SMI300XS Supermicro MI300X GPU Service Specialist (SMI300XS) Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To remove theheatsink from the motherboard tray,a T30 Torx bit is required. This tool ensuresproper torque applicationandprevents damageto both the heatsink and the motherboard.

Why a T30 Torx bit is necessary?

Supermicro MI300X GPU systems use precision heatsink retention mechanisms.

Theheatsink screws are secured with factory torque settingsand require aT30 Torx bitfor safe removal.

Using an incorrect tool (Phillips screwdriver, T20, or T40) can strip the screw heads, making it difficult to remove the heatsink without causing damage.

Incorrect Answers Explained:

A (PH2 Phillips screwdriver)→ Not strong enough for heatsink screws, which requirehigh torquefor proper seating.

C (T20 Torx bit)→ Toosmall, risksstrippingthe screws.

D (T40 Torx bit)→ Toolarge, does not fit the heatsink screws.

Official Documentation Reference:

Supermicro MI300X Service Manualspecifies that aT30 Torx bitmust be used to remove the heatsinkwithout damaging the motherboard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.