Asus TS300-E8-PS4 User manual

Pedestal/5U Rackmount Servers
TS300-E8-PS4
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means,
except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission
of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specifications and information contained in this manual 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, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E7931
First Edition
March 2013

iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide ......................................................................................... xi
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...................................................................... 1-6
1.6 Internal features ........................................................................... 1-7
1.7 LED information ........................................................................... 1-8
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ............................................................ 1-8
1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs............................................................. 1-9
Chapter 2: Hardware setup
2.1 Chassis cover............................................................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Removing the side cover ................................................ 2-2
2.1.2 Reinstalling the side cover .............................................. 2-3
2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-4
2.2.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-4
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink............................................. 2-7
2.2.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ........................... 2-8
2.3 System memory ........................................................................... 2-9
2.3.1 Overview ......................................................................... 2-9
2.3.2 Memory Configurations................................................... 2-9
2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket ........... 2-10
2.4 Front panel assembly ................................................................ 2-11
2.4.1 Removing the front panel assembly...............................2-11
2.4.2 Reinstalling the front panel assembly ............................2-11
2.5 5.25-inch drives.......................................................................... 2-12
2.6 SATA/SAS hard disk drives....................................................... 2-13
2.6.1 Installing the HDD module cage ................................... 2-13
2.6.2 Installing the second HDD module cage (optional)....... 2-15

iv
Contents
2.6.3 Removing the HDD module cage ................................. 2-17
2.6.4 Installing a hot-swap SATA/SAS hard disk drive........... 2-17
2.6.5 Removing and reinstalling the backplane ..................... 2-19
2.7 Expansion cards ........................................................................ 2-20
2.7.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-20
2.7.2 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card .................................. 2-22
2.7.3 Installing ASMB7 management board........................... 2-23
2.7.4 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-24
2.8 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-25
2.8.1 Motherboard connections ............................................. 2-25
2.8.2 SATA/SAS backplane connections .............................. 2-26
2.9 Removable components............................................................ 2-28
2.9.1 System fan .................................................................... 2-28
2.9.2 Chassis footpads .......................................................... 2-29
Chapter 3: Installation options
3.1 Preparing the system for rack mounting................................... 3-2
3.2 Attaching the inner rail to the server ......................................... 3-2
3.3 Attaching the rails to the rack..................................................... 3-3
3.4 Mounting the server to the rack.................................................. 3-4
Chapter 4: Motherboard Info
4.1 Motherboard overview................................................................. 4-2
4.1.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 4-2
4.1.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 4-2
4.1.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 4-3
4.1.4 Layout contents............................................................... 4-4
4.2 Expansion slots............................................................................ 4-6
4.2.1 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) ....................................... 4-6
4.2.2 PCI Express x8 slot (x8 link) ........................................... 4-6
4.2.3 PCI Express x1 slot (x1 link) ........................................... 4-6
4.2.5 PCI slot .......................................................................... 4-6
4.2.6 PIKE slot ........................................................................ 4-7

v
Contents
4.3 Onboard LEDs.............................................................................. 4-8
4.4 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 4-11
4.5 Connectors ................................................................................. 4-16
4.5.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 4-16
4.5.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 4-17
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 EzFlash Utility ...................................................... 5-3
5.1.3 BUPDATER utility............................................................ 5-4
5.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 5-6
5.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 5-7
5.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 5-7
5.2.3 Menu items ..................................................................... 5-8
5.2.4 Submenu items ............................................................... 5-8
5.2.5 Navigation keys............................................................... 5-8
5.2.6 General help ................................................................... 5-8
5.2.7 Configuration fields ......................................................... 5-8
5.2.8 Pop-up window ............................................................... 5-8
5.2.9 Scroll bar......................................................................... 5-8
5.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 System Date .................................................................. 5-9
5.3.2 System Time ................................................................... 5-9
5.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 5-10
5.4.1 CPU Configuration .........................................................5-11
5.4.2 PCH-IO Configuration ................................................... 5-14
5.4.3 SATA Configuration ....................................................... 5-15
5.4.4 System Agent (SA) Configuration ................................. 5-16
5.4.5 PCI Subsystem Settings ............................................... 5-18
5.4.6 USB Configuration ........................................................ 5-20
5.4.7 TPM .............................................................................. 5-21
5.4.8 ACPI Settings................................................................ 5-21
5.4.9 WHEA Support.............................................................. 5-22

vi
Contents
5.4.10 NCT6779D Super IO Configuration .............................. 5-22
5.4.11 Intel Server Platform Services....................................... 5-23
5.4.12 Onboard LAN Configuration.......................................... 5-24
5.4.13 MIO Card Configuration ................................................ 5-24
5.4.14 Serial Port Console Redirection.................................... 5-25
5.4.15 Runtime Error Logging Support .................................... 5-27
5.4.16 APM .............................................................................. 5-27
5.4.17 Network Stack............................................................... 5-28
5.4.18 Intel RC Drivers Version Detail ..................................... 5-28
4.5 Event Logs menu ....................................................................... 5-29
4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 5-30
4.7 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 5-33
4.8 Security....................................................................................... 5-34
4.9 Tool menu ................................................................................... 5-37
4.10 Exit menu.................................................................................... 5-37
Chapter6: RAIDconguration
6.1 Setting up RAID............................................................................ 6-2
6.1.1 RAID definitions .............................................................. 6-2
6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives................................................ 6-3
6.1.3 Setting Jumpers .............................................................. 6-3
6.1.4 Setting the RAID mode in BIOS...................................... 6-3
6.1.5 RAID configuration utilities.............................................. 6-3
6.2 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise Utility .................. 6-4
6.2.1 Creating a RAID set ........................................................ 6-5
6.2.2 Deleting a RAID set ........................................................ 6-7
6.2.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID .......................................... 6-8
6.2.4 Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility ........ 6-9
6.2.5 Rebuilding the RAID ....................................................... 6-9
6.2.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility.............6-11
6.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology enterprise .......................... 6-12
(Windows) ................................................................................... 6-12
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set ...................................................... 6-13
6.3.2 Changing a Volume Type.............................................. 6-15
6.3.3 Deleting a volume ......................................................... 6-16
6.3.4 Preferences................................................................... 6-17

vii
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
7.3 Management applications and utilities installation .................. 7-6
7.3 Running the Support DVD .......................................................... 7-6
7.4 Installing the LAN driver............................................................ 7-14
7.5 Installing the VGA driver ........................................................... 7-19
7.6 Installing the Intel®C22x MEI NULL HECI driver..................... 7-22
7.7 Installing the Intel®I210 Gigabit Adapter driver ...................... 7-24
ASUS contact information .......................................................................... 1
Contents

viii
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 B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This Class B 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 modifications 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://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

ix
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, contact
a qualified service technician or your dealer. 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 service.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Servicing of this product or units is to be performed by trained service
personnel only.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the
server package.
• Before using the server, make sure 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.
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.
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.

x
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

xi
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at
least basic knowledge of configuring a server.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections
on front panel and rear panel specifications.
2. Chapter 2: Hardware 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 the optional components and devices
into the barebone server.
4. Chapter 4: Motherboard information
This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief descriptions of the
jumpers and internal connectors.
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conguration
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating and configuring
RAID sets using the available utilities.
7 Chapter 7: Driver installation
This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for
different system components.

xii
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 make sure 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>+<D>
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
trying to complete a task.

ASUS TS300-E8-PS4
This chapter describes the general features of
the server, including sections on front panel
and rear panel specifications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-2
*ASUS System Web-based Management
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.
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 shown as the
figure 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
TS300-E8-PS4
TS300-E8-PS4
Model TS300-E8-PS4
Chassis ASUS T50A Pedestal 5U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS P9D-E/4L Server Board
Components 1 x 500W(80Plus) Bronze Single Power Supply
4 x hot-swap HDD trays
1 x SAS/SATA2 Backplane (BP4LX-TRS8) with 4 x SATA Cables
1 x Front I/O Board (FPB-TRS8A)
2 x System Fan (Rear: 1 x 120mm x 38mm; Front: 1 x 80mm x
25mm)
1 x DVD-RW
Accessories 1 x TS300-E8 User’s Guide
1 x TS300-E8 Support CD
1 x ASWM Enterprise Support DVD
1 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable
Optional Items ASMB7-iKVM Remote management card
Ball Bearing Rail Kit
ASUS PIKE RAID card series
4 bay HDD Module Cage (2nd set)

ASUS TS300-E8-PS4 1-3
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS®TS300-E8-PS4 is a 5U barebone server system featuring the ASUS P9D-E/4L
server board. The server supports Intel®LGA1150 Xeon®E3-1200 v3 processors with the
latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
Model Name TS300-E8-PS4
Processor Support 1 x Socket LGA1150
Intel®Xeon®Processor E3-1200 v3 Product Family
Core Logic Intel®C224 PCH
Memory
Total Slots 4 UDIMMs (2 Channels)
Capacity Maximum up to 32GB (4 UDIMMs)
Memory Type DDR3 1333/1600 ECC UDIMM
Memory Size 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB (UDIMM)
Expansion Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCI-E Slots 7
Slot Type
1 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x16 Link; auto-switch to x8 link if slot 5 is
occupied)
2 x PCI-E x8 (Gen3 x8 Link)
1 x PCI-E x1 (Gen2 x1 Link), MIO support
1 x PCI-E x1 (Gen2 x1 Link)
2 x PCI 32-bit /33MHz
Additional
Slot 1 1 x PIKE slot for Storage Enhancement
Storage
SATA Controller
Intel®C224:
- 2 x SATA 3Gbps ports
- 4 x SATA 6Gbps ports
- Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTE) supports
software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5 (Windows®only)
SAS Controller
Optional:
ASUS PIKE 2008 8-port SAS 6G HW RAID card
ASUS PIKE 2108-32PD 8-port SAS 6G H/W RAID card
ASUS PIKE 2208 8-port SAS 6G H/W RAID card
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S =
hot-swappable
4 x Hot-swap 3.5-inch HDD Bays
Networking LAN 4 x Intel® I210AT + 1 x Mgmt LAN
Graphics VGA Aspeed AST2300 + 32MB VRAM
(continued on the next page)
TS300-E8-PS4TechnicalSpecications:

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-4
*Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
TS300-E8-PS4
Auxiliary Storage
FDD / CD / DVD
3 x 5.25-inch media bays
Options:
1. No Device
2. With DVD-RW for North America
Onboard I/O
5 x RJ-45 ports (One for ASMB7-iKVM)
4 x USB 3.0 ports (Front x 2, Rear x 2)
4 x USB 2.0 ports (Front x 2, Rear x 2)
1 x Internal A Type USB port
1 x VGA port
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Management
Solution
Out of Band
Remote
Management
Optional ASMB7-iKVM for KVM-over-IP support
Software ASWM Enterprise
Dimension
(HH x WW x DD) 445mm x 217.5mm x 545mm
Net Weight Kg
(CPU, DRAM, & HDD
not included)
20 Kg
Environment
Operation temperature : 10°C–40°C
Non operation temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operation humidity : 20% ~ 90% (Non-condensing)
Power Supply 500W(80Plus) Bronze Single Power Supply
Power Rating 100-240V, 10A-6A, 50-60Hz, Class I
TS300-E8-PS4TechnicalSpecications:

ASUS TS300-E8-PS4 1-5
1.4 Front panel features
The barebone server displays a simple yet stylish front panel with easily accessible features.
The power and reset buttons, LED indicators, optical drive, and four USB ports are located on
the front panel.
The drive bays, power and reset buttons, LED indicators, DVD-ROM drive, USB 2.0 and the
USB 3.0 ports are located on the front panel. For future installation of 5.25-inch devices, two
drive bays are available.
1. Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
2. * The Headset and Mic In ports are only available when a MIO card
is installed.
Optical drive
Empty 5.25-inch
bays
Power button
Reset button
Message LED
HDD access LED
Power LED
USB 2.0 ports
Security lock
4-bay HDD cage
LAN1 LED
LAN2 LED
USB 3.0 ports
4-bay HDD cage
(Optional Set)
Locate LED
Headset port*
Mic In port*

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-6
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a chassis
lock and intrusion switch, a vent for the system fan, and power supply module.
500W(80Plus) Bronze
Single power supply
Power connector
Expansion slots
USB 3.0 ports
VGA port
Chassis intrusion switch
Gigabit LAN port 1
Chassis lock
120mm x 38mm system fan
PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Gigabit LAN port 2
Gigabit LAN port 3
Gigabit LAN port 4
LAN port 5*
*The port is for ASUS ASMB7-iKVM controller card only.
USB 2.0 ports
COM port

ASUS TS300-E8-PS4 1-7
1.6 Internal features
The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.
The barebone server does not include a floppy disk drive and an optical disc drive. Connect
a USB floppy disk drive or a USB ODD to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if
you need to use a floppy disk or a optical disc.
*WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
1. 500W(80Plus) Bronze Single Power supply unit:
2. 120mm x 38mm system fan (ARX FD1212-DP284G)
3. ASUS P9D-E/4L Server Board
4. Chassis intrusion switch
5. Expansion card locks
6. Optical drive
7. 2 x 5.25-inch drive bays
8. 4-bay HDD module (first set)
9. 4-bay HDD module (second set, optional)
10. SATA/SAS backplane board (first set, hidden)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
9

Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-8
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
The Power, HDD Access, LAN and Message LEDs are visible even if the system front
bezel is closed.
LED Icon Display status Description
Power LED ON System power ON
HDD Access LED OFF
Blinking
No activity
Read/write data into the HDD
Message LED
OFF
Lighting up
System is normal; no incoming event
A hardware temperature overheat is
detected. Use ASWM to check the
abnormal status.
HDD Status LED
Green
Red
Green/Red Blinking
SATAII/SAS HDD power ON
HDD has failed and should be
swapped immediately.
RAID rebuilding
HDD Activity LED Green Blinking Read/write data from/into the SATAII/
SAS HDD
LAN LEDs
OFF
Blinking
ON
LAN accessing
Locate LED Blinking Problem with the server is detected.
Message LED
HDD Status LED
Power LED
LAN1 LED
LAN2 LED
HDD Access LED
Locate LED
HDD Activity LED