Asus RS720A-E9-RS12V2 User manual

2U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS720A-E9-RS12V2

ii
Copyright © 2020 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.
E16534
First Edition
April 2020

iii
Contents
Safety information..................................................................................................... vii
About this guide....................................................................................................... viii
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...................................................................................1-5
1.5 Rear panel features....................................................................................1-5
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-7
1.7 LED information .........................................................................................1-9
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ........................................................................ 1-9
1.7.2 Storage device status LED........................................................1-10
1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .................................................................... 1-10
1.7.4 Q-Code table............................................................................. 1-11
Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.1 Chassis cover.............................................................................................2-2
2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1 Installing the CPU and heatsink.................................................. 2-3
2.3 System memory .........................................................................................2-7
2.3.1 Overview ..................................................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Memory Configurations............................................................... 2-8
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket.......................... 2-9
2.3.4 Removing a DIMM from a single clip DIMM socket .................... 2-9
2.4 Storage devices........................................................................................2-10
2.5 Expansion slot..........................................................................................2-12
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 1.................. 2-15
2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 2.................. 2-17
2.5.3 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 3.................. 2-19
2.5.4 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 4.................. 2-21
2.5.5 Replacing the ASUS PIKE II card ............................................. 2-23
2.5.6 Configuring an expansion card ................................................. 2-26
2.5.7 Installing Mezzanine cards........................................................ 2-27
2.5.8 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards...................................................... 2-30

iv
Contents
2.6 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-32
2.7 SATA/SAS backplane cabling.................................................................2-33
2.8 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-35
2.8.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-35
2.8.2 Redundant power supply module.............................................. 2-36
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..............................................................................................4-9
4.4 Internal connectors..................................................................................4-12
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
5.3.1 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 PSP Firmware Versions............................................................ 5-12
5.5.3 APM Configuration.................................................................... 5-12
5.5.4 Onboard LAN Configuration...................................................... 5-13
5.5.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-14
5.5.6 CPU Configuration .................................................................... 5-17
5.5.7 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-17
5.5.8 USB Configuration .................................................................... 5-19
5.5.9 CSM Configuration.................................................................... 5-20
5.5.10 NVMe Configuration.................................................................. 5-21
5.5.11 SATA Configuration .................................................................. 5-22
5.5.12 Network Stack Configuration..................................................... 5-22
5.5.13 AMD Mem Configuration Status................................................ 5-23
5.5.14 iSCSI Configuration................................................................... 5-24
5.6 Chipset menu ...........................................................................................5-25
5.7 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-26
5.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-30
5.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-31
5.10 Save & Exit menu.....................................................................................5-32
5.11 AMD CBS menu........................................................................................ 5-33
5.11.1 CPU Common Options.............................................................. 5-33
5.11.2 DF Common Options ................................................................ 5-35
5.11.3 UMC Common Option............................................................... 5-37
5.11.4 NBIO Common Options ............................................................ 5-42
5.11.5 NTB Common Options.............................................................. 5-46
5.12 Event Logs menu .....................................................................................5-47
5.12.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-47
5.12.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-48
5.13 Server Mgmt menu...................................................................................5-49

vi
Contents
Chapter 6: Driver Installation
6.1 Management applications and utilities installation ................................ 6-2
6.2 Running the Support DVD......................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Drivers menu tab......................................................................... 6-3
6.2.2 Utilities menu tab.........................................................................6-3
6.2.3 Manual menu .............................................................................. 6-4
6.2.4 Contact information menu........................................................... 6-4
6.3 AMD chipset device software installation ............................................... 6-5
6.4 Installing the Intel®I350-AM2 Gigabit Adapters driver ........................... 6-6
6.5 VGA driver installation .............................................................................. 6-8
Appendix
KNPP-D32-R block diagram ................................................................................... A-2
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... 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.
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.

viii
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.

ix
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.

x

This chapter describes the general features of the chassis kit. It
includes sections on front panel and rear panel specifications.
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 RS720A-E9-RS12V2
Chassis ASUS R2P-A-R22475 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server Board
Component
1 x 800W/1200W 80PLUS Platinum Power Supply
1 x SAS/SATA back panel
12 x Hot-swap 3.5-inch Storage Device Trays
1 x Front Panel Board
4 x System Fans
Accessories
1 x Support DVD
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x CPU Heatsink
2 x AC Power Cable
Optional Items 1 x Redundant 800W 80PLUS Platinum Power Supply (Second PSU)
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
RS720A-E9-RS12V2

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS12V2 1-3
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720A-E9-RS12V2 features the ASUS KNPP-D32-R server board. The server
supports AMD EPYC™ Rome Processors plus other latest technologies through the chipsets
onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name RS720A-E9-RS12V2
Motherboard KNPP-D32-R
Processor Support
2 x Socket SP3 (LGA 4094)
AMD EPYC™ Rome Processors
xGMI (External Global Memory Interface Link)
Core Logic System on Chip (SoC)
Memory
Total Slots 32 (8-channel per CPU, 16 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 4096GB
Memory Type DDR4 3200/2933/2666 RDIMM/ LRDIMM/ 3DS LRDIMM
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Memory Size 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (RDIMM)
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-E/
PIKE Slots 8+1
Slot Type
6 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x8 link) or 3 PCIe (Gen3 x16 link), FH, HL
1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x16 link), LP
1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x8 link), FH, HL
1 x OCP Mezzanine 2.0 (Gen3 x16 link)
Disk
Controller
SATA Controller 12 x SATA 6Gb/s ports via HBA/RAID card
2 x M.2 connectors (SATA 6Gb/s & PCIe Gen3 x4 link)
SAS Controller
Optional:
ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS 12Gb/s HBA card
ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW 12Gb/s RAID card
Storage
Bays
I = internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
Front Bays:
12 x 3.5” SATA/SAS hot-swap storage bays
Rear Bays (optional):
2 x 2.5” SATA hot-swap storage bays
Networking LAN
1 x Dual Port Intel®I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Management Port
Optional OCP Adapter:
Up to 100Gb/s Ethernet / InfiniBand Adapter
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2500 64MB
Auxiliary Storage Device Bay
(Floppy / Optical Drive) N/A

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Model Name RS720A-E9-RS12V2
I/O ports, Switches, and LEDs
Front I/O Ports:
2 x USB 2.0 ports
Rear I/O Ports:
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 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 Location LED
1 x Message LED
1 x Storage device 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
Security Options TPM 2.0 Header
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Hardware
On-Board ASMB9-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Software ASUS Control Center (Classic)
OS Support Please find the latest OS support from http://www.asus.com
Regulatory Compliance BSMI, CE, C-Tick, FCC(Class A)
Dimension (Depth x Width x
Height)
750 mm x 444 mm x 88 mm (2U)
29.52” x 17.48” x 3.46”
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
storage device not included) 16.85 Kg
Gross Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM
& storage device not included,
packing included)
22 Kg
Power Supply
(different configuration
by region)
1+1 Redundant 800W/1200W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
Rating: 100-120/200-240Vac, 9.4A/4.72A (x2), 50/60Hz Class I
240V, 4.6A
Rating: 100-127/200-240Vac, 10A/8A (x2), 50/60Hz Class I or
240V, 6A
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 60°C
Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non condensing)

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS12V2 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, 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 3.5” Storage Bays handle
Front panel LEDs & buttons
handle
• * 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.
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 3.2 Gen 1 ports
Power button
Gigabit LAN port 1
Expansion card back plate
Asset tag
Without Rear Bay model

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
• * 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 3.2 Gen 1 ports
Power button
Gigabit LAN port 1
Expansion card back plate
With Rear Bay model (optional)
2 x 2.5” Storage Bays

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS12V2 1-7
1
2
3 4
1
2
3 4
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
The barebone server does not include a floppy disk drive. Connect a USB floppy disk drive to
any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a floppy disk.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
1. Redundant Power supply
2. ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel
5. 12 x 3.5” storage device trays
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. Asset tag (hidden)
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.
Without Rear Bay model

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
1
2
3 4
1
2
3 4
The barebone server does not include a floppy disk drive. Connect a USB floppy disk drive to
any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a floppy disk.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
1. Redundant Power supply
2. ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel
5. 12 x 3.5” storage device trays
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. Asset tag (hidden)
8. 2 x 2.5” storage device trays
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.
With Rear Bay model (optional)

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS12V2 1-9
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
Storage device
access LED
Location button
Power button
LAN LEDs
RESET button

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
1.7.2 Storage device status LED
1 2
3 4
RESET
Red LED
1.7.3 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
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED
SATA/SAS Storage Device LED Description
GREEN ON SATA/SAS storage device power ON
RED ON Storage device has failed and should be swapped
immediately
GREEN/RED Blinking RAID rebuilding
GREEN/RED Blinking Locate
GREEN/RED OFF Storage device not found
GREEN Blinking Read/write data from/into the SATA/SAS storage device
Green LED