Asus RS720Q-E8-RS12 User manual

2U Rackmount Server
RS720Q-E8-RS12
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2014 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 ae 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.
E9847
Revised Edition V2
October 2014

iii
Contents
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
REACH ......................................................................................................vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
Australia statement notice...............................................................................ix
About this guide.......................................................................................................... x
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
RS720Q-E8-RS12........................................................................................ 1-8
1.6 Internal features .......................................................................................1-11
1.7 LED information .......................................................................................1-12
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ...................................................................... 1-12
1.7.2 HDD status LEDs...................................................................... 1-13
Chapter 2: Hardware Information
2.1 Removing the server node...................................... 2-2
2.2 Air Duct ......................................................................................................2-3
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................2-4
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ....................................................................... 2-5
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink......................................................... 2-9
2.4 System memory .......................................................................................2-10
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.2 Memory Congurations............................................................. 2-10
2.5 Hard disk drives .......................................................................................2-13
2.6 Expansion slots........................................................................................2-15
2.6.1 PCI Express x16 slot (Gen3 x16 link) + x8 slot (Gen3 x8 link) 2-15
2.6.2 Removing the riser card............................................................ 2-16
2.6.3 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-17
2.6.4 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-19
2.6.5 Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-19
2.7 Removable/optional components...........................................................2-20
2.7.1 System fan ............................................................................... 2-20
2.7.2 Power supply module................................................................ 2-22
2.7.3 Installing an M.2 card................................................................ 2-23

iv
Contents
Chapter 3: Installation options
3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit..........................................................................3-2
Chapter 4: Motherboard information
4.1 Motherboard layout....................................................................................4-2
4.1.1 Layout contents........................................................................... 4-3
4.2 Jumpers ......................................................................................................4-5
4.3 Internal connectors..................................................................................4-11
4.4 Internal LEDs............................................................................................4-17
4.5 Z10PH-D16 Golden Finger ......................................................................4-21
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
5.4 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 ACPI Settings............................................................................ 5-11
5.4.2 Smart Settings........................................................................... 5-11
5.4.3 NCT6779D Super IO Conguration .......................................... 5-12
5.4.4 Onboard LAN I210 Conguration ............................................. 5-13
5.4.5 Serial Port Console Redirection................................................ 5-14
5.4.6 APM .......................................................................................... 5-17
5.4.7 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 5-18

v
Contents
5.4.8 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 5-19
5.4.9 CSM Conguration.................................................................... 5-20
5.4.10 Trusted Computing.................................................................... 5-21
5.4.11 USB Conguration .................................................................... 5-22
5.4.12 iSCSI Conguration................................................................... 5-23
5.5 IntelRCSetup menu.................................................................................. 5-24
5.5.1 Processor Conguration............................................................ 5-25
5.5.2 Advanced Power Management Conguration........................... 5-27
5.5.3 Common RefCode Conguration.............................................. 5-28
5.5.4 QPI Conguration...................................................................... 5-29
5.5.5 Memory Conguration............................................................... 5-30
5.5.6 IIO Conguration....................................................................... 5-33
5.5.7 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 5-34
5.5.8 Miscellaneous Conguration..................................................... 5-37
5.5.9 Server ME Conguration........................................................... 5-37
5.5.10 Runtime Error Logging Support ................................................ 5-37
5.6 Server Mgmt menu...................................................................................5-38
5.7 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 5-43
5.7.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-43
5.7.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-44
5.8 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................5-45
4.9 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-46
5.10 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-49
5.11 Tool menu.................................................................................................5-50
5.12 Exit menu..................................................................................................5-51
Chapter 6: RAID Configuration
6.1 Setting up RAID..........................................................................................6-2
6.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives............................................................ 6-3
6.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 6-3
6.1.4 RAID conguration utilities.......................................................... 6-3
6.2 LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility.................................................. 6-4
6.2.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................... 6-5
6.2.2 Adding or viewing a RAID conguration.................................... 6-11
6.2.3 Initializing the virtual drives ....................................................... 6-12
6.2.4 Rebuilding failed drives............................................................. 6-16

vi
6.2.5 Checking the drives for data consistency.................................. 6-18
6.2.6 Deleting a RAID conguration................................................... 6-21
6.2.7 Selecting the boot drive from a RAID set.................................. 6-22
6.2.8 Enabling WriteCache ................................................................ 6-23
6.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA Option ROM Utility.........................................................................6-24
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-25
6.3.2 Deleting a RAID set................................................................... 6-27
6.3.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID .................................................... 6-28
6.3.4 Exiting the Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise
SATA Option ROM utility........................................................... 6-29
6.3.5 Rebuilding the RAID.................................................................. 6-29
6.3.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility........................ 6-31
6.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Windows)......................6-32
6.4.1 Creating a RAID set .................................................................. 6-33
6.4.2 Changing a Volume Type.......................................................... 6-35
6.4.3 Deleting a volume ..................................................................... 6-36
6.4.4 Preferences............................................................................... 6-37
Chapter 7: Driver installation
7.1 RAID driver installation .............................................................................7-2
7.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk......................................................... 7-2
7.1.2 Installing the RAID controller driver............................................. 7-3
7.2 Management applications and utilities installation ..............................7-13
7.3 Running the Support DVD ......................................................................7-13
7.4 Intel®chipset device software installation ............................................7-17
7.5 Installing the Intel®I350-AM1/I350-AM2/I210
X540-BT2 Gigabit Adapters driver..........................................................7-19
7.6 VGA driver installation ............................................................................ 7-22
7.7 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 4.0 installation ............... 7-24
Appendices
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-2

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card
is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this
unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we publish the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

viii
Safety information
Electrical Safety
• Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system
unit and all attached devices are unplugged.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Any mechanical operation on this server must be conducted by certied or experienced
engineers.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the server package.
• Before using the server, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables
are not damaged. If any damage is detected, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots,
sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Place the server on a stable surface.
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.
CD-ROM Drive Safety Warning
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Heavy System
CAUTION! This server system is heavy. Ask for assistance when moving or carrying
the system.
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.

ix
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
Australia statement notice
From 1 January 2012 updated warranties apply to all ASUS products, consistent with
the Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details please visit http://
support.asus.com. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the
Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and
compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled
to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the
failure does not amount to a major failure.
If you require assistance please call ASUS Customer Service 1300 2787 88 or visit us at
http://support.asus.com

x
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 information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.
6. Chapter 6: RAID configuration
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
7 Chapter 7: Driver installation
This chapter provides the instructions for installing the necessary drivers for different
system components in both Linux® and Windows®Operating Systems.

xi
References
Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS Server Web-based Management (ASWM) user guide
This manual tells how to set up and use the proprietary ASUS server management
utility.
2. ASUS websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information for all ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
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.
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 DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S

xii

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
*May vary according to region or territory
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 RS720Q-E8-RS12
Chassis ASUS 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS Z10PH-D16 Server Board
Component
2 x 1620W Power Supply
4 x PCIe Riser Card (RE8LE16R-R12D)
2 x Front Panel Board (LED Board, FPB-R21A)
2 x Power Supply Distribution Board (PDB-R21D)
1 x Power Connection Board (PSB-R21A)
1 x Backplane Board (BP12LX-R21A)
1 x Midplane Board (MP8LX-R21A-M/E8)
4 x System Fans (80mm x 38mm)
12 x Hot-swappable 3.5” HDD trays*
Accessories
1 x ASUS RS720Q-E8-RS12 Support DVD (includes User Guide)
1 x ASWM Enterprise SDVD
1 x ASMB8-iKVM Support DVD
8 x CPU Heatsinks
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x AC Power Cables
1 x Friction Rail Kit

RS720Q-E8-RS12 1-3
1.2 Serial number label
Please take note of the product’s serial number. The Serial number contains 14 characters
such as xxS0xxxxxxxxxx similar to the gure shown below.
You need to provide the correct serial number to the ASUS Technical Support team member
if you need assistance or, when requesting support.
xxS0xxxxxxxxxx
RS720Q-E8-RS12

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-4
1.3 System specifications
The ASUS RS720Q-E8-RS12 is a 2U server system featuring the ASUS Z10PH-D16 Server
Board. The server supports Intel®LGA 2011-3 Intel®Xeon®E5-2600 v3 product family plus
other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
* Refer to www.asus.com for the complete list of supported CPUs.
** Refer to ASUS Server AVL for latest update
*** Supports the following ASUS add-on cards (optional)
PEM-FDR (56Gb/s FDR InniBand card)
PEB-10G/57840-2S (Dual Port 10 Gigabit/s Ethernet card)
PEB-10G/57811-1S (Single Port 10 Gigabit/s Ethernet card)
Model Name ASUS RS720Q-E8-RS12
Processor Support /
System Bus
1 x Socket LGA2011-3
Intel®Xeon®Processor E5-2600 v3 product family
Core Logic Intel®C610 PCH
ASUS
Features
Fan Speed
Control
ASWM
Enterprise
Memory
Total Slots 16 per node (4-channel per CPU, 8 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 512 GB per node
Memory Type
DDR4 2133/1866/1600/1333*
RDIMM/LR-DIMM/NVDIMM
2133MT/s@1DPC only
Memory Size
4GB, 8 GB, 16GB, 32GB** (RDIMM)
32GB, 64GB** (LRDIMM)
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/
PCI-E Slots 2 per node
Slot Type
1 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x16 link), LP, HL
1 x PCI-E x8 (Gen3 x8 link), proprietary***
Storage
SATA Controller
Per Node:
Intel®C610
6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports or
5 x SATA 6Gb/s ports + 1 x M.2 connector
Intel®RSTe (For Windows® only; supports software RAID 0,
1, 10 and 5)
LSI MegaRAID driver supports software RAID 0, 1, and 10
(Windows®and Linux)
SAS Upgrade
Optional kits:
ASUS PIKE 3008 8-port SAS 12G RAID card
ASUS PIKE 3108 8-port SAS 12G HW RAID card

RS720Q-E8-RS12 1-5
Model Name ASUS RS720Q-E8-RS12
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
12 x Hot-swap 3.5" HDD Bays
(3 x Hot-swap 3.5" HDD Bays per node)
Networking LAN
Per node:
2 x Intel®I210AT
1 x Management Port
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2400 32MB
Rear I/O
Connectors
External USB
Port 2 x USB 3.0
VGA Port 1
RJ-45
2 x GbE LAN
1 x Management LAN
80 LED port 1
Management
Solution
Software ASWM Enterprise
Out of Band
Remote
Management
On-board ASMB8-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
OS support
Windows®Server 2008 R2
Windows®Server 2012
RedHat® Enterprise Linux
SuSE®Linux Enterprise Server
CentOS
VMware
Citrix XenServer
Please nd the latest OS support from
http://www.asus.com/
(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-6
Model Name ASUS RS720Q-E8-RS12
Regulatory Compliance BSMI, CE, C-TICK, FCC (Class A)
Dimension 750 mm x 444 mm x 88 mm (2U)
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM,
and HDD not included) 30 Kg
Power Supply
1 + 1 Redundant 1620W 80Plus Platinum PSU
Ratings:
1000 W: 100-120Vac, 12-10A, 50-60Hz, Class 1
1200 W: 100-140Vac, 12-10A, 50-60Hz, Class 1
1620W: 180-240Vac, 10.5-8A, 50-60Hz, Class 1
Environment
Operating temperature: 10oC – 35oC
Non operating temperature: -40oC – 70oC
Non operating humidity: 20% – 90% (Non condensing)
Specications are subject to change without notice.

RS720Q-E8-RS12 1-7
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
1 2
1 2
1 2
1 2
Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
Asset tag
The Asset tag is a small polyester lm located on the bottom side of the server’s front panel.
It provides information about the server such as asset barcode or serial number and is useful
in asset tracking and inventory management.
1.4 Front panel features
HDD 1 (Node 1)
Front panel
Node 2
The barebone server displays easily accessible features such as the power and reset
buttons, LED indicators, and optical drive.
Front panel
Node 1
HDD 2 (Node 1)
HDD 3 (Node 1)
HDD 1 (Node 2) HDD 1 (Node 3) HDD 1 (Node 4)
HDD 2 (Node 2)
HDD 3 (Node 2)
Asset tag
HDD 2 (Node 3)
HDD 3 (Node 3)
HDD 2 (Node 4)
HDD 3 (Node 4)
Front panel
Node 4
Front panel
Node 3

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-8
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
Mgmt
PORT80
1 2
The ports for the USB, VGA, and Gigabit LANs do not appear on the rear panel if the
motherboard is not present.
1.5 Rear panel features
RJ-45 port for iKVM
USB 3.0 ports
VGA port
PSU 1 Node 3 Node 1
Node 4 Node 2 PSU 2
When installing only two nodes, install the nodes to node slot number 1 and 3 or number 2
and 4.
RS720Q-E8-RS12
Power button with LED
LAN 1 port
LAN 2 port
1. RJ-45 port for iKVM. This RJ45 port functios only when you enable ASMB8 controller.
2. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available
for connecting USB 3.0 devices.
3. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-
compatible devices.
4. Message LED. For details, refer to page 1-12.
5. Location LED. For details, refer to page 1-12.
6. HDD Active LED. For details, refer to page 1-13.
7. Power LED/button. Press this button to turn the system on/off.
Q-Code/Port 80
LED
Message LED
HDD Active LED
Location LED