Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server (AMD 2x EPYC 9754) Review: A Powerhouse for Demanding Workloads

Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server (AMD 2x EPYC 9754) Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server, powered by two AMD EPYC 9754 processors, is a high-performance server designed to handle demanding workloads. With 128 cores and 256 threads, this server offers incredible processing power, making it suitable for various applications, including virtualization, cloud computing, and high-performance computing. I’ve had the opportunity to test this server thoroughly, and I’m impressed with its performance, features, and overall value.

Features

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server comes packed with impressive features:

Feature Specification
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)

One of the standout features is the support for AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, which significantly enhances performance for memory-intensive applications. The server also features a robust set of expansion slots, including 11 PCIe 5.0 slots, allowing for ample flexibility in adding additional hardware components.

Performance

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server delivers exceptional performance, exceeding my expectations. I benchmarked the server with several demanding workloads, including virtual machine hosting, database operations, and scientific simulations. The server effortlessly handled all the tasks, showcasing its raw processing power and efficiency. The server’s ability to handle multiple workloads concurrently is impressive, making it suitable for mission-critical applications.

The server’s memory subsystem, featuring DDR5 technology, is also a significant factor contributing to its performance. I observed impressive memory speeds and low latency, which translated to faster application response times and overall system responsiveness.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server:

Pros

  • Powerful AMD EPYC 9754 processors with 128 cores and 256 threads
  • Support for AMD 3D V-Cache technology for enhanced performance
  • Ample memory capacity (up to 3TB per CPU socket)
  • Fast DDR5 memory for low latency and high throughput
  • Robust expansion capabilities with 11 PCIe 5.0 slots
  • Comprehensive management solutions, including ASMB11-iKVM
  • Reliable and efficient power supply units

Cons

  • The server’s size and weight might be a consideration for some users
  • The price point is on the higher end, making it an investment

Final Verdict

The Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server is a top-tier server that delivers exceptional performance and features. Its powerful processors, ample memory, and expansion capabilities make it a perfect choice for demanding workloads. While the price point is high, the server’s performance and reliability justify the investment. If you’re looking for a server that can handle mission-critical applications, this is a strong contender.

I highly recommend the Asus AMD EPYC 4U Server to anyone seeking a powerful and reliable server for demanding workloads.