Free Practice Questions for Supermicro SMI300XS Exam

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.

Thepower cableis the only cable that isnot a data cablewhen connecting an AOM card to the motherboard.

Cable Functionality Breakdown:

A (Power Cable) → NOT a data cable

Supplies electrical powerto the AOM card.

Doesnot transmit databetween components.

B (MCIO Cables) → Data cables

These cablestransmit high-speed NVMe data.

C (JNCIS1) → Data cable

This interface is used formanagement and communication.

D (SAS Cable) → Data cable

Used fordata storage connections.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AOM Expansion Module Guidestates that thepower cable is the only non-data cablein AOM installations.

Why Must All Cables Be Moved Out of the Way?

Themidplane bracket in Supermicro MI300X GPU systemshousesmultiple power and data connections. If cables are not movedout of the way before lowering the bracket, the following issues can occur:

Cable Pinching or Crushing

If cables are trapped beneath the midplane,their insulation can get damaged, leading to potentialshort circuits or power failures.

Improper Connector Alignment

Misplaced cablesmay obstruct connector seating, preventingMCIO, PCIe, or NVMe connections from fully engaging.

Potential Performance Issues

If data cables are twisted or bent sharply,signal integrity issuesmay arise, causingintermittent connectivity failures.

Step-by-Step Safe Midplane Installation:

✅Step 1:Identify all power and data cables before lowering the midplane bracket.✅Step 2:Move all cables out of the way and neatly route them along their designated pathways.✅Step 3:Slowly lower the midplane bracket into position, ensuring cables remain free from obstruction.✅Step 4:Check that all connectors are accessible and that no cables are trapped under the bracket.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A (Only move the ribbon cable)→ Other cables may still be in the way, risking damage.

B (Only move the power cable)→ Power cables are important, butdata cables must also be repositioned.

C (Only move the I2C cable)→ The I2C cable alone is not enough;all cables need clearance.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Service Manualspecifies thatall cables must be moved before lowering the midplane bracket to avoid obstruction and damage.

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.

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.

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.

NVMe Backplane Connection Requirements in Supermicro MI300X Systems

Afterinstalling the NVMe backplane, the following cablesmust be reconnectedfor proper system functionality:

i2C Cable(Inter-Integrated Circuit Cable)

Responsible fordata communication, sensor monitoring, and system management functions.

Ensures thatstorage devices are properly detectedby the motherboard.

SAS Cable(Serial Attached SCSI)

Used forhigh-speed storage connectivityin hybrid NVMe/SAS systems.

Ensuresdata integrity and fast data transfers between SSDs and the system controller.

Power Cable

Supplies power to the NVMe backplaneandconnected drives.

Without this,NVMe drives will not receive power and will not be detected by the system.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B (Only the SAS Cable)→ While the SAS cable is important,the power cable and i2C cable are also required.

C (Only the i2C Cable)→ The i2C cable isnot sufficient by itself; the NVMe backplaneneeds both power and data connections.

D (Only the Power Cable)→ Power is needed, butdata connectivity through SAS and i2C is essential for full functionality.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro NVMe Storage System Guideconfirms thati2C, SAS, and power cables must all be reconnected after NVMe backplane installation.

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.

Themidplane in Supermicro MI300X GPU systemsis responsible for interconnecting several system components. The twoprimary cablesthat must be removed before handling themidplaneare:

I2C Cable (Inter-Integrated Circuit Cable)

This cable is used forsensor data, system monitoring, and thermal control.

If not disconnected, it couldsnap or cause sensor miscommunicationbetween the motherboard and the backplane.

Power Cable

This cablesupplies powerto the midplane andmust be disconnected before removalto avoid electrical damage.

Removing the midplanewhile power cables are still attachedcould short-circuit the system.

Why is this step necessary?

Supermicro's official documentation states that both the I2C and power cables must be disconnected before handling the midplane.

Failure to remove these cables properly can cause permanent damage to connectors and the system board.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro AS-8125GS-TNMR2 Maintenance Manualconfirms thatdisconnecting the I2C and power cables is mandatory before midplane removal.