
NVIDIA Tesla
1U GPU Computing System
TESL A 1U GPU COMPUTING SYSTEM INSTALLATION GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
About This Guide 1
Minimum System Requirements 2
Unpacking 3
Equipment 3
Hardware Installation 5
Safety Instructions 5
Before You Begin 5
Optional Low Profile Bracket 6
Tesla 1U GPU Computing System Installation 7
Mounting the Tesla System in a Rack 7
Connecting to the Host System 10
Software Installation 13
Driver Installation 13
CUDA Toolkit 16
CUDA Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) 16
Verifying Installation if Running X Server 17
Verifying Linux Installation if Not Running X Server 18
References and Resources 21
Getting Driver Updates 21
Registration, Warranty, and Support 22
Registering Your Tesla 1U GPU Computing System 22
Warranty and Support 22

Compliance and Certifications 23
Important Safety Information 30
Precautions for Installing System Unit in Racks 37
Stability 37
Manual Material Handling 38
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The NVIDIA® Tesla™ 1U GPU Computing System
simplifies adding GPU computing to rackmount installations. With Tesla, you can tackle
massive problems with the unprecedented
performance of the many-core architecture
and the C programming enabled by a suite of
developer tools. Tesla enables you to solve
problems faster.
Note: It is important to register your Tesla 1U GPU
Computing System in order to receive NVIDIA Customer
Care online and phone support. To register, please visit:
www.nvidia.com/register.
About This Guide
This installation guide provides instructions to connect the Tesla 1U
GPU Computing System to an NVIDIA-tested host system in a
rack-mount environment. For a list of NVIDIA-tested host systems,
of for information on using the system with applications, refer to the
NVIDIA web site at www.nvidia.com/tesla.

INTRODUCTION
Minimum System Requirements
Prior to unpacking your new NVIDIA Tesla system, confirm
that your host system meets all the system requirements for a
smooth installation.
> System and Platform
z
NVIDIA-tested system or platform
> Operating System
z
Linux 32-bit or 64-bit (Red Hat Enterprise
z
Linux 3, 4, and 5; SUSE 10.3)
> Processor
z
Intel Pentium 4 or Xeon processor or higher
z
AMD Opteron processor or higher
> RAM
z
2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended
> System Interface
z
PCI Express x16 slot
z
PCI Express x8 slot if you are using the optional
x8 interface card

UNPACKING
UNPACKING
Equipment
Check that you have all of the items you need for installing your Tesla
system. Depending on which Tesla product you purchased and from
whom you purchased it, some accessories may have been ordered
and shipped separately. You should have:
One (1) Tesla 1U GPU
Computing System chassis
The 1U chassis includes four (4) Fermi GPUs.
Two (2) NVIDIA Interface Cards
Installs into the PCI Express x16 slot in the host system.
The card comes with the standard ATX-height bracket
attached. A lowprofile bracket is also provided and can
replace the standard bracket on the card. Your solution
provider may have already configured your cards,
brackets and cables to your specific installation needs.
Two (2) Low-Profile Brackets
Used to replace the standard ATX (long) bracket
shipped attached to the interface card. Your solution
provider may have already configured your cards,
brackets, and cables to your specific installation needs.

UNPACKING
Two (2) Interconnect Cables
Connects from the interface card in the host system to
the Tesla 1U GPU Computing System.
Power Cords
Used to supply power to the Tesla 1U GPU Computing
System. The host system controls the power. Your
solution provider may have already configured your
cards, brackets, and cables to your specific
installation needs.
One (1) Rail Kit
Each rail kit includes two (2) rails for use with a
standard 4-post 19 inch, EIA compliant rack.
WELCOME
Registration Card
Register to gain priority access to NVIDIA’s
Customer Care.
Installation CD
Contains this file (Installation Guide) and all the
necessary drivers to enable the Tesla system. To keep
your drivers current, visit http://developer.nvidia.com/
object/cuda.html and download the latest drivers.
Quick Start Guide
Provides the basic procedures necessary to install and
bring up the Tesla 1U GPU Computing System.

HARDWARE INSTALLATIONS
HARDWARE INSTALL ATIONS
Installing the NVIDIA Tesla 1U GPU Computing
System hardware involves opening up your
computer. Follow all of the safety instructions
provided here to ensure that there is no damage
to you, your host system, or the Tesla unit.
Note: All hardware must be installed prior to installation of
the drivers.
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury always follow
basic safety precautions. Remember to remove power from your host
system by disconnecting the AC main source before installing any
equipment into the host system chassis. For more information
regarding important safety instructions, refer to the Important Safety
Information section. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord.
Do not place this product where a person can step or trip on the
power cord.
Before You Begin
The Tesla system must be connected to a host system. The host
system accessing the Tesla system must have one or more open PCIe
slots. Any NVIDIA graphics drivers on your host system should be
uninstalled prior to installing the hardware and software associated
with the Tesla system.

HARDWARE INSTALL ATIONS
Optional Low-Profile Bracket
Before beginning the installation, determine if you are going to need
the Tesla interface card with the standard (full-height ATX) bracket or
the shorter low-profile bracket. If you require the lowprofile bracket,
use the following instructions to replace the standard bracket.
Replacing the bracket requires a Philips #2 screwdriver.
1. Remove the two (2) screws holding the bracket to the card.
2. Re-use those screws to attach the new bracket.

HARDWARE INSTALL ATIONS
Tesla 1U GPU Computing System Installation
Mounting the Tesla System in a Rack
Plan your rack configuration to ensure you have the proper cables to
reach from the Tesla system to your host system. The Tesla system
ships with 0.5-meter cables by default. An optional 2-meter cable is
available.
The Tesla system also ships with rails to fit a 4-post 19-inch EIA rack
as the default configuration.
If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating
ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than
room ambient temperature. Therefore, consideration should be given
to installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the
manufacturer’s maximum rated ambient temperature (Tmra). The
maximum operating ambient temperature is 35 ºC.
1 Remove one of the rails from the packing box.
2 Remove the mounting screws attached to either end of the rail.
Set aside as you will need these to secure the rail to the rack at the
end of the steps. Remove any existing graphics card (if there is one).
Save hardware (such as screws and brackets) to use when installing
the NVIDIA graphics card.
Figure 1. Detail of rail for rack mounting
3 Choose either the front or the rear of the rack to start your
rail installation.

HARDWARE INSTALL ATIONS
4 Slide the rail into the side of the rack, and adjust the length
accordingly. Make sure the flare end of the rail is positioned at the
front of the rack.
Figure 2. Detail of putting rail into rack
5 Slide the rail onto rack post. The studs in the front and back should
hold the rail in place temporarily.
6 Use the supplied screws to secure the rails to the rack firmly.
Figure 3. Detail of securing rails in rack
Front of rack
Slide rails to
align the screw
holes
Attach rail to
rear mounting
brackets
Attach rail to
front mounting
brackets

HARDWARE INSTALL ATIONS
7 Repeat Step 1 through Step 7 to install the other rail.
8 Unpack the Tesla system.
9 Align the Tesla system with the installed rails and slide it into
the rack.
Figure 4. Slide the system onto the rails
10 Make sure the status LED on the front panel of the system is located
on the right side for proper installation.
11 Tighten the thumb screws on the front of the unit to secure the Tesla
system to the rack system.
LED display located
on the right side of
the front panel
Align system with
installed rails