Asus E900 G4 User manual

Workstation
E900 G4
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2020 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means,
except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission
of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of prots, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informational use only, and are
subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS.
ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual,
including the products and software described in it.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E16278
Revised Edition V7
February 2020

iii
Contents
Safety information..................................................................................................... vii
Electrical Safety .............................................................................................vii
Operation Safety ............................................................................................vii
Restricted Access Location............................................................................vii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 System package contents.........................................................................1-2
1.2 Serial number label....................................................................................1-2
1.3 E900 G4 specifications summary.............................................................1-3
1.4 Front panel features...................................................................................1-6
1.5 Rear panel features....................................................................................1-7
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-9
1.7 LED information .......................................................................................1-10
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ...................................................................... 1-10
1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs....................................................................... 1-10
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2.1 Chassis cover.............................................................................................2-2
2.1.1 Removing the side covers ........................................................... 2-2
2.1.2 Replacing the side covers ........................................................... 2-3
2.2 CPU installation..........................................................................................2-4
2.3 System memory .........................................................................................2-6
2.3.1 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket.......................... 2-8
2.4 Air Duct .......................................................................................................2-9
2.4.1 Removing the air duct ................................................................. 2-9
2.5 Storage devices........................................................................................2-11
2.6 Expansion slots........................................................................................2-15
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-16
2.6.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-20
2.6.3 (optional) Installing a passive graphics card ............................. 2-21
2.6.4 Installing a PIKE II card............................................................. 2-24
2.6.5 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards ...................................................... 2-31
2.7 Removable components..........................................................................2-33
2.7.1 Redundant power supply module.............................................. 2-33
2.8 BIOS update utility...................................................................................2-34

iv
Contents
2.9 Motherboard rear and audio connection ............................................... 2-35
2.9.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-35
2.9.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-37
2.10 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-39
2.11 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-39
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................3-2
3.2 Onboard buttons and switches ................................................................3-4
3.3 Jumpers ......................................................................................................3-5
3.4 Onboard LEDs..........................................................................................3-10
3.5 Internal connectors..................................................................................3-13
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .......................................................... 4-2
4.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 4-2
4.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility................................................................... 4-3
4.1.3 BUPDATER utility ....................................................................... 4-4
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 4-6
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen...................................................................... 4-7
4.2.2 Menu bar..................................................................................... 4-7
4.2.3 Menu items.................................................................................. 4-8
4.2.4 Submenu items ........................................................................... 4-8
4.2.5 Navigation keys........................................................................... 4-8
4.2.6 General help................................................................................ 4-8
4.2.7 Conguration elds ..................................................................... 4-8
4.2.8 Pop-up window............................................................................ 4-8
4.2.9 Scroll bar ..................................................................................... 4-8
4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................4-9
4.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................4-9
4.5 Performance Tuning menu......................................................................4-10
4.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................4-12
4.6.1 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 4-12
4.6.2 ACPI Settings............................................................................ 4-12
4.6.3 SMART Self Test ...................................................................... 4-12
4.6.4 Super IO Conguration ............................................................. 4-13
4.6.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 4-13
4.6.6 CPU Storage Conguration....................................................... 4-13

v
Contents
4.6.7 Onboard LAN Conguration...................................................... 4-13
4.6.8 APM .......................................................................................... 4-14
4.6.9 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 4-14
4.6.10 USB Conguration .................................................................... 4-15
4.6.11 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 4-15
4.6.12 NVMe Conguration .................................................................. 4-15
4.6.13 Offboard SATA Controller Conguration ................................... 4-15
4.6.14 Audio Conguration................................................................... 4-16
4.6.15 ASMedia Storage Controller ..................................................... 4-16
4.6.16 E900 Fan Mode Selection......................................................... 4-16
4.6.17 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 4-16
4.6.18 iSCSI Conguration .................................................................. 4-16
4.7 Platform Configuration menu .................................................................4-16
4.7.1 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 4-16
4.7.2 Miscellaneous Conguration..................................................... 4-17
4.7.3 Server ME Conguration........................................................... 4-17
4.7.4 Runtime Error Logging .............................................................. 4-17
4.8 Socket Configuration menu ....................................................................4-17
4.8.1 Processor Conguration............................................................ 4-17
4.8.2 Common RefCode Conguration.............................................. 4-17
4.8.3 UPI Conguration ...................................................................... 4-18
4.8.4 Memory Conguration ............................................................... 4-18
4.8.5 IIO Conguration....................................................................... 4-18
4.8.6 Advanced Power Management Conguration........................... 4-18
4.9 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 4-19
4.9.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 4-19
4.9.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 4-19
4.10 Server Mgmt menu...................................................................................4-19
4.10.1 System Event Log..................................................................... 4-19
4.10.2 BMC network conguration ....................................................... 4-19
4.10.3 View System Event Log ............................................................ 4-19
4.11 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................4-20
4.12 Security menu ..........................................................................................4-20
4.13 Boot menu ................................................................................................4-20
4.14 Tool menu.................................................................................................4-21
4.15 Save & Exit menu.....................................................................................4-21

vi
Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-2
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................. 5-3
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 5-3
5.1.4 RAID conguration utilities.......................................................... 5-3
5.2 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA/SSATA Option ROM Utility .............................................................5-4
5.2.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................... 5-5
5.2.2 Deleting a RAID set..................................................................... 5-7
5.2.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ...................................................... 5-8
5.2.4 Exiting the Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA/SSATA Option ROM utility................................................ 5-8
5.2.5 Rebuilding the RAID.................................................................... 5-9
5.2.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility ........................ 5-11
5.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Windows)...................... 5-12
5.3.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 5-13
5.3.2 Changing a Volume Type.......................................................... 5-15
5.3.3 Deleting a volume ..................................................................... 5-16
5.3.4 Preferences............................................................................... 5-17
5.4 Intel®Virtual Raid on CPU in BIOS......................................................... 5-18
5.4.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 5-19
5.4.2 Deleting a RAID set................................................................... 5-21
5.4.3 Installing the RAID controller driver
during Windows® 10 OS installation.......................................... 5-22
Appendix
WS C621E SAGE block diagram............................................................................ A-2
Q-Code table............................................................................................................ A-3
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-7
ASUS contact information.................................................................................... A-10
Contents

vii
Safety information
Electrical Safety
• Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system
unit and all attached devices are unplugged.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, contact a
qualied service technician or your dealer. Ensure that the power cables for the devices
are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power
cables from the existing system before you service.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Servicing of this product or units is to be performed by trained service personnel only.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the server
package.
• Before using the server, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If any damage is detected, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Place the server on a stable surface.
• The product is suitable for mounting on concrete or other non-combustible surfaces only.
This product is equipped with a three-wire power cable and plug for the user’s safety. Use
the power cable with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid electrical shock.
Restricted Access Location
The product is intended for installation only in a Computer Room where:
• Access can only be gained by SERVICE PERSONS or by USERS who have been
instructed about the reasons for the restrictions applied to the location and about any
precautions that shall be taken.
• Access is through the use of a TOOL, or other means of security, and is controlled by the
authority responsible for the location.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of
used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

viii
Heavy System
CAUTION! This server system is heavy. Ask for assistance when moving or carrying
the system.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

ix
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at least basic
knowledge of conguring a server.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections on front
panel and rear panel specications.
2. Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing or removing system components.
3. Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief descriptions of the jumpers and
internal connectors.
4. Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.
5. Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating and conguring RAID sets
using the available utilities.

x
References
Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.
ASUS websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information for all ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.
Example: At DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S

This chapter describes the general features of the server,
including sections on front panel and rear panel specications.
1
Product Introduction
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-2
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.1 System package contents
Check your system package for the following items.
1.2 Serial number label
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take note of the
product’s serial number containing 12 characters such as xxS0xxxxxxxx shown as the gure
below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team members
can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems.
Model Name E900 G4
Accessories 2 x CPU heatsinks
1 x E900 G4 support DVD
2 x AC power cable
4 x GPU cables
Optional Items DVD-ROM / DVD-RW
Cooler kit for passive GPU
SmartCard SD/MMC/MS
xxS0xxxxxxxx
E900 G4

ASUS E900 G4 1-3
1.3 E900 G4 specifications summary
The ASUS E900 G4 is a workstation featuring the ASUS WS C621E SAGE motherboard.
(continued on the next page)
Processor / System Bus
2 x Socket P0 (LGA 3647, Square)
1st Gen Intel®Xeon® Scalable Processor family (up to 205W)*
2nd Gen Intel®Xeon® Scalable Processor family (up to 205W)*
2 UPI up to 10.4 GT/s
*Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list.
Core Logic Intel® C621 Chipset
Memory
Total Slots 12 (6-channel per CPU, 6 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 1536GB
Memory Type
DDR4 2933 (1 DIMM per Channel)
DDR4 2666/2400/2133 RDIMM/LR-DIMM/LR-DIMM 3DS
* 2933MHz will drop to 2666MHz when using 2DPC configurations.
Memory Size
32GB, 16GB, 8GB, 4GB (RDIMM)
64GB, 32GB (LRDIMM)
128GB, 64GB (LRDIMM 3DS)
* Refer to www.asus.com/support for more information
** Actual memory frequency differs from Intel CPU types and memory
module. Please check Intel®official site for more detail about the memory
types supported by each CPU.
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X
/PCI-E Slots 7
Slot Type
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (Gen3 x16 link), FH, FL
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (single Gen3 x16 link, dual Gen3 x8/x8 link),
FH, FL
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (Gen3 x8 link), FH, FL
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (Gen3 x16 link), FH, FL
Micro SD Card
Slot
1*
* This is only supported when the ASMB9 card is installed.
Disk
Controller
SATA
Controller
Intel®Lewisburg PCH
- 8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (gray)
Intel®RSTe (for Windows and Linux; Support software RAID 0, 1,
10 & 5)
ASMedia®SATA RAID Controller*
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
SAS Controller
Optional kits:
ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS HBA card
ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW RAID card 12G SAS Support

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
E900 G4 specifications summary
Storage Bays
8 x 3.5”/2.5” Hot-swap Storage Bays
(4 x 3.5" SATA HDD + 4 x 2.5" SAS HDD with PIKE card)
1 x M.2 Socket 3, supporting type 22110/2280/2260/2242
(PCIe Gen3 x4 and SATA mode)
4 x U.2 connector (optional kit for NVMe support)*
* Supports Intel®Virtual RAID on Chip (Intel®VROC).
* NVMe RAID type and function will depend on Intel®VROC HW key
installed. Intel®VROC HW key is purchased separately.
Networking LAN 2 x Intel®i210-AT Gigabit LAN Controller
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2500 64MB (optional)
Audio Realtek® ALC S1220A 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC
Auxiliary Storage Device Bay
(Floppy / Optical Drive)
2 x 5.25” media bays
(Options: DVD-ROM/DVD-RW)
Front I/O
1 x Headphone jack
1 x Microphone jack
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
Rear I/O
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A and 1 x Type-C™)
2 x USB 2.0 ports (1 x supports USB BIOS Flashback)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
1 x PS/2 and keyboard mouse port
2 x RJ-45 LAN ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
5 x Audio Jacks
Switch/LED
Front Switch/LED:
1 x Power switch / LED
1 x Reset switch
1 x HDD Access LED
Other Options Cooler kit for passive GPU support
OS Support Windows®10
* Refer to http://www.asus.com/ for the latest OS support.
Management
Solution
Software ASUS Control Center support
Out of Band
Remote
Management
ASMB9 Card
(continued on the next page)

ASUS E900 G4 1-5
Specications are subject to change without notice.
E900 G4 specifications summary
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 532 mm x 243 mm x 582 mm (21.0” x 9.5” x 22.9”)
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD not inclu ded) 18.33kg
Power Supply and Rating
Dual 2000W Titanium, CRPS (1+1 Redundant)
Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac, 9.5A (x2), 50-60Hz, Class 1
or
2000W Platinum ATX Power Supply
Rating: 100-240Vac, 15-12A, 50-60Hz
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 70°C
Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90% ( Non condensing)

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
Smart Card SD/MMC/MS
1.4 Front panel features
The E900 G4 workstation features a simple yet stylish front panel design. The power and
reset buttons, LED indicators, optical drive, and USB ports are all conveniently located at the
front panel for easy access.
Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.
Optical Drive (Optional)
HDD access LED
Microphone port
Headphone port
Power button
Reset button
USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
Card reader

ASUS E900 G4 1-7
* The power supply unit may vary between models
USB BIOS
Flashback
TYPE C
USB3.0
USB3.0
USB3.1
10
MIC IN
LINE OUT LINE IN
KY
REAR
SPDIF OUT C/SUB
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a vent for
the system fan, and the power supply module.
Redundant power
supply*
Expansion slots
120 mm x 120 mm
system fan vents
COM port
Optional I/O port
Audio ports
USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
USB 2.0 ports
Keyboard / Mouse port
USB 3.1 Gen 2
Type-C™port
USB 3.1 Gen 2
Type-A port
BIOS Flashback button
Lan ports

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
USB BIOS
Flashback
TYPE C
USB3.0
USB3.0
USB3.1
10
MIC IN
LINE OUT LINEIN
KY
REAR
SPDIF OUT C/SUB
Power supply*
* The power supply unit may vary between models

ASUS E900 G4 1-9
1.6 Internal features
The ASUS E900 G4 Pedestal server system includes the basic components as shown:
The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive. If you need to use a oppy disk,
connect the USB oppy disk drive to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
1. Power supply unit
2. GPU fan
3. ASUS WS C621E SAGE motherboard
4. Expansion card locks (hidden)
5. Optical drive (Optional)
6. Front I/O board (hidden)
7. Storage device bay (Top)
8. Storage device bay (Bottom)
9. GPU bar

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
USBBIOS
Flashback
TYPEC
USB3.0
USB3.0
USB3.1
10
MICIN
LINEOUT LINE IN
KY
REAR
SPDIFOUT C/SUB
SmartCard SD/MMC/MS
Smart Card SD/MMC/MS
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Display status Description
HDD Access LED
OFF No activity
Blinking Read/write data into the HDD
HDD Access LED
1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
YELLOW Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED