ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2 Barebone System

The ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2 Barebone System is a high-capacity, dual-socket 2U server platform engineered for data centers, virtualization clusters, and demanding enterprise workloads. Built around the Intel C621A chipset, this barebone chassis accommodates two LGA-4189 processors to deliver strong multi-core performance, excellent memory bandwidth, and scalable I/O for modern workloads. With 32 memory slots for DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) memory, integrated NVMe support, SATA/600 RAID capabilities, and a robust ASPEED AST2500 management engine, the 2U2E-F/ICX2 is designed to simplify large-scale deployments while providing the reliability and flexibility that enterprise environments demand. This chassis balances density and expandability in a rack-mountable form factor, making it a dependable backbone for virtualization, databases, HPC tasks, and private cloud deployments.

• Dual-socket, high-performance architecture: The 2U2E-F/ICX2 supports two Intel Xeon scalable processors in LGA-4189 sockets, delivering substantial computational power and multiprocessing headroom for virtualization, clustering, and data-intensive workloads. Paired with the Intel C621A chipset, this platform delivers robust I/O throughput and memory bandwidth essential for modern applications, enabling you to scale resources as your demand grows without swapping to a larger chassis.
• Massive, scalable memory footprint: With a total of 32 DDR4 memory slots, this barebone system supports DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) memory modules in multi-channel configurations. Whether you're consolidating virtual machines, running memory-heavy databases, or deploying in-memory data processing, the 2U2E-F/ICX2 provides the headroom to expand RAM density while maintaining reliable, error-tolerant operation in a rack-ready format.
• Storage versatility with NVMe acceleration: The chassis offers Serial ATA/600 RAID support alongside a built-in NVMe controller, enabling flexible storage configurations. You can leverage fast NVMe devices for boot drives, cache layers, and high-performance databases, while SATA drives can be used for bulk capacity and archival storage. This combination helps optimize cost, performance, and storage efficiency for diverse workloads.
• Enterprise-grade management and graphics capabilities: An ASPEED AST2500-based management controller provides out-of-band management, including remote monitoring, console access, and IPMI functionality. This dedicated management plane helps administrators provision, monitor, and troubleshoot servers remotely, reducing on-site visits and improving uptime. The integrated graphics controller further supports remote console operations when needed for early-stage provisioning or recovery tasks.
• Rack-ready, reliable 2U chassis with strong connectivity: The 2U2E-F/ICX2 is designed for standard data center racks, delivering dense compute in a compact footprint. It includes essential network connectivity (RJ-45) and scalable I/O options to suit gateway, storage, and virtualization roles. The chassis is built for reliability in enterprise deployments, offering solid power delivery, cooling compatibility, and expandability to accommodate evolving workloads over time.

Technical Details of ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2

• Form Factor: 2U rack-mountable barebone system
• Processor Sockets: 2 x LGA-4189 sockets (dual-socket support)
• Chipset: Intel C621A
• Memory: DDR4 SDRAM DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) with 32 total memory slots
• Storage: Serial ATA/600 RAID supported; NVMe controller included for high-speed storage options
• Graphics: ASPEED AST2500 management/graphics controller
• Networking: RJ-45 network connectivity for reliable Ethernet performance
• Expansion and I/O: Enterprise-focused I/O architecture designed to support virtualization, data processing, and storage acceleration in a 2U form factor

how to install ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2

• Prepare your installation space: Ensure you have a compatible 19-inch rack with adequate cooling, power provisioning, and cable management. Confirm that the ambient temperature and airflow meet server-grade requirements to keep dual CPUs and dense memory operating within recommended specifications.
• Secure the barebone chassis in the rack: Attach the rails and slide the chassis into position, ensuring the front panel, power, and management interfaces remain accessible for ongoing administration. Tighten rails and ensure the system is level and properly supported.
• Install the CPUs: Open the CPU trays for each LGA-4189 socket, carefully place the two Intel Xeon scalable processors, align the notches, and apply the appropriate thermal interface material or stock cooler as required by your CPU and chassis cooling solution. Secure the heatsinks and verify that all CPU power cables are connected to the motherboard as specified by ASRock Rack documentation.
• Populate memory: Install DDR4 DIMMs into the 32 memory slots, following recommended channel configurations to maximize memory bandwidth. Start with symmetric modules across channels and populate according to the motherboard’s guidance to achieve optimal performance and reliability.
• Install storage devices: Add NVMe drives and SATA storage as per your deployment plan. Connect any required cables to NVMe or SATA controllers, and configure drives in the BIOS/UEFI or RAID controller utility if you are planning to implement hardware RAID.
• Connect management and networking: Attach the management network cables to the dedicated IPMI/BMC interfaces if available, and connect primary network adapters to RJ-45 ports for host and management access. Ensure power distribution units (PDUs) provide stable, redundant power where possible.
• Power on and configure: Boot the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI to set fundamental options, including CPU and memory timings, boot order, and any storage controller configurations. Update firmware for the motherboard, management controller, and NVMe/SATA controllers as needed to maximize compatibility and performance.
• Install the operating system and drivers: Load a server-grade OS that supports multi-processor configurations and the PCIe and storage interfaces you’ve chosen. Install essential drivers for network, storage controllers, and management interfaces, and configure virtualization or clustering features as required by your environment.
• Enable remote management and monitoring: Access the ASPEED AST2500-based management interface to configure IPMI, alerting thresholds, users, and remote console access. Set up monitoring for temperature, fan speeds, voltages, and other critical health indicators to ensure proactive maintenance and rapid issue resolution.
• Plan for ongoing maintenance: Document firmware versions, component inventory, and rack location. Schedule regular updates and health checks, and maintain an update path for BIOS, BMC, storage controllers, and OS levels to guard against security vulnerabilities and performance regressions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many processors does the ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2 support? A: It is designed to support 2 x Intel Xeon scalable processors using the LGA-4189 sockets, enabling a dual-processor configuration for high-throughput workloads.
• Q: What is the memory capacity and type for this barebone? A: The system provides 32 total memory slots for DDR4 SDRAM running at 3200 MT/s (PC4-25600). This setup supports large memory footprints essential for virtualization, large databases, and memory-intensive applications.
• Q: Does the system include RAID and NVMe options? A: Yes, it offers Serial ATA/600 RAID support along with an NVMe controller, enabling fast boot strategies, caching, and high-speed storage configurations for demanding workloads.
• Q: What management features are included? A: The ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ICX2 includes an ASPEED AST2500-based management controller, providing out-of-band management capabilities such as remote monitoring, IPMI, and console access to simplify server administration and improve uptime.
• Q: Is this system suitable for data center rack deployment? A: Absolutely. Its 2U rack-mountable form factor is designed for standard data center racks, offering dense computing capability, scalable storage, and enterprise-grade reliability for virtualization, cloud, and HPC environments.