E500 G5 Workstation User Guide
E19551 Revised Edition V6 November 2021 Copyright © 2021 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”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................................... vi Electrical Safety...............................................................................................vi Operation Safety..............................................................................................vi About this guide.........................................................................................................
Contents Chapter 3: Motherboard Information 3.1 Motherboard layout..................................................................................... 3-2 3.2 Onboard buttons and switches................................................................. 3-4 3.3 Jumpers....................................................................................................... 3-5 3.4 Onboard LEDs............................................................................................. 3-6 3.
Contents 4.10 Exit menu................................................................................................... 4-23 4.11 Updating BIOS........................................................................................... 4-23 4.11.1 EZ Update.................................................................................. 4-23 4.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3....................................................................... 4-24 4.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..............................
Safety information Electrical Safety • Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system unit and all attached devices are unplugged. • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, contact a qualified service technician or your dealer.
About this guide Audience This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at least basic knowledge of configuring a server. Contents This guide contains the following parts: 1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections on front panel and rear panel specifications. 2.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction Product Introduction This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections on front panel and rear panel specifications.
1.1 System package contents Check your system package for the following items. Model Name E500 G5 Accessories 1 x E500 G5 Support DVD 1 x AC Power Cable 1 x COM port Cable Optional Items Smart Card Reader Anti-Virus CD pack DVD-RW Keyboard and mouse If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.
1.3 E500 G5 specifications summary The ASUS E500 G5 is a workstation featuring the ASUS WS C246 PRO motherboard. Processor / System Bus LGA1151 socket for Intel® Xeon® Processor E-2100/E-2200 Family / Intel® 9th/8th Generation Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processors, Intel® Pentium™ processors, and Intel® Celeron™ processors * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
E500 G5 specifications summary 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 ports Front I/O 1 x Headphone port 1 x Microphone port 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 port at Type-A, 1 port at Type-C™) 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 1 x HDMI 1 x DisplayPort Rear I/O 1 x DVI-D 1 x VGA 2 x RJ-45 ports 1 x 8-channel Audio I/O ports (5 + 1 Audio jacks) Front Switch/LED: 1 x Power switch 1 x Power LED Switch/LED 1 x Reset switch 1 x HDD Access LED Security Options Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.
1.4 Front panel features The E500 G5 workstation features a simple yet stylish front panel design. The power and reset buttons, LED indicators, optical drive, and USB ports are all conveniently located at the front panel for easy access. Optical Drive (Optional) Empty 5.25-inch bay Card reader Smart Card SD/MMC/MS Reset button USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports USB 2.0 ports* Headphone port Microphone port Power button Power LED HDD access LED Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.
1.5 Rear panel features The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a vent for the system fan, and the power supply module. Single power supply Power connector VGA port DisplayPort Display/Port HDMI HDMI port DVI VGA OUT DVI port LAN port 120 mm x 120 mm system fan vents USB 3.0 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ port USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port USB 3.
1.6 Internal features The ASUS E500 G5 Pedestal server system includes the basic components as shown: 1. Power supply unit 2. 120 mm x 120 mm system fan (optional) 3. ASUS WS C246 Pro motherboard 4. Expansion card locks 5. Optical drive (Optional) 6. 1 x 5.25-inch drive bay 7. Front I/O board (hidden) 8. 3 x 3.5-inch Internal HDD bays 9. 1 x 2.5-inch Internal HDD/SSD bay Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any system component.
1.7 LED information 1.7.1 Front panel LEDs SD/MMC/MS Smart Card HDD Access LED Power LED SD/MMC/MS Smart Card LED Icon HDMI Display/Port Display status Power LED HDD Access LED 10 ON System power ON OFF No activity Blinking USB 3.1 1.7.2 Description SPDIF OUT Read/write data into the HDD Rear panel LEDs DVI VGA OUT USB 3.0 ACT/LINK LED Display/Port HDMI DVI VGA OUT USB 3.0 SPEED LED USB 3.0 TYPE C 10 SPDIF OUT MIC IN REAR C/SUB LINE OUT LINE IN KY USB 3.
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup Hardware Setup This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
2.1 Chassis cover 2.1.1 Removing the side cover • Ensure that you unplug the power cord before removing the side cover. • Take extra care when removing the side cover. Keep your fingers 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 system shown in this section are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match the model you purchase. To remove the side cover: 1.
3. Slightly pull the side cover toward the rear just enough to detach it from the chassis. 4. Remove the cover and set it aside.
2.2 CPU installation The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket for Intel® Xeon® Processor E-2100/E-2200 Family / Intel® 9th/8th Generation Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processors, Intel® Pentium™ processors, and Intel® Celeron™ processors. Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA1151 socket. 2-4 • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
Load lever Retention tab CPU notches Gold triangle mark Alignment key Alignment key Load plate Load lever Load lever Retention tab Retention lock ASUS E500 G5 2-5
2.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary.
2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four DDR 4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.
Memory configurations You may install 4 GB, 8 GB 16 GB, and 32 GB unbuffered and ECC and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
2.4.1 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing 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. DIMM notch DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3.
2.5 Front panel cover Before you can install a 5.25-inch drive, you should first remove the front panel cover. Ensure to 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! 2.5.1 Removing the front panel cover To remove the front panel cover: 1. Locate the front panel assembly lock then slide it outward to unlock the latches that secures the front panel cover to the chassis. Assembly lock 2.
2.6 5.25-inch drives This system comes with three 5.25-inch drive bays located on the upper front section of the chassis. If your system came with an optical drive, the optical drive occupies the topmost bay (1). The lower bays (2 and 3) are available for additional 5.25-inch optical, zip, or floppy disk drives. Installing a 5.25-inch drive To install a 5.25-inch drive: 1. Remove the front panel cover. Refer to the Removing the front panel cover section for more information. 2.
4. Prepare the 5.25-inch drive. 5. Insert and carefully push the drive into the bay until its screw holes align with the holes on the bay. 6. Push the bay locks to secure the drive in place. Bay locks 7. Connect the SATA cable to the SATA connector of the drive. 8. Connect a SATA power cable from the power supply to the power connector of the drive. 9. Reinstall the front panel cover.
2.7 Hard disk drives (HDD) The server system supports three (3) 3.5-inch Serial ATA hard disk drives via the hard disk drive bays and one 2.5-inch HDD/SSD drive at the bottom of the HDD cage. Installing 3.5-inch HDDs To install 3.5-inch Serial ATA hard disk drives: 1. Remove the side cover of the chassis. Refer to the Removing the side cover section for more information. 2. Prepare the 3.5-inch HDD and the bundled set of screws. 3.
2-14 5. Secure the 3.5-inch HDD to the HDD cage using the bundled set of screws. 6. Swing the HDD cage inwards until it clicks back into place. 7. Connect the SATA cable and SATA power cable to the 3.5-inch HDD.
Installing 2.5-inch HDD/SSD To install a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD: 1. Remove the side cover of the chassis. Refer to the Removing the side cover section for more information. 2. Prepare the 2.5-inch HDD/SDD and the bundled set of screws. 3. Lay the system on its side on a flat and stable surface. 4. Locate the HDD cage lock, press it up (A), then swing the HDD cage outwards (B). 5. Align and insert the 2.5-inch HDD/SSD into the drive bay as shown.
2-16 6. Secure the 2.5-inch HDD/SSD to the HDD cage using the bundled set of screws. 7. Swing the HDD cage inwards until it clicks back into place. 8. Connect a SATA cable and a SATA power cable to the 2.5-inch HDD/SSD.
2.8 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Slot No.
2.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Lay the system on its side on a flat, stable surface. 2. Press the PCIe latch (A), hold it by its edge then lift it towards the rear (B). Edge of the PCI-E latch PCI-E latch 3. Remove the screw (A) that secures the metal bracket to the chassis then remove the metal bracket (B).
4. Align and insert the expansion card into the PCIe slot. 5. Lift the PCIe latch inwards until it clicks into place securing the expansion card to the chassis. Expansion card PCI-E slot PCI-E latch 6. (Optional) Replace the screw of the metal bracket.
2.8.2 Configuring an expansion card VGA configuration 2-20 PCI Express operating mode PCIe 3.0 x16_1 (gray) PCIe 3.0 x16_2 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (Recommended for single VGA card) N/A N/A Dual VGA/PCIe cards x8 x8 N/A Triple VGA/PCIe cards x8 x8 x4 • In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (gray) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.
2.8.3 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards To install an M.2 card: 1. Locate the M.2 connector (M.2(SOCKET3)) on the motherboard. NGFF1 2. Remove the screw on the stand screw. Screw Screw hole Stand screw 3. Prepare the M.2 card. 4. Align and insert the M.2 card into the M.2 connector (M.2(SOCKET3)). 5. Secure the M.2 card with the screw you removed in step 2. • Please pay attention when removing the screw, the stand screw might be removed together with it. • Ensure that the M.
2.9 System fan This section describes how to remove the system fan in the event that you need to install or remove previously installed or new system components, or when the system fan needs to be replaced because it was damaged or became defective. To remove the system fan: 1. Disconnect the system fan cable from the CHA_FAN2 connector on the motherboard. 2. Remove the four system fan screws at the rear panel. Keep the screws for later use.
2.10 BIOS update utility USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering a bootable environment, ideal for BIOS recovery, rollback, or updates to support new CPUs. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked in green on the I/O shield) then press the USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds to start the update process. To use USB BIOS Flashback: 1. Download the latest BIOS from the support site at www.asus.
5. Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed. For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating BIOS in Chapter 4. • Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or short the CLRTC jumper while BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption, please press and hold the BIOS_FLBK button for 3 seconds again to restart the process.
2.11 Motherboard rear and audio connection 2.11.1 Rear I/O connection Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 6. DVI-D port 2. VGA port 7. USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 5, 6, 7, and 8 3. Intel® LAN port 1 and 2 (I210-AT & I219-LM)* 8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ port C3 4. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port 4 9. Optical S/PDIF Out port 5. HDMI 1.4b port 10. Audio I/O ports** * and ** : Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs and audio port definitions.
* LAN ports LED indications Activity Link LED Status Description No link Off Linked Orange Speed LED Status Description Off 10 Mbps connection ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED Orange 100 Mbps connection Green Orange (Blinking) Data activity Orange (Blinking Ready to wake up from S5 mode then steady) 1 Gbps connection LAN port You can disable the LAN controllers in BIOS. Due to hardware design, the LAN1 port’s LEDs may continue to blink even when disabled. ** Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.
2.11.
Connect to 4-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers Connect to 7.
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information Motherboard Information This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief descriptions of the jumpers and internal connectors.
3.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 3.5 Internal connectors and 2.11.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page 1. Fan and pump connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4) 3-12 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V; 6-pin EATX12V_1) 3-14 3. LGA1151 CPU socket 2-4 4. DDR4 DIMM slots 2-7 5. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2) 3-15 6. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-8) 3-8 7. Q-Code LED 3-7 8. BIOS Flashback button 2-23 9. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) 3-13 10.
3.2 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. 1. Power-on button The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system.
3.3 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC) This header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, 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. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins. 3.
3.4 1. Onboard LEDs Q LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT) Q LED checks key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding LED remains lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds. The Q LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case. 2.
3. Q-Code LED The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table on the next page for details. The Q-Code LED provides the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.
3.5 Internal connectors 1. Intel Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-8) ® These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise through the onboard Intel® C246 chipset. 3-8 • These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default.
2. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability. 3.
4. USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12) This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.2 Gen 1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.2 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 module is purchased separately. The plugged USB 3.
5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314; 4-pin Type-A USB9) The 10-1 pin connector allows you to connect a USB 2.0 module for additional USB 2.0 front or rear panel ports. The 4-pin USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-A port is available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! 6.
7. Fan and pump connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4) 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. 8. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
9. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin or 3-1 pin PLED) The 2-pin or 3-1 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. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED.
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V; 6-pin EATX12V_1) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug, or connect both the 8-pin and 6-pin power plugs.
11. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2) These sockets allow you to install M.2 SSD modules. • M.2_1 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x2 and SATA mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 PCIe and SATA storage devices. • M.2_2 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 PCIe storage devices. • M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with SATA6G_2 port. When M.2_2 slot runs in SATA mode, the SATA6G_2 port will be disabled. • These sockets support IRST (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology).
3-16 Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
4.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
4.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press or during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press or , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
4.2.1 EZ Mode The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance, mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the hotkey for the advanced BIOS settings. The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.
4.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press the hotkey.
Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration. Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings.
Search (F9) This button allows you to search for BIOS items by entering its name, enter the item name to find the related item listing. Hot keys This button contains the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Search on FAQ Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile device to connect to the BIOS FAQ web page of the ASUS support website.
4.2.3 Q-Fan Control The QFan Control allows you to set a fan profile or manually configure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans.
Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of profiles to manually configure your fans’ operating speed. Speed points Select to manually configure your fans To configure your fans: 1. Select the fan that you want to configure and to view its current status. 2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed. 3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).
4.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily set RAID in your system using this feature. Creating RAID To create RAID: 1. Press on your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen. 2. Click Yes to enable RAID. 3. 4-10 from the BIOS screen to open • Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes. • Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors. Select the port that you want to set to [RAID] mode, PCIE or SATA, then click Next.
4. Select the type of storage for your RAID, Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click Next. a. For Easy Backup, click Next then select from Easy Backup (RAID 1) or Easy Backup (RAID 10). You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs. b. For Super Speed, click Next then select from Super Speed (RAID 0) or Super Speed (RAID 5). 5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup. 6.
4.3 My Favorites My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot related items by default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items.
Adding items to My Favorites To add BIOS items: from the BIOS screen to open 1. Press on your keyboard or click Setup Tree Map screen. 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My Favorites screen. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items Submenu panel Delete all favorite items Recover to default favorite items 3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as or press on your keyboard.
4.4 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. 4.5 • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 3.
4.6 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 4.6.1 Platform Misc Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the ASPM for PCH and SA PCI Express. 4.6.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
4.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port. SATA Controller(s) This item allows you to enable or disable the SATA Device. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] The following items appear only when SATA Controller(s) is set to [Enabled]. SATA Mode Selection This item allows you to set the SATA configuration.
4.6.6 PCH-FW Configuration This item allows you to configure the firmware TPM. 4.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and configure onboard devices. HD Audio This item allows you to use the Azalia High Definition Audio Controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel LAN1-2 Controller This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel LAN controllers.
4.6.10 Network Stack Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure Ipv4 / Ipv6 PXE support. 4.6.11 NVMe Configuration You may view the NVMe controller and Drive information if a NVMe device is connected. 4.6.12 HDD/SSD SMART Information The items in this menu display the SMART information of the connected devices. NVM Express devices do not support SMART information. 4.
The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled]. Boot Devices Control This item allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot. Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only] [UEFI only] Boot from Network Devices This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.
Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. • To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. Boot Override These items displays the available devices.
4.9.2 ASUS Secure Erase SSD speeds may lower over time as with any storage medium due to data processing. Secure Erase completely and safely cleans your SSD, restoring it to factory performance levels. Secure Erase is only available in AHCI mode. Ensure to set the SATA mode to AHCI. Click Advanced > PCH Storage Configuration > SATA Mode Selection > AHCI. To launch Secure Erase, click Tool > Secure Erase on the Advanced mode menu.
4.9.3 ASUS User Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS setting profiles. Load Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile number that saved your BIOS settings, press , and then select Yes. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure! • We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/ CPU configuration and BIOS version.
4.10 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press , a confirmation window appears. Select OK to load the default values.
4.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. Updating through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. Check your local Internet connection before updating through the Internet. To update the BIOS by USB: 4-24 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 2.
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash 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. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 4.8 Exit Menu for details. To update the BIOS by Internet: 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program.
4.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.
Chapter 5: RAID Configuration RAID Configuration This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and configuring RAID sets using the available utilities.
5.1 RAID configurations The motherboard supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise Option ROM Utility with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 support. If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation. Refer to section 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. 5.1.
5.1.2 Installing storage devices The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives and PCIE SSD storage devices. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. Refer to Chapter 2 for details on installing storage devices to your motherboard. 5.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS: 1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST. 2.
Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set: 5-4 1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select Create RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears: 2. When the Name item is selected, enter a name for the RAID set and press . 3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press to select the RAID level to create, and then press . 4. Under Select Disks, press and select X for the disks you want to include in the RAID set.
5. When the Strip Size item is selected, press to select strip size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press . The available strip size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The following are typical values: - RAID 0: 128 KB - RAID 10: 64 KB - RAID 5: 64 KB We recommend a lower strip size for server systems, and a higher strip size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 6.
Deleting a RAID set Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set. To delete a RAID set: 5-6 1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select the RAID volume you want to delete and press . The following screen appears: 2. When the Delete item is selected, press , then select Yes to delete the RAID volume and return to the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, or select No to cancel.
5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility: 1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST. 2. Go to the Boot menu > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM, then set the item to [Enabled]. 3. Save your changes and exit the BIOS Setup, then during POST, press + to display the utility main menu. RAID Volumes: None defined.
Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears: Name: Volume 0 RAID Level: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Disks: dssdsdsds Strip Size:aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Capacity:aaaaaaaaaaaaaa Sync:aaaaaaaaaa Create volume [HELP] Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is 16 characters or less. 2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press . 3.
5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press after completing your selection. 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the strip size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press . The available strip size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB.
Deleting a RAID set Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set. To delete a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears: Name Volume0 [DELETE VOLUME MENU] Level Drives RAID0 (Stripe) 2 Capacity 298.0GB Status Normal Bootable Yes [HELP] Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID. WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To exit the utility: 1. From the utility main menu, select 6. Exit, then press . The following warning message appears: [CONFIRM EXIT] Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N): 2. Press to exit or press to return to the utility main menu. 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk 5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To install the RAID driver for Windows® OS: 1.
5-12 Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
Appendix Appendix A
WS C246 PRO block diagram A-2 Appendix
Q-Code table Code 00 02 03 04 06 10 11 – 14 15 – 18 19 – 1C 2B – 2F 30 31 32 – 36 37 – 3A 3B – 3E 4F 50 – 53 4F 54 55 56 57 58 59 5A 5B 5C – 5F E0 E1 E2 E3 E4 – E7 E8 E9 EA EB EC – EF F0 F1 F2 Description Not used microcode CACHE_ENABLED PCH initialization CPU_EARLY_INIT PEI Core is started Pre-memory CPU initialization is started Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started Pre-memory PCH initialization is started Memory initialization Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Memory Inst
Code F4 Description Recovery firmware image is loaded F5 – F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes F8 F9 Recovery PPI is not available Recovery capsule is not found FB – FF Reserved for future AMI error codes 60 DXE Core is started 61 NVRAM initialization 62 Installation of the PCH Runtime Services 63 – 67 CPU DXE initialization is started 68 PCI host bridge initialization 69 System Agent DXE initialization is started 6A System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started 6B – 6F System
Code A5 Description SCSI Reset A6 SCSI Detect A7 SCSI Enable A8 Setup Verifying Password A9 Start of Setup AA Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AB Setup Input Wait AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AD Ready To Boot event AE Legacy Boot event AF Exit Boot Services event B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization B3 System Reset B4 USB hot plug B5 PCI bus hot plu
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints (under OS) A-6 Code Description 03 System is entering S3 sleep state 04 System is entering S4 sleep state 05 System is entering S5 sleep state 30 System is waking up from the S3 sleep state 40 System is waking up from the S4 sleep state AC System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode. AA System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.
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