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Axelera Server 150p: Installation Guide

This guide gives step-by-step instructions for safely installing the Axelera Server 150p AI Accelerator Card into a host — a single card in a desktop or workstation, and multiple cards in a server.

Handle with care

Improper handling, installation, or use may result in equipment damage, performance degradation, or a voided warranty. Follow these instructions carefully.

1. Safety information​

General handling​

  • Handle the card with care to avoid 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 Gen 3.0 x16 slot.
  • Have an 8-pin PCIe auxiliary power cable from your power supply to hand.
Auxiliary power is required

The Axelera Server 150p card requires auxiliary power. It will not function from slot power alone.

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. Switch off the power to the host.
  2. Align the card with a PCIe Gen 3.0 x16 slot and insert it.
  3. Secure the card with the bracket screws.
  4. Connect the PCIe auxiliary power cable to the 2 x 4 connector on the card.

Step 2: Verify cooling and airflow​

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

Step 3: Connect the power cable​

There is an 8-pin power socket on the card edge (the PCIe end) and on your PSU. The connector clips in with a soft click — press firmly until you hear it.

PCIe-to-PSU power cable connection for the Axelera Server 150p card

Step 4: Install multiple cards in a server​

  1. Power off the server and disconnect the AC power cables. Wait 30 seconds for the capacitors to discharge.
  2. Ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap attached to the chassis before handling Axelera cards.
  3. Remove the chassis cover, following the server's own manual.
  4. Remove the PCIe slot blank covers at the target positions.
  5. Seat each Axelera Server 150p card firmly and secure the retention bracket with the supplied screw.
  6. Verify all cards are fully seated — partial seating is the most common reason cards do not appear at POST.
  7. Connect the 2 x 4-pin PCIe power cable to each Axelera card. Power cables may be supplied by the server manufacturer as separate accessory parts; use the adapter if needed to connect to the server's power supply.
  8. Replace the chassis cover, reconnect AC power, and power on.
Balanced PCIe architecture

For balanced performance, distribute multiple Axelera cards evenly across CPU sockets and PCIe root ports.

Server interior — power supplies, PCIe bays, dual Intel Xeon 6900 processors, 24 DDR5 DIMMs

Example: SuperServer SYS-322GA-NR​

The example below shows multiple Axelera Server 150p cards installed in a SuperServer SYS-322GA-NR.

Multiple Axelera Server 150p cards installed in a SuperServer SYS-322GA-NR

For this server, an adapter (part number CBL-PWEX-1362-45) is required to convert the 16-pin 12VHPWR cable to the 2 x 4-pin cable compatible with the Axelera Server 150p card.

The SYS-322GA-NR's PCIe slots are divided between CPU 1 and CPU 2. Check the user manual or chassis slot labelling to identify which physical slots are tied to which CPU root complex, and distribute the cards evenly.

Step 5: Install the Voyager SDK​

The Voyager SDK is required for AI acceleration, model configuration, and optimisation. See Install Voyager SDK.

3. Post-installation checklist​

  • Card is firmly installed in the PCIe slot and secured with the bracket screws.
  • Auxiliary power cable is connected to the 2 x 4 connector.
  • Fan is running and airflow is unobstructed.
  • System detects the card (lspci | grep Axelera).
  • Voyager SDK is installed and ready for AI inference.