Asus RS720-E8-RS24-ECP User manual

2U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS720-E8-RS24-ECP

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.
E12281
Revised Edition V2
December 2016

iii
Contents
Notices ...................................................................................................................... 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 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 HDD & SSD LEDs..................................................................... 1-10
1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .................................................................... 1-11
Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.1 Chassis cover.............................................................................................2-2
2.2 Air Duct .......................................................................................................2-3
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-4
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ....................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2 Installing CPU Heatsink .............................................................. 2-9
2.4 System memory .......................................................................................2-10
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.2 Memory Congurations............................................................. 2-10
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................................... 2-12
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................................... 2-12
2.5 Hard disk drives .......................................................................................2-13
2.6 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-17
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card to the motherboard ...................... 2-17
2.6.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-19
2.6.3 Installing an M.2 expansion card............................................... 2-20
2.7 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-21
2.8. System fans..............................................................................................2-22
2.9 Redundant power supply module .......................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3: Installation Options
3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit.......................................................................... 3-2

iv
Contents
Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.2 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-4
4.3 Internal connectors....................................................................................4-9
4.4 Onboard LEDs..........................................................................................4-19
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 2 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 ACPI Settings............................................................................ 5-11
5.4.2 Smart Settings........................................................................... 5-11
5.4.3 NCT6779D Super IO Conguration .......................................... 5-12
5.4.4 Onboard LAN I350 IO Conguration......................................... 5-13
5.4.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-14
5.4.6 APM .......................................................................................... 5-17
5.4.7 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-18
5.4.8 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 5-19
5.4.9 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 5-20
5.4.10 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-21
5.4.11 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-22
5.4.12 iSCSI Conguration................................................................... 5-23

v
Contents
5.5 IntelRCSetup menu.................................................................................. 5-24
5.5.1 Processor Conguration............................................................ 5-25
5.5.2 Advanced Power Management Conguration........................... 5-27
5.5.3 Common RefCode Conguration.............................................. 5-27
5.5.4 QPI Conguration...................................................................... 5-28
5.5.5 Memory Conguration............................................................... 5-29
5.5.6 IIO Conguration....................................................................... 5-31
5.5.7 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 5-32
5.5.8 Miscellaneous Conguration..................................................... 5-34
5.5.9 Server ME Conguration........................................................... 5-34
5.5.10 Runtime Error Logging Support ................................................ 5-34
5.6 Server Mgmt menu...................................................................................5-35
5.7 Event Logs menu .....................................................................................5-39
5.7.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-39
5.7.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-40
5.8 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................5-41
5.9 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-42
5.10 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-45
5.11 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-46
5.12 Exit menu..................................................................................................5-47
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 the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 6-3
6.1.4 RAID conguration utilities.......................................................... 6-3
6.2 LSI Software RAID Configuration 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.................................. 6-18
6.2.6 Deleting a RAID conguration................................................... 6-21
6.2.7 Selecting the boot drive from a RAID set.................................. 6-22
6.2.8 Enabling WriteCache ................................................................ 6-23

vi
Contents
6.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA/SSATA Option ROM Utility ........................................................... 6-24
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-25
6.3.2 Deleting a RAID set................................................................... 6-27
6.3.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID .................................................... 6-28
6.3.4 Exiting the Intel®Rapid Storage Technology
enterprise SATA Option ROM utility.......................................... 6-29
6.3.5 Rebuilding the RAID.................................................................. 6-29
6.3.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility........................ 6-31
6.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Windows)...................... 6-32
6.4.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-33
6.4.2 Changing a Volume Type.......................................................... 6-35
6.4.3 Deleting a volume ..................................................................... 6-36
6.4.4 Preferences............................................................................... 6-37
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............................................. 7-3
7.2 Management applications and utilities installation .............................. 7-13
7.3 Running the Support DVD....................................................................... 7-13
7.3.1 Drivers menu tab....................................................................... 7-14
7.3.2 Utilities menu tab....................................................................... 7-14
7.3.3 MakeDisk menu tab .................................................................. 7-15
7.3.4 Manual menu ............................................................................ 7-15
7.3.5 Contact information menu......................................................... 7-16
7.4 Intel®chipset device software installation ............................................ 7-17
7.5 Installing the Intel®I350-AM1/I350-AM2/I210/X540-BT2
Gigabit Adapters Driver........................................................................... 7-19
7.6 VGA driver installation ............................................................................ 7-22
7.7 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 4.0 installation ............... 7-24
Appendix
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-2

vii
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.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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.
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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
https://www.asus.com/support/. 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
https://www.asus.com/support/.

x
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: 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.

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

xii

1
Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of
the server, including sections on front panel and
rear panel specications.
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 RS720-E8-RS24-ECP
Chassis ASUS R20E 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS Z10PE-D16 Server Board
Component
1 x 800W Redundant Power Supply (80 PLUS Platinum)
1 x SAS/SATA back panel
1 x Front I/O Board
1 x Front USB Board
1 x Power sharing Board
4 x Easy-swap System Fans
24 x Hot-swap 2.5-inch HDD Trays
2 x Hot-swap 2.5-inch SSD Trays
Accessories
1 x Support DVD (user manual included)
1 x ASWM* Enterprise DVD
1 x ASMB8-iKVM DVD
2 x CPU Heatsink
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x AC Power Cable
Optional Items
1 x Standard Friction Rail Kit
1 x Additional 800W Redundant Power Supply (80 PLUS Platinum)
1 x ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS HBA card
1 x ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port HW RAID card

ASUS RS720-E8-RS24-ECP 1-3
1.2 Serial number label
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, take note of the product’s
12-character serial number as seen in the example xxS0xxxxxxxx below. With the correct
serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team members can quickly identify the
server model and provide a satisfactory solution to your technical issue.
xxS0xxxxxxxx
RS720-E8-RS24-ECP

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720-E8-RS24-ECP is a 2U barebone server system featuring the ASUS
Z10PE-D16 Server Board. The server supports Intel®LGA2011-3 Intel®Xeon® E5-2600
Processor v3 plus other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name RS720-E8-RS24-ECP
Processor Support / System Bus
2 x Socket R3 LGA 2011-3
Intel®Xeon® Processor E5-2600 v3 Family
QPI 6.4 / 8.0 / 9.6GT/s
Core Logic Intel®C612 PCH Chipset
Memory
Total Slots 16 (4 Channels per CPU, 8 DIMMS per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 1024 GB
Memory Type DDR4 2133/1866/1600/1333 RDIMM / LR-DIMM
Refer to www.asus.com for the latest memory AVL update.
Memory Size
32GB, 16GB, 8GB and 4GB (RDIMM)
64GB, 32GB (LRDIMM)
Refer to www.asus.com for the latest memory AVL update.
Expansion
Slots (follow
SSI Location #)
Total PCI/PCI-E Slots 5
Slot Location 1 1 x PCI-E x8 (x4 Gen3 link)
Slot Location 2 1 x PCI-E x16 (x16 Gen3 link)
Slot Location 3 1 x PCI-E x8 (x8 Gen3 link)
Slot Location 4 1 x PCI-E x16 (x16 Gen3 link)
Slot Location 6 1 x PCI-E x16 (x16 Gen3 link)
Networking LAN
1 x dual port Intel® I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x dual port Intel® I350-BT2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Management LAN
Storage
SATA Controller
Intel®C612
10 x SATA 6Gb/s ports or
9 x SATA 6Gb/s ports + 1 x M.2 socket
Intel®RSTe
(for Windows only; supports software RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5)
SAS Controller
Optional items:
ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS HBA card
ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW RAID card

ASUS RS720-E8-RS24-ECP 1-5
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Model Name RS720-E8-RS24-ECP
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S = hot-
swappable
24 x Hot-swap 2.5-inch HDD Bays
2 x Hot-swap 2.5-inch SSD Bays
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2400 32MB
Onboard I/O Connectors / LED
indicators
2 x USB 2.0 ports
2 x USB 3.0 ports
1 x VGA port
4 x GbE port
1 x Management port
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x External Serial port (COM port) (Optional)
Management
Solution
Software ASWM Enterprise
Out of Band
Remote
Management
1 x ASMB8-iKVM for KVM-over-Internet
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 615 mm x 444 mm x 88 mm (2U)
Net Weight Kg
(CPU, DRAM & HDD not
included)
23 Kg
Power Supply
1+1 Redundant 800W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
Power Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac, 10A/5A, 50/60Hz, Class I
The power rating and setting may vary depending on countries and
regions.
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C – 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C – 70°C
Non operating humidity: 20% – 90% (Non condensing)

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 ports for each Node are located on
the front panel.
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
USB 2.0 ports
24 x 2.5 HDD Bays handle
Front panel LEDs & buttons
handle
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.

ASUS RS720-E8-RS24-ECP 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
rear panel.
* This port is for ASUS ASMB8-iKVM controller and for technicians only.
The appearance of ports for USB, VGA, and Gigabit LANs on the rear panel may vary
depending on the motherboards installed.
SSD Bay
Gigabit LAN port
USB 2.0 ports
Expansion card back plate
Redundant power supply Serial port (Optional)
Power connector
USB 3.0 ports
PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
VGA port
Gigabit LAN port
Management LAN port*

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
1. Redundant power supply
2. ASUS Z10PE-D16 server board
3. Front panel system fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel (hidden)
5. HDD bays (24 x 2.5-inch)
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. 2 x SSD bays
8. Asset Tag (hidden)
The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive 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.