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

InSupermicro MI300X GPU systems, theNVMe backplane is located behind the motherboard tray, meaning the tray must be removed first.

Why is this step necessary?

The NVMe backplane is physically secured behind the motherboard trayto support high-speed PCIe connectivity.

Removing the motherboard tray provides clear accessto NVMe connectors and MCIO cables.

Skipping this step may cause unnecessary strain on cables, leading to potential connector damage.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro Service Guide for NVMe Systemsconfirms that themotherboard tray must be removed firstbefore working on the NVMe backplane.

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.

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.

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.

Themidplane lid removal processis designed to betool-freeand follows aspecific sequence to avoid damage.

Thecorrect methodis:

Push in on the two handleslocated near thePCIe tray.

Slowly lift the midplane lid up, ensuring it does not catch on other components.

Remove the lid at an angleto avoid damaging adjacent connectors.

Why this method is used?

Theangled removalhelpsavoid contact with fragile connectorson the midplane.

Forcing the lid straight upcould damage PCIe slots or motherboard connectors.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Disassembly Manualdetails thecorrect method for removing the midplane lid.

When servicing theSupermicro MI300X GPU system, there are3 screwssecuring thebracket at the bottom of the motherboard trayin front of the backplane.

Purpose of these screws:

They secure the backplane’s structural integrityto prevent vibration-related failures.

Loosening them allows the removal or replacement of backplane componentssafely.

They prevent accidental disconnectionscaused by handling or system movement.

Why other options are incorrect?

A (13 screws)→ This number istoo highfor just the bottom bracket.

B (21 screws) & C (30 screws)→ These numbersapply to entire system disassembly, not just the bottom bracket.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Disassembly Guidespecifies thatonly 3 screwsneed to be loosened to access thebottom bracket securing the backplane.

Theflap door mechanismis a protective feature inSupermicro MI300X systemsdesigned tosecure ribbon cable connections.

How to open it correctly?

Press down on the top of the flap door→ This disengages the locking mechanism.

The flap door will "pop open" safelywithout damaging the ribbon cable.

Forcing the flap without pressing down properly may break the connector.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Maintenance Manualprovidesspecific instructionsonpressing down the flap door before opening it.

Why Must the Motherboard Tray Be Removed First?

TheNVMe backplane in Supermicro MI300X systemsis installedbehind the motherboard tray. This means themotherboard tray acts as a barrier, andit must be removed before gaining access to the NVMe backplane.

Step-by-Step Removal Process:

Power Down and Disconnect Power Supply Units (PSUs)

Turn off the system anddisconnect all power cablesto avoid electrical damage.

Remove PCIe Expansion Cards(if applicable)

Some systems have PCIe devicesmounted over the NVMe backplane, which must be removed first.

Disengage the Motherboard Tray

The motherboard tray must be unscrewed and carefully lifted outbefore accessing the NVMe backplane.

Now, Remove the NVMe Backplane

Once the motherboard tray is out, theNVMe backplane is fully exposed, allowing it to be removed.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A (GPU Tray)→ The GPU tray isnot blocking direct accessto the NVMe backplane.

C (Power Supply Unit)→ The PSU isnot directly obstructingthe NVMe backplane, although it should be powered down.

D (PCIe Expansion Cards)→ These may need to be removedif installed over the NVMe backplane, but themotherboard tray is the primary component that blocks direct access.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Installation Guideexplicitly states thatthe motherboard tray must be removed before handling the NVMe backplane.

ForSupermicro MI300X GPU systems,removing the power supply unit (PSU) improperlycan lead to serious issues.

Why the red lock exists?

Thered locking mechanismensures that thePSU is properly securedin the system.

Before disengaging the PSU, thered lock must first be unlockedto avoid damage.

If you forcefully shift the release lever without unlocking the red lock:

B: The power supply unit will fail→ If the PSU is removed improperly, it can causeinternal damageto power connectors, resulting in PSUfailure or improper functioning.

C: You could permanently damage the lock on the power supply unit→ Thelocking mechanismis designed for smooth disengagement. Forcefully shifting the lever canbreak or warpthe lock, making itimpossible to secure the PSU back in place.

Incorrect Answers Explained:

A (All answers are correct)→ This is incorrect becausenot all answers are valid.

D (The PSU can no longer be secured into the tray)→ This happensonly if the lock is damaged, which is covered underoption C.

Supermicro’s official documentation clearly statesthatunlocking the red lock firstis a critical step before removing or replacing the PSU.

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.

Importance of Mapping Cables Before Disconnection

TheNVMe backplaneinSupermicro MI300X systemsuseshigh-speed PCIe lanesandpower distribution linesthat must beproperly mapped before disconnection.

Why Should Cables Be Mapped?

Prevents misconnection during reassembly

The system usesmultiple identical-looking cables(MCIO, NVMe, and power cables).

Misplacing a cable in the wrong portcan causeboot failures, drive detection issues, and system instability.

Reduces downtime for troubleshooting

Without a mapped diagram or a picture, technicians may spendhours debugging misconnected cables, leading todelays in system restoration.

Ensures proper airflow and cable management

Incorrectly routed cablescanblock airflow, leading tooverheating and thermal throttling of GPUs or storage devices.

Correct Process for Cable Mapping

Take high-resolution picturesbefore disconnecting cables.

Label each cable and its corresponding portusing numbered stickers or colored tags.

Create a simple mapping diagramshowing which cable connects to which port.

Double-check the mapping before removal.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B (Disconnect the power supply first)→ While powering down is important,mapping cables is the primary precaution before disconnection.

C (Randomly disconnect cables)→ Leads to confusion and potential system failures due to incorrect reconnections.

D (Shake the system to loosen cables)→NEVER shake a server, as this can damage internal components and misalign connectors.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro NVMe Installation Guidestates thatproper cable mapping is required before NVMe backplane disconnectionto avoid misplacement.

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.