Asus TS700-E6 RS8 User manual

Pedestal/5U Rackmount Server
TS700-E6/RS8
User Guide

ii
Copyright © 2009 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.
E4717
First Edition
May 2009

iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
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...................................................................... 1-6
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
2.2.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan................................ 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 .......................................................... 2-10
2.3.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 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 Removing the HDD module cage ................................. 2-14
2.6.3 Installing a hot-swap SATA/SAS hard disk drive........... 2-14
2.6.4 Removing and reinstalling the backplane ..................... 2-16

iv
Contents
2.7 Expansion cards ........................................................................ 2-17
2.7.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17
2.7.2 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card .................................. 2-18
2.7.3 Installing i Button........................................................... 2-19
2.7.4 Installing ASMB4 management board........................... 2-20
2.7.5 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-21
2.8 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-22
2.8.1 Motherboard connections ............................................. 2-22
2.8.2 SATA/SAS backplane connections .............................. 2-23
2.9 Removable components............................................................ 2-25
2.9.1 System fan.................................................................... 2-25
2.9.2 Chassis footpads .......................................................... 2-27
2.9.3 Redundant power supply module ................................. 2-28
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 layout...................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Jumpers ........................................................................................ 4-4
4.3 Internal connectors...................................................................... 4-9
Chapter 5: BIOS setup
5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 5-2
5.1.1 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 5-2
5.1.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 5-4
5.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 5-6
5.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 5-6
5.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 5-6
5.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 5-7
5.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................. 5-7
5.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 5-7
5.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 5-7

v
Contents
5.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 5-7
5.2.9 General help ................................................................... 5-7
5.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................... 5-8
5.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]......................................... 5-8
5.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [Disabled] .......................................... 5-8
5.3.4 SATA1—6; IDE Primary Master/Slave Conguration...... 5-9
5.3.5 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 5-10
5.3.6 AHCI Conguration........................................................5-11
5.3.7 System Information....................................................... 5-12
5.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 5-14
5.4.1 CPU Conguration........................................................ 5-14
5.4.2 Chipset Conguration ................................................... 5-18
5.4.3 Legacy Device Conguration........................................ 5-22
5.4.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 5-23
5.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 5-24
5.4.6 Power On Conguration................................................ 5-25
5.4.7 Event Log Conguration ............................................... 5-26
5.4.8 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 5-26
5.4.9 PCI Express Conguration............................................ 5-28
5.4.10 ACPI Conguration ....................................................... 5-28
5.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 5-31
5.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 5-33
5.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 5-33
5.6.2 Removable Drives......................................................... 5-34
5.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 5-34
5.6.4 Security......................................................................... 5-36
5.7 Exit menu.................................................................................... 5-38
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 RAID controller selection ................................................ 6-3
6.1.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS........................................ 6-3

vi
Contents
6.2 LSISoftwareRAIDConguration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
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®Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................. 6-24
6.3.1 Creating a RAID set...................................................... 6-25
6.3.2 Creating a Recovery set ............................................... 6-26
6.3.3 Deleting a RAID set ...................................................... 6-28
6.3.4 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ........................................ 6-29
6.3.5 Recovery Volume Options ............................................ 6-30
6.3.6 Exiting the Intel®Matrix Storage Manager .................... 6-31
6.3.7 Rebuilding the RAID ..................................................... 6-31
6.3.8 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility............ 6-33
Chapter 7: Driver installation
7.1 RAID driver installation ............................................................... 7-2
7.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk ............................................ 7-2
7.1.2 Windows®OS.................................................................. 7-5
7.1.3 Red Hat®Enterprise Linux OS ........................................ 7-8
7.1.4 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server OS ............................... 7-10
7.2 Intel chipset device software installation ................................ 7-12
7.3 LAN driver installation............................................................... 7-16
7.4 Display driver installation ......................................................... 7-20
7.5 Management applications and utilities installation ................ 7-23
7.5.1 Running the support CD ............................................... 7-23
7.5.2 Drivers menu................................................................. 7-23
7.5.3 Utilities menu ................................................................ 7-24
7.5.4 Make disk menu............................................................ 7-24
7.5.5 Contact information....................................................... 7-24

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 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 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://green.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, contact
a qualied 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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
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.

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 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 conguring
RAID sets using the available utilities.
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 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.
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.

ASUS TS700-E6/RS8
This chapter describes the general
features of the server, including
sections on front panel and rear panel
specications.
Chapter 1
Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2
*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.
Model Name TS700-E6/RS8
Chassis ASUS T50A Pedestal 5U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS Z8PE-D12X Server Board
Component 1 x 620W Redundant Power Supply
8 x hot-swap HDD trays
2 x SAS/SATA2 Backplane with four data cables
1 x Front I/O Board
2 x System Fans (Front: 1 x 80mm x 38mm; Rear: 1 x 120mm x 38mm)
Accessories 1 x TS700-E6/RS8 User’s Guide
1 x ASUS ASWM 2.0 User’s Guide
1 x TS700-E6/RS8 Support CD (including ASWM*)
1 x Bag of Screws
2 x AC Power Cable
Optional Items CPU Cooler
DVD-ROM / DVD-RW
620W Redundant Power Supply Module
ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 Rackmount Rail Kit
Anti-virus Software CD
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 12 characters such as xxxxxxxxxxxx.
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.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
TS700-E6/RS8

ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 1-3
1.3 Systemspecications
The ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 is a 5U barebone server system featuring the ASUS
Z8PE-D12X server board. The server supports Intel® LGA1366 Xeon® 5500 series
processors, plus other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.
(continued on the next page)
Model Name TS700-E6/RS8
Processor / System Bus
2 x Socket LGA1366
- Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® X5500 Series (95W)
- Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® E5500 Series (80W)
- Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® L5500 Series (60W /
38W)
Quad Core / Dual Core
QPI 4.8 / 5.86 / 6.4 GT/s
Core Logic
Intel® 5520 I/O Hub
Intel® ICH10R I/O controller
NEC uPD720404 PCI-X Bridge
ASUS Features Smart Fan √
ASWM2.0 √
Memory
Total Slots 12 (3-channel per CPU, 6 DIMMs per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 96GB (RDIMM)
Maximum up to 48GB (UDIMM)
Memory Type DDR3 1333 / 1066 Reg DIMM / Unbuffered DIMM
with ECC
Memory Size 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB* (RDIMM)
1GB, 2GB and 4GB (UDIMM)
Expansion Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCI-E Slots 5 or 6
Slot Type
Workstation Mode:
1 x PCI-E x16 slot (x16 link)
2 x PCI-E x16 slots (x8 link)
2 x PCI-X 100/133MHz slots
Server Mode:
4 x PCI-E x16 slots (x8 link)
2 x PCI-X 100/133MHz slots
Additional Slot 1 1 x PIKE slot for Storage Enhancement
Additional Slot 2 1 x MIO slot for Audio
Storage
SATA Controller
Intel®ICH10R:
- 6 x SATA2 300MB/s ports
- Intel Matrix Storage (for Windows only)
(Supports software RAID 0, 1, 5 & 10)
LSI MegaRAID (for Linux / Windows)
- Supports software RAID 0, 1 & 10
SAS Controller
Optional:
ASUS PIKE 1068E 8-port SAS RAID card
ASUS PIKE 6480 8-port SAS RAID card
ASUS PIKE 1078 8-port SAS HW RAID card

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4
*Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
HDD Bays
I = internal
A or S = hot-
swappable
8 x Hot-swap 3.5” HDD Bays
Networking LAN 2 x Intel® 82574L + 1 x Mgmt LAN
Graphic VGA Aspeed AST2050 8MB
Auxiliary Storage CD / DVD 3 x 5.25” media bays
(Options: No ODD / DVD-ROM / DVD-RW)
Onboard I/O
1 x External Serial Port
2 x RJ-45 ports
4 x USB 2.0 ports (Front x 2, Rear x 2)
1 x VGA port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
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
Management
Optional ASMB4-iKVM for KVM-over-IP support
Software ASUS ASWM 2.0®
Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 445mm x 217.5mm x 545mm
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM &
HDD not included) 17.5 Kg
Power Supply 620W 1+1 Redundant Power Supply
Environment
Operation temperature: 10°C–35°C / Non operation
temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operation humidity: 20%–90% ( Non-
condensing)

ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 1-5
1.4 Front panel features
The barebone server displays a simple yet stylish front panel with easily accessible
features. The drive bays, power and reset buttons, LED indicators, optical drive,
and two USB 2.0 ports are located on the front panel. For future installation of
5.25-inch devices, two drive bays are available.
Refer to section 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs for the LED descriptions.
*TheaudiojacksfunctiononlywithanoptionalMIOaudiocard.
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
Headphone
outputjack*
Microphonejack
4-bay HDD cage

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6
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.
Expansion slots
PS/2 keyboard port
USB 2.0 ports
Serial port
VGA port
Chassis intrusion switch
Gigabit LAN port 1
Chassis lock
120mm x 38mm
system fan
PS/2 mouse port
Gigabit LAN port 2
620W Redundant
power supply
Power connector

ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 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 and an optical disc
drive. Connect a USB oppy disk drive or a USB ODD to any of the USB ports
on the front or rear panel if you need to use a oppy 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. 620W Redundant Power Supply (the second set is an optional item)
2. 120mm x 38mm system fan (ARX FD1212-DP284G)
3. ASUS Z8PE-D12X 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 (rst set)
9. 4-bay HDD module (second set)
10. SATA/SAS backplane board (rst set, hidden)
11. SATA/SAS backplane board (second set, hidden)
12. 80mm x 38mm system fan (Nidec V80E12BS1A5-07, hidden)
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
4
12

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8
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.
Drive status LED
Green
Red
Green/Red blinking
Bridge board connected to backplane
Installed HDD is in good condition
HDD failure
HDD rebuilding using the RAID card
LAN LEDs
OFF
Blinking
ON
LAN accessing
Message LED
Drive Status LED
Power LED
LAN1 LED
LAN2 LED
HDD Access LED

ASUS TS700-E6/RS8 1-9
1.7.2 Rear panel 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
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
ACT/LINK LED

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10