ASRock Rack 4U36L2E-ROME2/2T Barebone System — Dual-Processor 4U Rackmount Server

The ASRock Rack 4U36L2E-ROME2/2T Barebone System is a high-density, enterprise-grade foundation purpose-built for data centers, HPC environments, and demanding workloads. Engineered around a dual-processor configuration with Socket LGA-4094, this 4U rack-mountable chassis delivers exceptional expandability, robust memory support, and flexible storage options designed to scale with your business. Designed for professionals who require reliability, performance, and convenience in one compact 4U footprint, this barebone system gives you the freedom to configure processors, memory, storage, and management features to meet your exact workload requirements.

• Dual-processor capability in a 4U chassis: Supports 2 x processors on the AMD platform with a Socket LGA-4094, delivering strong multi-threaded performance and the headroom you need for virtualization, database workloads, and compute-intensive tasks.
• Extensive memory expansion: Up to 16 DDR4 memory slots with DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) modules, enabling large memory footprints to accelerate in-memory databases, analytics, and virtualization without sacrificing speed.
• Massive storage potential: 36 x 3.5" drive bays provide extraordinary storage density for enterprise workloads, backups, archives, and high-capacity data pipelines, complemented by flexible NVMe and SATA backplane options for fast data access.
• Advanced management and graphics: ASRock Rack builds in an ASPEED AST2500-based management/remote console solution, enabling out-of-band management, remote KVM, and system monitoring for streamlined administration and reduced on-site visits.
• Network versatility and scalability: Includes 2 RJ-45 network ports for reliable connectivity, virtualization networking, and high-throughput data transfer, making this barebone system a solid backbone for scalable, multi-node deployments.

Technical Details of ASRock Rack 4U36L2E-ROME2/2T Barebone System

• Form Factor: 4U rack-mountable chassis designed to maximize data-center rack efficiency and density.
• CPU Support: Dual-socket configuration with Socket LGA-4094 for AMD-based processors, enabling tested multi-processor performance for virtualization, HPC, and enterprise workloads.
• Memory: 16 total memory slots supporting DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600) modules, providing ample headroom for memory-intensive applications and large-scale virtualization.
• Storage and Controllers: NVMe and Serial ATA/600 controller options deliver flexible storage configurations, from ultra-fast NVMe drives to high-capacity SATA storage for archival and backup needs.
• Drive Bays: 36 x 3.5" bays, delivering substantial raw storage capacity and expandability for bulk data, media libraries, and enterprise workloads that require dense storage arrays.
• Management: ASPEED AST2500-based management processor offers robust remote management capabilities, KVM over IP, and system monitoring to simplify administration and improve uptime.
• Networking: 2 x RJ-45 network ports for reliable, scalable networking options, enabling straightforward integration into existing data-center networks and virtualization environments.
• Build and Use Case: This is a barebone system designed to be paired with your preferred CPUs, memory, and storage configurations to create a tailor-made server for virtualization, data analytics, HPC, or enterprise workloads.

How to Install ASRock Rack 4U36L2E-ROME2/2T Barebone System

Installing this barebone system involves assembling the core components inside the 4U chassis, configuring the memory and storage, and preparing the server for deployment in your data-center rack. Follow these general steps to build a stable, high-performance server environment:

Step 1: Prepare the chassis and workspace
Ensure you have a clean, static-free workspace, the correct rack rails, and a compatible power source. Verify that your rack environment has adequate cooling and power capacity for a dual-processor, high-drive-density configuration. Gather compatible AMD processors for LGA-4094 sockets, high-quality DDR4-3200 memory modules, and the NVMe/SATA storage devices you plan to deploy.

Step 2: Install the processors
Open the CPU installation area, apply the appropriate thermal interface material as needed, and carefully seat the two AMD processors into the LGA-4094 sockets. Secure each processor with the designated retention mechanism and ensure proper alignment for correct pin contact. Install any required heatsinks or cooling assemblies, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for fan placement and airflow direction to maintain optimal thermal performance.

Step 3: Populate memory
Install DDR4-3200 DIMMs into the 16 memory slots in the recommended channel configuration for dual-socket operation. For best performance and stability, populate memory in balanced banks across both CPU sockets and follow the motherboard or chassis documentation for population order. Verify memory recognition in the BIOS during initial POST to confirm proper detection of all installed modules.

Step 4: Configure storage and backplanes
Connect NVMe drives and SATA storage to the supported backplanes or directly to the motherboard/controller interfaces as provided by the chassis. Ensure all NVMe devices are secured and correctly cabled for PCIe bandwidth and power. If you are using a backplane, verify hot-swap functionality and drive identification to simplify maintenance and upgrades in production environments.

Step 5: Connect management, networking, and power
Attach management cables to the ASPEED AST2500 controller for out-of-band management and remote administration. Connect the two RJ-45 network ports to your corporate network or lab environment. Install the power supplies and connect to a stable power source with appropriate surge protection. Perform an initial power-on self-test (POST) to verify core hardware initialization before loading your operating system.

Step 6: Install an operating system and drivers
With the hardware detected and stable, install your preferred server OS (Linux, Windows, or hypervisor). Install motherboard/chassis drivers as needed and apply any firmware updates to the BIOS, BMC, and manageability components. Configure RAID or storage controllers, if applicable, and establish boot sequences that align with your deployment strategy.

Step 7: Validation and deployment
Run stability and stress testing to validate memory, CPU, and storage subsystems under load. Implement monitoring configurations for temperature, fan speeds, and power consumption to preempt potential issues. Once validated, deploy your workloads, virtual machines, or containers and monitor performance to ensure the system meets your service-level objectives.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the ASRock Rack 4U36L2E-ROME2/2T best suited for?
  A: Its dual-processor AMD-based design with 16 memory slots and 36 drive bays makes it ideal for virtualization environments, data-intensive databases, HPC clusters, and high-capacity storage applications where density, expandability, and performance are critical.
• Q: How many CPUs and memory can I install?
  A: The system supports 2 processors (dual-socket) with up to 16 DDR4 memory slots for scalable memory configurations, enabling a robust multi-CPU, multi-VM environment.
• Q: What storage options are available?
  A: The chassis supports NVMe and Serial ATA/600 storage options, along with 36 x 3.5" drive bays for high-capacity storage deployments and flexible data access patterns.
• Q: What management features are included?
  A: The ASPEED AST2500 controller provides remote management capabilities for monitoring, KVM over IP, and out-of-band administration to simplify data-center operations and improve uptime.
• Q: Is this a ready-to-run server or a barebone?
  A: This is a barebone system designed to be customized with your preferred CPUs, memory, and storage to fit your exact requirements. It provides the chassis, backplanes, and essential management hardware, allowing you to build a tailored enterprise server.
• Q: What networking options are available?
  A: The system includes 2 RJ-45 network ports, enabling basic connectivity and virtualization networking out of the box, with room to add additional NICs or accelerators as needed.