Asus TS300-E8-RS4-C User Manual

TS300-E8-RS4-C

Pedestal/5U Rackmount Servers

User Guide

E8622

First Edition

August 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 tness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of prots, loss of business, loss of use or data,

interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

Specications and information contained in this manual ae furnished for informational use only, and are

subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS.
ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual,
including the products and software described in it.

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

Notices ....................................................................................................... viii

Federal Communications Commission Statement .......................... viii

Canadian Department of Communications Statement .................... viii

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

Safety information ...................................................................................... ix

Electrical Safety ................................................................................ix

Operation Safety ...............................................................................ix

Australia statement notice ..................................................................x

About this guide ......................................................................................... xi

Audience x

Contents x

Conventions ..................................................................................... xii

Typography ...................................................................................... xii

References ....................................................................................... xii

1.1 System package contents ...........................................................

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 Rear panel LEDs .............................................................

i

i

viii

1-2

1-2

1-3

1-5

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-8

1-9

Chapter 2: Hardware setup

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

2.1.1 Removing the side cover ................................................

2.1.2 Reinstalling the side cover ..............................................

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

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

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink .............................................

2.2.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ...........................

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

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

2.3.2 Memory Congurations ...................................................

2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket ...........

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-4

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-9

2-9

2-10

iii

Contents

2.4 Front panel assembly ................................................................ 2-11

2.4.1 Removing the front panel assembly ...............................

2.4.2 Reinstalling the front panel assembly ............................

2.5 5.25-inch drives ..........................................................................

2.6 SATA/SAS hard disk drives .......................................................

2.6.1 Installing the HDD module cage ...................................

2.6.2

2.6.3 Removing the HDD module cage .................................

2.6.4 Installing a hot-swap SATA/SAS hard disk drive ...........

2.6.5 Removing and reinstalling the backplane .....................

2.7 Expansion cards ........................................................................

2.7.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

2.7.2 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card ..................................

2.7.3 Installing ASMB7 management board ...........................

2.7.4 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

2.8 Cable connections .....................................................................

2.8.1 Motherboard connections .............................................

2.8.2 SATA/SAS backplane connections ..............................

2.9 Removable components ............................................................

2.9.1 System fan ....................................................................

2.9.2 Chassis footpads ..........................................................

2.9.3 Redundant power supply module .................................

(Optional) Installing the second HDD module cage ...... 2-15

2-11

2-11

2-12

2-13

2-13

2-17

2-17

2-19

2-20

2-20

2-22

2-23

2-24

2-25

2-25

2-26

2-28

2-28

2-29

2-30

Chapter 3: Installation options

3.1 Preparing the system for rack mounting ................................... 3-2

3.2 Attaching the inner rail to the server .........................................

3.3 Attaching the rails to the rack .....................................................

3.4 Mounting the server to the rack ..................................................

Chapter 4: Motherboard Info

4.1 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 4-2

4.1.1 Placement direction ........................................................

4.1.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

4.1.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

4.1.4 Layout contents ...............................................................

iv

3-2

3-3

3-4

4-2

4-2

4-3

4-4

Contents

4.2 Expansion slots ............................................................................ 4-6

4.2.1 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) .......................................

4.2.2 PCI Express x8 slot (x8 link) ...........................................

4.2.3 PCI Express x1 slot (x1 link) ...........................................

4.2.5 PCI slot ..........................................................................

4.2.6 PIKE slot ........................................................................

4.3 Onboard LEDs ..............................................................................

4.4 Jumpers ......................................................................................

4.5 Connectors .................................................................................

4.5.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

4.5.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

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 Conguration elds .........................................................

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

4-6

4-6

4-6

4-6

4-7

4-8

4-11

4-16

4-16

4-17

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

v

Contents

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

5.4.1 CPU Conguration .........................................................

5.4.2 PCH-IO Conguration ...................................................

5.4.3 SATA Conguration .......................................................

5.4.4 System Agent (SA) Conguration .................................

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

5.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................

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

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

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

5.4.10 NCT6779D Super IO Conguration ..............................

5.4.11 Intel

5.4.12 Onboard LAN Conguration ..........................................

5.4.13 MIO Card Conguration ................................................

5.4.14 Serial Port Console Redirection ....................................

5.4.15 Runtime Error Logging Support ....................................

5.4.16 APM ..............................................................................

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

5-24

5-24

5-25

5-27

5-27

5-28

5-28

5-29

5-30

5-33

5-34

5-37

5-37

Chapter6: RAIDconguration

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

6.1.1 RAID denitions ..............................................................

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 conguration utilities ..............................................

vi

6-2

6-3

6-3

6-3

6-3

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

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 ...................................................................

Chapter 7: Driver installation

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

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

7.1.2 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

ASUS contact information .......................................................................... 1

®

Rapid Storage Technology enterprise

®

C22x MEI NULL HECI driver ..................... 7-22

®

I210 Gigabit Adapter driver ...................... 7-24

6-4

6-5

6-7

6-8

6-9

6-9

6-11

6-13

6-15

6-16

6-17

7-2

7-4

7-6

7-6

7-14

7-19

vii

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class

B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed

to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the

graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes

or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions

from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction

of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we publish the chemical substances in our
products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

viii

Safety information

Electrical Safety

• Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for

the system unit and all attached devices are unplugged.

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, contact

a qualied service technician or your dealer. Ensure that the power cables for

the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you service.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

service technician or your dealer.

Operation Safety

• Servicing of this product or units is to be performed by trained service
personnel only.

• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the

server package.

• Before using the server, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the

power cables are not damaged. If any damage is detected, contact your dealer
as soon as possible.

• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Place the server on a stable
surface.

This product is equipped with a three-wire power cable and plug for the user’s
safety. Use the power cable with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid
electrical shock.

Lithium-Ion Battery Warning

CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.

CD-ROM Drive Safety Warning

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

Heavy System

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

carrying the system.

ix

throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been

DO NOT

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.

throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.

DO NOT

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

x

About this guide

Audience

This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at

least basic knowledge of conguring a server.

Contents

This guide contains the following parts:

1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections

on front panel and rear panel specications.

2. Chapter 2: Hardware setup

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

3. Chapter 3: Installation options

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

4. Chapter 4: Motherboard information

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

5. Chapter 5: BIOS information

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

6. Chapter6:RAIDconguration

This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating and conguring

RAID sets using the available utilities.

7 Chapter 7: Driver installation

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

xi

Conventions

To make sure 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>+<D>

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 (www.asus.com) worldwide provide updated information for
all ASUS hardware and software products.

xii

Chapter 1

This chapter describes the general features of
the server, including sections on front panel

and rear panel specications.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

Product introduction

1.1 System package contents

Check your system package for the following items.

Model TS300-E8-RS4-C
Chassis ASUS T50A Pedestal 5U Rackmount Chassis
Motherboard ASUS P9D-E/4L Server Board
Components 1 x 550W 80PLUS Gold Redundant Power Supply

Accessories 1 x TS300-E8 User’s Guide

Optional Items 1 x 550W 80PLUS Gold Redundant Power Supply (Second module)

*ASUS System Web-based Management

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

4 x hot-swap HDD trays

1 x SAS/SATA2 Backplane (BP4LX-TRS8) with 4 x SATA Cables
1 x Front I/O Board (FPB-TRS8A)
2 x System Fan
[Rear: One (1) x 120mm x 38mm); Front: One (1) x 80mm x 25mm)]

1 x DVD-RW

1 x TS300-E8 Support CD

1 x ASWM Enterprise Support DVD

1 x Bag of Screws
2 x AC Power Cable

1 x ASMB7-iKVM Remote management card
1 x Ball Bearing Rail Kit

1 x ASUS PIKE RAID card series

1 x 4 bay HDD Module Cage (2nd set)

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

gure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team

members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems.

1-2

xxS0xxxxxxxxxx

TS300-E8-RS4-C

xxS0xxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 1: Product introduction

shown as the

1.3 Systemspecications

The

ASUS® TS300-E8-RS4-C

server board. The server supports Intel® LGA1150 Xeon® E3-1200 v3 processors with the
latest technologies through the chipsets onboard.

TS300-E8-RS4-CTechnicalSpecications:

is a 5U barebone server system featuring the ASUS P9D-E/4L

Model Name

Processor Support

Core Logic

Total Slots

Memory

Expansion Slots

Storage

HDD Bays

Networking
Graphics

Capacity
Memory Type
Memory Size
Total PCI/PCI-X/

PCI-E Slots

Slot Type

Additional
Slot 1

SATA Controller

SAS Controller

I = internal
A or S =

hot-swappable

LAN

VGA

TS300-E8-RS4-C

1 x Socket LGA1150

Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1200 v3 Product Family

Intel® C224 PCH

4 UDIMMs (2 Channels)
Maximum up to 32GB (4 UDIMMs)
DDR3 1333/1600 ECC UDIMM
2GB, 4GB, and 8GB (UDIMM)

7

1 x PCI-E x16 (Gen3 x16 Link; auto-switch to x8 link if slot 5 is

2 x PCI-E x8 (Gen3 x8 Link)
1 x PCI-E x1 (Gen2 x1 Link), MIO support
1 x PCI-E x1 (Gen2 x1 Link)
2 x PCI 32-bit /33MHz

1 x PIKE slot for Storage Enhancement

Intel® C224:

- 2 x SATA 3Gbps ports

- 4 x SATA 6Gbps ports

- Intel

software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5 (Windows® only)

Optional:

ASUS PIKE 2008 8-port SAS 6G HW RAID card
ASUS PIKE 2108-32PD 8-port SAS 6G H/W RAID card
ASUS PIKE 2208 8-port SAS 6G H/W RAID card

4 x Hot-swap 3.5-inch HDD Bays

4 x Intel

Aspeed AST2300 + 32MB VRAM

occupied)

®

Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTE) supports

®

210AT + 1 x Mgmt LAN

I

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

(continued on the next page)

1-3

TS300-E8-RS4-CTechnicalSpecications:

Auxiliary Storage
FDD / CD / DVD

Onboard I/O

Out of Band

Management
Solution

Remote
Management

Software

Dimension
(HH x WW x DD)

3 x 5.25-inch media bays

Options:

1. No Device

2. With DVD-RW for North America
5 x RJ-45 ports (One for ASMB7-iKVM)

4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 x Front, 2 x Rear)
4 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Front, 2 x Rear)
1 x Internal A Type USB port
1 x VGA port
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

Optional ASMB7-iKVM for KVM-over-IP support

ASWM Enterprise

445mm x 217.5mm x 545mm

Net Weight Kg
(CPU, DRAM, & HDD

20 Kg

not included)

Operation temperature : 10°C–40°C

Environment

Power Supply
Power Rating

Non operation temperature: -40°C–70°C
Non operation humidity : 20% ~ 90% (Non-condensing)

1+1 Redundant 550W 80PLUS Gold Power Supply
100-127Vac / 200-240Vac, 7A / 3.4A, 47-63Hz, Class l

Operation temperature: 10°C ~ 40°C /
Non operation temperature: -40°C ~ 70°C
Non operation humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non condensing)

*Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

TS300-E8-RS4-C

1-4

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, optical drive, and four USB ports are located on

the front panel.

The drive bays, power and reset buttons, LED indicators, DVD-ROM drive, USB 2.0 and the
USB 3.0 ports are located on the front panel. For future installation of 5.25-inch devices, two

drive bays are available.

Message LED

HDD access LED

Power LED

Optical drive

Empty 5.25-inch bays

4-bay HDD cage

4-bay HDD cage (Optional Set)

LAN1 LED

LAN2 LED

Locate LED

Security lock

Power button

Reset button

Headset port*

Mic In port*
USB 2.0 ports

USB 3.0 ports

1. Refer to section

2. * The Headset and Mic In ports are only available when a MIO card is installed.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs

for the LED descriptions.

1-5

1.5 Rear panel features

The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a chassis

lock and intrusion switch, a vent for the system fan, and redundant power supply modules.

550W 80PLUS Gold
Redundant power supply

PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

USB 2.0 ports

USB 3.0 ports

VGA port

Gigabit LAN port 1

Gigabit LAN port 2

Gigabit LAN port 3

Gigabit LAN port 4

COM port

*The LAN port 5 is for the ASUS ASMB7-iKVM card only.

Chassis lock

LAN port 5*

120mm x 38mm system fan

Chassis intrusion switch

Expansion slots

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6 Internal features

The barebone server includes the basic components as shown.

1

2

9

3

4

5

1. 550W 80PLUS Gold Redundant Power Supply unit

2. 120mm x 38mm system fan (ARX FD1212-DP284G)

3. ASUS P9D-E/4L Server Board

4. Chassis intrusion switch

5. Expansion card locks

6. Optical drive

4-bay HDD module (rst set)

7.

4-bay HDD module (second set, optional)

8.

SATA/SAS backplane board (rst set, hidden)

9.

6

7

8

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

The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive and an optical disc drive. Connect
a USB oppy disk drive or a USB ODD to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel if
you need to use a oppy disk or a optical disc.

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS

*WARNING

1-7

1.7 LED information

1.7.1 Front panel LEDs

Message LED

HDD Access LED

Power LED

LAN1 LED

LAN2 LED

HDD Status LED

HDD Activity LED

LED Icon Display status Description

Power LED ON

HDD Access LED

OFF

Blinking

OFF

Message LED

Lighting up

System power ON
No activity

Read/write data into the HDD
System is normal; no incoming event

A hardware temperature overheat is
detected. Use ASWM to check the
abnormal status.

HDD Status LED

HDD Activity LED

Green

Red

Green/Red Blinking
Green Blinking Read/write data from/into the SATAII/

SATAII/SAS HDD power ON

HDD has failed and should be
swapped immediately.

RAID rebuilding

SAS HDD

OFF

LAN LEDs

Blinking

LAN accessing

ON

Locate LED Blinking

Problem with the server is detected.

Locate LED

1-8

The Power, HDD Access, LAN and Message LEDs are visible even if the system front

bezel is closed.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs

ACT/LINK LED

SPEED LED

ACT/LINK LED

SPEED LED

ACT/LINK LED

SPEED LED

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

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

1-9

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2

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

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

Hardware setup

2.1 Chassis cover

2.1.1 Removing the side cover

• Unplug the power cord before removing the side cover.

• Take extra care when removing the side cover. Keep your ngers from

components inside the chassis that can cause injury, such as the CPU fan,
rear fan, and other sharp-edged parts.

• The images of the barebone server shown in this section are for reference
purposes only and may not exactly match the model you purchase.

To remove the side cover:

1. Remove the two screws that secure
the side cover.

1

1

2. Slide the side cover about half

an inch toward the rear until it is
disengaged from the chassis.

3. Carefully lift the side cover and set

it aside.

2

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-2

2.1.2 Reinstalling the side cover

To reinstall the side cover:

1. Match and insert the bottom edge of
the side cover to the corresponding
chassis edge.

2. Position the side cover on to the

chassis.

3. Slide the side cover toward the

front panel until it snaps in place.

1

3

4. Secure the side cover in place
using two screws.

4

4

2-3ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the

Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v3/Core™ i3 processor.

• 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 LGA1150 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 the 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.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-4

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.

4. Position the CPU above the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle mark
is on the bottom-left corner of the

socket, then t the CPU notches to

the socket's alignment keys.

Load lever

Retention tab

Load plate

CPU notches

The CPU ts in only one

orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the pins on the socket
and damaging the CPU.

Gold

triangle

mark

Alignment

Alig nment
key

key

2-5ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5. Close the load plate (A), ensuring
that the front edge of the load plate

Load lever

slides under the retention lock (B)

then push down the load lever (C).

Re tention
lock

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

Load
lever

Retention
tab

8. 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 Interface Material 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.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-6

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink

The Intel® LGA1150 processor requires a specially designed CPU heatsink to ensure
optimum thermal condition and performance.

• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, a specially designed CPU heatsink
or a CPU heatsink with a CPU fan assembly is included depending on
the package. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®

certied multi-directional CPU heatsink or CPU heatsink with CPU fan.

®

• The Intel
and requires no tool to install while the special heatsink assembly requires
a Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen screws.

• Use an LGA1150-compatible CPU heatsink and CPU fan assembly only.
The LGA1150 socket is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366
sockets in size and dimension.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install
the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

LGA1150 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

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

2. Push down two fasteners at a time

in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.

A

B

B

A

Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to
the CPU fan connector.

A

B

B

A

2-7ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled

CPU_FAN1.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors

can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

2.2.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

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

2. Rotate each fastener

counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a

diagonal sequence to disengage the

B

A

B

A

heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

A

B

B

A

4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-8

2.3 System memory

2.3.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory

Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is
notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules

are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

2.3.2 MemoryCongurations

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

DIMM Slot

Per Channel

DIMM Populated

per Channel

2 1 Unbuffered DDR3 1333/1600 Single Rank, Dual Rank

2 2 Unbuffered DDR3 1333/1600 Single Rank, Dual Rank

• Begin installing the DIMMs from slots A2 and B2 (Blue).

Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum

•
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.

UDIMM

DIMM Type Speed Rank per DIMM

2-9ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.3.3 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing

DIMM notch

the 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.

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a

DIMM into a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

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.

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

• To install two or more DIMMs, refer to the user guide bundled in the
motherboard package.

• Refer to the user guide for qualied vendor lists of the memory modules.

2

DIMM slot key

1

Unlocked retaining clip

3

Locked Retaining Clip

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 ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The
DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

2

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-10

1

2.4 Front panel assembly

Before you can install a 5.25-inch drive, you should rst remove the front panel
assembly (front bezel and front panel cover).

2.4.1 Removing the front panel assembly

To remove the front panel assembly:

1. Locate the three hooked tabs on the
chassis side rail.

2. Unhook the tabs and remove the
front bezel.

2.4.2 Reinstalling the front panel assembly

To reinstall the front panel assembly:

1. Hook the other side of the front panel
assembly to the chassis.

2. Swing toward the front panel

assembly and snap it back into
place.

2-11ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.5 5.25-inch drives

Unplug the power cable before installing or removing any system components.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the motherboard and other system

components!

This system comes with three 5.25-inch

drive bays located on the upper front part
of the chassis. An optional optical drive
may occupy the uppermost bay (labeled

1). The lower bays (labeled 2 and 3) are
available for additional 5.25-inch optical,
zip, or oppy disk drives.

1

2

You must remove the front panel
assembly before installing a

5.25-inch drive.

Installing a 5.25-inch drive

1. Unscrew and remove the metal
cover of the bay where you want to

install the 5.25-inch drive, and take

off the plastic cover on the front

bezel at the same position.

2. Insert the drive into the bay and

slide the bay lock to the right until it
clicks in place.

3. Connect the SATA cable to the

SATA connector on the back of the
drive.

4. Connect a power plug from
the power supply to the power
connector on the back of the drive.

3

2

4

3

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-12

2.6 SATA/SAS hard disk drives

The hard disk drive module cage on the front panel, including externally removable
trays for mounting either SATA or SAS hard disk drives, allows you to access the

drive trays by simply opening the front bezel.

An HDD module cage comes with a SATA or SAS backplane. Check the type of
HDD module cage you purchase before buying additional hard disks.

2.6.1 Installing the HDD module cage

1. Examine the chassis and ensure the bay is free from wires and other
obstructions.

2. Rotate the HDD module cage

latch counterclockwise until it is at

a 1800 angle.

3. Insert the HDD module cage into

the bay.

3

2

4. As you insert the HDD module
cage, the latch will swing
clockwise.

2-13ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5. Lock the cage latch properly.

6. Connect the appropriate cables to

the SATA/SAS backplane on the

HDD module cage.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-14

2.6.2 (Optional) Installing the second HDD module cage

This server supports up to eight SAS hard disk drives by installing a second HDD
module cage and an ASUS PIKE RAID card.

1. Remove the screw of the front
plate. Remove the front plate from
the server chassis by swinging it
outward.

2. Examine the chassis and ensure

the bay space is free from wires
and other obstructions.

Rotate the HDD module cage latch

3.

counterclockwise until it is at a

1800 angle.

4. Insert the HDD module cage into
the bay.

3

4

5. As you insert the HDD module
cage, the latch will swing
clockwise.

6. Lock the cage latch properly.

6

2-15ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

7. Connect the backplane cable to

the two J4 connectors on the two

backplanes.

8. Connect two power supply cables
to the two U1 connectors on the two
backplanes.

9. Move the SGPIO_SEL1 jumper on
the rst SAS backplane to pin 2–3.

10. Connect the 8-1 pin end of the
SGPIO cable to the SGPIO3

connector on the motherboard,

and connect the 10-1 pin end of
the SGPIO cable to the SGPIO3
connector on the rst SAS

backplane.

8

8

7

7

9

Refer to section

Motherboard connections

for the exact location of the

SGPIO3 connector and section

2.8.2 SATA/SAS backplane
connections

locations of the SGPIO_SEL1
jumper, J4, U1 and SGPIO3

connectors.

2.8.1

for the exact

11. Connect eight SAS cables to
the SAS connectors on the two
backplanes.

12. Connect the other ends of the SAS

cables to the SAS connectors on
the motherboard. Install a ASUS
PIKE RAID card to the motherboard.
Refer to section

ASUS PIKE RAID card

2.7.2 Installing

for details.

8-1 pin cable end

10-1 pin cable end

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-16

2.6.3 Removing the HDD module cage

1. Disconnect all cables from the SATA/SAS backplane on the HDD module

cage.

2. Rotate the HDD module cage
latch counterclockwise. The HDD
module cage will push out of the
chassis.

3. Completely pull out the HDD

module cage.

2.6.4 Installing a hot-swap SATA/SAS hard disk drive

1. Release a drive tray by pushing the
spring lock to the right, and then
pulling the tray lever outward. The
drive tray ejects slightly after you
pull out the lever.

2-17ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2. Firmly hold the tray lever and pull

the drive tray out of the bay.

3. Take note of the drive tray holes.
Each side has three holes to t

different types of hard disk drives.
Use two screws on each side to
secure the hard disk drive.

4. Place a SATAII/SAS hard disk drive

on the tray, and then secure it with
four screws.

5. Carefully insert the drive tray and
push it all the way to the end of the
bay until just a small fraction of the
tray edge protrudes.

When installed, the SATAII/SAS connector on the drive connects to the SATAII/

SAS interface on the backplane.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-18

6. Push the tray lever until it clicks
and secures the drive tray in place.
The drive tray is correctly placed
when its front edge aligns with the
bay edge.

7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 if you wish to

install another SATAII/SAS drive.

2.6.5 Removing and reinstalling the backplane

DO NOT remove the backplane unless necessary!

1. Remove all hot-swap HDD trays
from the chassis.

2. Disconnect all cables from the
SATA/SAS backplane.

3. Loosen the four screws on the

backplane.

4. Firmly hold the backplane, lift it
upwards. and remove it from the
module.

5. Follow the previous instructions in
reverse to reinstall the backplane.

2-19ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.7 Expansion cards

1

2

3

4

5

This system is designed with expansion card locks on the rear panel for you to
install or remove expansion cards faster.

Unplug the power cord before installing or removing expansion cards. Failure
to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard and other system

components!

2.7.1 Installing an expansion card

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with

it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Lay the system on its side on a at, stable surface.

3. Push back the expansion card

lock latch.

4. Pull the latch of the expansion
card lock to release the metal slot
cover.

5. Remove the metal slot cover
opposite the slot where you wish
to install an expansion card.

6. Align the PCI card’s golden contact
points with the slot, and then press

rmly until the card is completely

seated on the slot.

expansion card lock latches
expansion card locks

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-20

7. Restore the expansion card lock

A

B

to its original position. A light click
indicates the card is locked in
place.

When installing a graphics
card on a PCI-E x16 slot, the
PCI-E slot right beside it will
not be available.

2-21ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.7.2 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card

Follow the steps below to install an optional ASUS RAID card on your motherboard.

Move the
installing the PIKE RAID card.

SGPIO_SEL1

1. Locate the PIKE RAID card slot on
the motherboard.

2. Align the golden contact points of

the RAID card with the PIKE RAID
card slot. Insert the RAID card into
the slot until it is completely seated
on the slot.

jumper on the SATA/SAS backplane to 2–3 when

3. Connect the SAS cable to the SAS

connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-22

2.7.3 Installing ASMB7 management board

Follow the steps below to install an optional ASMB7 management board on your

motherboard.

1. Locate the Baseboard Management

Card header on the motherboard.

2. Orient and press the Management

Card in place.

The motherboard illustration is for reference only. The motherboard layout and
appearance may vary depending on the model, but the installation steps remain
the same.

2-23ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.7.4 Conguringanexpansioncard

After installing the expansion card, congure the 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.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-24

2.8 Cable connections

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

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

2.8.1 Motherboard connections

2

1

3

6

5
4
7

8

10

Standard cables connected to the motherboard

1. 24-pin EATX power connector (from power supply to motherboard)

2. 8-pin 12V power connector (from power supply to motherboard)

3. System fan connector (from system fan to motherboard)

4. USB 3.0 connector (from motherboard to front I/O board)

5. USB 2.0 connector (from motherboard to front I/O board)

6. SATA conectors (system default; from motherboard to SATA/SAS backplane)

7. Chassis Intrusion connector (from rear chassis intrusion switch to motherboard)

8. System panel connector (from motherboard to front I/O board)

9. SAS connectors (for ASUS PIKE only; from motherboard to SATA/SAS backplane)

10. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors

9

2-25ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.8.2 SATA/SAS backplane connections

A SATA/SAS backplane comes pre-installed in the TS300-E8. The SATA/SAS
backplane has four 22-pin SATA/SAS connectors to support Serial ATA hard disk

drives and SAS hard disk drives. The backplane design incorporates a hot swap

feature to allow easy installation or removal of SATA/SAS hard disks. The LEDs on

the backplane connect to the front panel LEDs to indicate HDD status. See section

1.7 LED information for details.

Front side

The front side of the SATA/SAS backplane faces the front panel when installed.
This side includes four SATA/SAS connectors for the hot swap drive trays.

HDD1

HDD2

Drive status LEDs

HDD3

HDD4

Each SATA/SAS connector is labeled (HDD1,
HDD2, HDD3, HDD4) so you can easily

determine their counterpart connectors at the
back side of the backplane. Refer to the table
for reference.

HDD Device Front side connector Back side connector

HDD 1 HDD1 CON1

HDD 2 HDD2 CON2

HDD 3 HDD3 CON3

HDD 4 HDD4 CON4

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-26

Back side

The back side of the SATA/SAS backplane faces the rear panel when installed.
This side includes the power connectors and SATA/SAS interfaces for the

motherboard Serial ATA connectors or the SAS card.

U1

CON1

CON2

CON4

BP_Connector

BP_Connector

SGPIO_SEL1

SGPIO2

CON3

SGPIO1

SGPIO3

BPSMB1

Connectors Description

SGPIO1
SGPIO2
SGPIO3

BPSMB1

U1

BP_Connector

CON1/CON2/

CON3/CON4

Move the

Connects to SATA SGPIO1 connector on the motherboard

Connects to SAS SGPIO2 connector on the motherboard
Connects to SAS SGPIO3 connector on the motherboard

Connects to Front panel SMB connector on the motherboard

Connects to 4-pin plug of the power supply

Connects to the BP connector on the second SAS backplane

(optional)

Connects to SATA/SAS connectors on the motherboard

SGPIO_SEL1

jumper on the SATA/SAS backplane to 2–3 when

installing the PIKE RAID card.

2-27ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.9 Removable components

You may need to remove previously installed system components when installing
or removing system devices, or when you need to replace defective components.
This section tells how to remove the following components:

1. Rear system fan

2. Chassis footpads

3. Redundant Power Supply

2.9.1 System fan

Removing the rear system fan

To remove the rear system fan:

1. Unplug the system fan cable from the REAR_FAN1 connector on the
motherboard.

2. Spread apart the two hooked tabs to release the system fan from its position.

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-28

3. Remove the system fan.

4. Follow the previous instructions in reverse to reinstall the rear system fan.

2.9.2 Chassis footpads

The barebone server system is shipped with four footpads attached to the bottom
of the chassis for stability. You need to remove these footpads if you wish to install
the system to a server rack. For instructions on how to install the server, refer to

Chapter 3: Installation options

To remove the footpads:

.

1. Lay the system chassis on its side.

2. Remove the footpad by rotating

it counterclockwise with a Philips
(cross) screwdriver.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove

the other three footpads.

2-29ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

2.9.3 Redundant power supply module

The system comes with one (1) 550W 80PLUS Gold redundant power supply

module. You have an option to install a second power supply module on the
available redundant power supply slot.

You MUST disconnect all power cable plugs from the motherboard and other
installed devices before removing the power supply unit.

To replace a redundant power supply module:

1. Select the redundant power supply
module that you wish to replace.

2. Press the lock (A) then pull the

power supply module via the

handle (B). As you remove the

power supply module from the bay,
use your other hand to support the
power supply module.

3. Prepare the replacement power supply module.

Ensure to remove the plastic cover before installing the module.

4. Carefully insert the replacement
power supply module all the way
into the bay.

5. Press the lock (C) then push the
power supply module until it is
securely seated in place (D).

A

C

B

D

Chapter 2: Hardware setup2-30

Chapter 3

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

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

Installation options

3.1 Preparing the system for rack mounting

• The items required for the optional congurations described in this chapter

are not included in the standard barebone system package. These items are
purchased separately.

• We recommend that you allot at least 1U space above the server system to
ensure optimal thermal performance.

Removing the footpads

Refer to section 2.9.2 Chassis footpads for instructions on removing the footpads.

Removing the top cover

Unscrew and slide the top cover toward
the rear panel, and then lift it up from the
chassis.

3.2 Attaching the inner rail to the server

1. Slide out the inner rail from the rackmount rail kit.

2. Align the screw holes on the inner

rail and the chassis top, and then
secure the inner rail to the chassis
top with screws.

3. Repeat the previous steps to

secure the other inner rail to the
bottom of the chassis with screws.

Chapter 3: Installation options3-2

4. Secure the rail ear to the top and
the bottom of the chassis with three
screws respectively.

3.3 Attaching the rails to the rack

To attach the rails to the rack:

1. Select one unit of space (1U) on the rack
where you wish to install the server.

1U space

2. Loosen the two screws on the rack

rails.

3. Align the front end holes of a rack

rail pair to the 1U space.

4. Drive in two screws on the outer
holes to secure the front end.

5. Find the rear 1U space that
corresponds to the front 1U space
where you attached the rail.

6. Drive in two screws on the outer
holes to secure the rear end.

7. From the rack front, nd the corresponding 1U space for the second rail pair.

8. Repeat steps

3–6 to attach the second rail pair.

3-3ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

3.4 Mounting the server to the rack

To mount the server to the rack

1. Align the server rails with the rack
rails.

2. Push the server all the way into the

rack.

3. Secure the server to the rack.

Chapter 3: Installation options3-4

Chapter 4

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

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

Motherboard Info

4.1 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

To optimize the motherboard features, we highly recommend that you install it in an
ATX 1.1 compliant chassis.

Ensure to unplug the chassis power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage

motherboard components!

4.1.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis
as indicated in the image below.

4.1.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-2

4.1.3 Motherboard layout

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-3

4.1.4 Layout contents

Slots/Sockets Page

1. PCI Express x16 / PCI Express x8 / PCI Express x1 / PCI slot 4-6

2. PIKE slot

Onboard LEDs Page

1. Standby Power LED (SB_PWR1) 4-8

2. Baseboard Management Controller LED (BMC_LED1)

3. CPU Warning LED (ERR_CPU1)

4. Power LED (+5V_LED)

5. Location LED (LOC_LED1)

4-7

4-8

4-9

4-9

4-10

Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)

2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1)

3. LAN controller setting

(3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2, LAN_SW3, LAN_SW4)

4. RAID conguration utility selection (3-pin RAID_SEL1)

5. Platform Environmental Control Interface (PECI) Setting

(3-pin PECI1)

6. LAN34_LED connector (5-pin LAN34_LED1)

7. Parallel port connector (26-pin LPT1)

8. VGA connector (16-pin VGA_HDR1)

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse port (purple/green) 4-16

2. RJ-45 port for iKVM

3. Video Graphics Adapter port

4. RJ-45 ports for LAN.

5. Power-on Button

6. Location LED

7. Power LED

8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

9. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

Page

4-11

4-12

4-12

4-13

4-13

4-14

4-14

4-15

4-16

4-16

4-16

4-16

4-16

4-16

4-16

4-16

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-4

Internal connectors

1. Serial ATA 6.0/3.0 Gbps connector
(7-pin SATA 6Gbps 1-4 connector [Light Blue])

(7-pin SATA 3Gbps 5-6 connector [Black])

2. PSAS connectors

(7-pin PSAS1, PSAS2, PSAS3, PSAS4, PSAS5, PSAS6, PSAS7,
PSAS8 [Light Blue])

3. Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1)

4. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB78; A-Type USB9)

5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

6. Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1)

7. CPU, front, and rear fan connectors

(4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3,

REAR_FAN1)

8. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector
(6-1 pin SGPIO1)

PIKE Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors

(8-1 pin PSGPIO1/2)

9. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1/COM2)

10. Power Supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1)

11. Trusted Platform Module connector (20-1 pin TPM1)

12. SATA DOM power connector (4-pin PWR3)

13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1, 8-pin EATX12V1)

14. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1)

15. Auxiliary panel connector (20-2 pin AUX_PANEL1)

Page

4-17

4-18

4-18

4-19

4-19

4-20

4-20

4-21

4-21

4-22

4-22

4-23

4-23

4-24

4-25

4-26

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-5

4.2 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.

4.2.1 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link)

The onboard PCIE6 slot provides one x16 Gen3 link and auto switches to x8 link
if PCIE5 is occupied. This slot supports VGA cards and various server class high

performance add-on cards.

4.2.2 PCI Express x8 slot (x8 link)

The onboard PCIE 4 and PCIE 5 provide one x8 Gen3 link. These slots support
VGA cards and various server class high performance add-on cards.

4.2.3 PCI Express x1 slot (x1 link)

The onboard PCIE 3 and PCIE 7 provide one x1 Gen2 link to the Intel

4.2.5 PCI slot

The PCI 1 and PCI 2 slots supports cards such as LAN, USB, and other cards that
complies with PCI specications.

®

C224 PCH.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-6

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

No.(Slot location) Short Description

1 (slot 1) PCI1

2 (slot 2) PCI2
3 (slot 3) PCIE3 PCI-E x1 (x1 Gen2 link)

4 (slot 4) PCIE4 PCI-E x8 (x8 Gen3 link)
5 (slot 5) PCIE5 PCI-E x8 (x8 Gen3 link)

6 (slot 6) PCIE6

7 (slot 7) PCIE7 PCI-E x1 (x1 Gen2 link); MIO-892 Supported

PCI 32 bit/ 33 MHz
PCI 32 bit/ 33 MHz

PCI-E x16 (x16 Gen3 link)

(Auto switch to x8 if slot 5 is occupied)

4.2.6 PIKE slot

The PIKE slots allows you to choose and change your preferred SAS solution
easily. Install an optional ASUS PIKE RAID card based on your needs.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-7

4.3 Onboard LEDs

1. Standby Power LED (SB_PWR1)

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up

to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable
before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration
below shows the location of the onboard LED.

2. Baseboard Management Controller LED (BMC_LED1)

The green heartbeat LED blinks per second to indicate that the ASMB7 is

working normally.

The heartbeat LED functions only when you install the ASUS ASMB7.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-8

- The heartbeat LED functions only when you install the ASUS ASMB7

Management card.

- Everytime after the AC power is replugged, you have to wait for about

60 seconds for the system to power up.

3. CPU Warning LED (ERR_CPU1)

The CPU warning LED lights up to indicate that a CPU error or failure has

occurred.

The warning LED functions only when you install the ASUS ASMB7

Management card.

4. Power LED (+5V_LED1)

This LED lights up when the Power-on button is pressed and the system is on.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-9

5. Location LED (LOCLED1)

The Location LED ligths up when the Location Button on the front panel is

pressed. This onboard LED functions like the Locator LED on the front and is

useful in nding a specic server module within a chassis.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-10

4.4 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC1)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters
by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery
powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such
as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1–2 (default) to pins 2–3. Keep the cap

on pins

2–3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1–2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup

to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper

default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the
jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance,
reinstall the battery.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-11

2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard VGA controller. Set to
pins 1–2 to activate the VGA feature.

3. LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2, LAN_SW3, LAN_
SW4)

These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the onboard Intel

®

I210AT

Gigabit LAN controllers. Set to pins 1-2 to activate the Gigabit LAN feature.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-12

4. RAIDcongurationutilityselection(3-pinRAID_SEL1)

This jumper allows you to select the RAID conguration utility to use when
you create disk arrays. Place the jumper caps over pins 1–2 if you want to
use the third party software RAID Utility; otherwise, place the jumper caps to
pins 2–3 to use the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise SATA Option

ROM Utility.

5. Platform Enviromental Control Interface Setting (3-pin PECI1)

When an ASMB7-iKVM is installed, set these to pins 2-3 for correct sensor

information of the Platform Environmental Control Interface (PECI). Set to

pins 1-2 if ASMB7-iKVM is not installed.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-13

6. LAN34_LED connector (5-1 pin LAN34_LED1)

These leads are for Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel. Connect the

LAN LED cable to the backplane for LAN activity indication.

7. Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT1)

This connector is for the parallel port. Connect the parallel port module cable
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the
system chassis.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-14

8. VGA connector (16-1 pin VGA_HDR1)

This connector supports the VGA High Dynamic-Range interface.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-15

4.5 Connectors

4.5.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse port (purple/green).

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard

or mouse.

2. RJ-45 port for iKVM.

This RJ-45 port functions only when you install ASMB7

management card.

3. Video Graphics Adapter port.

This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-

compatible devices.

4. RJ-45 ports for LAN.

These ports allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area

Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN
port LED indications.

5. Power-on Button.

6. LOCLED1.

Press this button to turn on the system.

The Location LED ligths up when the Location Button on the front

panel is pressed. This onboard LED functions like the Location LED on the

front and is useful in nding a specic server module within a chassis.

7. Power LED.

This LED lights up when the Power-on button is pressed and the

system is on.

8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2.

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2.

These two 4-pin USB ports are available for

connecting USB 3.0 devices.

LAN port LED
indications

Activity/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

ACT/LINK
LED

LAN port

SPEED
LED

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-16

4.5.2 Internal connectors

1. Serial ATA 6.0/3.0 Gbps connectors

(7-pin SATA 6Gbps_1-4 [Light Blue]) (7-pin SATA 3Gbps_5-6 [Black])

Supported by the Intel® C224 chipset, these connectors are for the Serial ATA

signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives that allows up to 6Gbps of data

transfer rate.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 10, or RAID 5 conguration.

The actual data transfer rate depends on the speed of Serial ATA hard disks
installed.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-17

2. PSAS connectors (7-pin PSAS1, PSAS2, PSAS3, PSAS4, PSAS5, PSAS6,
PSAS7, PSAS8 [Blue])

This motherboard comes with eight (8) PIKE Serial Attached SCSI (PSAS)
connectors that supports both Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA
(SATA). Each connector supports one device.

• These connectors function only when you install a PIKE RAID card.

• Connect the SAS hard disk drives to PSAS connectors 1–8 (blue) when

installing a 4-port PIKE RAID card.

3. Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1)

This LED connector is for the storage add-on card cable connected to
the SATA or SAS add-on card. The read or write activities of any device
connected to the SATA or SAS add-on card causes the front panel LED to
light up.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-18

4. USB connector (10-1 pin USB78; A-Type USB9)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cables
to connectors USB78, then install the modules to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0
specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

5. USB connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

These connectors are for USB 3.0 ports. These USB connectors comply with
USB 3.0 specication that supports up to 5 Gbps connection speed.

The USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 and also supports

fast-charging of supported devices.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-19

6. Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1)

This connector is for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor
cable to this connector and place the other end to the device, which you want
to monitor temperature.

7. CPU, front, and rear fan connectors

(4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3, REAR_FAN1)

The fan connectors support cooling fans. Connect the fan cables to the fan
connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable
matches the ground pin of the connector.

• DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient
air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.

• These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• All fans feature the ASUS Smart Fan technology.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-20

8. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1)

The SGPIO 1 connectors are used for the Intel Rapid Storage Technology
Enterprise SGPIO interface that controls the LED pattern generation, device

information, and general purpose data.

The PSGPIO 1/2 connectors are used for PIKE card.

These connectors function only when you install an ASUS PIKE SAS
RAID card.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-21

9. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1/COM2)

These connectors are for the serial COM ports. Connect the serial port
module cable to one of these connectors, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.

10. Power Supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1)

This connector allows you to connect SMBus (System Management Bus) to

the power supply unit to read PSU information. Devices communicate with an

SMBus host and/or other SMBus devices using the SMBus interface.

This connector functions only when you install the ASUS ASMB7.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-22

11. Trusted Platform Module connector (20-1 pin TPM1)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can

securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system

also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.

12. SATA DOM power connector (4-pin PWR3)

This 4-pin connector is for 5V power of a certain SATA DOM (Disk on Module)
device when using an appropriate cable.

• The SATA DOM power connector is for output power only. It has a
maximum output current of 1A.

• Ensure that the power of the SATA DOM device that you will use is less
than 1A.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-23

13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1, 8-pin EATX12V1, 4-pin
PWR3)

These connectors are for the ATX power supply plugs. The power supply
plugs are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the
proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• DO NOT forget to connect the 24-pin and the 8-pin power plugs; otherwise,

the system will not boot up.

• Use of a power supply unit (PSU) with a higher power output is

recommended when conguring a system with more power-consuming

devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power
is inadequate.

• This motherboard supports ATX2.0 PSU or later version.

• Ensure that your PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by
your system.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-24

14. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

1. System power LED (3-pin PLED)

This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis

power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up
when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in
sleep mode.

2. Message LED (2-pin MLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to

the front message LED. The message LED is controlled by Hardware
monitor to indicate an abnormal event occurance.

3. System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker.
The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

4. Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin +HDLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD
Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

5. Power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power
button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode

depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more

than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C 4-25

6. Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system

reboot without turning off the system power.

15. Auxiliary panel connector (20-2 pin AUX_PANEL1)

This connector is for additional front panel features including front panel SMB,

locator LED and switch, chassis intrusion, and LAN LEDs.

1. Front panel SMB (6-1 pin FPSMB)

These leads connect the front panel SMBus cable.

2. LAN activity LED (2-pin LAN1_LINKACTLED, LAN2_LINKACTLED)

These leads are for Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel.

3. Chassis intrusion (4-1 pin CASEOPEN)

These leads are for the intrusion detection feature for chassis with
intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis
component, the sensor triggers and sends a high-level signal to these
leads to record a chassis intrusion event. The default setting is short

CASEOPEN and GND pin by jumper cap to disable the function.

4. Locator LED (2-pin LOCATORLED1, LOCATORLED2)

These leads are for the locator LED1 and LED2 on the front panel.
Connect the Locator LED cables to these 2-pin connector. The LEDs will

light up when the Locator button is pressed.

5. Locator Button/Switch (2-pin LOCATORBTN#)

These leads are for the locator button on the front panel. This button
queries the state of the system locator.

Chapter 4: Motherboard information4-26

Chapter 5

This chapter tells how to change the system

settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters

are also provided.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

BIOS setup

5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output
System (BIOS) setup:

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

1.

To recover the BIOS using a bootable USB ash disk drive when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.

ASUS EzFlash

2.

Updates the BIOS using a USB ash disk.

BUPDATER

3.

Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable USB ash disk drive.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable USB ash disk drive in
case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using
the BUPDATER utility.

5.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le
when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS
le using a USB ash drive that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare a USB ash drive containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this

utility.

RecoveringtheBIOSfromaUSBashdrive

To recover the BIOS from a USB ash drive:

1. Insert the USB ash drive with the original or updated BIOS le to one USB port on the

system.

2. The utility will automatically recover the BIOS. It resets the system when the BIOS
recovery nished.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS! Doing so would cause
system boot failure!

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le.

5-2

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

5.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility

The ASUS EzFlash Utility feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a

DOS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.

asus.com.

The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may

not be the same as shown.

To update the BIOS using EzFlash Utility:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EzFlash Utility and

press <Enter> to enable it.

ASUS Tek. Easy Flash Utility

Current Platform
Platform : P9D-E/4L
Version : 0051
Build Date :11/26/2012

FS0

[Up/Down/Left/Right]:Switch [Enter]:Choose [q]:Exit

System Volume Information <DIR>
P9D-E-4L Bios <DIR>

P9D-E-4L Bios

Windows <DIR>

New Platform
Platform : P9D-E/4L
Version : 0060
Build Date :12/03/2012

<DIR>

3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS

then press <Enter>.

5. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info eld.

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le then press <Enter>.

7. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-3

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and

single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Press

<F5> and select Yes to load the BIOS default settings.

5.1.3 BUPDATER utility

The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may

not be the same as shown.

The BUPDATER utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable
USB ash disk drive with the updated BIOS le.

UpdatingtheBIOSle

To update the BIOS le using the BUPDATER utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS le for the
motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable USB ash disk drive.

2. Copy the BUPDATER utility (BUPDATER.exe) from the ASUS support website at support.
asus.com to the bootable USB ash disk drive you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt, type:

BUPDATER /i[lename].ROM

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable USB ash disk

drive, then press <Enter>.

5-4

A:\>BUPDATER /i[le name]ROM

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

The utility veries the le, then starts updating the BIOS le.

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A

PATH:

ASUSTek BIOS Update for DOS V1.06 (09/08/04)

Current ROM

BOARD: P9D-E/4L

VER: 0201
DATE: 12/01/2012

WARNING! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Note

Writing BIOS:

BOARD: P9D-E/4L

VER: 0202
DATE: 12/09/2012

Update ROM

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed

4. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

The BIOS update is nished! Please restart your system.

C:\>

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-5

5.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the
provided utility described in section 5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your
system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure your system

using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the conguration of

your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the security password feature or

change the power management settings. This requires you to recongure your system using
the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them
in the CMOS RAM of the rmware chip.

The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the

computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>

during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues

with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl+Alt+Del>, or by
pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the system

off then back on. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven

program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make your selections from the
available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure
optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS

settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Press

<F5> and select Yes to load the BIOS default settings.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and

may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

5-6

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

5.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar CongurationeldsMenu items

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Main Advanced Event Logs Boot Monitor Security Tool Exit

BIOS Information
BIOS Vendor American Megatrends
BIOS Version 4.6.5.4

Compliancy UEFI 2.3.1; PI 1.2

BIOS Version 0077 x64

Build Date 01/31/2013

System Date [Mon 02/21/2013]

System Time [10:10:10]

Version 2.15.1236. Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Set the Date, Use Tab to
switch between Data elements.

→←:
↑↓:

Enter: Select Item
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save & Exit
ESC: Exit

General help

Select Screen

Select Item

Navigation keys

5.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

For changing the basic system conguration

Main

Event Logs

Advanced

Monitor

Boot

Tool

Exit

For changing the event log settings

For changing the advanced system settings

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing

the fan settings

For changing the system boot conguration

For conguring options for special functions

For selecting the exit options

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the
desired item is highlighted.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-7

5.2.3 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting
Monitor, Security, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Event Logs, Boot,

Main

5.2.4 Submenu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.
Main Advanced Event Logs Boot Monitor Security Tool Exit

PCI Subsystem Settings

ACPI Settings

Trusted Computing

PCI, PCI-X and PCI Express

Settings.

5.2.5 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup

program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

5.2.6 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

5.2.7 Congurationelds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user­congurable. A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it and press <Enter> to display a list of options.

5.2.8 Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

5.2.9 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on
the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down> keys to display the

other items on the screen.

5-8

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

5.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears. The Main menu

provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system
date and time.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Main Advanced Event Logs Boot Monitor Security Tool Exit

BIOS InformationBIOS Vendor American Megatrends
BIOS Version 4.6.5.4

Compliancy UEFI 2.3.1; PI 1.2

BIOS Version 0077 x64

Build Date 01/31/2013

System Date [Mon 02/22/2013]

System Time [10:10:10]

5.3.1 System Date

Allows you to set the system date to

Where:

Day = Day of the week

mm = month (numeric value)

dd = day (numeric value)

yyyy = year (numeric value)

[Day mm/dd/yyyy]

5.3.2 System Time

Allows you to set the system time to

[hh/mm/ss]

Where:

hh = hour (numeric value)

mm = minutes (numeric value)

ss = seconds (numeric value)

.

Set the Date, Use Tab to
switch between Data

elements.

.

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-9

5.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.
Main Advanced Event Logs Boot Monitor Security Tool Exit

Main Advanced Event Logs Boot Monitor Security Tool Exit

CPU Conguration

PCI Subsystem Settings

ACPI Settings

PCH-IO Conguration

Trusted Computing

SATA Conguration

WHEA Conguration
CPU Conguration

Systems Agent (SA) Conguration

PCH-IO Conguration

PCI Subsystem Settings

SATA Conguration
Systems Agent (SA) Conguration

USB Conguration

USB Conguration

TPM

NCT6779D Super IO Conguration

Intel Server Platforms Services

ACPI Settings

Onboard LAN Conguration

WHEA Conguration

MIO Card Conguration

Serial Port Console Redirection

NCT6779D Super IO Conguration

APM

Intel Server Platform Services

Network Stack
Intel RC Drivers Version Details

Onboard LAN Conguration

MIO Card Conguration

Serial Port Console Redirection

Runtime Error Logging

APM

Network Stack

Intel RC Drivers Version Detail

PCI, PCI-X and PCI Express

PCI, PCI-X and PCI

Settings.

Express Settings.

5-10

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

5.4.1 CPUConguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically

detects. Some items may not appear if your CPU does not support the related functions.

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Genuine Intel (R) CPU 0000 @ 2.50GHz

CPU Signature 306c2

Microcode Patch ffff0006
Max CPU Speed 2500 MHz
Min CPU Speed 800 MHz
CPU Speed 2500 MHz

Processor Cores 4
Intel HT Technology Supported
Intel VT-x Technology Supported

Intel SMX Technology Supported
64-bit Supported

EIST Technology Supported
CPU C3 State Supported
CPU C6 State Supported

CPU C7 State Supported

L1 Data Cache 32 kB x 4
L1 Code Cache 32 kB x 4
L2 Cache 256 kB x 4

L3 Cache 8192 kB

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Enabled for WIndows XP
and Linux (OS optimized

Enabled for Windows XP and

for Hyper-Threading

Linux (OS optimized for

Technology) and Disabled

Hyper-Threading Technology)

for other OS (OS not

and Disabled for other OS

optimized for Hyper-

(OS not optimized for Hyper-

Threading Technology).

Threading Technology).

When Disabled only one

When Disabled only one thread

thread per enabled core is

per enabled core is enabled.

enabled.

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select Item

+/-: Change Opt.

Version 2.15.1236. Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Navigate to the second page of the screen to see the rest of items in this menu by pressing
the Up or Down arrow keys.

To quickly go to the last item of the second page, press the

button to go back to the rst item in the rst page.

Page Up

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced

L2 Cache 256 k B x 4

L3 Cache 8192 kB

Hyper-threading [Enabled]

Active Processor Cores [All]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Inter Virtualization Technology[Enabled]
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
CPU AES [Enabled]
Boot performance mode [Turbo Performance]
EIST [Enabled]
Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Energy Performance [Performance]

CPU C states [Enabled]
Enhanced C1 state [Enabled]
CPU C3 Report [Enabled]
CPU C6 report [Enabled]
CPU C7 report [CPU C7s]
C1 state auto demotion [Enabled]
C3 state auto demotion [Enabled]
Package C State limit [AUTO]
LakeTiny Feature [Disabled]
Intel TXT (LT) Support [Disabled]
ACPI T State [Disabled]

Version 2.15.1236. Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Page Down

→←:

Select Item

↑↓:

Enabled for Windows XP and

Enter: Select Item

Linux (OS optimized for

+/-: Change Opt.

Hyper-Threading Technology)

F1: General Help

and Disabled for other OS

F2: Previous Values

(OS not optimized for Hyper-

F5: Optimized Defaults

Threading Technology).

F10: Save & Exit

When Disabled only one thread

ESC: Exit

per enabled core is enabled.

button. Press the

Select Screen

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-11

Hyper-threading [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology function.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.

Conguration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the XD feature that can prevent certain classes of malicious
buffer overow attacks when combined with a supporting OS. Conguration options:
[Enabled][Disabled]

Intel Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vanderpool Technology.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Mid Level Cache (L2) streamer. Conguration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

AdjacentCacheLinePrefetch[Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Mid Level Cache (L2) prefetching of adjacent cache lines.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU AES [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Advance Encryption Standard instructions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Boot performance mode [Turbo Performance]

This item allows you to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff.
Conguration options: [Max Non-Turbo Performace] [Max Battery] [Turbo Performance]

EIST [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST).

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled]. This allows you to enable or

disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Energy Performance [Performance]

Allows you to optimize between performance and power savings. Conguration options:
[Performance] [Balanced Performance] [Balanced Energy] [Energy Efcient]

5-12

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

CPU C states [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

This following items appears only when you set the CPU C states to [Enabled].

Enhanced C1 State [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced C1 state. Configuration options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C3 Report [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C3 report to OS. Configuration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C6 Report [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C6 report to OS. Configuration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C7 report to OS. Configuration options:

[Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]

C1 state auto demotion [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the demotion of the C3/C6/C7 request to C1 based on
uncore auto-demote information. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

C3 state auto demotion [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the demotion of the C6/C7 request to C3 based on
uncore auto-demote information. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Package C State limit [AUTO]

Allows you set the Package C State limit to AUTO. Conguration options: [C0/C1] [C2] [C3]
C6] [C7] [C7s] [AUTO]

LakeTiny Feature [Disabled]

Allows you enable or disable LakeTiny for C state conguration. Conguration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel TXT (LT) Suppot [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel TXT (LT) support. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

ACPI T State [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ACPI T state. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-13

5.4.2 PCH-IOConguration

Allows you to congure PCH parameters.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced

Intel PCH RC Version 1.0.0.0
Intel PCH SKU Name C224
Intel PCH Rev ID 04/C1

USB Conguration
PCH Azalia Conguration

USBConguration

Allows you to set the USB Conguration settings.

USB Conguration

settings.

Advanced

USB Conguration

XHCI Mode [Auto]

EHCI1 [Enabled]
EHCI2 [Enabled]

USB Ports Per-Port Disable Control [Disabled]

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

USB Conguration settings

Mode of operation of xHCI

controller.

XHCI Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the mode of operation of the xHCI controller. Conguration options: [Auto]
[Enabled] [Disabled]

EHCI1 / EHCI2 [Enabled]

Allows you to control the USB EHCI (USB 2.0) functions. One EHCI controller must always
be enabled. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB Ports Per-Port Disable Control [Disabled]

Allows you to control the disabling of the USB ports (0-13). Conguration options:
[Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB Port #0-#13 Disable [Enabled]

This items only appears when you set the USB Ports Per-Port Disable Control to [Enabled]
This item allows you to control the disabling of each of the USB ports (0-13). Conguration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

5-14

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

PCHAzaliaConguration

Allows you to control the detection of the Azalia device. Conguration options:
[Auto] [Disabled]

Advanced

PCH Azalia Conguration

Azalia [Auto]

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Control Detection of

the Azalia device.
Disabled = Azalia will be
unconditionally disabled
Enabled = Azalia will be
unconditionally Enabled
Auto = Azalia will be
enabled if present,
disabled otherwise.

5.4.3 SATAConguration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The

SATA Port items show
port.

Not Present

if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA

Advanced

SATA Controller(s) [Enabled]
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

Serial ATA Port 0 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED

Port 0 [Enabled]
Hot Plug [Enabled]

SATA Device Type [Hard Disk Drive]

Spin Up Device [Disabled]

Serial ATA Port 1 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED

Port 1 [Enabled]
Hot Plug [Enabled]

SATA Device Type [Hard Disk Driver]

Spin Up Device [Disabled]

Serial ATA Port 2 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED

Port 2 [Enabled]
Hot Plug [Enabled]

SATA Device Type [Hard Disk Driver]

Spin Up Device [Disabled]

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Enable or disable SATA

Device.

SATA Controller(s) [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the SATA Device. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]

This allows you to choose how SATA controller(s) should operate. Conguration options:
[AHCI] [IDE] [RAID]

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) is a monitor system. When

read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning
messages during the POST. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-15

Compatible Mode [Disabled]

This item only appears when you set the SATA Mode Selection to [IDE]. This item allows you
to enable or disable the Compatible mode. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Advanced

SATA Controller(s) [Enabled]
SATA Mode Selection [IDE]
Compatible Mode [Disabled]
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

Serial SATA Port 0 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED
Serial SATA Port 1 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED
Serial SATA Port 2 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED
Serial SATA Port 3 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED
Serial SATA Port 4 HardDisk (250.0GB)
Software Preserve SUPPORTED
Serial SATA Port 5 ASUS DVD-E8 ATAPI
Software Preserve SUPPORTED

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Determines how SATA

controller(s) operate.

5.4.4 SystemAgent(SA)Conguration

This allows you to change System Agent parameters.

Advanced

System Agent Bridge Name Haswell
System Agent RC Version 1.0.0.0

VT-d Capability Supported

VT-d [Enabled]
Enable NB Card [Disabled]
BDAT ACPI Table Support [Disabled]
VGA Priority [Offboard]

Memory Conguration

VT-d [Enabled]

This allows you enable or disable the VT-d function on MCH. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Check to enable VT-d
function on MCH.

Enable NB CRID [Disabled]

This allows you enable or disable the NB CRID WorkAround. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

BDAT ACPI Table Support [Disabled]

This allows you enable or disable the support for the BDAT ACPI table. Conguration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

VGA Priority [Offboard]

This allows you to prioritize between the onboard and offboard video device to be found.
Conguration options: [Onboard] [Offboard]

5-16

Chapter 5: BIOS setup

MemoryConguration

This allows you to change memory information settings.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced

Memory Information

Memory RC Version 1.0.0.0
Memory Frequency 1067 MHz
Usage Memory 1024 MB (DDR3)
DIMM_A1 Not Present
DIMM_A2 1024 MB (DDR3)
DIMM_A3 Not Present
DIMM_A4 Not Present
CAS Latency (tCL) 7
Minimum delay time
CAS to RAS (tRCDmin) 7
Row Precharge (tRPmin) 7
Active to Precharge (tRASmin) 20

Memory Frequency Limiter [Auto]
ECC Support [Enabled]
Memory Scrambler [Enabled]
Memory Remap [Enabled]
GDXC Support [Disabled]

Maximum Memory

Frequency Selections

in MHz.

Memory Frequency Limiter [Auto]

This allows you to set the memory frequency in MHz. Conguration options: [Auto] [1333]
[1600]

ECC Support [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the DDR ECC support. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

Memory Scrambler [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the Memory Scrambler support. Conguration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

Memory Remap [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the Memory Remap above 4G. Conguration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

GDXC Support [Disabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the GDXC feature. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

ASUS TS300-E8-RS4-C

5-17

5.4.5 PCI Subsystem Settings

Allows you to congure PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express Settings.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced

PCI Bus Driver Version V 2.05.02

PCI 64bit Resources Handling

Above 4G Decoding [Disabled]

PCI Common Settings

Load RT32 Image [Enabled]

PCI Express Settings

PCIE Slot Conguration

Above 4G Decoding [Disabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable 64-bit capable devices to be decoded in above

4G Address Space if your system supports 64-bit PCI decoding. Conguration Options:
[Disabled][Enabled]

Load RT32 Image [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the RT32 Image Loading. Conguration Options:
[Disabled][Enabled]

PCI Express Settings

Allows you to change the settings of the PCI Express Devices.

Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2013 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced

PCI Express Device Register Setting

PCI Express Device Register Settings

ASPM Support [Disabled]

WARNING: Enabling ASPM may cause some

PCIE devices to fail

Change PCI Express
Devices Settings.

Set the ASPM Level: Force

L0s

- Force all links to L0s
State

: AUTO - BIOS auto
congure :DISABLE ­Disables ASM

ASPM Support [Disabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable support to Active State Power Management (ASPM).

ASPM is a power management protocol that is used to extend battey life. Conguration

options:

[Disabled] Disables ASMP
[Auto] BIOS auto congure
[Force L0s] Force all links to L0s State

5-18

Chapter 5: BIOS setup