SDLCSA Supermicro Direct Liquid Cooling Service Associate (SDLCSA) Exam Questions and Answers

In Supermicro’s SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, the motherboard tray isbelow the PCIe tray, consistent with high-end server designs (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). The motherboard tray houses CPUs and core components, while the PCIe tray (often with GPUs) sits above, connected via risers or direct slots. Options C and D reference a “GPU tray,” likely a misnomer for the PCIe tray, but B remains accurate. Supermicro’s DLC systems stack trays vertically for cooling efficiency, confirming B as correct.References:Supermicro chassis layout specs, DLC system tray configurations.

In Supermicro’s high-end servers like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, PSUs are typically located at the back of the chassis for accessibility and cooling efficiency, a design consistent with DLC rack-scale solutions (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). The mention of a “dummy PSU tray” suggests a placeholder or empty slot, common in modular designs to maintain airflow or allow future expansion. This layout is standard in Supermicro’s DLC systems, where PSUs power both compute and cooling components (e.g., pumps, CDUs). No contradicting evidence exists, and True (A) aligns with Supermicro’s chassis architecture, making it the correct answer.

References: Supermicro chassis design specs, DLC system PSU placement.

The side bracket in the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC likely houses networking or management add-ons. TheAOM-PCIe card(e.g., AOM-GP401-PCIE module) andAOC NIC card(networkinterface card) are common components in Supermicro’s DLC systems, enhancing connectivity (e.g., high-speed NICs for AI workloads). A (GPU/PCIe) mixes unrelated categories, C pairs an AOM with a GPU (less likely), and D (AOC/PCIe) lacks specificity. B aligns with Supermicro’s DLC networking focus, making it correct.References:Supermicro add-on card specs, DLC system networking components.

In Supermicro’s high-end systems like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, the PCIe tray, often loaded with multiple GPUs (e.g., 8 NVIDIA HGX GPUs in DLC setups), is heavy and complex. Supermicro’s safety guidelines (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR Manual) recommend two people for removing such trays due to weight (over 50 lbs with GPUs) and the need to avoid damaging liquid cooling lines or connectors. In DLC systems, the tray integrates with coolant manifolds, adding to its bulk. Thus, True (A) aligns with Supermicro’s expertise in ensuring safe handling of DLC components.References:Supermicro safety instructions, DLC rack-scale system specs.

In Supermicro systems like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, M.2 drives are typically mounted on the motherboard for fast storage in high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads, often cooled indirectly by DLC systems. To access the M.2 drive, you must:

Remove the motherboard tray from the chassis: This exposes the motherboard where M.2 slots reside.

Remove the air shroud from the motherboard tray: The shroud covers components for airflow or hybrid cooling, and its removal provides access to the M.2 slot.

Option D aligns with Supermicro’s design, as seen in manuals (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR), where M.2 drives are motherboard-mounted. A is incorrect since M.2 drives are serviceable; B (GPU tray) and C (fan housing) don’t house M.2 drives in this context. Supermicro’s DLC solutions prioritize motherboard accessibility, making D the correct procedure.

References: Supermicro motherboard tray manuals, DLC system component layouts.

The air shroud on the PCIe tray in Supermicro systems like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC is positioned to optimize airflow or assist liquid cooling efficiency in hybrid setups. Per Supermicro’s design (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR), the shroud is located on the top/center of the PCIe tray, covering the cards to direct cooling effectively across components. This central placement ensures even distribution, critical in DLC systems where air may still cool non-liquid-cooled parts. Options B and D (right/left) are less practical for uniform coverage, and A (bottom) contradicts standard shroud placement above components. Supermicro’s DLC expertise integrates air shrouds strategically, making C the verified location.References:Supermicro PCIe tray diagrams, DLC solution design principles.

An AOC (Add-On Card) in Supermicro systems, such as a NIC or GPU card, is secured to its bracket with1 screwon the metal bar at the top, a standard PCIe card mounting practice (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR manuals). This single screw ensures stability while allowing easy removal, consistent with Supermicro’s DLC system serviceability. 4 (A), 2 (B), or 3 (D) screws would be excessive for a single card bracket. Supermicro’s modular design in DLC solutions supports C as the verified number.References:Supermicro AOC card installation guides, DLC system component specs.

In Supermicro systems, the BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) card is secured with asingle, shorter screwto its bracket, while the BMC cable uses2 longer screwsfor robust attachment to the PCIe tray, per standard designs (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). This difference accommodates component size and mounting depth in DLC setups. True (A) reflects Supermicro’s hardware specificity, making it the correct answer over B.References:Supermicro BMC installation guides, DLC system component specs.

Replacing a PSU in Supermicro’s SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC follows a detailed, safety-focused process:

Lift the red lock to unlock the release lever: Red is a common Supermicro color for PSU locks.

Lift the release lever and use it to pull out the failed PSU: Standard hot-swap mechanism.

Replace the failed PSU with a new one: Swap the unit.

Ensure the gold connector pins are on the top: Correct orientation for connection.

Push the new PSU into the tray: Slide it in fully.

Push the release lever down and in until it clicks: Locks the PSU.

Ensure the red lock is locked: Confirms security.

Option B covers all steps comprehensively, aligning with Supermicro’s DLC system PSU replacement (e.g., SYS-420 manuals). A is incomplete, C reverses steps, and D skips locking, making B correct.

References: Supermicro PSU replacement guides, DLC system power protocols.