Asus ESC500 User manual

ESC500 G2
Workstation
User Manual

ii
Copyright © 2012 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 ae 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.
E7407
First Edition
May 2012

iii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Federal Communications Commission Statement........................... vii
Canadian Department of Communications Statement..................... vii
REACH .......................................................................................... vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
Electrical Safety .............................................................................. viii
Operation Safety ............................................................................. viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
Audience ...........................................................................................ix
Contents ...........................................................................................ix
Conventions .......................................................................................x
Typography ........................................................................................x
Reference...........................................................................................x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 System package contents........................................................... 1-2
1.2 Serial number label...................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Systemspecications ................................................................. 1-3
1.4 Front panel features..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Rear panel features...................................................................... 1-6
1.6 Internal features ........................................................................... 1-7
1.7 LED information ........................................................................... 1-8
1.7.1 Front panel LED.............................................................. 1-8
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .......................................................... 1-8
Chapter 2: Hardware setup
2.1 Chassis cover............................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5
2.3.1 CPU installation .............................................................. 2-6
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan assembly................ 2-9
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11
2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-12
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-13
2.4.4. To remove a DIMM........................................................ 2-13

iv
Contents
2.5 Installing hard disk drives......................................................... 2-14
2.6 Installing 5.25-inch drives ......................................................... 2-16
2.6.1 Removing the front panel cover .................................... 2-16
2.6.2 Installing 5.25-inch drives ............................................. 2-17
2.7 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-19
2.7.2 Installing expansion cards............................................. 2-20
2.7.3 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-21
2.8 Removing the system fan.......................................................... 2-23
2.9 Connecting cables ..................................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3: Motherboard info
3.1 Motherboard layouts.................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Onboard buttons and switches .................................................. 3-4
3.3 Onboard LEDs.............................................................................. 3-7
3.4 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 3-10
3.5 Internal connectors.................................................................... 3-12
3.5.1 Rear panel connection .................................................. 3-23
3.5.2 Audio I/O connections................................................... 3-24
Chapter 4: BIOS infomation
4.1 Knowing BIOS .............................................................................. 4-2
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-3
4.2.1 EZ Mode ......................................................................... 4-4
4.2.2 Advanced Mode .............................................................. 4-5
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 4-7
4.3.1 System Language [English] ............................................ 4-7
4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]......................................... 4-7
4.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................... 4-7
4.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 4-10
4.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-16
4.5.1 Trusted Computing........................................................ 4-16
4.5.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-17
4.5.3 PCH Conguration ........................................................ 4-19
4.5.4 SATA Conguration ....................................................... 4-20
4.5.5 System Agent Conguration ......................................... 4-22
4.5.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-23
4.5.7 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 4-24

v
Contents
4.5.8 APM .............................................................................. 4-26
4.5.9 Network Stack............................................................... 4-27
4.6 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 4-28
4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-31
4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-33
4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................ 4-33
4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 4-33
4.8.3 ASUS SPD Information................................................. 4-34
4.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-35
4.10 Updating BIOS............................................................................ 4-36
4.10.1 ASUS Update utility ...................................................... 4-37
4.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................. 4-40
4.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility .................................... 4-41
4.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater..................................................... 4-42
Chapter5: RAIDconguration
5.1 RAIDcongurations .................................................................... 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 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ...... 5-3
Chapter 6: Driver installation
6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk......................................................... 6-2
6.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS...... 6-2
6.1.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®........................ 6-2
6.1.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS
installation ....................................................................... 6-3
6.1.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive......................................... 6-4
6.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 6-6
6.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 6-6
6.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals ..................................... 6-7
6.3 Installing AI Suite II ...................................................................... 6-8
6.3.1 EPU................................................................................. 6-9
6.3.2 Probe II ......................................................................... 6-10
6.3.3 Sensor Recorder............................................................6-11

vi
6.3.4 ASUS Update................................................................ 6-12
6.3.5 MyLogo ......................................................................... 6-13
6.4 Audiocongurations................................................................. 6-15
6.5 System recovery ........................................................................ 6-17
6.4.1 Using the Recovery Partition ........................................ 6-17
6.4.2 Using the Recovery DVD .............................................. 6-17
Appendix: Reference information
A.1 Simplexes ..................................................................................A-2

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes
or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and
Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we publish the chemical
substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/
english/REACH.htm.

viii
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.
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.
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.
CD-ROM Drive Safety Warning
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Heavy System
CAUTION! This server system is heavy. Ask for assistance when moving or
carrying the system.

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 workstation.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the workstation, 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 gives information about the motherboard that comes with the
workstation. This chapter includes the motherboard layout, jumper settings,
and connector locations.
4. Chapter 4: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus and describes the BIOS parameters.
5. Chapter5:RAIDconguration
This chapter provides information on how to congure your hard disk drives
as RAID sets.
6. Chapter 6: Driver installation
This chapter provides information on how to install the drivers for system
components. This chapter also describes the software applications that the
barebone workstation supports.
7. Appendix: Reference information
This section provides a troubleshooting guide for solving common problems
when using the barebone workstation.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been
designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the
crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic
equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.

x
Reference
Visit the ASUS websites worldwide that provide updated information for all ASUS
hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information for details.
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 information to aid in completing a task.
Conventions
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
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 the DOS prompt, type the
command line: format A:/S

1-
ASUS ESC500 G2
This chapter describes the general
features of the workstation, including
sections on front panel and rear panel
specications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2
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 14 characters such as
xxS0xxxxxxxxxx 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.
xxS0xxxxxxxxxx
ESC500 G2
Model Name ESC500 G2
Chassis ASUS T10A Pedestal Chassis
Motherboard ASUS P8C WS
Component 1 x 500W/700W 80Plus Single Power Supply, Bronze/Silver
1 x 120x120mm System Fan
1 x Intel® LGA1155 CPU Cooler
Accessories 1 x ASUS ESC500 G2 User’s Guide
1 x ESC500 G2 Support DVD
1 x Windows 7 Professional Recovery DVD 32-Bit (for OS bundled SKU)
1 x Windows 7 Professional Recovery DVD 64-Bit (for OS bundled SKU)
1 x AC Power Cable
1 x COM Port Cable
1 x DVI-TO-VGA converter
Optional Items Smart Card Reader

ASUS ESC500 G2 1-3
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS ESC500 G2 is a workstation featuring the ASUS P8C WS motherboard.
The workstation supports Intel® LGA1155 Xeon® E3-1200 v2 or 3rd/2nd Generation
Core™ i3 Processors, plus other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name ESC500 G2
Operating System Genuine Windows®7 Professional.
Processor / System Bus
supported
1 x Socket LGA1155
Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v2 Processor Family
Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i3 Processors
Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 Processor Family
Intel® Core™ i3-2100 Processor Family
Intel® Core™ G8x0 Processor Family
Intel® Core™ G6x0 Processor Family
Core Logic Intel® C216 Express Chipset
Memory
Total Slots 4 DIMMs (2 Channels)
Capacity Maximum up to 32GB
Memory Type
DDR3 1066/1333/1600 ECC/non-ECC UDIMM
* Refer to www.asus.com for detail memory AVL &
CPU support list
Memory Size 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB (UDIMM)
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-
X/PCI-E Slots 6
Slot Type
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (at x16/x8 mode)
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (at x8 mode)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (at x4 mode)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 (at x1 mode)
1 x PCI
Storage SATA
Controller
Intel® C216:
2 SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
4 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (blue)
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (for Windows only)
(Support software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5)
HDD Bays 3 x Internal 3.5” HDD Bays
Networking LAN 2 x Intel® 82574L Gigabit LAN controller

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4
Graphic VGA
VGA Output DVI-I ports
Supports DVI with maximum resolution of 1920 x
1200@60Hz
Maximum shared memory of 1GB
*Only enabled with specic processors
Onboard I/O
1 x PS/2 KB/MS port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical and Coaxial)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x RJ-45 ports
1 x DVI-I port
1 x 8-channel Audio I/O
Anti-virus Software Optional Anti-Virus CD Pack
EMI
Europe (CE,
EN55022 &
EN55024)
V
Taiwan (BSMI) V
China (CCC) V
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 423mm x 190mm x 435mm
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD excluded) 10.8 Kg
Power Supply 500W 80Plus Single Power Supply, Bronze
700W 80Plus Single Power Supply, Silver
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C–35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operating humidity: 20%–90% (Non-condensing)

ASUS ESC500 G2 1-5
1.4 Front panel features
The workstation system displays a simple yet stylish front panel with easily
accessible features. The power and reset buttons, LED indicator, optical drive, card
reader, and four USB ports are located on the front panel. For future installation of
5.25-inch devices, two drive bays are available.
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LED for the LED descriptions.
Optical Drive
Empty 5.25-inch bay
Smart Card Reader
(optional)
Power LED (blue)
HDD access LED (orange)
Reset button
Microphone / Headphone ports
Power button
USB 2.0/USB 3.0 ports

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots,
a power supply module, and a vent for the system fan.
The PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port, USB ports, DVI-I ports, Audio ports,
S/PDIF Out ports, and Gigabit LAN ports do not appear on the rear panel if
motherboard is not present.
Power supply module
Expansion slots
Power supply switch
Power cord connector
PS/2 keyboard / mouse port
USB 2.0 ports
Audio I/O ports
USB 3.0 ports
LAN (RJ-45) port 2
IEEE 1394a port
System fan
LAN (RJ-45) port 1
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
Optical S/PDIF Out port DVI port

ASUS ESC500 G2 1-7
1.6 Internal features
The barebone workstation includes the basic components as shown.
1. Power supply unit
2. 120mm system fan
3. ASUS P8C WS motherboard
4. CPU heatsink and fan assembly
5. Optical drive (optional)
6. 5.25-inch drive bays
7. Smart card reader (optional)
8. Front I/O board
9. Internal HDD bays
6
1
2
3
4
5
7 8
9

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LED
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs
LED Color Display status Description
Power LED Blue ON System power ON
HDD Access
LED Orange OFF Blinking
No activity
Read/write data into the HDD
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
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
Power LEDHDD Access LED

ASUS ESC500 G2
2-
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing or removing system
components.
Chapter 2
Hardware setup

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-2
2.1 Chassis cover
You have to remove the left side cover to install or replace internal components of
the server system.
• Ensure that you unplug the power cord before removing the side cover.
• Take extra care when removing the side cover. Keep your ngers from
components inside the chassis that can cause injury, such as the CPU fan,
rear fan, and other sharp-edged parts.
To remove the left side cover
1. Remove the two screws that secure
the left side cover to the chassis.
1
1
2. Unlock the side cover lock.
2
2