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Metis PCIe AI Accelerator: Installation Guide

This guide gives step-by-step instructions for safely installing the Axelera Metis PCIe AI Accelerator. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper installation, system compatibility, and safe operation.

1. Safety information​

General handling​

  • Handle the card with care to prevent physical damage.
  • Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
  • Disconnect the power source before handling, installing, or maintaining the card.

Installation precautions​

  • Use a PCIe-compliant slot (Gen. 3.0 x4 or higher).
  • Verify power requirements: your system should provide a minimum of 25 W (75 W recommended) through the PCIe slot.
  • Operate within the specified ambient temperature range (-20 °C to 70 °C).

Operational considerations​

  • Ensure proper airflow: do not block the fan or heatsink during operation.
  • Monitor system temperatures regularly to prevent overheating.

2. Installation​

Step 1: Install the PCIe card​

  1. Power down your system and disconnect it from the power source.
  2. Locate an available PCIe Gen. 3.0 x4 (or higher) slot.
  3. Align the card carefully and insert it firmly into the slot.
  4. Secure the card with the bracket screws to prevent movement.

Step 2: Verify cooling and airflow​

  • Ensure the fan is securely attached and unobstructed.
  • Check that the system chassis has adequate airflow to dissipate heat effectively.

Step 3: Confirm power availability​

Check the power rating of your PCIe slot to ensure compatibility. Verify your system's PCIe power delivery with this command:

sudo lspci -vvv | grep -i "LnkSta" -A 10

Look for "MaxPower" in the output to confirm the available power. If your system does not meet the recommended 75 W, check your motherboard or power supply specifications.

Step 4: Install the Voyager SDK​

To enable AI acceleration and configure models, install the Voyager SDK. See Install Voyager SDK.

3. Post-installation checklist​

  • Card is firmly installed in the PCIe slot.
  • Brackets are secured to prevent movement.
  • Fan is running and airflow is unobstructed.
  • System detects the card (lspci | grep Axelera).
  • Voyager SDK is installed for software setup.