Asus RS720-E9-RS12-E User manual

2U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS720-E9-RS12-E

ii
Copyright © 2019 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.
E15323
Revised Edition V2
April 2019

iii
Contents
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 specifications ...............................................................................1-3
1.4 Front panel features...................................................................................1-6
1.5 Rear panel features....................................................................................1-6
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-8
1.7 LED information .......................................................................................1-10
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ...................................................................... 1-10
1.7.2 Storage device status LED........................................................ 1-11
1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .................................................................... 1-11
1.7.4 Q-Code table............................................................................. 1-12
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 .........................................................................................2-6
2.3.1 Overview ..................................................................................... 2-6
2.3.2 Memory Congurations............................................................... 2-7
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket........................ 2-14
2.3.4 Removing a DIMM from a single clip DIMM socket .................. 2-14
2.4 Storage devices........................................................................................2-15
2.5 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-21
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 1.................. 2-24
2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 2.................. 2-26
2.5.3 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 3
(for model without rear bay only)............................................... 2-28
2.5.4 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 4.................. 2-30
2.5.5 Replacing the ASUS PIKE II card ............................................. 2-32
2.5.6 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card...................... 2-35
2.5.7 Replacing the ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card
(for model with rear bay only).................................................... 2-38
2.5.8 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-40
2.5.9 Installing Mezzanine cards........................................................ 2-41
2.5.10 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards...................................................... 2-44

iv
Contents
2.6 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-46
2.7 SATA/SAS backplane cabling.................................................................2-47
2.8 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-49
2.8.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-49
2.8.2 Redundant power supply module.............................................. 2-50
Chapter 3: Installation Options
3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit.......................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Installing the tool-less rack rail ................................................................3-3
3.3 Rail kit dimensions ....................................................................................3-5
Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.2 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-4
4.3 Internal LEDs............................................................................................4-10
4.4 Internal connectors.................................................................................. 4-13
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

v
Contents
5.4 Performance Tuning menu......................................................................5-10
5.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-11
5.5.1 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-12
5.5.2 ACPI Settings............................................................................ 5-12
5.5.3 Smart Settings........................................................................... 5-13
5.5.4 Super IO Conguration ............................................................. 5-13
5.5.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-14
5.5.6 Onboard LAN Conguration ..................................................... 5-17
5.5.7 APM .......................................................................................... 5-18
5.5.8 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-19
5.5.9 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-21
5.5.10 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 5-22
5.5.11 NVMe Conguration.................................................................. 5-23
5.5.12 Offboard SATA Controller Conguration................................... 5-23
5.5.13 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 5-24
5.5.14 iSCSI Conguration................................................................... 5-25
5.6 Platform Configuration menu ................................................................. 5-25
5.6.1 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 5-26
5.6.2 Miscellaneous Conguration..................................................... 5-28
5.6.3 Server ME Conguration........................................................... 5-28
5.6.4 Runtime Error Logging Support ................................................ 5-29
5.7 Socket Configuration menu ....................................................................5-29
5.7.1 Processor Conguration............................................................ 5-30
5.7.2 Common RefCode Conguration.............................................. 5-31
5.7.3 UPI Conguration...................................................................... 5-32
5.7.4 Memory Conguration............................................................... 5-33
5.7.5 IIO Conguration....................................................................... 5-35
5.7.6 Advanced Power Management Conguration........................... 5-36
5.8 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 5-38
5.8.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-38
5.8.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-38
5.9 Server Mgmt menu................................................................................... 5-39
5.10 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-40
5.11 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-42
5.12 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-43
5.13 Save & Exit menu.....................................................................................5-43

vi
Contents
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 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA/SSATA 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/SSATA 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 Intel®Virtual Raid on CPU in BIOS ......................................................... 6-18
6.4.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-19
6.4.2 Deleting a RAID set................................................................... 6-20
Chapter 7: Driver Installation
7.1 RAID driver installation .............................................................................7-2
7.1.1 Creating a USB ash drive with RAID drive................................ 7-2
7.1.2 Installing the RAID controller driver............................................. 7-2
7.2 Management applications and utilities installation ................................ 7-5
7.3 Running the Support DVD......................................................................... 7-5
7.4 Intel®chipset device software installation .............................................. 7-8
7.5 VGA driver installation ............................................................................ 7-10
7.6 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 5.0 installation ............... 7-12

vii
Contents
Appendix
Z11PP-D24 block diagram ...................................................................................... A-2
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3
REACH ....................................................................................................A-4
Australia statement notice............................................................................A-4
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-5

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.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
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.
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
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.

x
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. Visit asuscontrolcenter.asus.com for more information.
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.

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 RS720-E9-RS12-E
Chassis ASUS R2P-A-R22475 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS Z11PP-D24 Server Board
Component
2 x Redundant 800W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
1 x SAS/SATA back panel
12 x Hot-swap 2.5”/3.5” Storage Device Bays
1 x Front Panel Board
4 x Riser Cards or 3 x Riser Cards with 2 x 2.5” hot-swap drive bays (optional)
4 x System Fans
Accessories
1 x RS720-E9-RS12-E Support CD
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x CPU Heatsink
2 x AC Power Cable
Optional Items 2 x Redundant 850W 80 PLUS Titanium Power Supply
1 x Friction Rail Kit
1.2 Serial number label
The product’s serial number contains 12 characters such as xxS0xxxxxxxx and printed on the
sticker at the server's front cover.
The correct serial number of the product is required if you need to request for support from
the ASUS Technical Support team.
1 2
3 4
RESET
xxS0xxxxxxxx
RS720-E9-RS12-E

ASUS RS720-E9 Series 1-3
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720-E9-RS12-E features the ASUS Z11PP-D24 server board. The server
supports Intel®Xeon®Scalable Processors Family Series (Intel®Xeon®Scalable Processors
Family Series with OMNI-PATH FABRIC supported on CPU2) plus other latest technologies
through the chipsets onboard.
Model Name RS720-E9-RS12-E
Motherboard Z11PP-D24
Processor Support
2 x Socket P0 (LGA 3647)
1st Gen Intel®Xeon®Processor Scalable Family
2nd Gen Intel®Xeon®Processor Scalable Family
Intel®Xeon®Scalable Processors Family with
OMNI-PATH FABRIC (supported on CPU2)
UPI 10.4 GT/s
Core Logic Intel®PCH C621
Memory
Total Slots 24 (6-channel per CPU, 12 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 7680GB
Memory Type
DDR4 2933* (1 DIMM per Channel)
DDR4 2666/2400/2133 RDIMM/LRDIMM/LRDIMM 3DS
(2 DIMM per Channel)
Intel®Optane™ DC persistent memory (DCPMM)
* 2933MHz will drop to 2666MHz when using 2DPC configurations
** Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Memory Size
4GB, 8GB, 12GB, 32GB (RDIMM)
64GB, 128GB (RDIMM 3DS)
32GB, 64GB, 128GB (LRDIMM)
64GB, 128GB, 256GB (LRDIMM 3DS)
128GB, 256GB, 512GB (DCPMM)
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCI-E/PIKE Slots 8+1
Slot Type
6 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x8 link) or
3 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x16 link), FH, HL
1 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x16 link), LP, HL
1 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x8 link), FH, HL
1 x OCP Mezzanine 2.0 (Gen3 x16 link)
Disk
Controller SATA Controller
Intel®PCH C621
10 x SATA 6Gb/s ports + 1 x M.2 connector (SATA 6Gb/s & PCI-E
Gen3 x4 link) or 9 x SATA 6Gb/s ports + 2 x M.2 connector
(SATA 6Gb/s & PCI-E Gen3 x4 link)
Intel®RSTe
(for Windows and Linux; Support software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5)
Intel®VROC
(for Windows and Linux; Support software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5)
(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
Model Name RS720-E9-RS12-E
Disk
Controller
SAS
Controller
Optional:
ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS HBA card
ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW RAID card
12G SAS Support
Storage Bays
I = internal
A or S will
be hot-
swappable
Front bays:
12 x 2.5”/3.5” Hot-swap Storage Device Bays
(8 x SATA/SAS + 4 x SATA/SAS/NVMe)
Rear bays (optional):
2 x 2.5” Hot-swap drive bays
(2 x SATA/NVMe)
Internal storage:
2 x M.2 (22110, 2280, 2260, 2242)
(support SATA/PCIe M.2, SATA RAID)
PCIe NVMe
Riser Card &
Cable
4 Ports Riser Card + Cable
Networking LAN 1 x Dual Port Intel I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Management Port
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2500 64MB
Auxiliary Storage Device Bay
(Floppy / Optical Drive) N/A
I/O Ports, Switches, and
LEDs
Front I/O Ports:
2 x USB 2.0 ports
Rear I/O Ports:
2 x USB 3.0 ports
1 x VGA port
2 x RJ-45 GbE LAN ports
1 x RJ-45 Mgmt LAN port
Rear Switch/LED:
1 x Power switch
1 x Q-Code/Port 80 LED
1 x Message LED
1 x HDD LED
1 x Location LED
Front Switch/LED:
1 x Power switch/LED
1 x Location switch/LED
1 x Reset switch
1 x Storage device access LED
1 x Message LED
LAN 1-4 LEDs
* LAN 3-4 for Mezzanine card use
(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS720-E9 Series 1-5
Model Name RS720-E9-RS12-E
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Hardware
On-Board ASMB9-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Software ASUS Control Center (Classic)
OS Support
Windows®Server 2019
Windows®Server 2016
RedHat®Enterprise Linux
SuSE®Linux Enterprise Server
CentOS
Scientic Linux
Ubuntu
Fedora
VMware
* Refer to http://www.asus.com for the latest OS support.
Dimension (Depth x Width x
Height)
750 mm x 444 mm x 88 mm (2U)
29.52” x 17.48” x 3.46”
Power Supply
(different configuration
by region)
1+1 Redundant
800W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
850W 80 PLUS Titanium Power Supply
Rating: 100-127Vac/200-240Vac, 10A/5A, 50/60Hz, Class I
(240Vdc only for China)
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 60°C
Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non condensing)
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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 two USB ports are located on the front
panel.
Refer to section 1.7 LED information for the LED descriptions.
1 2
3 4
RESET
USB 2.0 ports
12 x 2.5”/3.5” Drive Bays handle
Front panel LEDs & buttons
handle
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes the expansion slots, system power sockets, and rear fans. The
middle part includes the I/O shield with openings for the rear panel connectors on the
motherboard.
Redundant power supply
Power connector
VGA port
Mgmt LAN port*
Gigabit LAN port 2
Q-Code LED
USB 3.0 ports
Power button
Gigabit LAN port 1
Expansion card back plate
Asset tag
Without Rear Bay model
• * This port is for ASUS ASMB9-iKVM only.
• The Q-Code LED provides the most probable cause of an error code as a starting
point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.
• Refer to the Q-Code table for details.

ASUS RS720-E9 Series 1-7
• * This port is for ASUS ASMB9-iKVM only.
• The Q-Code LED provides the most probable cause of an error code as a starting
point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.
• Refer to the Q-Code table for details.
Redundant power supply
Power connector
VGA port
Mgmt LAN port*
Gigabit LAN port 2
Q-Code LED
USB 3.0 ports
Power button
Gigabit LAN port 1
Expansion card back plate
With Rear Bay model
2 x 2.5” Drive Bays

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
1
2
3 4
1
2
3 4
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
1. Redundant Power supply
2. ASUS Z11PP-D24 Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel
5. 12 x 2.5”/3.5” storage device
trays
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. Asset tag (hidden)
Without Rear Bay model
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
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-E9 Series 1-9
1
2
3 4
1
2
3 4
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. Redundant Power supply
2. ASUS Z11PP-D24 Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel
5. 12 x 2.5”/3.5” storage device
trays
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. Asset tag (hidden)
8. 2 x 2.5” storage device trays
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.
With Rear Bay model

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Display status Description
Power LED ON System power ON
Storage device
access LED
OFF No activity
Blinking Read/write data into the storage device
Message LED
OFF System is normal; no incoming event
ON With the onboard ASMB8-iKVM: a hardware
monitor event is indicated
LAN LEDs
OFF No LAN connection
Blinking LAN is transmitting or receiving data
ON LAN connection is present
Location LED
ON Location switch is pressed
OFF Normal status (Press the location switch again to
turn off)
1 2
3 4
RESET
1 2
3 4
RESET
Message LED LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
Storage device
access LED
Location button
Power button
LAN4 LED
LAN3 LED RESET button