Asus RS720A-E12 Series User manual

2U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS720A-E12 Series
RS720A-E12-RS24U

ii
Copyright © 2022 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means,
except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission
of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specifications and information contained in this manual 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, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E20604
First Edition
October 2022

iii
Contents
Safety information..................................................................................................... vii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
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....................................................................................1-8
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-9
1.7 LED information .......................................................................................1-11
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ...................................................................... 1-11
1.7.2 Storage device status LED........................................................1-12
1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .................................................................... 1-13
1.7.4 Rear panel LEDs....................................................................... 1-14
1.7.5 Q-Code table............................................................................. 1-15
Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.1 Chassis cover.............................................................................................2-2
2.1.1 Removing the rear cover............................................................. 2-2
2.1.2 Removing the mid cover ............................................................. 2-3
2.2 Air ducts......................................................................................................2-4
2.2.1 Removing the air duct (for standard model)................................ 2-4
2.2.2 Removing the air duct (for GPU model)...................................... 2-5
2.2.3 Installing the air duct (for standard model).................................. 2-6
2.2.4 Installing the air duct (for GPU model)........................................ 2-7
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-8
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ....................................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink (for GPU model) .................................... 2-11
2.3.3 Installing the heatsink (for Standard model) ............................. 2-13
2.4 System memory .......................................................................................2-14
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................... 2-14
2.4.2 Memory Configurations............................................................. 2-15
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................................... 2-17
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................................... 2-17
2.5 (optional) Front bezel...............................................................................2-18
2.5.1 Removing the front bezel .......................................................... 2-18
2.5.2 Installing the front bezel ............................................................ 2-19

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2.6 Storage devices........................................................................................2-22
2.6.1 Installing a 2.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS/NVMe storage device .... 2-23
2.6.2 Installing a 2.5” storage device to the rear bay ......................... 2-24
2.7 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-25
2.7.1 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 1
(for standard model).................................................................. 2-27
2.7.2 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 2 and 3
(for standard model).................................................................. 2-29
2.7.3 Installing a GPU card to riser card bracket 1
(for GPU model)........................................................................ 2-32
2.7.4 Installing a GPU card to riser card bracket 2 and 3
(for GPU model)........................................................................ 2-35
2.7.5 Installing an expansion card to riser bracket 4.......................... 2-39
2.7.6 Installing an ethernet expansion card to riser bracket 4 ........... 2-42
2.7.7 Replacing an HBA/RAID expansion card to riser bracket 4...... 2-43
2.7.8 Installing the Cache Vault Power Module ................................. 2-44
2.7.9 Installing an OCP 3.0 card ........................................................ 2-47
2.7.10 Installing an M.2 (NGFF) card................................................... 2-48
2.7.11 Configuring an expansion card ................................................. 2-52
2.8 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-53
2.9 Backplane cabling ................................................................................... 2-54
2.10 Storage device configuration and cabling ............................................2-55
2.10.1 24 x NVMe + 8 x SATA storage device configuration and
cabling....................................................................................... 2-56
2.11 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-57
2.11.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-57
2.11.2 Redundant power supply module ............................................. 2-59
Chapter 3: Installation Options
3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit.......................................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Installing the tool-less rack rail.................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 Rail kit dimensions ...................................................................... 3-4
3.2 Ball bearing Rail Kit ................................................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4: Motherboard Information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 4-5
4.3 Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)..........................................................4-5
4.4 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-6
4.3 Internal LEDs............................................................................................4-12
4.4 Internal connectors.................................................................................. 4-14

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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 Configuration fields ..................................................................... 5-8
5.2.8 Pop-up window............................................................................ 5-8
5.2.9 Scroll bar..................................................................................... 5-8
5.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................5-9
5.4 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-10
5.4.2 Redfish Host Interface Settings.................................................5-11
5.4.3 AMD CBS.................................................................................. 5-11
5.4.4 Onboard LAN Configuration...................................................... 5-21
5.4.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-22
5.4.6 CPU Configuration .................................................................... 5-24
5.4.7 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-25
5.4.8 USB Configuration .................................................................... 5-30
5.4.9 Network Stack Configuration.....................................................5-31
5.4.10 NVMe Configuration.................................................................. 5-32
5.4.11 SATA Configuration .................................................................. 5-33
5.4.12 APM Configuration.................................................................... 5-33
5.4.13 AMD Mem Configuration Status................................................ 5-34
5.4.14 T1s Auth.................................................................................... 5-34
5.4.15 Driver Health ............................................................................. 5-35
5.4.16 Third-party UEFI driver configurations ...................................... 5-35
5.5 Chipset menu ...........................................................................................5-36
5.6 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-37
5.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-41
5.8 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-42

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5.9 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 5-43
5.9.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-44
5.9.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-45
5.10 Server Mgmt menu................................................................................... 5-46
5.10.1 System Event Log..................................................................... 5-47
5.10.2 BMC network configuration....................................................... 5-48
5.10.3 View System Event Log ............................................................ 5-50
5.11 Exit menu..................................................................................................5-51
Chapter 6: Driver Installation
Running the Support DVD.......................................................................................6-2
Appendix
K14PP-D24 block diagram...................................................................................... A-2
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3
Service and Support ............................................................................................... A-6

vii
Safety information
Electrical Safety
• Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system
unit and all attached devices are unplugged.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Any mechanical operation on this server must be conducted by certified or experienced
engineers.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the server
package.
• Before using the server, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables
are not damaged. If any damage is detected, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Place the server on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified 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.
Restricted Access Location
This product is intended for installation only in a Computer Room where:
• Access can only be gained by SERVICE PERSONS or by USERS who have been
instructed about the reasons for the restrictions applied to the location and about any
precautions that shall be taken.
• Access is through the use of a TOOL, or other means of security, and is controlled by
the authority responsible for the location.

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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.
To prevent exposure to the optical drive’s laser, do not attempt to disassemble or repair the
optical drive by yourself. For your safety, contact a professional technician for assistance.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Optical Drive Safety Information
Laser Safety Information

ix
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at least basic
knowledge of configuring a server.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections on front
panel and rear panel specifications.
2. Chapter 2: Hardware 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.

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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 provide updated information for all ASUS hardware and software
products. Visit https://www.asus.com for more 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 server. It
includes sections on front panel and rear panel specifications.
1
Product Introduction
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-2
1.1 System package contents
Check your system package for the following items.
RS720A-E12-RS24U
Chassis ASUS R12F 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS K14PP-D24 Server Board
Components
1 x 80PLUS Power Supply
1 x 2.5-inch Storage Device Backplane
24 x 2.5-inch Storage Device Trays or Dummy Trays
1 x Front Panel Board
3 x Riser Cards
4 x System Fans
Accessories
1 x Support DVD
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x CPU Heatsinks
2 x AC Power Cables
1 x External Fan Module (Optional)
1 x OCP3.0 Module (Optional)
1 x LAN Module (Optional)
1 x MB Support DVD
Optional Items
1 x 80PLUS Power Supply (Second PSU)
1 x Friction Rail Kit
1 x Ball Bearing Rail Kit (1000mm)
1 x Ball Bearing Rail Kit (1200mm)
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• Optional items come bundled if you selected them when purchasing the system and
cannot be bought separately.

ASUS RS720A-E12 Series 1-3
1.2 Serial number label
The product’s serial number contains 12 characters, such as xxSxxxxxxxxx, and printed on
the sticker adhered to 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.
xxSxxxxxxxxx
RS720A-E12-RS24U
1 2
3 4
RESET

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720A-E12 Series features the ASUS K14PP-D24 server board. The server
supports AMD EPYC™ 9004 series processors, plus other latest technologies through the
chipsets onboard.
Model Name RS720A-E12-RS24U
Motherboard K14PP-D24
Processor Support
2 x Socket SP5 (LGA 6096)
AMD EPYC™ 9004 series (up to 400W, conditional support)
xGMI (External Global Memory Interface Link)
Core Logic System on Chip (SoC)
Memory
Total Slots 24 (12 channel per CPU, 1 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 3TB per CPU socket
Memory Type DDR5 4800/4400 RDIMM/ 3DS RDIMM
* Please refer to www.asus.com for latest momory AVL update
Memory Size
128GB, 64GB, 32GB RDIMM
128GB, 64GB, 32GB 3DS RDIMM
* Refer to www.asus.com/support for more information
Expansion
Slots
Total PCIe /
HBA/RAID Slots 9 + 1 internal slot
Slot Type
Up to 9 PCIe Gen5 slots
6 x PCIe Gen5 x8 or 3 x PCIe Gen5 x16 (FHFL)
2 x PCIe Gen5 x8 or 1 x PCIe Gen5 x16 or 1 x OCP3.0 (FHFL)
1 x PCIe Gen5 x16 (LPHL)
M.2 2 x M.2 (up to 2280 from CPU1)
Micro SD Card slot 1
Proprietary Slot 1 -
Proprietary Slot 2 -
Disk
Controller
SATA Controller 8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
2 x M.2 connectors (SATA 6Gb/s & PCI-E Gen4 x4 link)
SAS Controller
Optional kits:
Braodcom HBA CARD 9500-16i
Broadcom MegaRAID 9540-8i
Broadcom MegaRAID 9560-16i
(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS720A-E12 Series 1-5
(continued on the next page)
Model Name RS720A-E12-RS24U
Storage
Storage Bay
Front Bays:
24 x 2.5” Hot-Swap Drive Bays
Support up to 16 x NVMe + 8 x NVMe/SATA/SAS*
* SAS support only from optional SAS HBA/RAID card.
Backplane
connectors 6 x Mini SAS HD connectors
Motherboard
onboard
connectors
2 x M.2 connectors
2 x slimline SAS x8 (for 8 x SATA)
4 x MCIO (for switch board)
Default Cable
If SATA/SAS storages is selected, the following cables will be
included:
SLIMLINE SAS TO MINI SAS HD Cable
SLIMLINE SAS TO MCIO Cable (for SAS only)
Networking
LOM
1 x Quad Port Intel®I350-AM4 or Dual Port Intel®X710-AT2
Gigabit LAN controller or none
Onboard
1 x Management Port
Optional OCP3.0 Adapter
Up to 200Gb/s Ethernet / InfiniBand Adapter
VGA Aspeed AST2600 256MB
Graphic Up to 3 double-wide GPU
* Only available for GPU model
Auxiliary Storage Device Bay
(Floppy / Optical Drive)
Optional:
1 x External ODD
Front I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
Rear I/O Ports
2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
1 x VGA port
1 x RJ-45 Mgmt LAN port
2 x 10G or 4 x 1G RJ-45 GbE LAN port (Optional)
Switch/LED
Front Switch/LED:
1 x Power Switch (w/ LED)
1 x Reset Switch
1 x Location Switch (w/ LED)
1 x HDD Access LED
1 x Message LED
LAN 1-4 LED (on NIC module)
* The number of LAN LEDs available depends on the LAN
Controller card installed.
Rear Switch/LED:
1 x Port 80 LED (Q-Code)
1 x Power Switch w/ LED
1 x Location LED
1 x Message LED

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Model Name RS720A-E12-RS24U
Security Options TPM-SPI
PFR
OS Support
Windows Server
RedHat®Enterprise Linux
SuSE®Linux Enterprise Server
CentOS
Ubuntu
Vmware
* Please find the latest OS support from https://www.asus.com/
event/Server/OS_support_list/OS.html
Management
Solution
Software ASUS Control Center
Out of Band Remote
Management On-Board ASMB11-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Regulatory Compliance BSMI, CE, CB, C-Tick, FCC(Class A)
Dimension 840mm x 449mm x 88.1mm (2U)
33.07” x 17.68” x 3.47”
Net Weight Kg 20.3Kg (CPU, DRAM & HDD not included)
Gross Weight Kg 26.77Kg (CPU, DRAM & HDD not included, Packing included)
Power Supply
(different configuration by region)
1+1 Redundant 2600W 80 PLUS Titanium Power Supply
Rating: 100-127/240Vac, 13.8A/16A, 50-60Hz
1+1 Redundant 2000W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac, 13A/12A, 50/60Hz
1+1 Redundant 1600W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac,13A/9.5A,50-60Hz
1+1 Redundant 1600W 80 PLUS Titanium Power Supply
Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac, 13A/9.6A, 50-60Hz
Environment
Operation temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operation temperature: -40°C ~ 60°C
Non operation humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non condensing)

ASUS RS720A-E12 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 and LED indicators are located on the front panel.
Refer to section 1.7 LED information for the LED descriptions.
1 2
3 4
RESET
1 2
3 4
RESET
handle
Front panel LEDs & buttons
handle
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• Bay 1 to bay 24 supports NVMe.
• Bay 1 to bay 8 supports NVMe/SATA/SAS. SAS support requires optional HBA/RAID
card.
Bays 1-4 Bays 5-8 Bays 9-12
Front bezel
Bezel keylock
Bezel release latch
Bays 13-16 Bays 17-20 Bays 21-24
For extra security, a front bezel (purchased separately) can be installed to prevent
unauthorized physical access to the hard drives and power button.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
• Mgmt LAN port is for ASUS ASMB11-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.
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes the expansion slots, and system power sockets. 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*
Q-Code LED
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
Location button
Optional LAN port expansion slots
Expansion slot
Power button
Expansion slot
Expansion slot
Optional External Fan location
(for GPU model)

ASUS RS720A-E12 Series 1-9
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
A protection film is pre-attached to the front cover before shipping. Please remove the
protection film before turning on the system for proper heat dissipation.
1. Riser card bracket
2. OCP module (hidden,
optional)
3. Redundant power supply
(hidden)
4. PCIe riser card (hidden)
5. ASUS K14PP-D24 Server
Board
6. System fans
7. NVMe/SATA/SAS back panel
8. Front USB Board
9. Asset tag (hidden)
10. Front panel (hidden)
11. 24 x 2.5” storage device trays
Standard model

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
Ensure to install the external fan when GPU is installed on slot 3 & 4.
A protection film is pre-attached to the front cover before shipping. Please remove the
protection film before turning on the system for proper heat dissipation.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
GPU model
1. Riser card bracket
2. OCP Adapter
(hidden, optional)
3. Redundant Power supply
(hidden)
4. PCIe riser card (hidden)
5. ASUS K14PP-D24 Server
Board
6. System fans
7. NVMe/SATA/SAS back panel
8. Front USB Board
9. Asset tag (hidden)
10. Front panel (hidden)
11. 24 x 2.5”storage device trays
12. External Fan* (optional)