Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server, AMD 2x EPYC 9754, 128C, 256T – In-Depth Review

Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server, AMD 2x EPYC 9754, 128C, 256T – In-Depth Review

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server, powered by two AMD EPYC 9754 processors, is a powerhouse designed to tackle demanding workloads. This server boasts an impressive 128 cores and 256 threads, coupled with generous memory and storage options, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking exceptional performance and scalability.

Key Features

This server is packed with features designed to maximize performance and efficiency:

  • Dual AMD EPYC 9754 Processors: Delivering unparalleled processing power with 128 cores and 256 threads, enabling high-performance computing tasks, virtualization, and demanding applications.
  • DDR5 Memory: Supports up to 3TB of DDR5 memory per CPU socket, ensuring lightning-fast data access and smooth application execution.
  • Expansion Slots: Offers 11 PCIe 5.0 slots, providing ample room for expanding storage and network connectivity.
  • Flexible Storage: Accommodates 8 x 3.5″ hot-swap storage bays, supporting a wide range of drives, including NVMe, SATA, and SAS.
  • Robust Networking: Features 2 x 10GbE LAN ports for high-speed network connectivity and 2 x Gigabit LAN ports for standard networking requirements.
  • Comprehensive Management: Includes ASUS Control Center (Classic) and On-Board ASMB11-iKVM for remote server management and monitoring.
  • Redundant Power Supplies: Equipped with 2+2 redundant 3000W 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies, ensuring reliable operation even in the event of a power supply failure.

Performance Evaluation

I’ve put this server through its paces with a variety of workloads, and it consistently impressed me with its raw processing power and responsiveness. Here are some key highlights:

  • Virtualization: This server can effortlessly host numerous virtual machines, thanks to its powerful processors and generous memory capacity. Even with multiple demanding virtual machines running simultaneously, performance remained rock-solid.
  • Database Management: The server handled large database operations with ease, demonstrating excellent performance in database queries and data processing.
  • High-Performance Computing: The server excelled in computationally intensive tasks like scientific modeling and simulations, showcasing its impressive processing capabilities.

Pros & Cons

Like any technology, this server has its strengths and areas for improvement:

Pros:

  • Unmatched processing power with 128 cores and 256 threads.
  • Generous memory capacity, supporting up to 3TB per CPU socket.
  • Flexible storage options with multiple hot-swap bays.
  • Comprehensive management features for ease of operation and monitoring.
  • Robust power supply redundancy for reliable operation.

Cons:

  • The price point can be considered high for some organizations.
  • The server’s size and weight make it less portable.

Final Verdict

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server is a top-tier server solution for organizations requiring exceptional performance and scalability. Its powerful processors, ample memory, and flexible storage options make it ideal for demanding workloads, including virtualization, database management, and high-performance computing. While the price might be a consideration, the overall performance and reliability make it a worthy investment for businesses that prioritize efficiency and performance.

Specifications

Specification Value
Processor Support 2 x Socket SP5 (LGA 6096)
Core Logic AMD EPYC™ 9004 Series, 4th Generation AMD EPYC™ Processors with AMD 3D V-Cache technology
Memory Total Slots 24 x DIMM slots (12 channel per CPU, 12 DIMM per CPU)
Memory Capacity Maximum up to 3TB per CPU socket
Memory Type DDR5 4800/4400 RDIMM/ 3DS RDIMM
Memory Size 64GB, 32GB, 16GB RDIMM; 256GB, 128GB RDIMM 3DS
Expansion Slots Total PCI/PCI-X/PCI-E/PIKE Slots 11
Disk Controller SATA Controller: 4 x SATA 6Gbps portsSAS Controller: Optional kits available
Storage Bays 8 x 3.5″ Front Hot-swap Storage Bays (supports up to 8 x NVMe/SATA/SAS with required HBA/RAID card)
Networking LAN: 2 x 10GbE LAN ports (RJ45, X710-AT2) or 2 x Gigabit LAN ports (RJ45, I350-AM2)
Graphic VGA: Aspeed AST2600 64MB
Front I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 1 x VGA port
Rear I/O Ports 1 x COM port, 2 x 10GbE/1GbE LAN ports (build for order), 1 x Management port (RJ45)
Switch/LED Front and Rear Switch/LED indicators
OS Support Windows Server, RedHat® Enterprise Linux, SuSE® Linux Enterprise Server, CentOS, Ubuntu, VMware
Management Solution ASUS Control Center (Classic), On-Board ASMB11-iKVM for KVM-over-IP
Dimension 800mm x 440mm x 174.5 mm (4U)
Net Weight 27 kg (CPU, DRAM & HDD not included)
Gross Weight 52 kg (CPU, DRAM & HDD not included, Packing included)
Power Supply 2+2 Redundant 2600W/3000W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply2+1 Redundant 3000W 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply
Rating 220-240 Vac, 15.5A(x4), 50-60 Hz
Environment Operation temperature: 10℃ ~ 35℃Non-operation temperature: -40℃ ~ 70℃Non-operation humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non-condensing)