ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ROME2 Barebone System — Dual-Processor 2U Rackmount Powerhouse

The ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ROME2 Barebone System is engineered for enterprise-grade performance in a compact 2U footprint. Built to host dual AMD EPYC processors on the LGA-4094 socket, this barebone chassis is purpose-built for dense data centers, virtualization, and compute-heavy workloads that demand scalable memory, fast storage, and robust management. Designed to simplify rack deployment while maximizing flexibility, the 2U2E-F/ROME2 provides a solid foundation for a reliable, highly configurable server platform that you can tailor to your specific workloads. With support for DDR4-3200 memory, NVMe RAID capabilities, multiple storage interfaces, and integrated remote management, this barebone system delivers the performance, efficiency, and control modern enterprises expect.

• Dual-processor capability: Supports two AMD EPYC processors on the LGA-4094 socket, enabling extremely scalable compute for virtualization, database services, and high-throughput workloads. This design is ideal for workloads that benefit from multi-socket performance, large cache, and memory bandwidth.
• 2U rack-mountable efficiency: A rugged 2U chassis engineered for dense data-center deployments. Its compact form factor optimizes rack space while preserving cooling efficiency and accessible maintenance, making it a practical backbone for growing enterprise environments.
• High-speed memory support: DDR4 SDRAM with DDR4-3200 data rate and PC4-25600 bandwidth. This memory profile enables substantial memory capacity and bandwidth to handle virtualization, in-memory databases, and multi-threaded enterprise applications.
• Flexible storage connectivity: NVMe RAID support combined with Serial ATA/600 controller options and two M.2 interfaces. This combination delivers fast boot and cache performance, software-defined storage flexibility, and streamlined data pipelines for latency-sensitive workloads.
• Integrated management and graphics: ASPEED AST2500 graphics subsystem provides robust remote management capabilities, console access, and system monitoring. This feature enhances remote administration, reduces on-site maintenance, and simplifies troubleshooting while supporting essential I/O and management tasks.

Technical Details of ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ROME2 Barebone System

• Form Factor: 2U rack-mountable chassis designed for dense data-center deployment.
• Socket/Processors: Socket LGA-4094 with support for two AMD EPYC processors, enabling two-socket performance for compute-intensive workloads.
• Memory: Supports DDR4 SDRAM at DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) speeds, providing high-bandwidth memory for virtualization, databases, and heavy-IO applications.
• Storage Interfaces: NVMe RAID capability paired with Serial ATA/600 controller support to maximize storage flexibility and throughput.
• M.2 Interfaces: 2 x M.2 interfaces for fast boot drives, caching, or data-tiering options, enabling compact, high-performance storage configurations.
• Graphics/Management: ASPEED AST2500 graphics controller to enable reliable remote management, KVM over IP, and console access for out-of-band administration.
• Expansion & IO: Designed to accommodate essential I/O and expansion needs for enterprise deployments, with configurations optimized for reliability and ease of serviceability.
• Networking (where applicable): Integrated networking options are aligned with enterprise-grade server environments, designed to support virtualized networks and data-center connectivity, while leaving room for additional NICs if needed.

How to Install ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ROME2 Barebone System

• Confirm compatibility: Verify that the CPUs you intend to install are compatible with the LGA-4094 socket and that the server environment (power, cooling, and rack space) meets the chassis requirements for a dual-processor configuration.
• Rack mounting: Install rails and slide the barebone chassis into the rack. Secure the chassis according to your data-center standards, ensuring stable alignment and adequate clearance for cable routing and airflow.
• Power and cooling: Connect the redundant power supplies (as supported by the chassis) and verify cooling airflow. Ensure fans and heat dissipation meet the thermal design requirements for dual-processor operation to maintain stable performance under load.
• CPU and memory installation: Install the AMD EPYC processors in the LGA-4094 sockets following the manufacturer’s guidance for thermal interface material and mounting. Install DDR4-3200 DIMMs in the supported memory slots, populating channels to achieve optimal memory bandwidth and NUMA performance.
• Storage configuration: Add NVMe SSDs and/or SATA drives through the NVMe RAID controller and Serial ATA controller as needed. Install two M.2 drives to enable fast boot and caching options, configuring RAID or RAID-like modes as required by your workload and OS.
• Management and POST: Connect management cables and ensure the ASPEED AST2500 controller can communicate with remote management tools. Boot into the BIOS/UEFI to configure core settings, memory profiles, and storage priorities. Enable any required IPMI or remote KVM features for easier off-site administration.
• Operating system installation: Install your chosen OS on the primary boot device. Configure virtualization features, storage arrays, and network settings per your deployment plan. Apply security hardening, update firmware, and verify hardware health through the management interface.
• Post-install optimization: Fine-tune BIOS settings for power efficiency and performance, set up NVMe RAID arrays or software-defined storage as needed, and validate system stability under representative workloads. Document your hardware configuration for future maintenance and upgrades.
• Ongoing maintenance: Regularly monitor temperature, fan speeds, and voltages via the AST2500 interface, schedule firmware updates, and maintain a baseline configuration for rapid recovery in case of anomalies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the ASRock Rack 2U2E-F/ROME2 Barebone System? It is a barebone server chassis designed to host dual AMD EPYC processors, providing a scalable, high-performance foundation for virtualization, databases, and other enterprise workloads in a 2U rack-mountable form factor.
• What processors does it support? The system supports two AMD EPYC processors on the Socket LGA-4094, enabling dual-socket performance for demanding workloads.
• What memory does it accept? It supports DDR4 SDRAM at DDR4-3200 with PC4-25600 bandwidth, allowing high-speed memory configurations to boost virtualization and data-processing tasks.
• Does it support NVMe RAID? Yes. The barebone includes NVMe RAID capabilities along with a Serial ATA/600 controller for flexible storage configurations and high-speed data transfer.
• How is management handled? Management is facilitated by the ASPEED AST2500 graphics/controller, providing robust remote management, console access, and system monitoring for hands-off administration and rapid troubleshooting.
• Is this a plug-and-play server? While it provides the essential barebone platform and expansion potential, you will need to install CPUs, memory, and storage, as well as configure BIOS settings and OS installation to achieve a fully functional server tailored to your workloads.