Aegis-GPU1.9 Installing physical GPUs
Safe handling, which parts are customer-replaceable and what to check before driver install.
Key points
ESD (electrostatic discharge) is a static shock that can kill electronic parts. An ESD strap grounds you. Labels let you put every cable back where it was. NVIDIA also warns not to hold the tray by its ejection handles.
What NVIDIA says (3)
“Wear an ESD strap during any procedure that involves touching electronic components.”
“To avoid misconfigurations, label all the cables before unplugging them.”
“Do not hold the motherboard tray by the ejection handles.”
A CRU (customer-replaceable unit) is a part you may replace yourself. The DGX H100 list includes PSUs, fans, drives, DIMMs and some NICs. It does not include GPUs. For parts not covered, NVIDIA says to contact Enterprise Support.
What NVIDIA says (2)
“You can obtain the following components for replacement in your data center.”
“Contact NVIDIA Enterprise Support for replacement instructions and guidance for specific components if those instructions are not included in this document.”
The NVIDIA driver builds kernel modules against the running kernel. NVIDIA's pre-installation actions are: check the distribution, install matching kernel headers, and pick a driver version.
What NVIDIA says (2)
“Verify the system is running a supported version of Linux.”
“Verify the system has the correct kernel headers and development packages installed.”
Key terms
- Customer-replaceable unit: A component the customer may replace on site with an NVIDIA-supplied part.
- Electrostatic discharge: A static spark that can damage electronics; an ESD strap grounds you while you touch components.
Sample question
You must open a DGX H100 motherboard tray to add DIMMs. Which precautions does NVIDIA's service manual require?
Show the answer
Answer: Shut down, wear an ESD strap, and label every cable before unplugging it.
ESD (electrostatic discharge) is a static shock that can kill electronic parts. An ESD strap grounds you. Labels let you put every cable back where it was. NVIDIA also warns not to hold the tray by its ejection handles.
What NVIDIA says (3)
“Wear an ESD strap during any procedure that involves touching electronic components.”
“To avoid misconfigurations, label all the cables before unplugging them.”
“Do not hold the motherboard tray by the ejection handles.”
Practice 1.9 (3 questions) Full System and Server Bring-up guide
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