Asus RS720A-E9-RS24-E User manual

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

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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.
E15560
Revised Edition V3
June 2019

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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

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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
4.5 Motherboard layout (revised motherboard) .......................................... 4-24
4.6 Jumpers (revised motherboard)............................................................. 4-26
4.7 Internal LEDs (revised motherboard)..................................................... 4-31
4.8 Internal connectors (revised motherboard)...........................................4-34
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

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Contents
5.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................5-9
5.3.1 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]..................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ............................................................... 5-9
5.4 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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