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ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 Review: A Powerful Server for Demanding Workloads

The ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 is a high-performance server designed for demanding workloads, boasting a formidable combination of hardware. Featuring the AMD EPYC 9754 CPU with 128 cores and 256 threads, dual 96GB NVIDIA A6000 GPUs, 1280GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 16TB NVMe SSD, this server is capable of handling complex tasks like deep learning, scientific simulations, and high-performance computing.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance Evaluation
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 is a 2U rack-mountable server designed to handle demanding workloads that require significant processing power and high memory bandwidth. This server is ideal for organizations that need a reliable and scalable solution for tasks such as:

• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
• Data analytics and processing
• Virtualization and cloud computing

Key Features

The ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 is packed with cutting-edge hardware that delivers exceptional performance:

Feature	Specification
Processor / System Bus	1 x Socket SP5 (LGA 6096) AMD EPYC™ 9004 series (up to 400W) 4th Generation AMD EPYC Processors with AMD 3D V-Cache technology
Memory	Total Slots: 12 (12-channel) Capacity: Maximum up to 3TB RDIMM Memory Type: DDR5 4800/4400 RDIMM/RDIMM 3DS Memory Size: 64GB, 32GB, 16GB RDIMM 256GB, 128GB 3DS RDIMM
Expansion Slots	Rear: -4 x PCIe x16 slots (Gen5 x16 link, FH, FL) for dual-slot GPU cards or 8 x PCIe x16 slots (Gen5 x8 link, FH,FL) for single-slot GPU cards -1 x PCIe x16 slots (Gen5 x16 link, FH, HL) -1 x PCIe x16 slot (Gen5 x16/x8 link, FH, HL) or OCP socket option or M.2 riser module -1 x PCIe x8 slot (Gen5 x0/x8 link, LP, HL) Front: 1 x PCIe x8 slot (Gen5 x8 link, LP, HL) Only for SKU1
Storage	Storage Controller: CPU IntegratedOptional kits: ASUS PIKE II 3008 8-port SAS 12Gb/s HBA cardASUS PIKE II 3108 8-port SAS HW 12Gb/s RAID cardBroadcom MegaRAID 9540-8iBroadcom MegaRAID 9560-16iDrive Bays:2 x 2.5” & 4 x 3.5“ Hot-swap Storage BaysSKU1: 2 x 2.5” SATA/SAS*/NVMe + 2 x 3.5” SATA/SAS*/NVMe + 2 x 3.5” SATA/SAS*SKU2: Build to order 2 x 2.5” SATA/SAS*/NVMe + 4 x 3.5” SATA/SAS*/NVMe (Occupy 1 x PCIe x8 link )Optional: 1 x M.2 with riser module *RAID card is required to support SAS hard drives For SKU1 additional 2 x NVMe support required a RAID card.
Networking	2 x GbE LAN ports (Intel I350 Controller) 1 x Management Port
Multi-GPU Support	Please find the latest GPU support from https://servers.asus.com/support/gpu
Front I/O Ports	1 x Q-code/port-80 LED 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
Rear I/O Ports	2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports 2 x Gigabit LAN ports 1 x Management port 1 x VGA port
Switch/LED	Front: 1 x Power Button/LED 1 x Location Button/LED 1 x Message LED 1 x Q-Code/Port 80 LED 2 x LAN LED Rear: 1 x Power Button/LED 1 x Location LED 1 x Message LED
OS Support	Please find the latest OS support from https://servers.asus.com/support/os
Management Solution	ASUS Control Center ASUS ASMB11-iKVM (on-board)
Regulatory Compliance	BSMI, CE, RCM, FCC(Class A)
Dimensions	800mm x 439.5mm x 88.9mm (2U) 31.50″ x 17.30″ x 3.50″
Weight	Net Weight: 24 Kg Gross Weight: 34.8 Kg
Power Supply	1+1 Redundant 2600W 80 PLUS Titanium CRPS-R Power Supply
Environment	Operation temperature: 10℃ ~ 35℃ / Non operation temperature: -40℃ ~ 70℃ Non operation humidity: 20% ~ 90% ( Non condensing)

Performance Evaluation

The ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 delivers outstanding performance, exceeding expectations for its class. The AMD EPYC 9754 CPU, with its 128 cores and 256 threads, provides immense processing power for computationally intensive applications. We benchmarked the server using various industry-standard benchmarks, and the results were impressive:

• CPU Benchmark: The RS720A-E11-RS128 scored exceptionally well in CPU-intensive benchmarks, exceeding the scores of many competitors. Its ability to handle complex calculations and multithreaded tasks with ease is a testament to the power of the AMD EPYC 9754 CPU.
• GPU Benchmark: With dual 96GB NVIDIA A6000 GPUs, the server demonstrated remarkable performance in graphics-intensive tasks. We ran benchmarks for tasks like deep learning and scientific simulations, and the server consistently delivered high frame rates and exceptional processing speed.
• Memory Benchmark: The 1280GB of DDR5 RAM, operating at 4800MHz, provides ample bandwidth for demanding applications. The server’s ability to handle massive datasets and maintain responsiveness is a critical advantage for tasks like data analysis and visualization.
• Storage Benchmark: The 16TB NVMe SSD delivers exceptional read and write speeds, ensuring that data-intensive workloads are handled efficiently. The server’s ability to access data quickly is critical for applications that rely on fast storage performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful AMD EPYC 9754 CPU with 128 cores and 256 threads
• Dual 96GB NVIDIA A6000 GPUs for high-performance graphics processing
• Ample 1280GB DDR5 RAM for demanding workloads
• Fast 16TB NVMe SSD for data-intensive applications
• Multiple expansion slots for flexible configuration options
• Comprehensive management solution with ASUS Control Center and ASMB11-iKVM
• Reliable and durable design for long-term operation

Cons

• Relatively high cost compared to entry-level servers
• Limited networking options with only two Gigabit LAN ports
• No built-in RAID controller, requiring an optional kit for SAS hard drives

Final Verdict

The ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 is a powerful and versatile server that is well-suited for demanding workloads. Its impressive hardware specifications, exceptional performance, and comprehensive management features make it an ideal choice for organizations that need a reliable and scalable solution for critical applications. However, its high cost and limited networking options may make it less suitable for budget-conscious users or those with specific networking requirements.

Overall, the ASUS RS720A-E11-RS128 is a top-tier server that delivers exceptional performance and value for its intended use cases. If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable server for demanding workloads, the RS720A-E11-RS128 is definitely worth considering.