical contacts.

Correct Midplane Removal Process

Tosafely remove the midplane, follow theseSupermicro-recommendedsteps:

Ensure all power is fully disconnected

Shut down the systemproperly.

Remove all power cablesanddisconnect all PSUs.

Ground yourself using an anti-static wrist strapto preventelectrostatic discharge (ESD)damage to sensitive components.

Detach all necessary trays and cables

Disengage the PCIe tray, motherboard tray, and GPU trayto ensure clear access.

Disconnect all MCIO cables, power cables, and ribbon cablesto prevent accidental pulling or tearing.

Use both hands for removal

Place both hands firmly on the midplane bracket.

Lift the midplane bracket straight upto ensure a smooth removal process.

Avoid angling or twisting the midplaneas this candamage its connector pins.

Ensure no resistance is felt

If the midplanedoes not lift easily,double-check for any remaining screws or connected cablesbefore applying force.

Why Using Both Hands is Crucial?

Prevents bending or flexing

The midplane is alarge PCB with multiple connection points.Using both hands ensures even lifting pressure, preventing PCB bending.

Avoids strain on connectors

If removed at an angle, it canstress delicate connectors, leading to permanent damage.

Ensures a firm grip

Some components inside the systemcan be heavy. Using both handsensures stability and reduces risk of dropping.

Why Other Answers Are Incorrect?

If False were correct, it would suggest improper handling techniques that can damage the system.

Supermicro documentation clearly states that the midplane must be removed using both hands and in an upright motion.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Disassembly Guideinstructs technicians to useboth hands and lift straight upto prevent damage.

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.

Why Does the Support Bar Have 6 Screws?

Thesupport bar at the rear of the motherboard trayis designed to:

Provide additional structural stability

Prevent vibration-related failures

Ensure proper alignment of PCIe slots and backplane connectors

It is secured using6 screws, arranged as:

3 screws on the left side

3 screws on the right side

Correct Removal Procedure:

✅Step 1:Identify thesix screws securing the support bar.✅Step 2:Loosen themevenly from both sidesto prevent stress on the chassis.✅Step 3:Carefully remove the support bar without twisting it.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B (24 screws)→ Excessively high number; no component in this section has 24 screws.

C (12 screws)→ Incorrect count; only6 screwsare present.

D (6 screws but uneven distribution)→ There are3 screws per side, not 1 on one side and 5 on the other.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Disassembly Guideconfirmsthe support bar is secured with 6 screws (3 on each side).

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.

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.

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.

Why Are the Screws Equidistant?

Thebackplane in Supermicro MI300X systemsis alarge PCB (printed circuit board) that connects NVMe SSDs and PCIe devices to the motherboard.

It is secured byfour screws placed equidistantlyto:

Distribute mechanical stress evenly

Ensure stability against vibrations

Prevent warping or misalignment of connectors

Proper Removal of the Backplane Screws:

✅Step 1:Identify and locate the4 securing screws on the backplane.✅Step 2:Loosen them in across-pattern(diagonal pairs) to prevent stress buildup.✅Step 3:Carefully lift the backplanestraight upto avoid bending connector pins.

Why This Layout Is Important?

????Equidistant screw spacing ensures even pressure distribution, preventing PCB flexing or cracking.????Improper screw removal (one side first) can cause misalignment or undue stress on connectors.

Why False Is Incorrect?

IfFalse were correct, it would imply that screws are placedrandomly or unevenly, which isnot the case in Supermicro MI300X systems.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Installation Manualconfirms thatthe backplane is secured with 4 evenly spaced screws for structural integrity.

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.

TheAOM (Add-On Module) cardis a crucial expansion module used inSupermicro MI300X GPU systemsfor enhanced connectivity (e.g., RAID controllers, additional network interfaces, or IPMI management).

What happens if AOM cables are misplaced?

The AOM card may not function

The system depends onspecific cabling configurationsto communicate with the AOM module.

Incorrect connections can causehardware failures, incorrect detection, or data transmission errors.

PCIe lane allocation may be disrupted

Many AOM cards usePCIe lanesfor data transmission.Misplacing cables can disable or limit their bandwidth, leading to performance degradation.

BIOS may not detect the AOM card

Some AOM cards requirefirmware initialization, which only happens if the correct ports are used.

Incorrect Answers Explained:

A (System will self-destruct)→ The systemwill not explode, butit may fail to boot properly.

B (Customer will be happy)→ Misconfigured AOM cards typically lead tosystem errors and dissatisfied customers.

D (System will function normally)→ If cables are misplaced,the system will not function properly.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro MI300X GPU System Hardware Guidestates thatAOM cables must be reconnected in their proper ports for the system to function correctly.

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.

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.

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.