Asus RS720A-E9-RS24-E User manual

2U Rackmount Server
User Guide
RS720A-E9-RS24-E

ii
Copyright © 2017 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.
E13375
First Edition
September 2017

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...................................................................................1-6
1.5 Rear panel features....................................................................................1-6
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-7
1.7 LED information .........................................................................................1-8
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ........................................................................ 1-8
1.7.2 Storage device status LED.......................................................... 1-9
1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs ...................................................................... 1-9
1.7.4 Q-Code table............................................................................. 1-10
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 Congurations............................................................... 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.................. 2-14
2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 2.................. 2-16
2.5.3 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 3.................. 2-18
2.5.4 Installing an expansion card to riser card bracket 4.................. 2-20
2.5.5 Replacing the ASUS PIKE II card ............................................. 2-22
2.5.6 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-25
2.5.7 Installing Mezzanine cards........................................................ 2-26
2.5.8 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards...................................................... 2-29

iv
Contents
2.6 Cable connections ...................................................................................2-31
2.7 SATA/SAS backplane cabling.................................................................2-32
2.8 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-33
2.8.1 System fans .............................................................................. 2-33
2.8.2 Redundant power supply module.............................................. 2-34
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 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 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-11
5.4.2 PSP Firmware Versions............................................................ 5-11
5.4.3 APM .......................................................................................... 5-12
5.4.4 Smart Settings........................................................................... 5-13
5.4.5 NCT6793D Super IO Conguration .......................................... 5-13
5.4.6 Onboard LAN Conguration...................................................... 5-14
5.4.7 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-15
5.4.8 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 5-17
5.4.9 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-18
5.4.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 5-19
5.4.11 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 5-20
5.4.12 NVMe Conguration.................................................................. 5-21
5.4.13 SATA Conguration .................................................................. 5-21
5.4.14 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-22
5.4.15 iSCSI Conguration................................................................... 5-23
5.5 Chipset menu ...........................................................................................5-24
5.6 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-25
5.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-28
5.8 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-29
5.9 Save & Exit menu.....................................................................................5-29
5.10 AMD CBS menu........................................................................................ 5-31
5.10.1 Zen Common Options............................................................... 5-31
5.10.2 DF Common Options ................................................................ 5-31
5.10.3 UMC Common Option............................................................... 5-32
5.10.4 NBIO Common Options ............................................................ 5-32
5.11 Event Logs menu .....................................................................................5-33
5.11.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-33
5.11.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-33
5.12 Server Mgmt menu...................................................................................5-34

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 block diagram ....................................................................................... A-2
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3
Canadian Department of Communications Statement.................................A-4
REACH ....................................................................................................A-4
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ...........................................................A-4
Australia statement notice............................................................................A-4
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-5

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 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.

viii
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: 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 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 RS720A-E9-RS24-E
Chassis ASUS R2P-A-R22475 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS KNPP-D32 Server Board
Component
1 x 800W/1200W 80PLUS Platinum Power Supply
1 x SAS/SATA back panel
24 x Hot-swap 2.5-inch Storage Device Trays
1 x Front Panel Board
4 x System Fans
Accessories
1 x RS720A-E9-RS24-E Support CD
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.
xxS0xxxxxxxx
RS720A-E9-RS24-E

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS24-E 1-3
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720A-E9-RS24-E features the ASUS KNPP-D32 server board. The server
supports AMD EPYC™ 7000 Series processors plus other latest technologies through the
chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name RS720A-E9-RS24-E
Motherboard KNPP-D32
Processor Support AMD EPYC™ 7000 Series
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 2666 / 2400 / 2133 RDIMM / LRDIMM
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Memory Size
8GB, 16GB, 32GB (RDIMM)
32GB, 64GB, 128GB (LRDIMM)
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-E/
PIKE Slots 8+1
Slot Type
6 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x8 link) or 3 PCI-E (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 10 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
2 x M.2 connectors (SATA 6Gb/s & PCI-E Gen3 x4 link)
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
24 x 2.5” Hot-swap Storage Bays
Networking LAN 1 x Dual Port Intel I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Management Port
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2500 64MB

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
Model Name RS720A-E9-RS24-E
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
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
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Hardware
On-Board ASMB9-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Software ASUS Control Center (Classic)
OS Support
Windows®Server 2012 R2
Windows®Server 2016
RedHat®Enterprise Linux
SuSE®Linux Enterprise Server
CentOS
Ubuntu
VMware
Citrix XenServer
* Refer to http://www.asus.com for the latest OS support.
(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS24-E 1-5
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Model Name RS720A-E9-RS24-E
Regulatory Compliance BSMI, CE, 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
(240Vdc, 4.6A only for China)
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 60°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 two USB ports are located on the front
panel.
Refer to section 1.7 LED information for the LED descriptions.
USB 2.0 ports
24 x 2.5” Drive 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 3.0 ports
Power button
Gigabit LAN port 1
Expansion card back plate
Asset tag

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS24-E 1-7
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive. Connect a USB oppy disk drive
to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a oppy disk.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
1. Redundant Power supply
2. ASUS KNPP-D32 Server
Board
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS back panel
5. 24 x 2.5” storage device trays
6. Front panel (hidden)
7. Asset tag (hidden)
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.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
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)
Message LED LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
Storage device
access LED
Location button
Power button
LAN4 LED
LAN3 LED
RESET button

ASUS RS720A-E9-RS24-E 1-9
1.7.2 Storage device status LED
1
2
Green LED
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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-10
1.7.4 Q-Code table
Action PHASE POST CODE TYPE DESCRIPTION
SEC Start up Security Phase
0x01 Progress First post code
0x02 Progress Load BSP microcode
0x03 Progress Perform early platform Initialization
0x04 Progress Set cache as ram for PEI phase
0x05 Progress Establish Stack
0x06 Progress CPU Early Initialization
PSP Boot
PSP Boot Loader
phase (Error Post
Codes)
0x00 Error General - Success
0x01 Error Generic Error Code
0x02 Error Generic Memory Error
0x03 Error Buffer Overow
0x04 Error Invalid Parameter(s)
0x05 Error Invalid Data Length
0x06 Error Data Alignment Error
0x07 Error Null Pointer Error
0x08 Error Unsupported Function
0x09 Error Invalid Service ID
0x0A Error Invalid Address
0x0B Error Out of Resource Error
0x0C Error Timeout
0x0D Error data abort exception
0x0E Error prefetch abort exception
0x0F Error Out of Boundary Condition Reached
0x10 Error Data corruption
0x11 Error Invalid command
0x12 Error The package type provided by BR is incorrect
0x13 Error Failed to retrieve FW header during FW validation
0x14 Error Key size not supported
0x15 Error Agesa0 verication error
0x16 Error SMU FW verication error
0x17 Error OEM SINGING KEY verication error
0x18 Error Generic FW Validation error
0x19 Error RSA operation fail - bootloader
0x1A Error CCP Passthrough operation failed - internal status
0x1B Error AES operation fail
0x1C Error CCP state save failed
0x1D Error CCP state restore failed
0x1E Error SHA256 operation fail - internal status
0x1F Error ZLib Decompression operation fail
0x20 Error HMAC-SHA256 operation fail - internal status
0x21 Error Booted from boot source not recognized by PSP
0x22 Error PSP directory entry not found
0x23 Error PSP failed to set the write enable latch
0x24 Error PSP timed out because spirom took too long
0x25 Error Cannot nd BIOS directory
0x26 Error SpiRom is not valid
0x27 Error slave die has different security state from master
0x28 Error SMI interface init failure
0x29 Error SMI interface generic error
0x2A Error invalid die ID executes MCM related function
0x2B Error invalid MCM conguration table read from bootrom
0x2C Error Valid boot mode wasn't detected
0x2D Error NVStorage init failure
0x2E Error NVStorage generic error
0x2F Error MCM 'error' to indicate slave has more data to send
0x30 Error MCM error if data size exceeds 32B
0x31 Error Invalid client id for SVC MCM call
0x32 Error MCM slave status register contains bad bits
0x33 Error MCM call was made in a single die environment
0x34 Error PSP secure mapped to invalid segment (should be 0x400_0000)
0x35 Error No physical x86 cores were found on die
0x36 Error Insufcient space for secure OS (range of free SRAM to SVC stack base)
0x37 Error SYSHUB mapping memory target type is not supported
0x38 Error Attempt to unmap permanently mapped TLB to PSP secure region
(continued on the next page)