MS-A2 Hardware Installation Guide

Overview

This guide covers the installation of memory and NVMe SSDs for two MINISFORUM MS-A2 machines for ESXi deployment.

Hardware Inventory

Per MS-A2 Machine

  • Memory: To be installed (DDR5 modules)
  • SSDs:
    • 1x Samsung 980 Pro 500GB (ESXi boot/system)
    • 1x Samsung 990 PRO 4TB (vSAN ESA storage)
    • 1x WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB (NVMe tiering/additional storage)

Pre-Installation Checklist

  • Anti-static wrist strap or mat
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Thermal pads (if not pre-installed on M.2 slots)
  • Clean workspace with good lighting
  • MS-A2 machines unplugged from power

Step 1: Memory Installation

Opening the MS-A2

  1. Remove the top cover by unscrewing the 4 screws on the corners
  2. Locate the DDR5 DIMM slots (2 slots available)

Installing DDR5 Memory

  1. Open the retention clips on both sides of each DIMM slot
  2. Align the notch on the memory module with the slot
  3. Insert memory at a slight angle, then press down firmly until clips lock
  4. Verify installation - modules should be seated evenly with clips engaged

Memory Configuration

  • 128GB Kit (2x64GB Crucial DDR5-5600): Install in both DIMM slots
    • Slot A1: 64GB DDR5-5600
    • Slot B1: 64GB DDR5-5600
    • Total: 128GB dual-channel configuration
    • Optimal for vSAN ESA and VCF workloads

Step 2: NVMe SSD Installation

SSD Slot Layout 

[CPU]
  |
[Slot 1: PCIe 4.0 x4] - Primary slot
[Slot 2: PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4] - Secondary slot
[Slot 3: PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4] - Tertiary slot

Installation Order

Slot 1 (Primary - PCIe 4.0 x4)

SSD: Samsung 980 Pro 500GB Purpose: ESXi boot, ESX-OSData, VMFS local datastore

  1. Remove the M.2 mounting screw at the 2280 position
  2. Insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle into the slot
  3. Press down the opposite end and secure with the mounting screw
  4. Verify the SSD is flat and properly secured

Slot 2 (PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4)

SSD: Samsung 990 PRO 4TB Purpose: vSAN ESA storage tier / Primary storage

  1. Remove the M.2 mounting screw at the 2280 position
  2. Insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle into the slot
  3. Press down the opposite end and secure with the mounting screw
  4. Apply thermal pad if not pre-installed

Slot 3 (PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4)

SSD: WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB Purpose: NVMe Tiering/Cache or additional vSAN capacity

  1. Remove the M.2 mounting screw at the 2280 position
  2. Insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle into the slot
  3. Press down the opposite end and secure with the mounting screw
  4. Apply thermal pad if not pre-installed

Step 3: Final Assembly

  1. Verify all components are properly seated
  2. Check for loose screws or cables
  3. Replace the top cover and secure with 4 screws
  4. Connect power cable but don’t power on yet

Step 4: Initial Power-On and BIOS Configuration

First Boot

  1. Connect monitor via HDMI or USB-C
  2. Connect keyboard via USB
  3. Power on the system
  4. Press DEL or F7 to enter BIOS during POST

Critical BIOS Settings

Storage Configuration

  1. Navigate to Advanced → PCIe Configuration
  2. Enable PCIe 4.0 for M.2 Slots 2 and 3
  3. Verify all three SSDs are detected

Virtualization Settings

  1. Navigate to Advanced → CPU Configuration
  2. Enable the following:
    • Intel VT-x / AMD-V (Virtualization Technology)
    • Intel VT-d / AMD IOMMU (Directed I/O)
    • SR-IOV (if available)

Power Settings

  1. Navigate to Advanced → Power Management
  2. Set Power Profile to “Performance”
  3. Disable C-States for consistent performance

Boot Configuration

  1. Navigate to Boot
  2. Set Boot Mode to UEFI
  3. Disable Secure Boot (for ESXi compatibility)

Network Settings

  1. Navigate to Advanced → Network Configuration
  2. Enable both 10G SFP+ ports
  3. Enable both 2.5G LAN ports

Save and Exit

  1. Press F10 to save settings
  2. Confirm changes and exit
  3. System will reboot

Step 5: Verification

POST Check

  • System should complete POST without errors
  • All installed memory should be detected
  • All three SSDs should be visible

Temperature Check

  • Enter BIOS and check temperatures
  • CPU should be < 50°C at idle
  • SSD temperatures should be reasonable (< 60°C)

Step 6: Repeat for Second MS-A2

Follow the same process for the second MS-A2 machine with remaining components:

  • Memory modules
  • Samsung 980 Pro 500GB (Slot 1)
  • Samsung 990 PRO 4TB (Slot 2)
  • WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB (Slot 3)

Next Steps

Once both MS-A2 machines are assembled:

  1. Create ESXi 8.0.3 installation media
  2. Install ESXi on both hosts
  3. Configure network settings
  4. Add hosts to vCenter
  5. Configure vSAN ESA (if implementing)

Troubleshooting

System won’t POST

  • Reseat memory modules
  • Try single memory module in Slot 1
  • Clear CMOS (jumper or remove battery)

SSDs not detected

  • Reseat the SSD
  • Check BIOS PCIe settings
  • Try different slot

High temperatures

  • Verify all fans are connected
  • Check thermal pad contact on SSDs
  • Ensure adequate case ventilation

Important Notes

  • Handle with care: DDR5 and NVMe modules are sensitive to static
  • Don’t force: If a component doesn’t fit easily, check alignment
  • Keep track: Label which components go in which machine
  • Document serials: Record serial numbers for warranty purposes

Completion Checklist

Machine 1

  • DDR5 memory installed
  • Samsung 980 Pro 500GB in Slot 1
  • Samsung 990 PRO 4TB in Slot 2
  • WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB in Slot 3
  • BIOS configured
  • POST successful

Machine 2

  • DDR5 memory installed
  • Samsung 980 Pro 500GB in Slot 1
  • Samsung 990 PRO 4TB in Slot 2
  • WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB in Slot 3
  • BIOS configured
  • POST successful

This project is for educational and home lab purposes.