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

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.

Removing a DIMM (memory module) in Supermicro systems like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC requires only ESD gloves for safety;no additional toolsare needed. DIMMs are released by pushing down on slot latches and lifting out by hand, per Supermicro manuals (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). A (pliers) risks damage, B (torque bit) and D (screwdriver) are for screws, not DIMMs. Supermicro’s DLC systems maintain standard DIMM serviceability, making C correct.References:Supermicro DIMM replacement guides, DLC system maintenance standards.

In Supermicro servers like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, the motherboard tray is a critical component, often heavy with CPUs and DLC cold plates. A safety latch is the standard feature to prevent rapid removal and accidental drops, as seen in manuals (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). Latches on both sides must be released deliberately, ensuring controlled extraction. A cable (A) might tether but not prevent speed, a switch (B) controls electronics, and a pin (D) is less common for trays. Supermicro’s DLC systems prioritize safe handling, making C the correct safety mechanism.

References: Supermicro motherboard tray removal guides, DLC system safety features.

The fan board in Supermicro systems, including the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC with DLC, manages cooling (even in hybrid air/liquid setups). The removal process, per Supermicro’s service manuals, involves:

Disconnect the power supply from all the fans: This ensures safety and prevents damage, a critical step in DLC systems where fans may supplement liquid cooling.

Pull up on the blue levers on each side of the fan board to unlock it: Blue levers are a common Supermicro design feature for releasing components securely.

Pull the fan board straight up and out of the tray: Once unlocked, the board is lifted free.Option B includes all necessary steps. A skips disconnection and unlocking, C omits the levers, and D misses power disconnection, risking damage. Supermicro’s DLC solutionsemphasize safe maintenance, supporting B as the correct procedure.References:Supermicro motherboard tray service guides, DLC system maintenance protocols.

The AOM (Add-On Module) cage in the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC is secured with2 screws on the top and 2 on the side, a balanced approach in Supermicro’s modular designs (e.g., SYS-420GP-TNAR). This ensures stability and accessibility in DLC systems. A and B skew placement, while C (all top) ignores side support. D matches Supermicro’s chassis engineering, making it correct.References:Supermicro AOM cage specs, DLC system structural design.

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.

Supermicro’s DLC solutions highlight:

A: Liquid removes heat more effectively than air, a core advantage (e.g., 40% OPEX reduction).

B: Closer liquid molecules enhance heat transfer, a physical principle in DLC.

D: Liquid is ~25 times better at heat transfer than air, per Supermicro’s technical claims.C (cheaper) is false—DLC has higher initial costs but saves long-term. A, B, D are the verified benefits.References:Supermicro DLC whitepapers, heat transfer 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.

Fans in Supermicro systems, including those with DLC like the SYS-421GE-TNHR2-LCC, are powered by a power cable connecting to the fan board or motherboard. Before removing a fan from its housing, the power cable must be disconnected first to ensure safety and prevent electrical damage, a standard step in Supermicro’s service protocols. PCIe cables (A) connect expansion cards, I2C cables (C) handle communication (not fan power), and SATA cables (D) link storage drives—none are relevant to fan removal. In DLC systems, where fans may supplement liquid cooling, power disconnection remains critical, making B the verified answer.

References: Supermicro fan replacement guides, DLC hybrid cooling safety standards.