Asus RS720QA-E6/RS12 User manual

2U Rackmount Server
RS720QA-E6/RS12
RS724QA-E6/RS12
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2011 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.
E6512
First Edition V1
April 2011

iii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 System package contents........................................................... 1-2
1.2 Serial number label...................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Systemspecications ................................................................. 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 ........................................................................... 1-8
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ............................................................ 1-8
1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs .......................................................... 1-9
1.7.3 HDD status LED.............................................................. 1-9
Chapter 2: Hardware setup
2.1 Chassis cover............................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-4
2.2.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-4
2.2.2 Installing the CPU heatsink............................................. 2-7
2.3 System memory ........................................................................... 2-8
2.3.1 Overview ......................................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Memory Congurations................................................... 2-9
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM ...........................................................2-11
2.3.4 Removing a DIMM .........................................................2-11
2.4 Hard disk drives ......................................................................... 2-12
2.5 Expansion slot............................................................................ 2-14
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket... 2-14
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-15
2.6 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-16
2.7 Removable/optional components............................................. 2-17
2.7.1 System fans .................................................................. 2-17
2.7.2 Redundant power supply module ................................. 2-18
2.7.3 Installing ASMB4 series management board (optional) 2-20
2.7.4 Installing ASUS PIKE Riser Card (optional).................. 2-21

iv
Contents
Chapter 3: Installation options
3.1 Installing friction rail kit items .................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Attaching the xing latches to the server ........................ 3-2
3.1.2 Attaching the rack rails.................................................... 3-3
3.1.3 Mounting the server to the rack ...................................... 3-4
Chapter 4: Motherboard information
4.1 Motherboard layouts.................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Jumpers ........................................................................................ 4-5
4.3 Internal connectors...................................................................... 4-9
4.4 Internal LEDs.............................................................................. 4-19
Chapter 5: BIOS setup
5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 5-2
5.1.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 BUPDATER utility............................................................ 5-3
5.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 5-5
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 Navigation keys............................................................... 5-7
5.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 5-8
5.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................. 5-8
5.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 5-8
5.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 5-8
5.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 5-8
5.2.9 General help ................................................................... 5-8
5.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 System Time ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 System Date ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.3 SATA1—6........................................................................ 5-9
5.3.4 Storage Conguration....................................................5-11
5.3.5 System Information ....................................................... 5-12
5.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 5-14
5.4.1 CPU Conguration........................................................ 5-14
5.4.2 Chipset Conguration ................................................... 5-16

v
Contents
5.4.3 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 5-23
5.4.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 5-24
5.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 5-25
5.4.6 Event Log Conguration ............................................... 5-25
5.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 5-26
5.6 Power menu................................................................................ 5-28
5.6.1 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 5-28
5.6.2 APM Conguration........................................................ 5-28
5.6.3 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 5-29
5.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 5-31
5.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 5-31
5.7.2 Hard Disk Drives; CDROM Drives ................................ 5-31
5.7.3 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 5-32
5.7.4 Security......................................................................... 5-33
5.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 5-35
5.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 5-36
Chapter6: RAIDconguration
6.1 Setting up RAID............................................................................ 6-2
6.1.1 RAID denitions .............................................................. 6-2
6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives................................................ 6-2
6.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS........................................ 6-2
6.2 FastBuild Utility............................................................................ 6-3
6.2.1 Creating a RAID set (RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5).......... 6-4
6.2.2 Deleting a RAID set ...................................................... 6-10
6.2.3 Viewing the Drive Assignment....................................... 6-12
6.2.4 Viewing the Controller Conguration............................. 6-13
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 ................................ 7-4
7.2 ATI SM Bus controller driver installation................................. 7-13
7.3 LAN driver installation............................................................... 7-14
7.4 Display driver installation ......................................................... 7-18
7.5 Mellanox ConnectX QDR PCI Gen2 Channel Adapter driver
installation (RS724QA-E6/RS12 only) ...................................... 7-21

vi
Contents
7.5.1 Windows operating system ........................................... 7-21
7.5.2 Red Hat®Enterprise Linux OS .............................7-25
7.6 Management applications and utilities installation ................ 7-28
7.6.1 Running the support DVD ............................................. 7-28
7.6.2 Drivers menu................................................................. 7-28
7.6.3 Utilities menu ................................................................ 7-29
7.6.4 Make disk menu............................................................ 7-29
7.6.5 Contact information....................................................... 7-29

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 Information
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
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 setup
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:RAIDconguration
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 instructions for installing the necessary drivers for
different system components.
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.

x
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
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

1-
ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12
This chapter describes the general
features of the chassis kit. It includes
sections on front panel and rear panel
specications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2
* ASUS System Web-based Management
** The Mellanox driver is included in the motherboard support DVD or in an individual driver disc,
depending on the shipping sequence. This is subjected to change without notice.
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 RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12
Chassis ASUS R21A 2U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard 4 x ASUS KGNH-D16 Server Boards (RS720QA-E6/RS12)
4 x ASUS KGMH-D16/QDR Server Boards (RS724QA-E6/RS12)
Component 2 x 1600W Power Supply
4 x PCIe Riser Card (RE16R-R12B)
2 x Front I/O Board (FPB-R21A)
2 x Power Supply Power Distribution Board (PDB-R21A)
1 x Power Connection Board (PSB-R21A)
1 x Backplane Board (BP12LX-R21A)
2 x Midplane Board (MP8LX-R21A-M)
4 x Connection Board (CB-R21A)
4 x System Fans (80 x 38mm)
Accessories 1 x RS72xQA-E6/RS12 User’s Guide
1 x ASWM 2.0 User’s Guide
1 x RS72xQA-E6/RS12 Support CD (including ASWM*)
1 x Mellanox driver disc (RS724QA-E6/RS12 only)
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x AC Power Cables
1 x Friction Rail Kit
Optional Items 8 x CPU Heatsinks (varies by territories)
ASMB4-iKVM Remote management card
PIKE Riser Card (RE16R-R12B-PIKE)
1.2 Serial number label
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must
take note of the product’s serial number containing 14 characters such as
xxS0xxxxxxxxxx. See the gure below.
With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team
members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems.
xxS0xxxxxxxxxx
RS720QA-E6/RS12

ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12 1-3
(continued on the next page)
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12 is a 2U barebone server system featuring the
ASUS KGNH-D16 server boards. The ASUS RS724QA-E6/RS12 is a 2U barebone
server system featuring the ASUS KGMH-D16/QDR server boards. The servers
support AMD® LGA1944 Opteron™ 6100 series processors, plus other latest
technologies through the chipsets onboard.
Model Name RS720QA-E6/RS12 RS724QA-E6/RS12
Processor / System Bus
2 x Socket G34 (LGA1944) per node
8/12 Core AMD® Opteron™ 6100 Series (ACP < 80W)
HyperTransport™ Technology 3.0, 6.4 GT/s per link
Core Logic
- AMD SR5650
- AMD SP5100
- AMD SR5670
- AMD SP5100
- Mellanox ConnectX-2
MT25418 B0 QDR
ASUS Features Smart Fan √
ASWM2.0 √
Memory
Total Slots 16 DIMMS per Node (4-channel per CPU, 8 DIMMs
per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 256GB (RDIMM) per node
Maximum up to 64GB (UDIMM) per node
Memory Type DDR3 800/1066/1333 UDIMM with ECC/non ECC
DDR3 800/1066/1333 RDIMM
Memory Size 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB (RDIMM)
1GB, 2GB, 4GB (UDIMM)
Expansion Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCI-E Slots 1 per Node
Slot Type and
Additional Slot
1 x PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot (x16 link) (Low prole / HL) per Node or
1 x PIKE Riser Card Slot for Storage Enhancement (Optional)
Storage
SATA Controller
- AMD SP5100
- 6 x SATA2 300MB/s ports
- PROMISE® SW RAID (for Linux/Windows, supports RAID 0,
1 & 5)
SAS Controller
Optional: (PIKE Riser Card is necessary)
- ASUS PIKE 1068E 8-port SAS RAID card
- ASUS PIKE 2008 8-port SAS2 6G RAID card
- ASUS PIKE 2008/IMR 8-port SAS2 6G RAID card
- ASUS PIKE 2108 8-port SAS2 6G HW RAID card
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
3 x Hot-swap 3.5” HDD Bays per Node (Total 12 x 3.5” HDD in
2U)
Networking LAN 2 x Intel® 82574L + 1 x Mgmt
LAN per Node
2 x Intel® 82574L + 1 x Mgmt
LAN per Node
1 x Single Port Mellanox
ConnectX2 QDR
InniteBand with QSFP
interface per Node

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4
*Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
Model Name RS720QA-E6/RS12 RS724QA-E6/RS12
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2050 8MB
Onboard I/O
Per Node:
- 1 x External Serial Port
- 3 x RJ-45 ports
(1 for ASMB4-iKVM)
- 2 x USB 2.0 ports
- 1 x VGA port
- 1 x Internal A Type USB Port
Per Node:
- 1 x External Serial Port
- 3 x RJ-45 ports
(1 for ASMB4-iKVM)
- 2 x USB 2.0 ports
- 1 x VGA port
- 1 x Internal A Type USB Port
- 1 x QSFP Port for Inniband
QDR
OS Support
Windows® Server 2008 Enterprise 32 / 64-bit
Windows® Server 2003 R2 Enterprise 32 / 64-bit
RedHat® Enterprise Linux AS5.0 32 / 64-bit
SuSE® Linux Enterprise Server 10 32 / 64-bit
(Subject to change without any notice)
Anti-virus Software Optional anti-virus CD Pack
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Hardware
Optional ASMB4-iKVM for KVM-over-IP support
Software ASUS ASWM 2.0®
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 750mm x 444mm x 87mm (2U)
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD not inclu ded) 25 Kg
Power Supply 1+1 Redundant 1600W (80+ Platinum) Power Supply
Power Rating
Input:
1000W: 100–120Vac, 12–10A, 50–60Hz, Class 1
1200W: 120–140Vac, 12–10A, 50–60Hz, Class 1
1620W: 180–240Vac, 10.5–8A, 50–60Hz, Class 1
Environment
Operation temperature: 10°C–35°C
Non operation temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operation humidity: 20%–90% ( Non-condensing)

ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12 1-5
1.4 Front panel features
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
Front panel
Node 2
Node 1
Front panel
Node 4
Node 3
HDD 1 (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)
HDD 2 (Node 3)
HDD 3 (Node 3)
HDD 2 (Node 4)
HDD 3 (Node 4)
1.5 Rear panel features
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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6
* This port is for ASUS ASMB4-iKVM controller card only.
** This port allows connection with a QSFP cable to an InniBand switch.
Inniband(MQSFP1)indications
Activity LED Link LED Description
Off Off No device
Orange Green Device plugged in; Ready
Orange
Blinking
Green Device plugged in; Data transmitting
LINK LEDACT LED
VGA
port
USB
ports
Serial
port
LAN port 3*
LAN
port 1
InniBand
port**
LAN port 2
VGA
port
USB
ports
Serial
port
LAN port 3*
LAN
port 1
LAN port 2
* This port is for ASUS ASMB4-iKVM controller card only.
RS724QA-E6/RS12
RS720QA-E6/RS12

ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12 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 and power fan
2. ASUS KGNH-D16 Server Boards (RS720QA-E6/RS12); KGMH-D16/QDR
Server Boards (RS724QA-E6/RS12)
3. System fans
4. SATA/SAS backplane (hidden)
5. Hot-swap HDD trays (SAS and SATA)
6. Front LED Boards
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or
replacing any system component.
1
6
35
62
4

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Display
status Description
Power LED ON System power ON
Message
LED
OFF System is normal; no incoming event
ON
1. Without ASMB4-iKVM installed: CPU over-heated
2. With ASMB4-iKVM installed: a hardware monitor event is
indicated
Location
LED
OFF Normal status
ON Location switch is pressed (Press the location switch again to
turn off)
LAN LEDs
OFF No LAN connection
Blinking LAN is transmitting or receiving data
ON LAN connection is present
Message LED LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
Power switch and LED Location switch and LED
Message LED LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED
Power switch and LED Location switch and LED

ASUS RS720QA-E6/RS12, RS724QA-E6/RS12 1-9
1.7.3 HDD status LED
SATAII/SAS HDD LED Description
HDD Activity LED (Green)
OFF HDD not present
ON HDD present, no activity
Blinking 1. Read/write data from/into the SATAII/SAS HDD
2. Locating (blinking with the HDD status LED)
HDD Status LED (Red)
OFF HDD not present
ON HDD has failed and should be swapped immediately
Blinking 1. RAID rebuilding
2. Locating (blinking with the HDD activity LED)
1.7.2 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
HDD Activity LED (Green)
HDD Status LED (Red)
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10