Asus RS720-E6 User manual

2U Rackmount Server
RS720-E6/RS12
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2010 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.
E5342
First Edition V1
February 2010

iii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
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...................................................................... 1-5
1.6 Internal features ........................................................................... 1-6
1.7 LED information ........................................................................... 1-7
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ............................................................ 1-7
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .......................................................... 1-8
1.7.3 HDD status LED.............................................................. 1-8
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 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 .......................................................... 2-10
2.3.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-10
2.4 Hard disk drives ......................................................................... 2-11
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-13
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-13
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-15
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-15
2.5.4 PCI Express x16 slots (x16 link; x8 link)....................... 2-16
2.5.5 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-16
2.5.6 PIKE slot ....................................................................... 2-16
2.6 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-17
2.7 SATAII/SAS backplane cabling ................................................. 2-18

iv
Contents
2.8 Removable/optional components............................................. 2-19
2.8.1 System fans .................................................................. 2-19
2.8.2 Redundant power supply module ................................. 2-20
2.8.3 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card (optional) .................. 2-21
2.8.4 Installing ASMB4 series management board (optional) 2-23
Chapter 3: Installation options
3.1 Installing friction rail kit items .................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Attaching the xing latches to the server ........................ 3-2
3.1.2 Attaching the rack rails.................................................... 3-3
3.1.3 Mounting the server to the rack ...................................... 3-4
Chapter 4: Motherboard information
4.1 Motherboard layouts.................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Jumpers ........................................................................................ 4-4
4.3 Internal connectors...................................................................... 4-9
Chapter 5: BIOS setup
5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 5-2
5.1.1 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 5-2
5.1.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 5-4
5.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 5-6
5.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 5-6
5.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 5-6
5.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 5-7
5.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................. 5-7
5.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 5-7
5.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 5-7
5.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 5-7
5.2.9 General help ................................................................... 5-7
5.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.1 System Time ................................................................... 5-8
5.3.2 System Date ................................................................... 5-8
5.3.3 SATA1–6 ......................................................................... 5-9
5.3.4 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 5-10
5.3.5 AHCI Conguration........................................................5-11

v
Contents
5.3.6 System Information ....................................................... 5-12
5.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 5-13
5.4.1 CPU Conguration........................................................ 5-13
5.4.2 Chipset Conguration ................................................... 5-17
5.4.3 Legacy Device Conguration........................................ 5-20
5.4.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 5-21
5.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 5-22
5.4.6 Power On Conguration................................................ 5-23
5.4.7 Event Log Conguration ............................................... 5-24
5.4.8 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 5-24
5.4.9 Congure I/O Virtualization Parameters........................ 5-25
5.4.10 PCI Express Conguration............................................ 5-26
5.4.11 ACPI Conguration ....................................................... 5-26
5.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 5-28
5.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 5-30
5.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 5-30
5.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 5-31
5.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 5-32
5.7 Exit menu.................................................................................... 5-34
Chapter6: RAIDconguration
6.1 Setting up RAID............................................................................ 6-2
6.1.1 RAID denitions .............................................................. 6-2
6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives................................................ 6-2
6.1.3 RAID controller selection ................................................ 6-3
6.1.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS........................................ 6-3
6.2 LSISoftwareRAIDCongurationUtility .................................... 6-4
6.2.1 Creating a RAID set........................................................ 6-5
6.2.2 Adding or viewing a RAID conguration ........................6-11
6.2.3 Initializing the virtual drives........................................... 6-12
6.2.4 Rebuilding failed drives................................................. 6-16
6.2.5 Checking the drives for data consistency ..................... 6-17
6.2.6 Deleting a RAID conguration....................................... 6-20
6.2.7 Selecting the boot drive from a RAID set...................... 6-21
6.2.8 Enabling WriteCache .................................................... 6-22
6.3 Intel®Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................. 6-23

vi
Contents
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set ...................................................... 6-24
6.3.2 Creating a Recovery set ............................................... 6-25
6.3.3 Deleting a RAID set ...................................................... 6-27
6.3.4 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ........................................ 6-28
6.3.5 Recovery Volume Options ............................................ 6-29
6.3.6 Exiting the Intel®Matrix Storage Manager .................... 6-30
6.3.7 Rebuilding the RAID ..................................................... 6-30
6.3.8 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility............ 6-32
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 ................................ 7-5
7.2 Intel®chipset device installation .............................................. 7-17
7.3 LAN driver installation............................................................... 7-19
7.4 VGA driver installation............................................................... 7-22
7.5 Management applications and utilities installation ................ 7-24
7.5.1 Running the support DVD ............................................. 7-24
7.5.2 Drivers menu................................................................. 7-24
7.5.3 Utilities menu ................................................................ 7-25
7.5.4 Make disk menu............................................................ 7-25

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 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 Information
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, 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.
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
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at
least basic knowledge of conguring a server.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections
on front panel and rear panel specications.
2. Chapter 2: Hardware setup
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing or removing system components.
3. Chapter 3: 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: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.
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
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+D>
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.

1-
ASUS RS720-E6/RS12
This chapter describes the general
features of the chassis kit. It includes
sections on front panel and rear panel
specications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2
*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 RS720-E6/RS12
Chassis ASUS R20C 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS Z8PE-D18 Server Board
Component 1 x 770W Redundant Power Supply
1 x SATAII/SAS HDD Backplane (BP12LX-R20A)
12 x hot-swap HDD trays
1 x Front I/O Board (LED board, FPB-R20A)
1 x Front I/O Board (USB board, USB-R20A)
4 x System Fans (80 x 38mm)
1 x Redundant Power Supply Distribution Board (PDB-R20A)
1 x Air Duct
Accessories 1 x RS720-E6/RS12 User’s Guide
1 x ASWM 2.0 User’s Guide
1 x RS720-E6/RS12 Support CD (including ASWM*)
1 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable
1 x Friction Rail Kit
Optional Items CA eTrust Anti-virus Software CD
Second 770W Redundant Power Supply Module
CPU Heatsink
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. See 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
RS720-E6/RS12

ASUS RS720-E6/RS12 1-3
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS RS720-E6/RS12 is a server featuring the ASUS Z8PE-D18 server
board. The server supports Intel® LGA1366 Xeon®series processors with EM64T
technology, plus other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name RS720-E6/RS12
Processor / System Bus
2 x Socket LGA1366
Six/Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® X5600 Series (95W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® X5500 Series (95W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® E5500 Series (80W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® L5500 Series (60W/38W)
QPI 4.8 / 5.86 / 6.4 GT/s
Core Logic Intel® 5520 I/O Hub
Intel® ICH10R
ASUS Features
Fan Speed
Control √
ASWM 2.0 √
Memory
Total Slots 18 (3-channel per CPU, 9 DIMMs per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 144GB (RDIMM)
Maximum up to 48GB (UDIMM)
Memory Type DDR3 1333 / 1066 / 800 Reg DIMM / Unbuffered
DIMM with ECC
Memory Size 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB (RDIMM)
1GB, 2GB and 4GB (UDIMM)
Expansion Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCI-E Slots 5
Slot Type
Low-prole slots:
- Slot 1: PCI-E x8 (G1 x4 link) (Auto disabled if
PIKE slot is occupied)
- Slot 2: PCI
- Slot 3: PCI-E x16 (G2 x16 link) (Auto switch to
x8 link if slot 4 is occupied)
- Slot 4: PCI-E x16 (G2 x8 link)
- Slot 5: PCI-E x16 (G2 x16 link)
Additional Slot 1 x PIKE slot for storage enhancement
Storage
SATA Controller
Intel® ICH10R:
- 6 x SATA2 300MB/s ports
- Intel® Matrix Storage (for Windows only)
- Supports software RAID 0, 1, 5 & 10
LSI MegaRAID (for Linux / Windows)
- Supports software RAID 0, 1 & 10
SAS Controller
Optional:
ASUS PIKE 1068E 8-port SAS RAID card
ASUS PIKE 1078 8-port SAS HW RAID card
ASUS PIKE 6480 8-port SAS RAID card
HDD Bays
I = Internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
8 x Hot-swap 3.5” SATAII/SAS HDD Bays
(available only when an optional ASUS PIKE
SAS RAID card is installed)
4 x Hot-swap 3.5” SATAII HDD Bays

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4
*Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
Networking LAN 1 x Dual Port Intel 82576EB (VMDq) + 1 x Mgmt LAN
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2050 / 8MB
Onboard I/O
1 x External Serial Port
3 x RJ-45 ports (1 for ASMB4-iKVM)
4 x USB 2.0 ports (Front x 2, Rear x 2)
1 x VGA port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
OS Support
Windows® Server 2008 R2
Windows® Server 2008 Enterprise 32 / 64-bit
Windows® Server 2003 R2 Enterprise 32 / 64-bit
RedHat® Enterprise Linux AS5.0 32 / 64-bit
SuSE® Linux Enterprise Server 10.0 32 / 64-bit
(Subject to change without any notice)
Anti-virus Software Optional CA eTrust Anti-virus Software CD
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Hardware
Optional ASMB4-iKVM for KVM-over-IP support
Software ASUS ASWM 2.0
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 615mm x 444mm x 87mm (2U)
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD not inclu ded) 25 Kg
Power Supply 770W (80+) 1+1 Redundant Power Supply (Default
with one Power Supply Module)
Environment
Operation temperature: 10°C–35°C / Non operation
temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operation humidity: 20%–90% ( Non-
condensing)

ASUS RS720-E6/RS12 1-5
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, optical drive, and two USB
ports are located on the front panel.
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
• The ports for the PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, serial port, USB, VGA, and
Gigabit LAN do not appear on the rear panel if motherboard is not present.
• *The port is for ASUS ASMB4-iKVM controller card only.
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.
USB ports Power button
Front panel
LEDs
Location
switch
Reset button
HDD 1 (SAS) HDD 2 (SAS) HDD 3 (SAS) HDD 4 (SAS)
HDD 5 (SAS) HDD 6 (SAS) HDD 7 (SAS) HDD 8 (SAS)
HDD 9 (SATA) HDD 10 (SATA) HDD 11 (SATA) HDD 12 (SATA)
PS/2 keyboard port
USB ports
LAN port 1
Serial port VGA port
7 Expansion slots
LAN port 2
Power cord
connector
PS/2 mouse port
Redundant power
supply dummy
cover
LAN port 3*

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
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
1. Power supply and power
fan
2. ASUS Z8PE-D18 Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS backplane
(hidden)
5. Hot-swap HDD tray 1–
12 (SAS and SATA)
6. Front USB I/O Board
(USB-R20A)
7. Front LED Board (FPB-
R20A)
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
A protection lm is pre-attached to the front cover before shipping. Please
remove the protection lm before turning on the system for proper heat
dissipation.

ASUS RS720-E6/RS12 1-7
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
Message LED
LAN2 LED
HDD Access LED
LAN1 LED
Power LED
Location LED
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 ASMB4-iKVM installed: CPU over-heated
2. With ASMB4-iKVM installed: a hardware monitor event is
indicated
Location
LED
OFF Normal status
ON Location switch is pressed (Press the location switch again to
turn off)
LAN LEDs
OFF No LAN connection
Blinking LAN is transmitting or receiving data
ON LAN connection is present

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8
1.7.3 HDD status LED
SATAII/SAS HDD LED Description
HDD Activity LED (Green)
OFF HDD not present
ON HDD present, no activity
Blinking 1. Read/write data from/into the SATAII/SAS HDD
2. Locating (blinking with the HDD status LED)
HDD Status LED (Red)
OFF HDD not present
ON HDD has failed and should be swapped immediately
Blinking 1. RAID rebuilding
2. Locating (blinking with the HDD activity LED)
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs
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
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED
HDD Activity LED (Green)
HDD Status LED (Red)

ASUS RS720-E6/RS12
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
2. Firmly hold the cover and slide it
toward the rear panel for about half
an inch until it is disengaged from
the chassis.
3. Lift the cover from the chassis.
1. Loosen the two thumbscrews on the rear panel to release the rear cover from
the chassis.
Removing the rear cover
Thumbscrews
1/2 inch distance