Asus RS500A-E9 SERIES User manual

1U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS500A-E9 Series
RS500A-E9-PS4
RS500A-E9-RS4
RS500A-E9-RS4-U

ii
Copyright © 2018 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.
E14509
First Edition
August 2018

iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
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...................................................................................1-7
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
2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1 Installing the CPU and heatsink.................................................. 2-3
2.3 System memory .........................................................................................2-7
2.3.1 Overview ..................................................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Memory Congurations............................................................... 2-7
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket.......................... 2-8
2.4 Hard disk drives .........................................................................................2-9
2.5 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-13
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket............... 2-13
2.5.2 Installing an ASUS PIKE II card................................................ 2-14
2.5.3 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards...................................................... 2-18
2.5.4 Installing Mezzanine cards........................................................ 2-20
2.5.5 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-23
2.6 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-24
2.7 SATA/SAS backplane cabling.................................................................2-25
2.8 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-26
2.8.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-26

iv
Contents
Chapter 3: Installation Options
3.1 Rail kit installation .....................................................................................3-2
3.1.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit ............................................................ 3-2
3.1.2 Installing the tool-less rack rail.................................................... 3-2
3.2 Rail kit dimensions ....................................................................................3-5
Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.2 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-4
4.3 Onboard LEDs............................................................................................4-8
4.4 Internal connectors.................................................................................. 4-11
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 EZ Flash 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 [Day xx/xx/xxxx]..................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ............................................................... 5-9
5.4 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-11
5.4.2 PSP Firmware Versions............................................................ 5-11
5.4.3 APM .......................................................................................... 5-12
5.4.4 Smart Settings........................................................................... 5-13
5.4.5 NCT6793D Super IO Conguration .......................................... 5-13
5.4.6 Onboard LAN Conguration...................................................... 5-14

v
Contents
5.4.7 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-15
5.4.8 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 5-17
5.4.9 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-18
5.4.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 5-19
5.4.11 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 5-20
5.4.12 NVMe Conguration.................................................................. 5-21
5.4.13 SATA Conguration .................................................................. 5-21
5.4.14 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-22
5.4.15 iSCSI Conguration................................................................... 5-23
5.5 Chipset menu ...........................................................................................5-24
5.6 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-25
5.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-28
5.8 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-29
5.9 Save & Exit menu.....................................................................................5-29
5.10 AMD CBS menu........................................................................................ 5-31
5.10.1 Zen Common Options............................................................... 5-31
5.10.2 DF Common Options ................................................................ 5-32
5.10.3 UMC Common Option............................................................... 5-32
5.10.4 NBIO Common Options ............................................................ 5-34
5.11 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 5-36
5.11.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-36
5.11.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-36
5.12 Server Mgmt menu................................................................................... 5-37
Chapter 6: Driver Installation
6.1 Management applications and utilities installation ................................ 6-2
6.2 Running the Support DVD......................................................................... 6-2
6.3 AMD chipset device software installation ............................................... 6-5
6.4 Installing the Intel®I350-AM2 Gigabit Adapters driver ........................... 6-6
6.5 VGA driver installation .............................................................................. 6-8
Appendix
KNPA-U16 block diagram....................................................................................... A-2
Q-Code table............................................................................................................ A-3
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-6
REACH ....................................................................................................A-7
Australia statement notice............................................................................A-7
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-8

vi
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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Any mechanical operation on this server must be conducted by certied 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.
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.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

vii
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 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 Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.
6. Chapter 6: Driver Installation
This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for different
system components.

viii
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.
References
Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS Control Center (ACC) 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.

This chapter describes the general features of the chassis kit. It
includes 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 RS500A-E9-PS4, RS500A-E9-RS4, RS500A-E9-RS4-U
Chassis ASUS R10E 1U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS KNPA-U16 Server Board
Component
1 x 650W Single Power Supply (RS500A-E9-PS4)
1 x 770W Redundant Power Supply (RS500A-E9-RS4, RS500A-E9-RS4-U)
4 x Hot-swap 3.5-inch HDD Trays
1 x SAS/SATA Backplane (RS500A-E9-PS4, RS500A-E9-RS4)
1 x SAS/SATA/NVMe Backplane (RS500A-E9-RS4-U)
1 x PCI-E Riser Card
1 x Front I/O Board
6 x System Fans (40 mm x 28 mm)
1 x Redundant Power Supply Power Distribution Board
(RS500A-E9-RS4, RS500A-E9-RS4-U)
Accessories
1 x Support DVD
1 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable (RS500A-E9-PS4)
2 x AC Power Cable (RS500A-E9-RS4, RS500A-E9-RS4-U)
Optional
Items
1 x CPU Heatsink
1 x Tool-less Friction Rail Kit
DVD-ROM/DVD-RW

ASUS RS500A-E9 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.
4 3 2 1
xxS0xxxxxxxx
RS500A-E9 Series

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS500A-E9 Series is a 1U barebone server system featuring the ASUS
KNPA-U16 Server Board. The server supports AMD EPYC™ 7000 Series processors plus
other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
Model Name RS500A-E9-PS4 RS500A-E9-RS4 RS500A-E9-RS4-U
Processor Support 1 x Socket SP3 (LGA 4094)
AMD EPYC™ 7000 Series Processor (up to 180W)
Memory
Total Slots 16 (8-channel, 2-DIMM per Channel)
Capacity Maximum up to 2048GB
Memory Type DDR4 2666/2400/2133 RDIMM/LR-DIMM/LR-DIMM 3DS
Memory Size
32GB, 16GB, 8GB, 4GB (RDIMM)
64GB, 32GB (LRDIMM)
128GB, 64GB (LRDIMM 3DS)
* Refer to www.asus.com for the latest memory AVL update.
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/
PCI-X/PCI-E
Slots
2+1
Slot Type
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 link); FH,HL
1 x PCIe 3.0 x8 (x8 link); FH,HL
1 x OCP 2.0 Mezzanine (x8 link)
Disk
Controller
SATA
Controller CPU Integrated
SAS Controller
Optional kits:
- ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS HBA Card
- ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW RAID Card
Support SAS 12Gbps
NVMe
Controller N/A CPU Integrated
Storage
Bays
I = internal
A or S = hot-
swappable
4 x 3.5” or 2.5” Hot-swap Storage Bays
(SATA/SAS Supported)
4 x 3.5” or 2.5” Hot-
swap Storage Bays
(SATA/SAS/NVMe
Supported)
Networking LAN 1 x Dual Port Intel I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Management Port
Infiniband Optional Kit:
Mellanox MCX453A-FCAT Card
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2500 64MB
(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS500A-E9 Series 1-5
Model Name RS500A-E9-PS4 RS500A-E9-RS4 RS500A-E9-RS4-U
Auxiliary Storage Device
Bay (Optical Drive) 1 x Slim-type Optical Drive
Front I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.0 ports
1 x VGA port
Rear I/O Ports
2 x USB 3.0 ports
1 x VGA port
2 x RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports
1 x RJ-45 Management port
Switch/LED
Rear:
- 1 x Power Switch/LED
- 1 x Q-Code/Port 80 LED
Front:
- 1 x Power Switch/LED
- 1 x Location Switch/LED
- 1 x Reset Switch
- 1 x Message LED
- 4 x LAN LED (LED1~2 for on-board LAN, 3~4 for OCP LAN)
OS Support
Windows®Server 2016
RedHat®Enterprise Linux
SuSE®Linux Enterprise Server
CentOS
Ubuntu
VMware
Citrix XenServer
* Please find the latest OS support from http://www.asus.com/
Management
Solution
Software ASUS Control Center
Out of Band
Remote
Management
On-Board ASMB9-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Regulatory Compliance BSMI, CE, FCC
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 615 x 444 x 44mm (1U)
24.21” x 17.48” x 1.73”
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM
& HDD not included) 10 Kg 11 Kg 11.5 Kg
Gross Weight Kg (CPU,
DRAM & HDD not included,
Packing included)
16 Kg 17 Kg 17.5 Kg
(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
Model Name RS500A-E9-PS4 RS500A-E9-RS4 RS500A-E9-RS4-U
Power Supply
(following different
configuration by region)
Single 650W 80 PLUS
Platinum Power Supply
Rating:
100~127/200~240Vac,
9A/5A, 50~60Hz, Class I
1+1 Redundant 770W 80 PLUS Platinum
Power Supply
Rating: 100~127/200~240 Vac, 10A/5A,
50~60Hz, Class I
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C – 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C – 70°C
Non operating humidity: 20% – 90% (Non condensing)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ASUS RS500A-E9 Series 1-7
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, slim type optical drive, and two USB ports are
located on the front panel.
Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes the expansion slots, system power socket, and rear fans. The middle
part includes the I/O shield with openings for the rear panel connectors on the motherboard.
4 3 2 1
Optical drive (optional) Asset tag
(hidden)
Rack screw Rack screw
USB 3.0 ports
VGA port
LAN 2 LED
LAN 1 LED
LAN 4 LED
LAN 3 LED
Message LED
Power button
Location switch
Reset button
HDD LED
HDD 1 HDD 2 HDD 3 HDD 4
*This port is for ASUS ASMB9-iKVM controller card only.
RS500A-E9-RS4 / RS500A-E9-RS4-U
RS500A-E9-PS4
VGA port
Gigabit LAN port 1
(bottom) and 2 (top)
USB 3.0 ports
LAN port for iKVM*
OCP 2.0 Mezzanine slot
Power button
Q-Code LED
Q-Code LED
Power cord connector and
Redundant power supply PCI-E slot Locate LED
Message LED
VGA port
Gigabit LAN port 1
(bottom) and 2 (top)
USB 3.0 ports
LAN port for iKVM*
OCP 2.0 Mezzanine slot
Power button
Power cord connector
and power supply PCI-E slot Locate LED
Message LED

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
1. Power supply and power fan
2. PCI Express slot Riser Card
3. ASUS KNPA-U16 Server Board
4. System fans
5. SAS / SATA backplane (hidden)
6. HDD tray 1 - Connects to
backplane
7. HDD tray 2 - Connects to
backplane
8. HDD tray 3 - Connects to
backplane
9. HDD tray 4 - Connects to
backplane
10. Front I/O boards (hidden)
11. Slim-type optical drive
12. Asset Tag
The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive. Connect a USB oppy disk drive
to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a oppy 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.

ASUS RS500A-E9 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
Blinking
No activity
Read/write data into the HDD
Message LED OFF
ON
System is normal; no incoming event
A hardware monitor event is indicated
Location LED
OFF
ON
Normal status
Location switch is pressed
(Press the location switch again to turn off)
LAN LEDs
OFF
Blinking
ON
No LAN connection
LAN is transmitting or receiving data
LAN connection is present
4 3 2 1
LAN 2 LED
LAN 1 LED
LAN 4 LED
LAN 3 LED
HDD LED
Power button
Location switch
Message LED

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
1.7.3 HDD status LED
4 3 2 1
HDD status LED
SATA/SAS HDD LED Description
HDD Status
LED
GREEN ON SATA/SAS HDD power ON
RED ON HDD has failed and should be swapped
immediately
GREEN/
RED Blinking RAID rebuilding
GREEN/
RED OFF HDD not found
HDD Activity
LED GREEN Blinking Read/write data from/into the SATA/SAS HDD
HDD Activity LED
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs
LAN port LED indications
LAN port
Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link
GREEN 1 Gbps connectionGREEN Linked
BLINKING Data activity
Dedicated Management LAN port (DM_LAN1) LED indications
DM LAN port
Activity/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
SPEED
LED
ACT/LINK
LED

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have
to perform when installing or removing system components.
2
Hardware Information
Chapter 2: Hardware Information

Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2-2
2.1 Chassis cover
Removing the rear cover
1. Locate and remove the front side screws.
3. Firmly hold the cover and slide it toward
the rear panel for about half an inch
until it is disengaged from the chassis.
4. Lift the cover from the chassis.
5. To reattach the rear cover, reverse step
1 to 4.
2. Loosen the two thumbscrews on the rear panel to release the rear cover from the
chassis.
Thumbscrews
A protection lm is pre-attached to
the system cover before shipping.
Please remove the protection lm
before turning on the system for
proper heat dissipation.
Front side screw