ASRock Rack 2U4G-C621WS Barebone System — Dual-CPU 2U Rackmount Server

Experience uncompromising performance and versatile scalability with the ASRock Rack 2U4G-C621WS Barebone System. Crafted for enterprise workloads, this robust 2U chassis is designed to host two processors, delivering exceptional multi-threaded performance for virtualization, databases, high-performance computing, and storage-heavy deployments. Built around the Intel C621 chipset, it delivers dependable I/O bandwidth, memory efficiency, and a flexible foundation for customization. This barebone system is a reliable canvas for data-center professionals who demand reliable density, strong expandability, and a platform that can grow with evolving workloads.

As a purpose-built barebone, the 2U4G-C621WS provides the essential chassis, motherboard, and core components needed to assemble a powerful dual-processor server. It is optimized for data-center reliability, energy-conscious operation, and straightforward integration into existing clusters. With support for high-capacity DDR4 memory, fast NVMe storage, RAID capabilities, and remote management options, this platform is well-suited for virtualization farms, cloud edge nodes, archival storage, and database servers. Its 2U form factor maximizes rack efficiency while maintaining ample room for future expansion, ensuring you can scale resources as your workloads and user demands grow.

• Dual-processor power with Intel C621 — The system is engineered to accommodate 2 x processors on the Intel C621 platform, delivering outstanding multi-threaded performance for virtualization, containerized workloads, and workloads that demand parallel processing. Dual sockets enable higher core counts, memory bandwidth, and better headroom for future upgrades, making it a solid foundation for mission-critical servers and scalable clusters.
• Massive DDR4 memory capacity — With up to 156 GB of DDR4 SDRAM across 12 total memory slots, this barebone supports memory-intensive applications with ample headroom for in-memory databases, large-scale virtualization, and caching layers. DDR4-2666/PC4-21300 speeds optimize latency and bandwidth, helping batch processing, analytics, and real-time workloads run smoother under heavy load.
• Flexible storage and NVMe acceleration — The platform provides Serial ATA/600 RAID support for reliable data protection and performance, alongside an NVMe controller and two M.2 slots. This combination allows fast boot drives, rapid data access, and cache acceleration to boost I/O throughput for databases, virtualization storage, and high-speed analytics.
• Management, graphics, and reliable networking — An integrated ASPEED AST2500 processor delivers 4 GB of graphics memory for robust video output and remote management capabilities, enabling efficient console access, IPMI/BMC functions, and out-of-band control. RJ-45 networking provides dependable network connectivity for clustering, file services, and remote administration, ensuring you can manage fleets of nodes with ease.
• Enterprise-ready design and expandability — The 2U rack-mountable chassis is built for data-center reliability and long-term operation. Its layout supports expansion and future upgrades, enabling you to add additional storage, PCIe cards, or network interfaces as your infrastructure evolves. The result is a flexible, future-proof platform that aligns with enterprise IT strategies for virtualization, storage, and scalable compute.

Technical Details of ASRock Rack 2U4G-C621WS Barebone System

• Form Factor: 2U rack-mountable chassis designed for enterprise data centers.
• CPU Support: 2 x Processor Support (two sockets) for dual-processor configurations.
• Chipset: Intel C621 chipset providing enterprise-grade I/O and memory bandwidth.
• Memory: Up to 156 GB DDR4 SDRAM 2666 MT/s (DDR4-2666/PC4-21300) across 12 total memory slots.
• Memory Slots: 12 DIMM slots for flexible capacity and performance tuning.
• Storage and RAID: Serial ATA/600 RAID support; NVMe controller; 2 M.2 slots for NVMe/SSD experiences to accelerate boot and data paths.
• Graphics: ASPEED AST2500 with 4 GB graphics memory for remote management and screen output.
• Networking: RJ-45 network ports for standard Ethernet connectivity (and integration with IPMI/BMC features).

How to Install ASRock Rack 2U4G-C621WS Barebone System

Installing this barebone server involves populating the chassis with the appropriate CPUs, memory, and storage, then configuring the system for optimal performance. Because this is a barebone, CPUs, memory modules, and drives are not included by default, so you will select and install components that meet your performance and capacity requirements. Follow these general guidelines to ensure a smooth, reliable build and deployment.

• Plan and verify compatibility: Confirm processor model compatibility with the Intel C621 chipset and ensure your memory modules meet supported speeds and timings. Check power requirements and cooling solutions appropriate for a dual-socket 2U design to prevent thermal throttling in dense workloads.
• Install CPUs and cooling: Open the CPU sockets and carefully install both compatible processors according to the motherboard’s guidelines. Apply thermal interface material and secure cooling solutions, ensuring proper seating and clearance for fans and airflow within the 2U chassis.
• Populate memory modules: Install DDR4 DIMMs into the 12 slots following the recommended population order from the motherboard manual. Align modules for maximum speed and stability, and enable XMP or equivalent profiles in the BIOS if your workload benefits from aggressive memory settings.
• Configure storage options: Insert NVMe drives into the M.2 slots and install any SATA drives into dedicated bays or backplanes as needed. Set up RAID configurations via the controller BIOS or RAID software to protect critical data and optimize performance for your applications.
• Connect management, networking, and power: Attach management networks for IPMI/BMC access and connect required RJ-45 networks for cluster or storage communications. Install power supplies, verify proper airflow, and perform an initial power-on self-test to confirm fans, lights, and indicators operate correctly.
• Initial boot and configuration: Power on and enter system BIOS/UEFI to configure boot order, CPU modes, memory timings, and RAID setup. Update BIOS firmware if needed and install your chosen operating system via bootable media or NVMe/RAID paths. Validate system stability with a baseline workload and monitor temperatures and fan speeds to ensure healthy operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the ASRock Rack 2U4G-C621WS a complete server or a barebone chassis?

  A: It is a barebone system designed to be populated with CPUs, memory, and storage by the user. This chassis provides the dual-socket motherboard, chassis, and essential components; CPUs, RAM, and drives are not included by default, allowing you to customize configurations for virtualization, databases, or storage nodes.

• Q: What processors does it support?

  A: It supports two processors (two sockets) using Intel Xeon family CPUs compatible with the Intel C621 chipset, enabling dual-CPU configurations for high parallel workloads and large virtualization environments.

• Q: How much memory can be installed and at what speeds?

  A: Up to 156 GB of DDR4 RAM across 12 DIMM slots, with memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 (PC4-21300). This setup supports memory-intensive tasks and helps maintain performance under concurrent workloads.

• Q: What storage options are available?

  A: The system provides Serial ATA/600 RAID support for data protection and performance, along with an NVMe controller and two M.2 slots for fast boot and data drives, enabling flexible configurations for OS installations, caching, and high-speed storage pools.

• Q: Does it offer remote management and what about networking?

  A: Yes. The ASPEED AST2500 graphics processor supports remote management features, including IPMI/BMC access for out-of-band control, while RJ-45 networking provides dependable network connectivity for clusters, storage networks, and remote administration.

• Q: Is this chassis suitable for data-center deployments?

  A: Absolutely. The 2U rack-mountable barebone is designed for enterprise data centers, virtualization clusters, storage nodes, and other demanding workloads, offering dual-CPU capability, substantial memory capacity, flexible storage, and robust management features to support scalable IT environments.