Asus RS300-H8-PS12 User Manual

RS300-H8-PS12

1U Rackmount Server
User Guide

E8379

First Edition
June 2013

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.

ii

Contents

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

REACH ..........................................................................................

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 Systemspecications .................................................................

1.4 Front panel features .....................................................................

1.5 Rear panel features ......................................................................

1.6 Internal features ...........................................................................

1.7 LED information ...........................................................................

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ............................................................

1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs ........................................................

1.7.3 SFP+ status LEDs .........................................................

1.7.4 SSD status LEDs ..........................................................

Chapter 2: Hardware setup

2.1 Chassis cover ............................................................................... 2-2

2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.2.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

2.2.2 Installing the CPU heatsink .............................................

2.3 System memory ...........................................................................

2.3.1 Overview .........................................................................

2.3.2 Memory Configurations ...................................................

2.3.3 Installing a DIMM ............................................................

2.4 Hard disk drives (HDDs) ............................................................

2.5 Installing SSDs ...........................................................................

2.6 Expansion slot ............................................................................

2.6.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket ...

2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card .....................................

vii

1-3

1-4

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-9

1-10

1-10

1-10

2-3

2-3

2-6

2-8

2-8

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-14

2-16

2-16

2-18

iii

Contents

2.7 Cable connections ..................................................................... 2-19

2.8 Removable/optional components .............................................

2.8.1 System fans ..................................................................

2.8.2 Installing ASMB7 series management board (optional)

Chapter 3: Installation options

3.1 Friction Rail Kit Installation Guide ............................................. 3-2

3.1.1 Attaching the fixing latches to the server ........................

Chapter 4: Motherboard Info

4.1 Motherboard layout ...................................................................... 4-2

4.2 Jumpers ........................................................................................

4.3 Internal connectors ....................................................................

4.4 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 5-2

5.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

5.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility ......................................................

5.1.3 BUPDATER utility

5.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

5.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................

5.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................

5.2.3 Menu items .....................................................................

5.2.4 Submenu items ...............................................................

5.2.5 Navigation keys ...............................................................

5.2.6 General help ...................................................................

5.2.7 Configuration fields .........................................................

5.2.8 Pop-up window ...............................................................

5.2.9 Scroll bar .........................................................................

5.3 Main menu ....................................................................................

5.3.1 System Date ..................................................................

5.3.2 System Time ...................................................................

............................................................ 5-4

2-22

2-20

2-20

3-2

4-5

4-10

4-20

5-2

5-3

5-6

5-7

5-7

5-8

5-8

5-8

5-8

5-8

5-8

5-8

5-9

5-9

5-9

iv

Contents

5.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 5-10

5.4.1 CPU Configuration .........................................................

5.4.2 PCH-IO Configuration ...................................................

5.4.3 SATA Configuration .......................................................

5.4.4 System Agent (SA) Configuration .................................

5.4.5 PCI Subsystem Settings ...............................................

5.4.6 USB Configuration ........................................................

5.4.7 TPM ..............................................................................

5.4.8 ACPI Settings ................................................................

5.4.9 WHEA Support ..............................................................

5.4.10 NCT6779D Super IO Configuration ..............................

5.4.11 Intel

5.4.12 Onboard LAN Configuration ..........................................

5.4.13 Serial Port Console Redirection ....................................

5.4.14 Runtime Error Logging Support ....................................

5.4.15 APM ..............................................................................

5.4.16 Onboard LAN BCM57840S Configuration ....................

5.4.17 Network Stack ...............................................................

5.4.18 Intel RC Drivers Version Detail .....................................

5.5 Event Logs menu .......................................................................

5.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

5.7 Monitor menu .............................................................................

5.8 Security .......................................................................................

5.9 Tool menu ...................................................................................

5.10 Exit menu ....................................................................................

Server Platform Services ....................................... 5-23

5-11

5-14

5-15

5-16

5-18

5-20

5-21

5-21

5-22

5-22

5-23

5-24

5-26

5-26

5-27

5-27

5-28

5-28

5-29

5-32

5-33

5-36

5-36

Chapter6: RAIDconguration

6.1 Setting up RAID ............................................................................ 6-2

6.1.1 RAID definitions ..............................................................

6.1.2 Installing hard disk drives ................................................

6.1.3 Setting Jumpers ..............................................................

6.1.4 Setting the RAID mode in BIOS ......................................

6.1.5 RAID configuration utilities ..............................................

6-2

6-3

6-3

6-3

6-3

v

Contents

6.2 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise

SATA Option ROM Utility .............................................................

6.2.1 Creating a RAID set ........................................................

6.2.2 Deleting a RAID set ........................................................

6.2.3 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ..........................................

6.2.4 Exiting the Intel

enterprise SATA Option ROM utility ................................

6.2.5 Rebuilding the RAID .......................................................

6.2.6 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility .............

6.3 Intel

®

Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Windows) ........ 6-12

6.3.1 Creating a RAID set ......................................................

6.3.2 Changing a Volume Type ..............................................

6.3.3 Deleting a volume .........................................................

6.3.4 Preferences ...................................................................

6.4 LSI Corporation MPT Setup Utility ...........................................

6.4.1 RAID 1 volume ..............................................................

6.4.2 RAID 1E/10 volume ......................................................

6.4.3 RAID 0 volume ..............................................................

6.4.4 Managing Arrays ...........................................................

6.4.5 Viewing SAS topology ...................................................

6.4.6 Global Properties ..........................................................

®

Rapid Storage Technology

6-4

6-5

6-7

6-8

6-9

6-9

6-11

6-13

6-15

6-16

6-17

6-18

6-19

6-23

6-25

6-27

6-34

6-35

Chapter 7: Driver installation

7.1 RAID driver installation ............................................................... 7-2

7.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk ............................................

7.1.2 Creating the LSI 2308 SAS2 driver disk .........................

7.1.3 Installing the RAID controller driver ................................

7.2 Management applications and utilities installation ................

7.3 Running the Support DVD ........................................................

7.4 Installing the LAN driver ............................................................

7.5 Installing the VGA driver ...........................................................

7.6 Installing the Intel

7.7 Installing the Intel

7.8 Installing the Broadcom 10G driver .........................................

ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-1

vi

®

C22x MEI NULL HECI driver ..................... 7-31

®

I210 Gigabit Adapter driver ...................... 7-33

7-2

7-4

7-6

7-15

7-15

7-23

7-28

7-37

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.

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.

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.

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.

vii

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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your dealer.

Operation Safety

• Any mechanical operation on this server must be conducted by certified 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.

viii

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.

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

ix

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 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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.

x

Conventions

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

Italics

<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

exactly as shown, then supply the required
item or value enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the
command line:

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

Means that you must type the command

format A:/S

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.

xi

xii

Chapter 1

This chapter describes the general features
of the chassis kit. It includes sections on
front panel and rear panel specifications.

Product introduction

1-

1.1 System package contents

Check your system package for the following items.

Model Name RS300-H8-PS12

Chassis ASUS 1U Rackmount Chassis

Motherboard ASUS P9D-MH Server Board

Component 1 x Single 400W 80Plus Gold Power Supply

Accessories 1 x RS300-H8-PS12 User’s Manual

Optional
Items

*ASUS System Web-based Management

4 x Hot-swap 3-in-1 3.5 inch HDD trays
1 x SATA Backplane
1 x PCIE Riser Card
5 x System Fans (40mm x 28mm)

1 x ASWM* User’s Guide
1 x ASMB7 User’s Guide (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
1 x RS300-H8-PS12 Support DVD
1 x ASWM* DVD
1 x ASMB7 DVD (if ASMB7-iKVM is selected)
3 x Bag of Screws
1 x AC Power Cable

1 x CPU Heatsink
ASUS ASMB7-iKVM Remote management card
1 x Friction Rail Kit

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

RS300-H8-PS12

xxS0xxxxxxxxxx

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12

1-3

1.3 Systemspecications

The ASUS RS300-H8-PS12 is a 1U barebone server system featuring the

ASUS P9D-MH Server Board. The server supports Intel® LGA1150 Intel®

Xeon® E3-1200 Processor v3 plus other latest technologies through the chipsets

onboard.

Model Name RS300-H8-PS12

Processor Support /
System Bus

Core Logic

Fan Speed
Control

ASUS
Features

Memory

Expansion
Slots
(follow SSI
Location
number)

Storage

HDD Bays

Networking

Rack Ready
(Rack and
Pedestal dual
use)

ASWM
Enterprise

Total Slots

Capacity

Memory Type

Total PCI/
PCI-E Slots

Slot
Location 6

SATA Controller

SAS Controller

I = Internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable

LAN

1 x Socket LGA1150
Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1200 v3 Product Family

Intel® C224 Chipset

4 (2 Channels)

Maximum up to 32GB

DDR3 1333/1600 ECC UDIMM

1

1 x PCI-E x8 (x4 Gen3 link)

Intel® C224:

- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports

- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

- Intel® RSTe supports software RAID 0, 1, 10, & 5
(Windows only)

LSI 2308 8-port SAS 6G Controller

4 x 3 in 1 Hot-swap 3.5 inch HDD bays (Serial ATA)
2 x Hot-swap SSD bays

2 x Intel® I210AT controller + 1 x Management LAN

1 x Dual Port Broadcom 57840S 10GbE Chipset

* Refer to www.asus.com for the complete list of supported CPUs.

(continued on the next page)

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Model Name RS300-H8-PS12
Graphic

Onboard I/O
Connectors

Rear I/O
Connectors

Management
Solution

Dimension
Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM,

and HDD not included)

Power Supply

VGA

TPM Header

PSU
Connector

SATA DOM
Power
Connector

Management
Header

USB
Connector/
Header

Fan Header

SMBus
Chassis

Intruder
Front LAN

LED
Serial Port

Header
VGA Header

External USB
Port

VGA Port

RJ-45

SFP+
PS/2 KB/

Mouse
Software

Out of Band
Remote
Management

Aspeed AST2300 + 32MB VRAM
1
24-pin ATX power connector

8-pin ATX 12V power connector

4-pin power connector

On-board header for optional management card

1 x USB 3.0 pin header (up to 2 devices)
1 x USB 2.0 pin header (up to 2 devices)
1 x USB 2.0 connector (Type A USB socket)

5 x 4 pin headers
1

1

4

1

1
2 x USB 3.0

2 x USB 2.0
1
2 x GbE LAN

1 x Management LAN
2 x SFP+ connector

1

ASWM Enterprise

Optional ASMB7-iKVM for KVM-over-Internet

615 mm x 444 mm x 43.4 mm

19 Kg

Single 400W 80Plus Gold Power Supply
Rating: 100-240Vac, 6.3A 60-50Hz, Class 1

Operation temperature:

10oC – 40oC

Environment

Non operation temperature:

-40oC – 70oC

Non operation humidity:

20% – 90% (Non condensing)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12

1-5

1.4 Front panel features

2 13

2 13 2 13 2 13

1

2

3

4

The front panel of the RS300-H8-PS12 features a simple yet compact design with the four
3-in-1 HDD trays with hot-swap support and I/O boards conveniently located on the front
panel for easy access.

The HDD trays’s modular design allows the server to support tool-less installation of up to 12

3.5-inch Serial ATA HDDs.

Refer to section

Rack screw
Reset button
Location button and LED
SFP+_LED2

SFP+_LED1
LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED

Message LED
HDD Access LED
Power Button
Asset tag

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs

HDD drive tray

HDD1 LED
HDD2 LED
HDD3 LED

for the LED descriptions.

HDD drive tray

Drive tray handle
Drive tray lock

Rack screw

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 film or foil that is located in the left side of the server’s front
panel that allows you to log important information about the server such as asset barcode or
serial number. The Asset tag is useful in asset tracking and inventory management.

1

2

3

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5 Rear panel features

The rear panel of RS300-H8-PS12 includes the hot-swap SSD trays, expansion slots, SFP+
10G ports, the rear I/O ports, and the system power socket.

The ports for the USB, VGA, and Gigabit LANs do not appear on the rear panel if the
motherboard is not present.

PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

SSD drive trays

USB 2.0 ports
USB 3.0 ports

VGA port

The LAN port 3 is for ASUS ASMB7-iKVM controller card only.

LAN port 3
Thumbscrew

Expansion slot cover

Gigabit LAN port 2
Gigabit LAN port 1
SFP+_2
SFP+_2 LEDs
SFP+_1
SFP+_1 LEDs

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12

1-7

1.6 Internal features

The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.

10

12

9 67

HDD tray 4

SAS3
SAS2
SAS1

4

8

HDD tray 3

SAS6
SAS5
SAS4

4 4 4

1

HDD tray 2

SATA1

SAS8
SAS7

5

HDD tray 1

SATA4
SATA3
SATA2

4

3

1. Power supply

2. PCI Express slot Riser Card

3. ASUS P9D-MH Server Boards

4. System fans

5. SATA backplane (hidden)

6. HDD tray 1—Connect to
SATA2/SATA3/SATA4 port

7. HDD tray 2—Connect to
SAS7/SAS8/SATA1 port

8. HDD tray 3—Connect to
SAS4/SAS5/SAS6 port

9. HDD tray 4—Connect to
SAS1/SAS2/SAS3 port

10. Front I/O boards (hidden)

11. SSD bay

12. Asset Tag (hidden)

1-8

2

11

Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.

The barebone server does not include a floppy disk drive drive. Connect a USB floppy disk
drive to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if you need to use a floppy disk.

*WARNING

HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 LED information

3

4

2 13

2 13 2 13 2 13

1

2

3

4

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs

Location LED
SFP+_LED2
SFP+_LED1
LAN2 LED
LAN1 LED

Message LED
HDD Access LED
Power Button and LED

LED Icon

Display

status

Power LED ON System power ON.

OFF System is normal; no incoming event.

Message LED

1. Without ASMB7-iKVM installed: CPU over-heated

ON

2. With ASMB7-iKVM installed: a hardware monitor event is
indicated.

OFF No LAN connection.

LAN LEDs

Blinking LAN is transmitting or receiving data.

ON LAN connection is present.

ON Location button is pressed.

Location LED

Normal status.

OFF

(Press the Location button again to turn off.)

Amber LAN connection of 1 Gbps is present.
SFP+_LED1/
SFP+_LED2

Green LAN connection of 10 Gbps (Green) is present.

OFF No activity.

HDD1/HDD2/
HDD3 LED

HDD Access
LED

Green The installed Serial ATA HDD is in good condition.

OFF HDD failure or no HDD is installed.

Green Data is being read/written into the HDD.

OFF

No activity.

Description

HDD1 LED
HDD2 LED
HDD3 LED

ASUS RS300-H8-PS12

1-9

1.7.2 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs

SPEED LED

ACT/LINK LED

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

1.7.3 SFP+ status LEDs

SFP+_2 LED

SFP+_1 LED

ACTIVITY LED

SPEED LED

SFP+ LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No activity OFF -

BLINKING Data activity

1.7.4 SSD status LEDs

SSD LED Description

GREEN
OFF SSD failure or no SSD is installed

1-10

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

AMBER 1 Gbps connection

GREEN 10 Gbps connection

SSD status LED

The installed SSD is in good condition

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2

This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform when
installing or removing system components.

Hardware setup

2-

2.1 Chassis cover

Removing the rear cover

1. Release the four (4) screws on the sides of the chassis.

2. Release the thumbscrew on the rear of the chassis.

3. Slide the chassis cover towards the rear to disengage it from the chassis.

4. Lift the chassis cover to completely remove it from the chassis.

1

3

4

1

2

1

A protection film is pre-attached to the system cover before shipping. Please remove the
protection film before turning on the system for proper heat dissipation.

1

2-2

Chapter 2: Hardware setup

2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA 1150 Socket designed for the Intel®
Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge series processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS shoulders the repair cost only if the damage is shipment/transit­related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA
1150 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

2.2.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing toward you and the load lever
is on your right.

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2. Press the load lever with your thumb
(A), then move it to the right (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.

Do not remove the PnP cap yet from
the CPU socket. Doing so may bend
the pins of the socket.

3. Lift the load lever until the load plate is
completely lifted.

Load lever

Retention tab

Load plate

4. Position the CPU abov e the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle mark is on
the bottom-left corner of the socket, then fit
the CPU notches to the socket's alignment
keys.

The CPU fits in only one orientation. DO
NOT force the CPU into the socket to
prevent bending the pins on the socket
and damaging the CPU.

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Gold

triangle

mark

Alignment

CPU notches

Alignment
key

key

Chapter 2: Hardware setup

5. Close the load plate (A), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention lock (B) then push

Load lever

down the load lever (C).

Retention
lock

6. Insert the load lever under the retention tab to remove the PnP cap from the CPU
socket.

Load lever

Retention
tab

7. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is evenly spread in a thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
Thermal Interface Material. If so, skip
this step.

The Thermal Inte rf ac e Mat er ia l is
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If
it gets into your eyes or touches your
skin, wash it off immediately and seek
professional medical help.

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2.2.2 Installing the CPU heatsink

To install the CPU heatsink

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, ensuring that the four
fasteners match the holes on the
motherboard.

2. Twist each of the four screws

with
a Phillips screwdriver just enough
to attach the heatsink to the
motherboard. When the four screws
are attached, tighten them one by one
to completely secure the heatsink.

Tighten the four heatsink screws in a criss-cross sequence.

3. Place the airduct cover on top of the
heatsink and CPU assembly. Ensure
that the airduct cover is fitted securely
in place.

C

A

B

D

A

D

C

B

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Chapter 2: Hardware setup

4. Secure the airduct cover to the
motherboard with a screw.

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2.3 System memory

2.3.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four (4) Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

2.3.2 MemoryCongurations

You may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB Unbuffered with ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets using the memory configurations in this section.

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DIMM Slot Per

Channel

DIMM Populated

per Channel

2 1 Unbuffered DDR3 ECC 1333/1600

2 2 Unbuffered DDR3 ECC 1333/1600

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is
recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Start installing the DIMMs in slots A2 and B2 (Blue).

UDIMM

DIMM Type Speed Rank per DIMM

Single Rank,

Dual Rank

Single Rank,

Dual Rank

Chapter 2: Hardware setup