Asus RS700A-E9-RS4V2, RS700A-E9-RS12V2 User’s Manual

RS700A-E9 Series V2

RS700A-E9-RS4V2
RS700A-E9-RS12V2

1U Rackmount Server
User Guide

E17247
Revised Edition V4
August 2020

Copyright © 2020 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 are 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

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 System package contents ......................................................................... 1-2

1.2 Serial number label .................................................................................... 1-3

1.3 System specifications ...............................................................................1-4

1.4 Front panel features ...................................................................................1-7

1.5 Rear panel features .................................................................................... 1-8

1.6 Internal features ......................................................................................... 1-9

1.7 LED information ....................................................................................... 1-11

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ......................................................................1-11

1.7.2 Storage device status LED........................................................1-12

1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs ....................................................................1-13

1.7.4 Rear panel LEDs .......................................................................1-13

1.7.5 Q-Code table .............................................................................1-14

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

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

2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................2-3

2.2.1 Installing the CPU and heatsink ..................................................2-3

2.3 System memory .........................................................................................2-7

2.3.1 Overview ..................................................................................... 2-7

2.3.2 Memory Configurations ...............................................................2-8

2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket..........................2-9

2.4 Storage devices........................................................................................2-10

2.5 Expansion slot ..........................................................................................2-15

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket ............... 2-15

2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to the butterfly riser

card bracket .............................................................................. 2-16

2.5.3 Installing an ASUS PIKE II card ................................................2-19

2.5.4 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the butterfly

riser card bracket (optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only) ....... 2-22

2.5.5 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the riser

card bracket (optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only) ............... 2-25

2.5.6 Configuring an expansion card .................................................2-27

2.5.7 Installing Mezzanine cards ........................................................2-28

2.5.8 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards ......................................................2-31

iii

Contents

2.6 Cable connections ................................................................................... 2-33

2.7 Backplane cabling ...................................................................................2-34

2.8 Storage device configuration and cabling

(for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only) ................................................................. 2-36

2.8.1 8 x SATA storage device configuration and cabling .................2-37

2.8.2 12 x SATA storage device configuration and cabling ...............2-40

2.8.3 8 x SATA/SAS and 4 x SATA storage device configuration

and cabling ................................................................................ 2-44

2.8.4 2 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling ................. 2-49

2.8.5 4 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling ................. 2-52

2.8.6 8 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling ................. 2-57

2.9 Removable/optional components ...........................................................2-63

2.9.1 System fans ..............................................................................2-63

2.9.2 Redundant power supply module..............................................2-64

2.9.3 Replacing optical drive (optional for RS700A-E9-RS4V2) ........ 2-65

Chapter 3: Installation Options

3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit .......................................................................... 3-2

3.2 Rail kit dimensions ....................................................................................3-4

Chapter 4: Motherboard Information

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

4.2 Jumpers ...................................................................................................... 4-4

4.3 Internal LEDs .............................................................................................. 4-9

4.4 Internal connectors .................................................................................. 4-12

Chapter 5: BIOS Setup

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

5.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility...................................................5-2

5.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash Utility .................................................................5-3

5.1.3 BUPDATER utility .......................................................................5-4

5.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 5-6

5.2.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................5-7

5.2.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................5-7

5.2.3 Menu items..................................................................................5-8

5.2.4 Submenu items ...........................................................................5-8

5.2.5 Navigation keys ...........................................................................5-8

5.2.6 General help................................................................................5-8

iv

Contents

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 [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .....................................................5-9

5.3.2 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ...............................................................5-9

5.4 Performance Tuning menu ......................................................................5-10

5.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................5-11

5.5.1 Trusted Computing....................................................................5-12

5.5.2 PSP Firmware Versions ............................................................5-12

5.5.3 APM Configuration ....................................................................5-12

5.5.4 Onboard LAN Configuration ......................................................5-13

5.5.5 Serial Port Console Redirection ................................................5-14

5.5.6 CPU Configuration ....................................................................5-17

5.5.7 PCI Subsystem Settings ...........................................................5-17

5.5.8 USB Configuration ....................................................................5-19

5.5.9 CSM Configuration ....................................................................5-20

5.5.10 NVMe Configuration .................................................................. 5-21

5.5.11 SATA Configuration .................................................................. 5-22

5.5.12 Network Stack Configuration..................................................... 5-22

5.5.13 AMD Mem Configuration Status................................................ 5-23

5.5.14 iSCSI Configuration...................................................................5-24

5.6 Chipset menu ...........................................................................................5-25

5.7 Security menu ..........................................................................................5-26

5.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................5-30

5.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 5-31

5.10 Save & Exit menu ..................................................................................... 5-32

5.11 AMD CBS menu ........................................................................................ 5-33

5.11.1 CPU Common Options.............................................................. 5-33

5.11.2 DF Common Options ................................................................ 5-35

5.11.3 UMC Common Option ............................................................... 5-37

5.11.4 NBIO Common Options ............................................................ 5-42

5.11.5 NTB Common Options .............................................................. 5-46

5.12 Event Logs menu ..................................................................................... 5-47

5.12.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings ......................................... 5-47

5.12.2 View Smbios Event Log ............................................................ 5-48

5.13 Server Mgmt menu ................................................................................... 5-49

v

Contents

Chapter 6: Driver Installation

6.1 Management applications and utilities installation ................................ 6-2

6.2 Running the Support DVD ......................................................................... 6-2

6.3 AMD chipset device software installation ...............................................6-5

6.4 Installing the Intel

6.5 VGA driver installation ..............................................................................6-8

Appendix

KNPP-D32-R block diagram ................................................................................... A-2

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-6

®

I350-AM2 Gigabit Adapters driver ........................... 6-6

vi

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.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.

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.

vii

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.

Heavy System

CAUTION! This server system is heavy. Ask for assistance when moving
or carrying the system.

Optical Drive Safety Information

Laser Safety Information

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

To prevent exposure to the optical drive’s laser, do not attempt to disassemble or repair the
optical drive by yourself. For your safety, contact a professional technician for assistance.

viii

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 Information

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

3. Chapter 3: Installation Options

This chapter describes how to install optional components into the barebone server.

4. Chapter 4: Motherboard Information

This chapter gives information about the motherboard that comes with the server. This
chapter includes the motherboard layout, jumper settings, and connector locations.

5. Chapter 5: BIOS Setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.

6. Chapter 6: Driver Installation

This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for different
system components.

ix

Conventions

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING:

complete a task.

CAUTION:

trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT:

NOTE:

Information to prevent damage to the components when

Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

Typography

Bold text

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter

<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>

Command

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 press the enclosed key.

or Return key.

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Means that you must type the command exactly as

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

format A:/S

References

Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.

1. ASUS Control Center (ACC) user guide

This manual tells how to set up and use the proprietary ASUS server management
utility. Visit asuscontrolcenter.asus.com for more information.

2. ASUS websites

The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information for all ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

x

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product Introduction

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

1

1.1 System package contents

Check your system package for the following items.

Model Name

Chassis

Motherboard

Component

Accessories

Optional
Items

RS700A-E9-RS4V2 RS700A-E9-RS12V2

ASUS R12F 1U Rackmount Chassis ASUS R12F 1U Rackmount Chassis

ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server Board ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server Board

1 x 800W 80PLUS Platinum Power Supply

1 x 3.5-inch Storage Device Backplane

4 x 3.5-inch Storage Device Trays or

Dummy Trays

1 x Front Panel Board

2 x Riser Card

8 x System Fans (40 mm x 40 mm x 56

mm)

1 x AMD EPYC™ Support DVD

1 x Bag of Screws

2 x CPU Heatsink

2 x AC Power Cable

1 x Redundant 800W 80PLUS Platinum

Power Supply (Second PSU)

1 x Friction Rail Kit

1 x Slim type DVD-RW

1 x 800W 80PLUS Platinum Power Supply

1 x 2.5-inch Storage Device Backplane

12 x 2.5-inch Storage Device Trays or

1 x Front Panel Board

2 x Riser Card

8 x System Fans (40 mm x 40 mm x 56

1 x PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card

1 x AMD EPYC™ Support DVD

1 x Bag of Screws

2 x CPU Heatsink

2 x AC Power Cable

1 x Redundant 800W 80PLUS Platinum

1 x Friction Rail Kit

2 x OCuLink to OCuLink cables for NVMe

1 x PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card with two

1 x PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card with four

Dummy Trays

mm)

Power Supply (Second PSU)

cables

cables

1-2

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2 Serial number label

1

2

3

4

The product’s serial number contains 12 characters such as xxS0xxxxxxxx and printed on the
sticker at the server's front cover.

The correct serial number of the product is required if you need to request for support from
the ASUS Technical Support team.

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

xxS0xxxxxxxx

2

1

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

xxS0xxxxxxxx

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-3

1.3 System specifications

The ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2 features the ASUS KNPP-D32-R server board. The server
supports AMD EPYC™ 7002 Series processors plus other latest technologies through the
chipsets onboard.

Model Name RS700A-E9-RS4V2 RS700A-E9-RS12V2

Motherboard

Processor Support

Core Logic

Total Slots

Capacity

Memory

Expansion
Slots

Disk
Controller

Storage
Bays

Memory Type

Memory Size

Total PCI/PCI-E/
PIKE Slots

Slot Type

Micro SD Card slot

SATA Controller

SAS Controller

I = internal
A or S will be hot­swappable

PCIe NVME Riser
Card & Cable

KNPP-D32-R

AMD EPYC™ 7002 Series

xGMI (External Global Memory Interface Link)

System on Chip (SoC)

32 (8-channel per CPU, 16 DIMM per CPU)

Maximum up to 4096GB

DDR4 3200/2933/2666 RDIMM/ LRDIMM/ 3DS LRDIMM

* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update

16GB, 32GB, 64GB (RDIMM)

* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update

3+1

1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x16 link),

FH, HL

1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x8 link),

LP, HL

1 x PCIe x8 (Gen3 x8 link),

LP, HL

1 x OCP 2.0 Mezzanine (Gen3

x16 link)

1

4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

2 x M.2 connectors (SATA

6Gb/s & PCIe Gen3 x4 link)

Optional:

ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS 12Gb/s HBA card

ASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW 12Gb/s RAID card

4 x 3.5” Hot-swap Storage

Bays (4 x SATA/SAS)

* SAS support only from optional

SAS HBA/RAID card

-

1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x16 link),

FH, HL (For Optional
NVME4-OCuLink Card)

1 x PCIe x16 (Gen3 x8 link), LP

1 x PCIe x8 (Gen3 x8

link), LP (Default for
NVME2-OCuLink Card)

1 x OCP 2.0 Mezzanine (Gen3

x16 link)

8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

2 x M.2 connectors (SATA

6Gb/s & PCIe Gen3 x4 link)

12 x 2.5” Hot-Swap Drive Bays

(4 x NVMe + 4 x SATA/
SAS/NVMe + 4 x SATA/
SAS)

* SAS support only from optional

SAS HBA/RAID card

4-port NVME card + cables,
upgrade from 4 NVME to 8
NVME support

1-4

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Model Name RS700A-E9-RS4V2 RS700A-E9-RS12V2

1 x Dual Port Intel I350-AM2 Gigabit LAN controller

Networking LAN

Graphic VGA

Auxiliary Storage Device Bay
(Floppy / Optical Drive)

I/O ports, Switches, and
LEDs

Security Options

Out of Band

Management
Solution

OS Support

Remote
Hardware

Software

1 x Management Port

Optional OCP Adapter: Up to 100Gb/s Ethernet / InfiniBand Adapter

Aspeed AST2500 64MB

N/A

Front I/O Ports:

2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

1 x VGA port

Rear I/O Ports:

2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

1 x VGA port

2 x RJ-45 GbE LAN ports

1 x RJ-45 Mgmt LAN port

Rear Switch/LED:

1 x Power switch

1 x Q-Code/Port 80 LED

1 x Message LED

1 x Storage device LED

1 x Location LED

Front Switch/LED:

1 x Power switch/LED

1 x Location switch/LED

1 x Message LED

1 x Storage device LED

LAN 1-4 LEDs

* LAN 3-4 for Mezzanine card use

TPM 2.0 Header

On-Board ASMB9-iKVM for KVM-over-IP

ASUS Control Center (Classic)

Please find the latest OS support from http://www.asus.com

Rear I/O Ports:

2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

1 x VGA port

2 x RJ-45 GbE LAN ports

1 x RJ-45 Mgmt LAN port

Rear Switch/LED:

1 x Power switch

1 x Q-Code/Port 80 LED

1 x Message LED

1 x Storage device LED

1 x Location LED

Front Switch/LED:

1 x Power switch/LED

1 x Location LED

1 x Message LED

1 x Storage device LED

LAN 1-2 LED

(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-5

Model Name RS700A-E9-RS4V2 RS700A-E9-RS12V2

Regulatory Compliance

Dimension (Depth x Width x
Height)

Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM
& storage device not
included)

Gross Weight Kg (CPU,
DRAM & storage device not
included, packing included)

Power Supply
(different configuration
by region)

Environment

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

BSMI, CE, C-Tick, FCC(Class A)

686 mm x 444 mm x 44 mm (1U)

27” x 17.48” x 1.73”

11.85 Kg 12.15 Kg

16.05 Kg 15.75 Kg

1+1 Redundant 800W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply

Rating: 100-127Vac/200-240Vac, 9.4A/4.72A (x2), 50/60Hz Class I
or 240Vdc, 4.6A (240Vdc only for China)

Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 60°C

Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non condensing)

1-6

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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, slim type optical drive (optional on RS700A-E9­RS4V2 only), two USB ports (on RS700A-E9-RS4V2 only), and VGA port (on RS700A-E9­RS4V2 only) are located on the front panel.

Refer to section 1.7 LED information for the LED descriptions.

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

Rack screw

Bay 1

Optical drive (optional) Asset tag

• All bays support SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II card.

• All bays support 3.5” drives with trays.

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

Rack screw

Bay 1 Bay 3 Bay 5 Bay 7 Bay 9

Bay 2

Storage device LED

LAN 4 LED
LAN 3 LED
LAN 2 LED
LAN 1 LED

Message LED

Bay 3 Bay 4

2

3

1

4

USB ports

Reset button
Location button
Power button

Bay 10

Bay 11

Rack screw

VGA port

Bay 12

Rack screw

Bay 2 Bay 4 Bay 6 Bay 8

Asset tag

• Bay 1 to bay 4 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card.

• Bay 5 to bay 8 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card. NVMe support requires optional upgrade kit.

• Bay 9 to bay 12 supports SATA with optional cables. NVMe support requires optional
upgrade kit.

• All bays support 2.5” drives with trays.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

Power button

Power LED
Message LED
Location LED

2

1

LAN 1 LED
LAN 2 LED

1-7

1.5 Rear panel features

The rear panel includes the expansion slots, system power sockets, and rear fans. The
middle part includes the I/O shield with openings for the rear panel connectors on the
motherboard.

Redundant Power supply and
Power cord connector

USB ports

*This port is for ASUS ASMB9-iKVM only.

Expansion slots

VGA port

Power button

Q-Code LED

Management LAN port 1*

LAN port 1

Expansion slot

LAN port 2

Storage device LED
Message LED
Location LED

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.6 Internal features

The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

1. Redundant Power supply

2. ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server
Board

3. System fans

4. 4 x 3.5“ storage device
trays

5. SATA/SAS backplane
(hidden)

6. Slim type optical drive
(hidden)

7. OCP Mezzanine card
(optional)

8. Butterfly riser card
(2 x Gen3 x8 link)

9. Riser card (Gen3 x16 link)

10. Asset tag (hidden)

The barebone server does not include a floppy disk 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.

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

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS

WARNING

1-9

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

1. Redundant Power supply

2. ASUS KNPP-D32-R Server
Board

3. System fans

4. 12 x 2.5” storage device
trays

5. SATA/SAS/NVMe
backplane (hidden)

6. PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink
card (optional)

7. OCP Mezzanine card
(optional)

8. Butterfly riser card
(2 x Gen3 x8 link)

9. Riser card (Gen3 x16 link)

10. Asset tag (hidden)

11. PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink
card (hidden, optional on
x8 slot (Gen3 x8 link) on
butterfly riser card)

1-10

The barebone server does not include a floppy disk 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.

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

WARNING

HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.7 LED information

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

2

3

1

4

LAN 4 LED
LAN 3 LED
LAN 2 LED
LAN 1 LED

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

Location button with LED
Power button with LED
Storage device LED
Message LED

Power button

Message LED
Location LED

Power LED

2

1

LAN 1 LED
LAN 2 LED

LED Icon Display status Description

Power LED

Storage Device
Access LED

ON System power ON

OFF

Blinking

No activity
Read/write data into the storage device
(Does not support storage devices
connected to the onboard SATA)

Message LED

Location LED

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

System is normal; no incoming event
A hardware monitor event is indicated

Normal status
Location switch is pressed
(Press the location switch again to turn off)

LAN LEDs

OFF

Blinking

ON

No LAN connection
LAN is transmitting or receiving data
LAN connection is present

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-11

1.7.2 Storage device status LED

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

Red LED

Green LED

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

2

1

Green LED

Red LED

SATA/SAS Storage Device LED Description

GREEN ON SATA/SAS storage device power ON

RED ON Storage device has failed and should be swapped immediately

GREEN/
RED

GREEN/
RED

GREEN/
RED

Blinking RAID rebuilding

Blinking Locate

OFF Storage device not found

GREEN Blinking Read/write data from/into the SATA/SAS storage device

1-12

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.7.3 LAN (RJ-45) LEDs

ACT/LINK LED SPEED 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

1.7.4 Rear panel LEDs

Q-Code LED

Storage device LED
Message LED
Location LED

LED Display status Description

Storage device
Access LED

OFF

Blinking

No activity
Read/write data into the storage device
(Does not support storage devices
connected to the onboard SATA)

Message LED

Location LED

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

System is normal; no incoming event
A hardware monitor event is indicated

Normal status
Location switch is pressed
(Press the location switch again to turn off)

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-13

1.7.5 Q-Code table

Action PHASE POST CODE TYPE DESCRIPTION

SEC Start up Security Phase

PSP Boot

PSP Boot Loader
phase (Error Post
Codes)

0x01 Progress First post code
0x02 Progress Load BSP microcode
0x03 Progress Perform early platform Initialization
0x04 Progress Set cache as ram for PEI phase
0x05 Progress Establish Stack
0x06 Progress CPU Early Initialization
0x00 Error General - Success
0x01 Error Generic Error Code
0x02 Error Generic Memory Error
0x03 Error Buffer Overflow
0x04 Error Invalid Parameter(s)
0x05 Error Invalid Data Length
0x06 Error Data Alignment Error
0x07 Error Null Pointer Error
0x08 Error Unsupported Function
0x09 Error Invalid Service ID
0x0A Error Invalid Address
0x0B Error Out of Resource Error
0x0C Error Timeout
0x0D Error data abort exception
0x0E Error prefetch abort exception
0x0F Error Out of Boundary Condition Reached
0x10 Error Data corruption
0x11 Error Invalid command
0x12 Error The package type provided by BR is incorrect
0x13 Error Failed to retrieve FW header during FW validation
0x14 Error Key size not supported
0x15 Error Agesa0 verification error
0x16 Error SMU FW verification error
0x17 Error OEM SINGING KEY verification error
0x18 Error Generic FW Validation error
0x19 Error RSA operation fail - bootloader
0x1A Error CCP Passthrough operation failed - internal status
0x1B Error AES operation fail
0x1C Error CCP state save failed
0x1D Error CCP state restore failed
0x1E Error SHA256 operation fail - internal status
0x1F Error ZLib Decompression operation fail
0x20 Error HMAC-SHA256 operation fail - internal status
0x21 Error Booted from boot source not recognized by PSP
0x22 Error PSP directory entry not found
0x23 Error PSP failed to set the write enable latch
0x24 Error PSP timed out because spirom took too long
0x25 Error Cannot find BIOS directory
0x26 Error SpiRom is not valid
0x27 Error slave die has different security state from master
0x28 Error SMI interface init failure
0x29 Error SMI interface generic error
0x2A Error invalid die ID executes MCM related function
0x2B Error invalid MCM configuration table read from bootrom
0x2C Error Valid boot mode wasn't detected
0x2D Error NVStorage init failure
0x2E Error NVStorage generic error
0x2F Error MCM 'error' to indicate slave has more data to send
0x30 Error MCM error if data size exceeds 32B
0x31 Error Invalid client id for SVC MCM call
0x32 Error MCM slave status register contains bad bits
0x33 Error MCM call was made in a single die environment
0x34 Error PSP secure mapped to invalid segment (should be 0x400_0000)
0x35 Error No physical x86 cores were found on die
0x36 Error Insufficient space for secure OS (range of free SRAM to SVC stack base)
0x37 Error SYSHUB mapping memory target type is not supported
0x38 Error Attempt to unmap permanently mapped TLB to PSP secure region

(continued on the next page)

1-14

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Action PHASE POST CODE TYPE DESCRIPTION

PSP Boot

PSP Boot Loader
phase (Error Post
Codes)

0x39 Error Unable to map an SMN address to AXI space
0x3A Error Unable to map a SYSHUB address to AXI space
0x3B Error The count of CCXs or cores provided by bootrom is not consistent
0x3C Error Uncompressed image size doesn't match value in compressed header
0x3D Error Compressed option used in case where not supported
0x3E Error Fuse info on all dies don't match
0x3F Error PSP sent message to SMU; SMU reported an error
0x40 Error Function RunPostX86ReleaseUnitTests failed in memcmp()
0x41 Error Interface between PSP to SMU not available.
0x42 Error Timer wait parameter too large
0x43 Error Test harness module reported an error
0x44 Error x86 wrote C2PMSG_0 interrupting PSP
0x45 Error A write to an L3 register failed
0x46 Error Mini-BL
0x47 Error Mini-BL CCP HMAC Unit-test failed
0x48 Error Potential stack corruption in jump to Mini BL
0x49 Error Error in Validate and Loading AGESA APOB SVC call
0x4A Error Correct fuse bits for DIAG_BL loading not set
0x4B Error The UmcProgramKeys() function was not called by AGESA
0x4C Error Secure unlock error
0x4D Error Syshub register programming mismatch during readback
0x4E Error Family ID in MP0_SFUSE_SEC[7:3] not correct
0x4F Error An operation was invoked that can only be performed by the GM
0x50 Error Failed to acquire host controller semaphore to claim ownership of SMB
0x51 Error Timed out waiting for host to complete pending transactions
0x52 Error Timed out waiting for slave to complete pending transactions
0x53 Error Unable to kill current transaction on host
0x54 Error One of: Illegal command
0x55 Error An SMBus transaction collision detected
0x56 Error Transaction failed to be started or processed by host
0x57 Error An unsolicited SMBus interrupt was received
0x58 Error An attempt to send an unsupported PSP-SMU message was made
0x59 Error An error/data corruption detected on response from SMU for sent msg
0x5A Error MCM Steady-state unit test failed
0x5B Error S3 Enter failed
0x5C Error AGESA BL did not set PSP SMU reserved addresses via SVC call
0x5E Error CcxSecBisiEn not set in fuse RAM
0x5F Error Received an unexpected result
0x60 Error VMG Storage Init failed
0x61 Error Failure in mbedTLS user app
0x62 Error An error occured whilst attempting to SMN map a fuse register
0x63 Error Fuse burn sequence/operation failed due to internal SOC error
0x64 Error Fuse sense operation timed out
0x65 Error Fuse burn sequence/operation timed out waiting for burn done
0x66 Error Failure status indicating that the given SecureOS has been
0x67 Error This PSP FW was revoked

0x68 Error

0x69 Error The BIOS OEM public key of the BIOS was revoked for this platform
0x6A Error PSP level 2 directory not match expected value.
0x6B Error BIOS level 2 directory not match expected value.

0x6C Error

0x6D Error Generic error indicating the CCP HAL initialization failed
0x94 Error Knoll failed to idle correctly after being reset
0x95 Error Bad status returned by I2CKnollCheck
0x96 Error NACK to general call (no device on Knoll I2C bus)
0x97 Error Null pointer passed to I2CKnollCheck
0x98 Error Invalid device-ID found during Knoll authentication
0x99 Error Error during Knoll/Prom key derivation
0x9A Error Null pointer passed to Crypto function
0x9B Error Error in checksum from wrapped Knoll/Prom keys
0x9C Error Knoll returned an invalid response to a command
0x9D Error Bootloader failed in Knoll Send Command function
0x9E Error No Knoll device found by verifying MAC

The platform model/vendor id fuse is not matching the BIOS public key
token

HVB validation failure for BIOS RTM volume (OEM public/signature failed
to validate).

(continued on the next page)

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-15

Action PHASE POST CODE TYPE DESCRIPTION

PSP Boot

PSP Boot Loader
phase (Status Post
Codes)

0xA0 Progress Bootloader successfully entered C Main
0xA1 Progress Master initialized C2P / slave waited for master to init C2P
0xA2 Progress HMAC key successfully derived
0xA3 Progress Master got Boot Mode and sent boot mode to all slaves
0xA4 Progress SpiRom successfully initialized
0xA5 Progress BIOS Directory successfully read from SPI to SRAM
0xA6 Progress Early unlock check
0xA7 Progress Inline Aes key successfully derived
0xA8 Progress Inline-AES key programming is done
0xA9 Progress Inline-AES key wrapper derivation is done
0xAA Progress Bootloader successfully loaded HW IP configuration values
0xAB Progress Bootloader successfully programmed MBAT table
0xAC Progress Bootloader successfully loaded SMU FW
0xAD Progress PSP and SMU configured WAFL
0xAE Progress User mode test harness completed successfully
0xAF Progress Bootloader loaded Agesa0 from SpiRom
0xB0 Progress AGESA phase has completed
0xB1 Progress RunPostDramTrainingTests() completed successfully
0xB2 Progress SMU FW Successfully loaded to SMU Secure DRAM
0xB3 Progress Sent all required boot time messages to SMU
0xB4 Progress Validated and ran Security Gasket binary
0xB5 Progress UMC Keys generated and programmed
0xB6 Progress Inline AES key wrapper stored in DRAM
0xB7 Progress Completed FW Validation step
0xB8 Progress Completed FW Validation step
0xB9 Progress BIOS copy from SPI to DRAM complete
0xBA Progress Completed FW Validation step
0xBB Progress BIOS load process fully complete
0xBC Progress Bootloader successfully release x86
0xBD Progress Early Secure Debug completed
0xBE Progress GetFWVersion command received from BIOS is completed
0xBF Progress SMIInfo command received from BIOS is completed
0xC0 Progress Successfully entered WarmBootResume()
0xC1 Progress Successfully copied SecureOS image to SRAM
0xC2 Progress Successfully copied trustlets to PSP Secure Memory
0xC3 Progress About to jump to Secure OS (SBL about to copy and jump)
0xC4 Progress Successfully restored CCP and UMC state on S3 resume
0xC5 Progress PSP SRAM HMAC validated by Mini BL
0xC6 Progress About to jump to <t-base in Mini BL
0xC7 Progress VMG ECDH unit test started
0xC8 Progress VMG ECDH unit test passed
0xC9 Progress VMG ECC CDH primitive unit test started
0xCA Progress VMG ECC CDH primitive unit test passed
0xCB Progress VMG SP800-108 KDF-CTR HMAC unit test started
0xCC Progress VMG SP800-108 KDF-CTR HMAC unit test passed
0xCD Progress VMG LAUNCH_* test started
0xCE Progress VMG LAUNCH_* test passed
0xCF Progress MP1 has been taken out of reset
0xD0 Progress PSP and SMU Reserved Addresses correct
0xD1 Progress Reached Naples steady-state WFI loop
0xD2 Progress Knoll device successfully initialized
0xD3 Progress 32-byte RandOut successfully returned from Knoll
0xD4 Progress 32-byte MAC successfully received from Knoll.
0xD5 Progress Knoll device verified successfully
0xD6 Progress Done enabling power for Knoll
0xD7 Progress Enter recovery mode due to trustlet validation fail.
0xD8 Progress Enter recovery mode due to OS validation fail.
0xD9 Progress Enter recovery mode due to OEM public key not found.

(continued on the next page)

1-16

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Action PHASE POST CODE TYPE DESCRIPTION

PEI(Pre-EFI
Initialization) phase

Quick VGA

Normal boot

DXE(Driver
Execution
Environment)
phase

BDS(Boot Device
Selection) phase

Operating system
phase

0x10 Progress PEI Core Entry
0x11 Progress PEI cache as ram CPU initial
0x15 Progress NB Initialization before installed memory
0x19 Progress SB Initialization before installed memory
0x32 Progress CPU POST-Memory Initialization
0x33 Progress CPU Cache Initialization
0x34 Progress Application Processor(s) (AP) Initialization
0x35 Progress BSP Selection
0x36 Progress CPU Initialization
0x37 Progress Pre-memory NB Initialization
0x3B Progress Pre-memory SB Initialization
0x4F Progress DXE Initial Program Load(IPL)
0x60 Progress DXE Core Started
0x61 Progress DXE NVRAM Initialization
0x62 Progress SB run-time Initialization
0x63 Progress CPU DXE Initialization
0x68 Progress PCI HB Initialization
0x69 Progress NB DXE Initialization
0x6A Progress NB DXE SMM Initialization
0x70 Progress SB DXE Initialization
0x71 Progress SB DXE SMM Initialization
0x72 Progress SB DEVICES Initialization
0x78 Progress ACPI Module Initialization
0x79 Progress CSM Initialization
0xD0 Progress CPU PM Structure Initialization
0x90 Progress BDS started
0x91 Progress Connect device event
0x92 Progress PCI Bus Enumeration
0x93 Progress PCI Bus Enumeration
0x94 Progress PCI Bus Enumeration
0x95 Progress PCI Bus Enumeration
0x96 Progress PCI Bus Enumeration
0x97 Progress Console outout connect event
0x98 Progress Console input connect event
0x99 Progress AMI Super IO start
0x9A Progress AMI USB Driver Initialization
0x9B Progress AMI USB Driver Initialization
0x9C Progress AMI USB Driver Initialization
0x9D Progress AMI USB Driver Initialization
0xb2 Progress Legacy Option ROM Initialization
0xb3 Progress Reset system
0xb4 Progress USB hotplug
0xb6 Progress NVRAM clean up
0xb7 Progress NVRAM configuration reset
0xA0 Progress IDE, AHCI Initialization
0xA1 Progress IDE, AHCI Initialization
0xA2 Progress IDE, AHCI Initialization
0xA3 Progress IDE, AHCI Initialization
0x00~0xFF Progress Wait BMC ready
0xA8 Progress BIOS Setup Utility password verify
0xA9 Progress BIOS Setup Utility start
0xAB Progress BIOS Setup Utility input wait
0xAD Progress Ready to boot event
0xAE Progress Legacy boot event
0xAA Progress APIC mode
0xAC Progress PIC mode

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

1-17

1-18

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

Hardware Information

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

2

2.1 Chassis cover

To remove the rear cover:

1. Remove the two (2) screws on both sides of the cover with a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rear panel to release the cover from the chassis.

3. Firmly hold the cover and slide it towards the rear panel for about half an inch until it is
disengaged from the chassis.

4. Lift the cover from the chassis.

2-2

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount Socket SP3 designed for the AMD EPYC™
7002 Series.

• 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 will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• 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
Socket SP3.

• 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 and heatsink

To install the CPU and heatsink:

1. Remove the rear cover. For more information, see the section

2. Remove the air ducts.

Chassis cover

.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-3

3. Loosen each screw one by one in the
sequence shown on the socket to open
the load plate.

4. Slightly lift open the rail frame.

Load plate

Rail frame

External cap

5. Slide the external cap out of the rail
frame.

2-4

External cap

Rail frame

PnP cap

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

6. Slide the carrier frame with CPU into the
rail frame, then remove the PnP cap.

The carrier frame with CPU fits in only
one correct orientation. DO NOT force
the carrier frame with CPU into the
rail frame.

Carrier frame
with CPU

Rail frame

PnP cap

7. Gently push the rail frame just enough
to let it sit on top of the CPU socket.

Carrier frame
with CPU

8. Close the load plate just enough to let
it sit on top of the CPU, then secure
each screw one by one in the sequence
shown on the socket to completely
secure the load plate.

The load plate screws are
T20 models. A torque value of

16.1±1.2 kgf-cm (14.0±1.0 lbf-in) is
recommended.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-5

9. Twist each of the four screws with a
screwdriver just enough to attach the
heatsink to the motherboard. When the
four screws are attached, tighten them
one by one in the sequence shown in
the illustration to completely secure the
heatsink.

The heatsink screws are T20 models.
A torque value of 16.1±1.2 kgf-cm
(14.0±1.0 lbf-in) is recommended.

10. Reinstall the air ducts to complete the CPU and heatsink installation.

2-6

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.3 System memory

2.3.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with 32 Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets.

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR4 DIMM sockets:

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-7

2.3.2 Memory Configurations

You may install 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB RDIMMs into the DIMM sockets. If you are not sure
on which slots to install the DIMMS, you can use the recommended memory configuration in
this section for reference.

• Refer to ASUS Server AVL for the updated list of compatible DIMMs.

• 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 into the second slots (such as DIMM_A2 , DIMM_B2, etc.)

Recommended dual CPU configuration

DIMMs

2 4 8 16 32

DIMM_P2 • • •
DIMM_P1 •
DIMM_O2 • • •
DIMM_O1 •
DIMM_N2 • •
DIMM_N1 •
DIMM_M2 • •
DIMM_M1 •
DIMM_I1 •
DIMM_I2 • •
DIMM_J1 •
DIMM_J2 • •
DIMM_K1 •
DIMM_K2 • • • • •
DIMM_L1 •
DIMM_L2 • • • •
DIMM_H2 • • •
DIMM_H1 •
DIMM_G2 • • •
DIMM_G1 •
DIMM_F2 • •
DIMM_F1 •
DIMM_E2 • •
DIMM_E1 •
DIMM_A1 •
DIMM_A2 • •
DIMM_B1 •
DIMM_B2 • •
DIMM_C1 •
DIMM_C2 • • • • •
DIMM_D1 •
DIMM_D2 • • • •

2-8

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket

Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the
components.

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the

DIMM notch

retaining clip outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the
DIMM slot key on the socket.

DIMM slot key

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into
a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

Unlocked retaining clip

3. Hold the DIMM by both of its ends
then insert the DIMM vertically into the
socket. Apply force to both ends of the
DIMM simultaneously until the retaining
clip snaps back into place and the
DIMM cannot be pushed in any further
to ensure proper sitting of the DIMM.

Locked Retaining Clip

Always insert the DIMM into the socket vertically to prevent DIMM notch damage.

2.3.4 Removing a DIMM from a single clip DIMM socket

1. Press the retaining clip outward to
unlock the DIMM.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM
might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-9

2.4 Storage devices

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

The system supports four (4) 3.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS storage devices. The storage device
installed on the storage device tray connects to the motherboard SATA/SAS ports via the
SATA/SAS backplane (SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II card.).

To install a 3.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS storage device:

1. Push the spring lock to the right (A) then pull the tray lever outward (B) to release the
storage device tray. The storage device tray ejects slightly after you pull out the lever.

Tray lever

2. Firmly hold the tray lever and pull the
storage device tray out of the bay.

3. Place the storage device tray on a
flat and stable surface.

4. Prepare the SATA/SAS storage
device and the bundled set of
screws.

Spring lock

2-10

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

5. Place the SATA/SAS storage device
into the storage device tray then secure
it with four screws.

6. Insert the storage device tray and
storage device assembly all the way into
the depth of the bay until just a small
fraction of the tray edge protrudes.

When installed, the SATA/SAS connector on the storage device connects to the SATA/SAS
interface on the backplane.

7. Push the tray lever until it clicks and
secures the storage device tray in
place.

The storage device tray is correctly
placed when its front edge aligns with
the bay edge.

8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 to install the other
SATA/SAS storage devices.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-11

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

The system supports twelve (12) 2.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS/NVMe storage devices (up to 4 x
NVMe/SATA + 4 x NVMe/SAS/SATA + 4 x SAS/SATA). The storage device installed on the
storage device tray connects to the motherboard SATA/SAS/NVMe ports via the SATA/SAS/
NVMe backplane.

Bay 1 Bay 3 Bay 5 Bay 7 Bay 9 Bay 11

2

1

Bay 2 Bay 4 Bay 6 Bay 10Bay 8 Bay 12

• Bay 1 to bay 4 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card.

• Bay 5 to bay 8 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card. NVMe support requires optional upgrade kit.

• Bay 9 to bay 12 supports SATA with optional cables. NVMe support requires optional
upgrade kit.

• All bays support 2.5” drives with trays.

To install a 2.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS/NVMe storage device:

1. Push the spring lock to the right (A) then pull the tray lever outward (B) to release the
storage device tray. The storage device tray ejects slightly after you pull out the lever.

2-12

Tray lever

Spring lock

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2. Firmly hold the tray lever and pull the
storage device tray out of the bay.

3. Place the storage device tray on a
flat and stable surface.

4. Prepare the SATA/SAS/NVMe
storage device and the bundled set
of screws.

5. Place the SATA/SAS/NVMe storage
device into the storage device tray then
secure it with four screws.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-13

6. Insert the storage device tray and
storage device assembly all the way into
the depth of the bay until just a small
fraction of the tray edge protrudes.

When installed, the SATA/SAS/NVMe connector on the storage device connects to the
SATA/SAS/NVMe interface on the backplane.

7. Push the tray lever until it clicks and
secures the storage device tray in
place.

The storage device tray is correctly
placed when its front edge aligns with
the bay edge.

8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 to install the other
SATA/SAS/NVMe storage devices.

2-14

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.5 Expansion slot

The barebone server comes with two PCIE slots - PCIE1 and PCIE2. These slots are pre­installed with a riser card bracket and a butterfly riser card bracket for installing PCIE
expansion cards. You need to remove these expansion card brackets if you want to install
PCIE expansion cards.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket

The pre-installed riser card bracket on the PCIE1 slot supports Full-Height (FH) and Half­Length (HL) PCIE x16 expansion cards.

To install a PCIE x16 (Gen3 x16 link) FH or HL card on the riser card bracket:

1. Firmly hold the riser card bracket, then pull it up to detach it from the PCIE x24 slot on
the motherboard.

PCIE x24 slot

2. Remove the screw from the metal cover
(A), then remove the metal cover (B)
from the riser card bracket.

3. Install the PCIE expansion card into the
riser card bracket (A), then secure the
expansion card with the screw (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-15

4. Install the riser card bracket and the PCIE expansion card assembly into the PCIE
connector on the motherboard. Ensure that the golden connectors of the riser card
bracket is firmly seated in place.

2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to the butterfly riser

card bracket

The pre-installed butterfly riser card bracket on the PCIE2 slot has one PCIE x8 slot and one
PCIE x16 slot. Although the PCIE x16 slot is physically longer than the PCIE x8 slot, both of
these slots provides x8 Gen3 links.

The PCIE x8 slot supports proprietary cards such as ASUS PIKE II series cards. Install your
proprietary cards into this slot to maximize its use.

To install PCI-E x8 (Gen3 x8 link), proprietary cards to the butterfly riser card bracket:

1. Remove the screw that secures the butterfly riser card bracket to the chassis.

2-16

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2. Firmly hold the butterfly riser card bracket, then pull it up to detach it from the PCIE x16
slot on the motherboard.

3. Place the butterfly riser card bracket on a flat and stable surface.

4. Remove the screws from the metal covers (A), then remove the metal covers (B) from
the butterfly riser card bracket.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-17

5. Install the PCIE expansion cards into the butterfly riser card bracket (A), then secure
the expansion cards with the screws (B).

6. Reinstall the butterfly riser card bracket and the PCIE expansion card assembly into
the PCIE connector on the motherboard (A) and secure it with the screw (B). Ensure
that the golden connectors of the butterfly riser card bracket is firmly seated in place.

2-18

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.5.3 Installing an ASUS PIKE II card

You can install an additional ASUS PIKE II card to support SAS storage devices in your
server system

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

1. Prepare the ASUS PIKE II card.

2. Remove the two screws on the ASUS

3. Secure the ASUS PIKE II card and the

4. Connect the mini-SAS HD cable to the

.

If your expansion card is pre-installed
with a proprietary card bracket,
proceed to step 4.

PIKE II card (A), then remove the card
bracket (B).

metal cover (proprietary card bracket)
with the two screws.

ASUS PIKE II card.

Card bracket

Metal cover

5. Install the ASUS PIKE II card and the metal cover assembly to the riser card bracket or
butterfly riser card bracket. Ensure that the metal cover is inserted and firmly seated in
place.

Refer to section

Installing an expansion card to the butterfly riser card bracket

installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket or butterfly riser card bracket.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card to the riser card bracket

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

for the steps on

or

2.5.2

2-19

6. Remove the default cable from the motherboard and the backplane.

7. Connect the mini-SAS HD cable from the ASUS PIKE II card to the backplane.

2-20

The illustrations shown above are for reference only.

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

1. Prepare the ASUS PIKE II card.

If your expansion card is pre-installed
with a proprietary card bracket,
proceed to step 4.

2. Remove the two screws on the ASUS
PIKE II card (A), then remove the card
bracket (B).

3. Secure the ASUS PIKE II card and the
metal cover (proprietary card bracket)
with the two screws.

4. Connect the mini-SAS HD cables to the
ASUS PIKE II card.

Card bracket

Metal cover

5. Install the ASUS PIKE II card and the metal cover assembly to the butterfly riser card
bracket. Ensure that the metal cover is inserted and firmly seated in place.

Refer to section
for the steps on installing an expansion card to the butterfly riser card bracket.

2.5.2 Installing an expansion card to the butterfly riser card bracket

6. Connect the mini-SAS HD cables to the backplane.

Refer to section

only)

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2.8 Storage device configuration and cabling (for RS700A-E9-RS12V2

for details on the storage device cabling.

2-21

2.5.4 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the
butterfly riser card bracket
(optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

You can install an additional ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the butterfly riser card
bracket on the PCIE2 slot to support NVME storage devices on

To install an ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card on the butterfly riser card bracket:

1. Remove the screw that secures the butterfly riser card bracket to the chassis.

2. Firmly hold the butterfly riser card bracket, then pull it up to detach it from the PCIE x16

slot on the motherboard.

Bay 11 and Bay 12.

2-22

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

3. Place the butterfly riser card bracket on a flat and stable surface.

4. Remove the screw from the metal
cover (A), then remove the metal
cover (B) from the butterfly riser
card bracket.

5. Prepare the replacement ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card.

6. Connect the OCuLink cables
(right angle connectors) to its
corresponding slots.

7. Install the ASUS PCIE-NVME2­OCuLink card into the butterfly riser
card bracket (A), then secure the
ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card
with the screw (B).

OCuLink port 2

OCuLink port 1

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-23

8. Install the butterfly riser card bracket and the ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card
assembly into the PCIE connector on the motherboard (A), then secure it with the
screw (B). Ensure that the golden connectors of the butterfly riser card bracket is firmly
seated in place.

9. Connect the OCuLink cables to the backplane.

2-24

Refer to section

only)

2.8 Storage device configuration and cabling (for RS700A-E9-RS12V2

for details on the storage device cabling.

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.5.5 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the
riser card bracket
(optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

You can install an additional ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the riser card bracket on
the PCIE1 slot to support NVME storage devices on Bay 5 to Bay 8.

To install an ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the riser card bracket:

1. Firmly hold the riser card bracket, then pull it up to detach it from the PCIE x24 slot on

the motherboard.

PCIE x24 slot

2. Remove the screw from the metal cover

(A), then remove the metal cover (B)
from the riser card bracket.

3. Prepare the ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card.

4. Install the ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink

card into the riser card bracket (A), then
secure it with the screw (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-25

5. Install the riser card bracket and ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card assembly into the
PCIE connector on the motherboard. Ensure that the golden connectors of the riser
card bracket is firmly seated in place.

6. Connect the OCuLink cables (right angle connectors) to its corresponding slots.

OCuLink port 1

OCuLink port 2

OCuLink port 3

OCuLink port 4

7. Connect the OCuLink cables to the backplane.

Refer to section

only)

2-26

2.8 Storage device configuration and cabling (for RS700A-E9-RS12V2

for details on the storage device cabling.

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.5.6 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 5 for
information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the following tables.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Standard Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 - Programmable Interrupt

3* 11 Communications Port (COM2)

4* 12 Communications Port (COM1)

5* 13 --

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7* 15 --

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9* 4 ACPI Mode when used

10* 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

11* 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

12* 7 PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14* 9 Primary IDE Channel

15* 10 Secondary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-27

2.5.7 Installing Mezzanine cards

To install a Mezzanine card:

1. Locate the Mezzanine card connector on your motherboard.

2. Firmly hold the riser card bracket,
then pull it up to detach it from the
PCIE x16 slot on the motherboard.

3. Remove the screw from the metal
cover (A), then remove the metal
cover (B) from chassis.

2-28

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

4. Select the slots that are going to
be used for your Mezzanine card,
then use a screwdriver and pry the
corresponding slots until it pops off.

5. Prepare the Mezzanine card.

6. Insert the ports of the Mezzanine card into the mounting hole on the chassis, then insert
the golden connector of the Mezzanine card into the

MEZZPCIE1

(OCP) connector on

the motherboard.

Ensure that the stand screws on the motherboard is aligned and matched to the screw

holes of the Mezzanine card.

OCP connector

Stand screws

7. Secure the Mezzanine card with four bundled screws.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

Ports

Mounting hole

2-29

8. Reinstall the metal cover (A) and
secure it with the screw (B).

9. Install the riser card bracket into the
PCIE connector on the motherboard.
Ensure that the golden connectors
of the riser card bracket is firmly
seated in place.

2-30

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.5.8 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards

To install an M.2 (NGFF) card:

1. Locate the M.2 (NGFF) connectors on your motherboard.

2. Remove the top screw and the
stand from the motherboard.

3. Select an appropriate screw hole
on the motherboard for your M.2
card, then secure the stand to the
motherboard.

Top screw

Stand screw

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-31

4. Prepare the M.2 card.

5. Align and insert the M.2 card into the
M.2 connector on the motherboard.

Ensure that the golden connector

of the M.2 card is inserted firmly in
place and that the screw hole on the
M.2 card matches the stand screw
on the motherboard.

6. Secure the M.2 card with the top
screw.

Ensure that the M.2 card is
positioned between the top screw
and the stand screw before
securing it.

2-32

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

KNPP-D32-R

®

CPLD

VGA1

VGA_HDR1

PWR_SW1

MEZZPCIE1

MEZZPCIE2

Super

I/O

Intel
I350

ASPEED

AST2500

Lithium Cell
CMOS Power

BIOS

DDR4 DIMM_P2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_P1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_O2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_O1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_N2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_N1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_M2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_M1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_H2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_H1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_G2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_G1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_F2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_F1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_E2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_E1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_I1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_I2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_J1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_J2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_K1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_K2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_L1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_L2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_C1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_C2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_D1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_D2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

PCIE4 FANPWR3

PCIE3

PCIE2

PCIE1

FANPWR2

FANPWR1

FRNT_FAN8

FRNT_FAN7

VGAPWR2 VGAPWR3

VGAPWR1

BPPWR1

FRNT_FAN6

FRNT_FAN5

FRNT_FAN2

FRNT_FAN1

FRNT_FAN3

FRNT_FAN4

VGA_SW1

BMC_EN1

CLRTC1

OCP_LED1

IPMI_SW1

HDLED1

COM1

SBPWR1

BMCLED1

Micro SD

USB67

BPPWR2

PANEL1

AUX_PANEL2

AUX_PANEL1

LANNCSI_EN1

LAN_SW2
LAN_SW1

DM_IP_SEL1

INTRUSION1

SMART_PSU1

MESLED1

LOCLED1

HDDLED1

ISATA1 ISATA2

SATA4

NGFF6

2242

NGFF7

2260

NGFF8

2280

NGFF10

22110

NGFF3

2242

NGFF4

2260

NGFF5

2280

NGFF9

22110

SATA3

SATA1

SATA2

DM_LAN1

LAN2

LAN1

USB3_4

USB3_3

PWR1

PWR2

NGFF1

NGFF2

TPM1

OCUUSB1

MPCIE_HD1

MPCIE_HD2

VPP_I2C1

PORT80_LED1

CPU2

CPU1

2.6 Cable connections

• The bundled system cables are pre-connected before shipment. You do not need to
disconnect these cables unless you are going to remove pre-installed components to
install additional devices.

• Refer to Chapter 4 for detailed information on the connectors.

Pre-connected system cables

1. 8-pin BPPWR1 power connector (connected to backplane)

2. 8-pin BPPWR2 power connector (connected to for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

3. Panel connector (connected to front I/O board)

4. System fan connectors (from motherboard FAN1-8 to system fans)

5. Auxiliary panel 1 connector (connected to front I/O board)

6. Auxiliary panel 2 connector (connected to front I/O board, for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

7. SATA connectors (one connector connected to backplane, for RS700A-E9-RS4V2 only)

8. ISATA connectors (connected to backplane)

9. OCU-USB to USB connector (connected to front I/O board, for RS700A-E9-RS4V2 only)

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-33

2.7 Backplane cabling

RS700A-E9-RS4V2

2-34

Connects to 8-pin plug
from motherboard

Connects to SATA/SAS Storage devices

Connects to data cable from the
motherboard (or optional ASUS PIKE II
card for SAS support on Bay 1 to Bay 4)

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

RS700A-E9-RS12V2

Connects to optional ASUS
PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card for
NVMe support on Bay 11 and Bay 12

Connects to motherboard with
additional data cable

Connects to motherboard with
additional data cable for NVMe
support on Bay 9 and Bay 10

Connects to SATA/SAS
storage devices

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

Connects to optional ASUS
PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card for
NVMe support on Bay 5 to Bay 8

Connects to data cable from
the motherboard (or optional
ASUS PIKE II card for SAS
support on Bay 5 to Bay 8)

Connects to 8-pin
plug on motherboard

Connects to NVMe/SAS/SATA
storage devices

Connects to 4-pin plug
from motherboard

Connects to data cable from
the motherboard (or optional
ASUS PIKE II card for SAS
support on Bay 1 to Bay 4)

Connects to NVMe/SATA
storage devices

2-35

2.8 Storage device configuration and cabling
(for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

This section illustrates some storage configurations that is recommended with your server
system. Before you start installing or removing the storage device cables, ensure that you
have installed the correct storage devices into the supported bays.

Refer to section

Bay 1 Bay 3 Bay 5 Bay 7 Bay 9 Bay 11

Bay 2 Bay 4 Bay 6 Bay 10Bay 8 Bay 12

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

2

1

• Bay 1 to bay 4 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card.

• Bay 5 to bay 8 supports SATA by default. SAS support requires optional ASUS PIKE II
card. NVMe support requires optional upgrade kit.

• Bay 9 to bay 12 supports SATA with optional cables. NVMe support requires optional
upgrade kit.

• All bays support 2.5” drives with trays.

2-36

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.8.1 8 x SATA storage device configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

MSAS_HD1

MSAS_HD2

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (right angle)

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (right angle)

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

ISATA1 on motherboard

ISATA2 on motherboard

Refer to section

SATA SATA SATA SATA

SATA SATA SATA SATA

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

2

1

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-37

3. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

Backplane

4. Connect the mini-SAS HD cables to the motherboard and the backplane.

2-38

MSAS_HD2: Connect mini-SAS HD cable from
the ISATA2 connector on the motherboard

MSAS_HD1: Connect mini-SAS HD cable from
the ISATA1 connector on the motherboard

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

5. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

6. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-39

2.8.2 12 x SATA storage device configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

MSAS_HD1

MSAS_HD2

MSAS_HD3

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (right angle)

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (right angle)

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
4 x SATA 7-pin

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

ISATA1 on motherboard

ISATA2 on motherboard

P1 connected to SATA1

P2 connected to SATA2

Refer to section

SATA SATA SATA SATA

SATA SATA SATA SATA

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

SATA SATA

2

1

SATA SATA

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

2-40

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

3. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

Backplane

4. Connect the mini-SAS HD cables to the motherboard and the backplane.

MSAS_HD2: Connect mini-SAS HD cable from
the ISATA2 connector on the motherboard

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

MSAS_HD1: Connect mini-SAS HD cable from
the ISATA1 connector on the motherboard

2-41

5. Connect the additional mini-SAS HD to 4 x SATA cable to the motherboard and the
backplane.

P1 to SATA1P2 to SATA2

P3 to SATA3
P4 to SATA4

MSAS_HD3: Connect mini-SAS HD to 4 x SATA cable from the SATA1,
SATA2, SATA3 and SATA4 connectors on the motherboard

2-42

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

6. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

7. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-43

2.8.3 8 x SATA/SAS and 4 x SATA storage device
configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

MSAS_HD1

MSAS_HD2

MSAS_HD3

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (vertical)

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (vertical)

Mini-SAS HD (vertical) to
Mini-SAS HD (right angle)

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

ASUS PIKE II Card

ASUS PIKE II Card

ISATA1 on motherboard

Refer to section

SATA/SAS SATA/SAS SATA/SAS SATA/SAS

SATA/SAS SATA/SAS SATA/SAS SATA/SAS

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Install an ASUS PIKE II card into your server system.

Refer to section
ASUS PIKE II card.

2.5.3 Installing an ASUS PIKE II card

for details on how to install an

SATA SATA

SATA SATA

2

1

2-44

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

3. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

4. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

Backplane

2-45

5. Remove the default cables from the motherboard and the backplane.

6. Connect the mini-SAS cable to the motherboard and the backplane.

2-46

MSAS_HD3: Connect mini-SAS HD cable from the ISATA1
connector on the motherboard

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

7. Connect the mini-SAS cables from the ASUS PIKE II card to the backplane.

MSAS_HD2: Connect mini-SAS HD
cable from the ASUS PIKE II card

MSAS_HD1: Connect mini-SAS HD
cable from the ASUS PIKE II card

8. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-47

9. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

2-48

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.8.4 2 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

OCUPCIE5

OCUPCIE6

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

MPCIE_HD1

MPCIE_HD2

Refer to section

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

NMVe

2

1

NMVe

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-49

3. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

Backplane

5. Connect the OCuLink cables to the motherboard (left angle connectors) and the
backplane (vertical connectors)

2-50

OCUPCIE5: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD1
connector on the motherboard

OCUPCIE6: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD2
connector on the motherboard

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

5. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

6. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-51

2.8.5 4 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

OCUPCIE5

OCUPCIE6

OCUPCIE7

OCUPCIE8

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

MPCIE_HD1

MPCIE_HD2

Port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2­OCuLink Card

Port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2­OCuLink Card

Refer to section

2.4 Storage Devices

for details on how to install storage devices.

NMVe

NMVe

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Install a PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card into your server system.

Refer to section

riser card bracket (optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card.

2.5.4 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the butterfly

for details on how to install a

NMVe

NMVe

2

1

2-52

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

3. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

4. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

Backplane

2-53

5. Connect the OCuLink cables to the motherboard (left angle connectors) and the
backplane (vertical connectors)

OCUPCIE5: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD1
connector on the motherboard

OCUPCIE6: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD2
connector on the motherboard

2-54

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

6. Connect the OCuLink cables from the ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the
backplane.

OCUPCIE7: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card

OCUPCIE8: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-55

7. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

8. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

2-56

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.8.6 8 x NMVe storage device configuration and cabling

Backplane connector Cable Connect to

OCUPCIE1

OCUPCIE2

OCUPCIE3

OCUPCIE4

OCUPCIE5

OCUPCIE6

OCUPCIE7

OCUPCIE8

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (left angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

OCuLink (vertical) to
OCuLink (right angle)

1. Install the storage devices into the supported bays.

Port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4­OCuLink Card

Port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4­OCuLink Card

Port 3 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4­OCuLink Card

Port 4 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4­OCuLink Card

MPCIE_HD1

MPCIE_HD2

Port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2­OCuLink Card

Port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2­OCuLink Card

Refer to section

2.4 Storage Devices

NMVe

NMVe

for details on how to install storage devices.

NMVe

NMVe

NMVe

NMVe

The illustrations are for reference only and may vary with your storage device setup.

2. Install a PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card into your server system.

Refer to section

riser card bracket (optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card.

2.5.4 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the butterfly

for details on how to install a

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

NMVe

NMVe

2

1

2-57

3. Install a PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card into your server system.

Refer to section

bracket (optional for RS700A-E9-RS12V2 only)

PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card.

2.5.5 Installing an ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the riser card

for details on how to install a ASUS

4. Remove the six (6) screws on both sides of the front cover with a Phillips screwdriver (A),
then firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the front panel until it is disengaged
from the chassis (B).

5. Lift the front cover to reveal the backplane (A), then cut the cable tie(s) (B).

2-58

Backplane

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

6. Connect the OCuLink cables to the motherboard (left angle connectors) and the
backplane (vertical connectors).

OCUPCIE5: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD1
connector on the motherboard

OCUPCIE6: Connect OCuLink cable from MPCIE_HD2
connector on the motherboard

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-59

7. Connect the OCuLink cables from the ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card to the
backplane.

OCUPCIE7: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card

OCUPCIE8: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME2-OCuLink card

2-60

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

8. Connect the OCuLink cables from the ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card to the
backplane.

OCUPCIE3: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 3 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card

OCUPCIE4: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 4 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card

OCUPCIE1: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 1 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card

OCUPCIE2: Connect OCuLink cable from OCuLink
port 2 on ASUS PCIE-NVME4-OCuLink card

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-61

9. Tie the cables with cable tie(s) (A), then reinstall the front cover back into the chassis (B).

Backplane

10. Firmly hold the front cover and slide it towards the rear panel until it is locked in the
chassis (A), then secure the front cover with the screws removed earlier (B).

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Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.9 Removable/optional components

This section explains how to install optional components into the system and covers the
following components:

1. System fans

2. Redundant power supply module

3. Slim type optical drive (optional)

Ensure that the system is turned off before removing any components.

You may need to remove previously installed component or factory shipped components
when installing optional components.

2.9.1 System fans

To uninstall the system fans:

1. Disconnect the system fan cable from
the fan connector on the motherboard.

2. Lift the fan, then set it aside.

3. Repeat steps 1 to 2 to uninstall the
other system fans.

To reinstall the system fans:

1. Insert the fan into the fan cage. The
airflow directional arrow on the fan
should point towards the system rear
panel.

2. Connect the system fan cable to the fan
connector on the motherboard.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

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2.9.2 Redundant power supply module

To replace a failed redundant power supply module:

1. Lift up the power supply module lever.

Module lever

2. Hold the power supply module lever
and press the PSU latch, then pull the
power supply module out of the system
chassis.

3. Prepare the replacement power supply
module.

4. Insert the replacement power supply
module into the chassis then push it
inwards until the latch locks into place.

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Module lever PSU latch

Chapter 2: Hardware Information

2.9.3 Replacing optical drive
(optional for RS700A-E9-RS4V2)

This server system supports a slim-type optical disk drive.

To replace the optical disk drive:

1. Remove the screw that secures the

optical drive and set it aside.

2. Push the spring lock to the right (A) to

remove the SATA/SAS storage device
tray, then pull the tray lever outward
(B).

The storage device tray ejects slightly

after you pull out the lever (C).

3. Hold the tray lever and pull the

storage device tray out of the bay.

4. Pull the optical drive module out of the

drive bay.

5. Carefully insert the replacement

optical disk drive module into the drive
bay until it is securely seated in place.

6. Carefully insert the storage device tray

and push it all the way to the depth of
the bay until just a small fraction of the
tray edge protrudes.

7. Push the tray lever until it clicks,

and secure the storage device tray
in place. The storage device tray is
correctly placed when its front edge
aligns with the bay edge.

8. Secure the optical drive with the screw

that you removed in step 1.

Spring lock

Tray lever

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

2-65

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Chapter 2: Hardware Information

Chapter 3: Installation Options

Installation Options

This chapter describes how to install the optional components
and devices into the barebone server.

3

3.1 Tool-less Friction Rail Kit

The tool less design of the rail kit allows you to easily install the rack rails into the server rack
without the need for additional tools. The kit also comes with a metal stopping bracket that
can be installed to provide additional support and stability to the server.

The tool-less rail kit package includes:

Fixing latches Set of screws

Latch screws

Tool-less rack rails

Rail Washers Rail screws

Installing the tool-less rack rail

To install the tool-less rack rails into the rack:

1. Secure the two fixing latches to the two sides of the server using the set of latch
screws.

The locations of the screw holes vary with different server models. Refer to your server
user manual for details.

3-2

Chapter 3: Installation Options

2. Select a desired space and place the appropriate rack rail (left and right) on opposite
positions on the rack.

A 1U space is consists of three square mounting holes with two thin lips on the top and the
bottom.

Thin lips

3. Press the spring lock, then insert the studs into the selected square mounting holes on
the rack post.

4. Press the spring lock on the other end of rail then insert the stud into the mounting hole
on the rack post. Extend the rack rail, if necessary.

5. Perform steps 3 to 4 for the other rack rail.

Ensure that the installed rack rails (left and right) are aligned, secured, and stable in place.

ASUS RS700A-E9 Series V2

3-3

1

2

3

4

6. Lift the server chassis and insert it into the rack rail.

• Ensure that the rack rail cabinet and the rack posts are stable and standing firmly on a
level surface.

• We strongly recommend that at least two able-bodied persons perform the steps
described in this guide.

• We recommend the use of an appropriate lifting tool or device, if necessary.

Ensure to include the side knots on the two sides of the server in the rack rail holders.

The illustrations shown above are for reference only.

3.2 Rail kit dimensions

3-4

43.6mm

43.6mm

900mm

589mm

Chapter 3: Installation Options

Chapter 4: Motherboard Information

Motherboard Information

This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief
descriptions of the jumpers and internal connectors.

4

4.1 Motherboard layout

4-2

Chapter 4: Motherboard Information