NVIDIA Tesla P40 Passive Cooling GPU Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The NVIDIA Tesla P40 is a high-performance GPU accelerator designed for deep learning deployment and artificial intelligence applications. Built on the NVIDIA Pascal architecture, it provides significant computational power for accelerating demanding workloads. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Tesla P40 GPU.

Figure 1: Front angled view of the NVIDIA Tesla P40 GPU, highlighting its passive cooling design and PCIe interface.

2. Key Features

• Series: Tesla P40, Model: 900-2G610-0000-000
• GPU Architecture: NVIDIA Pascal
• Single-Precision Performance: 12 TeraFLOPS
• Integer Operations (INT8): 47 TOPS (Tera-Operations per Second)
• GPU Memory: 24 GB GDDR5
• Memory Bandwidth: 346 GB/s
• System Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x16
• Max Power: 250W
• Enhanced Programmability: With Page Migration Engine
• ECC Protection: Yes
• Server-Optimized: For Data Center Deployment
• Hardware-Accelerated Video Engine: 1x Decode Engine, 2x Encode Engine

3. Setup Guide

3.1 Pre-installation Checks

• System Compatibility: Ensure your server or workstation has an available PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot.
• Power Supply: A robust power supply unit (PSU) capable of providing sufficient power (up to 250W for the GPU) and equipped with the necessary 8-pin CPU power cable (EPS12V) is required. Standard PCIe power cables may not be compatible or sufficient.
• Cooling: The Tesla P40 features passive cooling and requires adequate system airflow within the server chassis to dissipate heat effectively. Ensure your server has sufficient fan configuration for proper cooling.
• BIOS Settings: Verify that your motherboard BIOS supports and has "Above 4G decoding" enabled, typically found under boot options or PCIe settings.

3.2 Physical Installation

1. Power down your system and disconnect all power cables.
2. Open your computer case and locate an available PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot.
3. Carefully insert the NVIDIA Tesla P40 into the PCIe slot, ensuring it is fully seated. Secure the card with the retaining clip or screw.
4. Connect the 8-pin CPU power cable (EPS12V) from your power supply to the power connector on the Tesla P40. Ensure a secure connection.

Figure 2: Top view of the NVIDIA Tesla P40, illustrating the location of the 8-pin power connector.

3.3 Driver Installation

1. After physical installation, close your computer case and reconnect power.
2. Boot your system.
3. Download the appropriate NVIDIA drivers for the Tesla P40 from the official NVIDIA website. It is crucial to select drivers compatible with the Pascal architecture. For optimal compatibility, consider using NVIDIA driver version 580 or earlier, as newer versions (e.g., 590 and later) may have dropped support for Pascal devices.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers. A system reboot may be required.
5. For Linux systems, if you encounter issues after enabling >4G decoding, you may need to boot into a rescue disk, mount your main OS, chroot into it, and run `mkinitcpio -P` or similar commands to regenerate your kernel image and grub configuration.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Software Environment Setup

• CUDA Toolkit: Install the NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit, which provides the development environment for GPU-accelerated applications. Ensure the CUDA version is compatible with your installed NVIDIA drivers.
• Deep Learning Frameworks: Configure your preferred deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) to utilize the NVIDIA Tesla P40. Refer to the documentation of your chosen framework for specific setup instructions.

4.2 Monitoring and Performance

• Use NVIDIA's `nvidia-smi` utility (available after driver installation) to monitor GPU utilization, memory usage, temperature, and power consumption.
• Ensure GPU temperatures remain within safe operating limits, typically below 90°C under load. Due to passive cooling, maintaining adequate system airflow is critical for thermal management.

5. Maintenance

• Dust Removal: Periodically inspect your server chassis and the GPU for dust accumulation. Dust can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use compressed air to gently clean the heatsink fins and surrounding areas.
• Environmental Control: Operate the system in a clean, temperature-controlled environment to prevent overheating and prolong component lifespan.
• Driver Updates: While keeping drivers updated is generally recommended, exercise caution with Tesla P40. Refer to NVIDIA's official support channels for recommended driver versions to avoid compatibility issues with older Pascal architecture.

6. Troubleshooting

• System Not Recognizing GPU:
  • Verify the GPU is fully seated in the PCIe slot.
  • Ensure the 8-pin CPU power cable is securely connected.
  • Check BIOS settings for "Above 4G decoding" and ensure it is enabled.
  • Reinstall or update NVIDIA drivers.
• Overheating Issues:
  • Confirm adequate airflow within the server chassis. Ensure all system fans are functioning correctly and are configured to provide sufficient cooling for passive components.
  • Clean any dust accumulation from the GPU heatsink and server vents.
  • Reduce ambient temperature if possible.
• Power Cable Issues: Some users have reported issues with included power cables. Ensure you are using a high-quality 8-pin EPS12V CPU power cable that can safely deliver the required wattage. If issues persist, consider replacing the cable with a verified compatible one.
• Performance Degradation:
  • Check GPU utilization and temperature using `nvidia-smi`. Thermal throttling can reduce performance.
  • Ensure your software environment (CUDA, deep learning frameworks) is correctly configured and optimized for the Tesla P40.

If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, please contact NVIDIA support for further assistance.

7. Specifications

Figure 3: Product label displaying the model number and other identification details.

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, technical support, and service, please refer to the official NVIDIA website or contact your point of purchase. NVIDIA provides comprehensive resources and support for its products.