Asus RS300-E8 Series User manual

1U Rackmount Server
RS300-E8 Series
User Guide
RS300-E8-PS4
RS300-E8-RS4

ii
Copyright © 2016 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.
E12218
Revised Edition V2
December 2016

iii
Contents
Safety information..................................................................................................... vii
About this guide....................................................................................................... viii
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 System package contents.........................................................................1-2
1.2 Serial number label....................................................................................1-3
1.3 System specifications ...............................................................................1-4
1.4 Front panel features...................................................................................1-6
1.5 Rear panel features....................................................................................1-7
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-8
1.7 LED information .........................................................................................1-9
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ........................................................................ 1-9
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .................................................................... 1-10
1.7.3 HDD status LED........................................................................ 1-10
Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.1 Chassis cover.............................................................................................2-2
2.1.1 Removing the rear cover............................................................. 2-2
2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1 Installing the CPU ....................................................................... 2-3
2.2.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and airduct ...................................... 2-6
2.3 System memory .........................................................................................2-8
2.3.1 Overview ..................................................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Memory Congurations............................................................... 2-8
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket.......................... 2-9
2.4 Hard disk drives .......................................................................................2-10
2.5 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-12
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket............... 2-12
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-14

iv
Contents
2.6 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-15
2.7 SATA/SAS backplane cabling.................................................................2-17
2.8 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-18
2.8.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-18
2.8.2 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card (optional) .............................. 2-19
2.8.3 Installing ASMB7 series management board (optional)............ 2-21
2.8.4 Installing the SSD cage (optional)............................................. 2-22
Chapter 3: Installation Options
3.1 Friction Rail Kit Installation Guide ........................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Attaching the xing latches to the server .................................... 3-2
Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.2 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-4
4.3 Internal connectors....................................................................................4-7
4.4 Internal LEDs............................................................................................4-20
Chapter 5: BIOS Setup
5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .......................................................... 5-2
5.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility................................................................... 5-3
5.1.3 BUPDATER utility ....................................................................... 5-4
5.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................5-6
5.2.1 BIOS menu screen...................................................................... 5-7
5.2.2 Menu bar..................................................................................... 5-7
5.2.3 Menu items.................................................................................. 5-8
5.2.4 Submenu items ........................................................................... 5-8
5.2.5 Navigation keys........................................................................... 5-8
5.2.6 General help................................................................................ 5-8
5.2.7 Conguration elds ..................................................................... 5-8
5.2.8 Pop-up window............................................................................ 5-8
5.2.9 Scroll bar..................................................................................... 5-8
5.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................5-9
5.3.1 System Date................................................................................ 5-9
5.3.2 System Time ............................................................................... 5-9

v
Contents
5.4 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 5-11
5.4.2 PCH-IO Conguration ............................................................... 5-14
5.4.3 SATA Conguration .................................................................. 5-15
5.4.4 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 5-16
5.4.5 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-18
5.4.6 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-20
5.4.7 TPM........................................................................................... 5-21
5.4.8 ACPI Settings............................................................................ 5-21
5.4.9 WHEA Support.......................................................................... 5-22
5.4.10 NCT6779D Super IO Conguration .......................................... 5-22
5.4.11 Intel Server Platform Services................................................... 5-23
5.4.12 Onboard LAN Conguration...................................................... 5-24
5.4.13 MIO Card Conguration ............................................................ 5-24
5.4.14 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-25
5.4.15 Runtime Error Logging Support ................................................ 5-27
5.4.16 APM .......................................................................................... 5-27
5.4.17 Network Stack........................................................................... 5-28
5.4.18 Intel RC Drivers Version Detail ................................................. 5-28
5.5 Event Logs menu .....................................................................................5-29
5.6 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-30
5.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................5-33
5.8 Security.....................................................................................................5-34
5.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-37
5.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................5-37
Chapter 6: RAID Configuration
6.1 Setting up RAID.......................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives............................................................ 6-3
6.1.3 Setting Jumpers .......................................................................... 6-3
6.1.4 Setting the RAID mode in BIOS.................................................. 6-3
6.1.5 RAID conguration utilities.......................................................... 6-3

vi
Contents
6.2 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA Option ROM Utility........................................................................... 6-4
6.2.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................... 6-5
6.2.2 Deleting a RAID set..................................................................... 6-7
6.2.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ...................................................... 6-8
6.2.4 Exiting the Intel®Rapid Storage Technology
enterprise SATA Option ROM utility............................................ 6-9
6.2.5 Rebuilding the RAID.................................................................... 6-9
6.2.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility........................ 6-11
6.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Windows)...................... 6-12
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-13
6.3.2 Changing a Volume Type.......................................................... 6-15
6.3.3 Deleting a volume ..................................................................... 6-16
6.3.4 Preferences............................................................................... 6-17
Chapter 7: Driver Installation
7.1 RAID driver installation .............................................................................7-2
7.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk......................................................... 7-2
7.1.2 Installing the RAID controller driver............................................. 7-4
7.2 Management applications and utilities installation ................................ 7-6
7.3 Running the Support DVD......................................................................... 7-6
7.3.1 Drivers menu tab......................................................................... 7-7
7.3.2 Utilities menu tab......................................................................... 7-7
7.3.3 MakeDisk menu tab .................................................................... 7-8
7.3.4 Manual menu .............................................................................. 7-8
7.3.5 Contact information menu........................................................... 7-9
7.3.6 Installing the Intel®Chipset device Software driver..................... 7-9
7.4 Installing the LAN driver..........................................................................7-14
7.5 Installing the VGA driver ......................................................................... 7-19
7.6 Installing the Intel®C22x MEI NULL HECI driver................................... 7-22
7.7 Installing the Intel®I210 Gigabit Adapter driver.................................... 7-24
Appendix
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-2
REACH ....................................................................................................A-2
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ...........................................................A-3
Australia statement notice............................................................................A-3
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-4

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.
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.

viii
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 Information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing or removing system components.
3. Chapter 3: Installation Options
This chapter describes how to install optional components into the barebone server.
4. Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief descriptions of the jumpers and
internal connectors.
5. Chapter 5: BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.
6. Chapter 6: RAID Configuration
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating and conguring RAID sets
using the available utilities.
7. Chapter 7: Driver Installation
This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for different
system components.

ix
References
Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS Server Web-based Management (ASWM) user guide
This manual tells how to set up and use the proprietary ASUS server management
utility.
2. 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

x

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.
Model Name RS300-E8-PS4, RS300-E8-RS4
Chassis ASUS R10E 1U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS P9D-C/4L Server Board
Component 1 x 400W Single Power Supply (RS300-E8-PS4)
1 x 450W Redundant Power Supply (RS300-E8-RS4)
4 x Hot-swap 3.5” HDD trays
1 x SAS/SATA Backplane (BP4LX-R10A)
1 x PCI Riser Card (RE16LE8R-R10A)
1 x Front I/O Board (FPB-R20D)
4 x System Fans (40mm x 28mm)
Accessories 1 x RS300-E8 Series User’s Guide
1 x ASWM* User’s Guide
1 x ASMB7 User’s Guide (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
1 x RS300-E8 Series Support DVD
1 x ASWM* DVD
1 x ASMB7 DVD (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
1 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable (RS300-E8-PS4)
2 x AC Power Cable (RS300-E8-RS4)
Optional Items 1 x CPU Heatsink
ASUS ASMB7-iKVM Remote management card
DVD-ROM/DVD-RW
Second 450W Redundant Power Supply Module (RS300-E8-RS4)
1 x Friction Rail Kit
* ASUS System Web-based Management

ASUS RS300-E8 Series 1-3
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.
xxS0xxxxxxxx
RS300-E8-PS4, RS300-E8-RS4

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS300-E8 Series is a 1U barebone server system featuring the ASUS P9D-C/4L
server board. The server supports Intel®LGA1150 Xeon®E3-1200 v3 processors with the
latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
Model Name RS300-E8-PS4 RS300-E8-RS4
Processor / System Bus 1 x socket LGA1150
Intel®Xeon®Processor E3-1200 v3 Product Family
Core Logic Intel®C224 Chipset
Memory
Total Slots 4 (2 Channels)
Capacity Maximum up to 32 GB (UDIMM)
Memory Type DDR3 1333/1600 ECC UDIMM
Memory Size 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB (UDIMM)
Expansion Slots
(follow SSI
Location #)
Total PCI/PCI-E
Slots 2
Slot Type 1 x PCI-E x16 (x8 Gen3 link) (Full-Height/HL)
1 x PCI-E x8 (x4 Gen3 link) (Full-Height/HL)
Additional Slot 1 1 x PIKE Slot for Storage enhancement
Storage
SATA Controller
Intel®C224:
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTe)
supports software RAID 0, 1, 10, and 5 (Windows®)
SAS Controller
Optional kits:
ASUS PIKE 2008 8-port SAS 6G RAID Card
ASUS PIKE 2108-32PD 8-port SAS 6G RAID Card
ASUS PIKE 2308 8-port SAS 6G RAID Card
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S = hot-
swappable
4 x Hot-swap 3.5 in. HDD Bays
2 x SSD Bays (Optional)
Networking LAN 4 x Intel®I210 + 1 x Management LAN
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2300 32MB
Onboard I/O Connectors
1 x External Serial Port
5 x RJ-45 ports (1 for ASMB7-iKVM)
4 x USB 3.0 ports (Front x 2, Rear x 2)
2 x USB 2.0 ports (Rear x 2)
2 x VGA port (Front x 1, Rear x 1)
1 x Internal A-Type USB Port
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS300-E8 Series 1-5
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
Model Name RS300-E8-PS4 RS300-E8-RS4
OS Support
Windows®Server 2012
Windows®8 64-bit
Windows®Server 2008 Enterprise SP2 64-bit
Windows®Server 2008 Enterprise R2 SP1 64-bit
RedHat® Enterprise Linux AS 5.8/6.3 U8 64-bit Centos
5.8/6.2/6.3 64-bit
* Visit http://www.asus.com/ for the latest OS support.
Management
Solution
Software ASUS ASWM Enterprise
Out of Band
Remote
Management
Optional ASMB7-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 615 mm x 444 mm x 43.4 mm
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD not included) 16 Kg
Power Supply Single 400W 80PLUS Gold
Power Supply
1+1 Redundant 450W
80PLUS Gold Power Supply
Power Rating 100-240VAC, 6.3-3A,
60-50Hz, Class I
100-127/200-240Vac,
8/4A, 47-63Hz, Class I
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C–40°C
Non-operating temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non-operating humidity: 20%–90% (Non-condensing)
System specifications

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
1.4 Front panel features
The barebone server displays a simple yet stylish front panel with easily accessible features.
The power and reset buttons, LED indicators, and USB port for each Node are located on the
front panel.
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
Hot-swap HDD bays
Slim-type optical drive
(Optional)
Rack screw Rack screw
USB 3.0 ports
LAN4 LED
LAN3 LED
HDD Access LED
Message LED
Power button
Reset button
Locate switch
Hot-swap HDD bays
LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
VGA port
Asset tag
The Asset tag is a simple but useful device that is conveniently located on the front panel of
the server that you can pull out or easily slide back in. It has a piece of paper that allows you
to write down important information about the server.
Asset tag
Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.

ASUS RS300-E8 Series 1-7
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes the expansion slots, system power sockets, and rear fans. The I/O
shields with openings for the rear panel connectors on the motherboard are also placed in the
real panel.
The ports for the USB, VGA, and Gigabit LANs do not appear on the rear panel if the
motherboards are not present.
VGA port
USB 3.0 ports
LAN port 5*PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Gigabit LAN port 3
Gigabit LAN port 4
Gigabit LAN port 1
Gigabit LAN port 2
USB 2.0 ports
* This port is for ASUS ASMB7-iKVM controller card only.
VGA port
USB 3.0 ports
LAN port 5*PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Gigabit LAN port 3
Gigabit LAN port 4
Gigabit LAN port 1
Gigabit LAN port 2
USB 2.0 ports
RS300-E8-RS4
RS300-E8-PS4

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server 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 and power fan
2. PCI Express slot Riser Card
3. ASUS P9D-C/4L Server
Board
4. SSD Cage (Optional)
5. System fans
6. SAS / SATA backplane
(hidden)
7. HDD tray 1—Connect to
SATA1 port
8. HDD tray 2—Connect to
SATA2 port
9. HDD tray 3—Connect to
SATA3 port
10. HDD tray 4—Connect to
SATA4 port
11. Slim-type optical drive
12. Asset Tag
13. Front I/O boards (hidden)

ASUS RS300-E8 Series 1-9
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Display
status
Description
Power LED ON System power ON
HDD Access LED OFF No activity
Blinking Read/write data into the HDD
Message LED
OFF System is normal; no incoming event
ON
1. Without ASMB7-iKVM installed: CPU over-heated
2. With ASMB7-iKVM installed: a hardware monitor
event is indicated
LAN LEDs
3
4
OFF No LAN connection
Blinking LAN is transmitting or receiving data
ON LAN connection is present
Location LED
ON Location switch is pressed
OFF Normal status
(Press the location switch again to turn it off)
LAN4 LED
LAN3 LED
HDD Access LED
Message LED
Power LED
Location LED
LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
GREEN Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs
1.7.3 HDD status LED
HDD status LED
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED
SATA HDD LED Description
GREEN This installed Serial ATA HDD is in good condition
OFF HDD failure or no HDD is installed