Asus RS300-H8-PS12 User manual

1U Rackmount Server
RS300-H8-PS12
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2013 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 fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, 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.
Specifications 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, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification 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 identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E8379
First Edition
June 2013

iii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
REACH .......................................................................................... vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
Australia statement notice.................................................................ix
About this guide .......................................................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 System package contents........................................................... 1-2
1.2 Serial number label...................................................................... 1-3
1.3 Systemspecications ................................................................. 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 SFP+ status LEDs......................................................... 1-10
1.7.4 SSD status LEDs .......................................................... 1-10
Chapter 2: Hardware setup
2.1 Chassis 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............................................. 2-6
2.3 System memory ........................................................................... 2-8
2.3.1 Overview ......................................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Memory Configurations................................................... 2-8
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM ............................................................ 2-9
2.4 Hard disk drives (HDDs)............................................................ 2-10
2.5 Installing SSDs........................................................................... 2-14
2.6 Expansion slot............................................................................ 2-16
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket... 2-16
2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-18

iv
Contents
2.7 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-19
2.8 Removable/optional components............................................. 2-20
2.8.1 System fans .................................................................. 2-20
2.8.2 Installing ASMB7 series management board (optional) 2-22
Chapter 3: Installation options
3.1 Friction Rail Kit Installation Guide ............................................. 3-2
3.1.1 Attaching the fixing latches to the server ........................ 3-2
Chapter 4: Motherboard Info
4.1 Motherboard layout...................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Jumpers ........................................................................................ 4-5
4.3 Internal connectors.................................................................... 4-10
4.4 Onboard 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 Configuration fields ......................................................... 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 Configuration .........................................................5-11
5.4.2 PCH-IO Configuration ................................................... 5-14
5.4.3 SATA Configuration ....................................................... 5-15
5.4.4 System Agent (SA) Configuration ................................. 5-16
5.4.5 PCI Subsystem Settings ............................................... 5-18
5.4.6 USB Configuration ........................................................ 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 Configuration .............................. 5-22
5.4.11 Intel Server Platform Services....................................... 5-23
5.4.12 Onboard LAN Configuration.......................................... 5-23
5.4.13 Serial Port Console Redirection.................................... 5-24
5.4.14 Runtime Error Logging Support .................................... 5-26
5.4.15 APM .............................................................................. 5-26
5.4.16 Onboard LAN BCM57840S Configuration .................... 5-27
5.4.17 Network Stack............................................................... 5-27
5.4.18 Intel RC Drivers Version Detail ..................................... 5-28
5.5 Event Logs menu ....................................................................... 5-28
5.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 5-29
5.7 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 5-32
5.8 Security....................................................................................... 5-33
5.9 Tool menu ................................................................................... 5-36
5.10 Exit menu.................................................................................... 5-36
Chapter6: RAIDconguration
6.1 Setting up RAID............................................................................ 6-2
6.1.1 RAID definitions .............................................................. 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 configuration 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
6.4 LSI Corporation MPT Setup Utility ........................................... 6-18
6.4.1 RAID 1 volume.............................................................. 6-19
6.4.2 RAID 1E/10 volume ...................................................... 6-23
6.4.3 RAID 0 volume.............................................................. 6-25
6.4.4 Managing Arrays ........................................................... 6-27
6.4.5 Viewing SAS topology................................................... 6-34
6.4.6 Global Properties .......................................................... 6-35
Chapter 7: Driver installation
7.1 RAID driver installation ............................................................... 7-2
7.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk ............................................ 7-2
7.1.2 Creating the LSI 2308 SAS2 driver disk ......................... 7-4
7.1.3 Installing the RAID controller driver ................................ 7-6
7.2 Management applications and utilities installation ................ 7-15
7.3 Running the Support DVD ........................................................ 7-15
7.4 Installing the LAN driver............................................................ 7-23
7.5 Installing the VGA driver ........................................................... 7-28
7.6 Installing the Intel®C22x MEI NULL HECI driver..................... 7-31
7.7 Installing the Intel®I210 Gigabit Adapter driver ...................... 7-33
7.8 Installing the Broadcom 10G driver ......................................... 7-37
ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-1

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 B 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 A limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This Class A 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 modifications 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://csr.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, 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 add a device.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Any mechanical operation on this server must be conducted by certified or
experienced engineers.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the server
package.
• Before using the server, ensure 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.
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.
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.

ix
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.
Australia statement notice
From 1 January 2012 updated warranties apply to all ASUS products, consistent
with the Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details please
visit http://support.asus.com. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be
excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or
refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable
loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the
goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major
failure.
If you require assistance please call ASUS Customer Service 1300 2787 88 or visit
us at http://support.asus.com

x
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at
least basic knowledge of configuring 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 specifications.
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: Installation options
This chapter describes how to install optional components into the barebone
server.
4. Chapter 4: Motherboard information
This chapter gives information about the motherboard that comes with the
server. This chapter includes the motherboard layout, jumper settings, and
connector locations.
5. Chapter 5: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus and describes the BIOS parameters.
6. Chapter6:RAIDconguration
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
7 Chapter 7: Driver installation
This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for
different system components.

xi
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
To ensure 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
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

xii

1-
This chapter describes the general features
of the chassis kit. It includes sections on
front panel and rear panel specifications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-2
*ASUS System Web-based Management
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-H8-PS12
Chassis ASUS 1U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS P9D-MH Server Board
Component 1 x Single 400W 80Plus Gold Power Supply
4 x Hot-swap 3-in-1 3.5 inch HDD trays
1 x SATA Backplane
1 x PCIE Riser Card
5 x System Fans (40mm x 28mm)
Accessories 1 x RS300-H8-PS12 User’s Manual
1 x ASWM* User’s Guide
1 x ASMB7 User’s Guide (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
1 x RS300-H8-PS12 Support DVD
1 x ASWM* DVD
1 x ASMB7 DVD (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
3 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable
Optional
Items
1 x CPU Heatsink
ASUS ASMB7-iKVM Remote management card
1 x Friction Rail Kit

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12 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 14 characters such as xxS0xxxxxxxxxx shown as the
figure 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
RS300-H8-PS12

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-4
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS RS300-H8-PS12 is a 1U barebone server system featuring the
ASUS P9D-MH Server Board. The server supports Intel®LGA1150 Intel®
Xeon®E3-1200 Processor v3 plus other latest technologies through the chipsets
onboard.
(continued on the next page)
* Refer to www.asus.com for the complete list of supported CPUs.
Model Name RS300-H8-PS12
Processor Support /
System Bus
1 x Socket LGA1150
Intel®Xeon®Processor E3-1200 v3 Product Family
Core Logic Intel®C224 Chipset
ASUS
Features
Fan Speed
Control
Rack Ready
(Rack and
Pedestal dual
use)
ASWM
Enterprise
Memory
Total Slots 4 (2 Channels)
Capacity Maximum up to 32GB
Memory Type DDR3 1333/1600 ECC UDIMM
Expansion
Slots
(follow SSI
Location
number)
Total PCI/
PCI-E Slots 1
Slot
Location 6 1 x PCI-E x8 (x4 Gen3 link)
Storage SATA Controller
Intel®C224:
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- Intel®RSTe supports software RAID 0, 1, 10, & 5
(Windows only)
SAS Controller LSI 2308 8-port SAS 6G Controller
HDD Bays
I = Internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
4 x 3 in 1 Hot-swap 3.5 inch HDD bays (Serial ATA)
2 x Hot-swap SSD bays
Networking LAN 2 x Intel®I210AT controller + 1 x Management LAN
1 x Dual Port Broadcom 57840S 10GbE Chipset

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12 1-5
Model Name RS300-H8-PS12
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2300 + 32MB VRAM
Onboard I/O
Connectors
TPM Header 1
PSU
Connector
24-pin ATX power connector
8-pin ATX 12V power connector
SATA DOM
Power
Connector
4-pin power connector
Management
Header On-board header for optional management card
USB
Connector/
Header
1 x USB 3.0 pin header (up to 2 devices)
1 x USB 2.0 pin header (up to 2 devices)
1 x USB 2.0 connector (Type A USB socket)
Fan Header 5 x 4 pin headers
SMBus 1
Chassis
Intruder 1
Front LAN
LED 4
Serial Port
Header 1
VGA Header 1
Rear I/O
Connectors
External USB
Port
2 x USB 3.0
2 x USB 2.0
VGA Port 1
RJ-45 2 x GbE LAN
1 x Management LAN
SFP+ 2 x SFP+ connector
PS/2 KB/
Mouse 1
Management
Solution
Software ASWM Enterprise
Out of Band
Remote
Management
Optional ASMB7-iKVM for KVM-over-Internet
Dimension 615 mm x 444 mm x 43.4 mm
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM,
and HDD not included) 19 Kg
Power Supply Single 400W 80Plus Gold Power Supply
Rating: 100-240Vac, 6.3A 60-50Hz, Class 1
Environment
Operation temperature:
10oC – 40oC
Non operation temperature:
-40oC – 70oC
Non operation humidity:
20% – 90% (Non condensing)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-6
1.4 Front panel features
The front panel of the RS300-H8-PS12 features a simple yet compact design with the four
3-in-1 HDD trays with hot-swap support and I/O boards conveniently located on the front
panel for easy access.
The HDD trays’s modular design allows the server to support tool-less installation of up to 12
3.5-inch Serial ATA HDDs.
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
Asset tag
The Asset tag is a small polyester film or foil that is located in the left side of the server’s front
panel that allows you to log important information about the server such as asset barcode or
serial number. The Asset tag is useful in asset tracking and inventory management.
12
3
2 13 2 13 2 13 2 13
1
2
3
4
HDD drive tray
Rack screw
Rack screw
SFP+_LED2
SFP+_LED1
Message LED
LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
Asset tag
Power Button
Reset button
Location button and LED
HDD1 LED Drive tray handle
Drive tray lock
HDD2 LED
HDD3 LED
HDD drive tray
HDD Access LED

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12 1-7
The rear panel of RS300-H8-PS12 includes the hot-swap SSD trays, expansion slots, SFP+
10G ports, the rear I/O ports, and the system power socket.
The ports for the USB, VGA, and Gigabit LANs do not appear on the rear panel if the
motherboard is not present.
The LAN port 3 is for ASUS ASMB7-iKVM controller card only.
VGA port
USB 3.0 ports
LAN port 3
SSD drive trays
Gigabit LAN port 1
Gigabit LAN port 2
USB 2.0 ports
Thumbscrew
PS/2 keyboard/mouse port Expansion slot cover
SFP+_2
SFP+_2 LEDs
SFP+_1
SFP+_1 LEDs
1.5 Rear panel features

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-8
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
1. Power supply
2. PCI Express slot Riser Card
3. ASUS P9D-MH Server Boards
4. System fans
5. SATA backplane (hidden)
6. HDD tray 1—Connect to
SATA2/SATA3/SATA4 port
7. HDD tray 2—Connect to
SAS7/SAS8/SATA1 port
8. HDD tray 3—Connect to
SAS4/SAS5/SAS6 port
9. HDD tray 4—Connect to
SAS1/SAS2/SAS3 port
10. Front I/O boards (hidden)
11. SSD bay
12. Asset Tag (hidden)
The barebone server does not include a floppy disk drive drive. Connect a USB floppy disk
drive to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a floppy disk.
*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
2
3
44 4 4
10
9 67
8
11
5
12
4
HDD tray 1
SATA4
SATA3
SATA2
HDD tray 2
SATA1
SAS8
SAS7
HDD tray 3
SAS6
SAS5
SAS4
HDD tray 4
SAS3
SAS2
SAS1