Asus P12R-M/10G-2T Server Motherboard - Intel C252 Chipset

The Asus P12R-M/10G-2T Server Motherboard is a compact, powerhouse option designed to deliver enterprise-grade performance in a micro ATX form factor. Built around the Intel C252 chipset and an LGA 1200 socket, this motherboard brings the reliability and scalability needed for small data centers, NAS appliances, virtualization hosts, and edge deployments. It combines robust CPU support with dual 10G Ethernet, flexible storage, and PCIe 4.0 expansion to handle demanding workloads while fitting into space-constrained chassis. With four DIMM slots, a dedicated M.2 slot, and a wealth of I/O, it is engineered to provide a balanced blend of performance, expandability, and manageability. ASUS also incorporates advanced management features, including ASMB10-iKVM for remote control and Platform Firmware Resilience (PFR) to safeguard firmware integrity—ensuring your server stays online and secure in the face of evolving workloads and threats. Whether you are building a compact virtualized environment, a high-availability file server, or a cost-efficient edge node, this motherboard offers the right mix of speed, resilience, and ease of deployment.

• High-performance processing for demanding workloads: The Asus P12R-M/10G-2T is built to support Intel Xeon E-2300 series processors, delivering robust multi-threaded performance essential for virtualization, database operations, and file services. The LGA 1200 socket ensures compatibility with current generation Xeon CPUs, while the C252 chipset provides solid I/O bandwidth and reliability. Four DIMM slots unlock flexible memory configurations, enabling sizeable RAM pools that improve cache efficiency, VMs performance, and responsiveness under concurrent tasks. In real-world scenarios, this translates to smoother multi-VM operation, faster builds, and more responsive data services during peak usage periods.
• Dual 10G LAN for fast, reliable networking and storage traffic: Equipped with two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this motherboard is primed for high-speed network traffic, rapid backups, and efficient virtual machine migration. Dual 10G LAN allows you to segment traffic, dedicate one interface to management or storage networks, and maintain low latency across services. For small to medium deployments, this means improved throughput for NAS shares, remote backups, and live migration without sacrificing performance on other tasks. The dual-port design also provides redundancy options, enabling higher uptime in critical environments.
• Flexible storage architecture and expansion options: With six SATA ports and a dedicated M.2 slot, you gain multiple avenues to configure storage. The M.2 interface enables speedy OS drives or cache devices, while the SATA ports support high-capacity HDDs or SSD arrays for data volumes and backups. For environments that require acceleration, you can pair NVMe-based drives with PCIe expansion cards on the two PCIe 4.0 slots, delivering excellent data throughput for databases, media libraries, or virtualization storage backends. The combination of M.2 and SATA offers a versatile storage strategy that scales with your growing needs while keeping the footprint compact.
• Advanced management, firmware resilience, and security: ASUS includes Platform Firmware Resilience (PFR) to protect firmware integrity and reduce the risk of boot-time malware or corruption. The ASMB10-iKVM remote management module provides out-of-band access, enabling you to monitor, control, and troubleshoot the system even when the operating system is unavailable. This combination of features minimizes downtime, simplifies remote administration, and enhances security posture, making it easier to manage servers in headless or distant locations.
• User-friendly I/O and a compact footprint for modern deployments: The board’s Micro-ATX form factor fits a wide range of compact chassis while still delivering a productive set of I/O options. Onboard HDMI offers a local video output for troubleshooting or initial setup in environments where you don’t yet rely on remote access. USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide fast peripheral connectivity for installers and administrators, while the two PCIe 4.0 expansion slots enable a breadth of add-ons—from network cards to storage controllers and accelerators—without compromising space in dense rack or chassis environments. This thoughtful design makes it easier to deploy, upgrade, and maintain a flexible server platform over its lifecycle.

Technical Details of Asus P12R-M/10G-2T Server Motherboard

• Model: Asus P12R-M/10G-2T
• Chipset: Intel C252
• CPU Socket: LGA 1200
• CPU Compatibility: Intel Xeon E-2300 Series
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• Memory: 4 DIMM slots (capacity depends on module size and CPU specifications)
• Memory Type: DDR4 supported by Xeon E-2300 platform (verify motherboard QVL for memory compatibility)
• Storage: 6 x SATA ports; 1 x M.2 slot
• Graphics: 1 x HDMI output
• PCIe Slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0 slots
• Networking: 2 x 10 Gb Ethernet ports
• USB: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
• Management: ASMB10-iKVM PCIe 4.0 Ready; Platform Firmware Resilience (PFR)
• Other: Comprehensive BIOS options, diagnostic indicators, and chassis-friendly design for quick deployment

How to install Asus P12R-M/10G-2T Server Motherboard

• Prepare your workspace and chassis: Ensure you have a compatible micro-ATX case with adequate airflow and a power supply adequate for your planned CPU, memory, and storage configuration. Have an anti-static mat or strap ready to protect components during installation.
• Install the CPU and cooler: Place the Intel Xeon E-2300 series processor into the LGA 1200 socket, aligning the notches and golden triangles as indicated by the motherboard manual. Apply an appropriate amount of thermal paste if your cooler does not include pre-applied paste, then mount the cooling solution firmly to ensure efficient heat dissipation under load.
• Seat memory modules in the four DIMM slots: Install the RAM in the recommended channels, typically in pairs for optimal performance. Verify the memory speed supported by the CPU and board and avoid mixing modules of significantly different speeds to maintain reliability and stable operation.
• Attach storage devices: Install the M.2 SSD into the onboard M.2 slot and connect any required SATA drives to the six SATA ports. If using multiple drives, plan your storage layout for boot and data storage to simplify BIOS boot order and RAID or software-defined storage configurations.
• Mount the motherboard and connect cables: Secure the board to the chassis with standoffs, then connect main power and auxiliary power cables, SATA data cables, and USB headers as required. Route cables for clean airflow and easy access, ensuring the dual 10G LAN connectors remain unobstructed for network cabling.
• Power up and configure in BIOS/UEFI: After the initial power-on, enter the BIOS to configure boot order, enable required storage and network features, and update firmware if needed. Activate Platform Firmware Resilience (PFR) options and set up ASMB10-iKVM remote management to simplify future maintenance and monitoring of the system.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs are supported on this motherboard? A: The Asus P12R-M/10G-2T supports Intel Xeon E-2300 series processors on the LGA 1200 socket. For best compatibility, ensure you’re using a processor on the supported SKU list and that BIOS firmware is updated to the latest version.
• Q: How many memory slots and what is the memory configuration? A: It provides four DIMM slots, offering scalable memory capacity based on the installed modules. Memory compatibility and maximum capacity depend on the CPU, memory type, and motherboard QVL; consult official documentation for exact figures in your configuration.
• Q: Does the board feature dual 10G Ethernet? A: Yes. Two 10 Gb Ethernet ports are integrated on the motherboard, enabling high-speed networking and efficient separation of management, storage, and data traffic when needed.
• Q: Is remote management available? A: Yes, the ASUS ASMB10-iKVM module provides out-of-band remote management, while Platform Firmware Resilience (PFR) protects firmware integrity to reduce downtime and security risks.
• Q: Can I add expansion cards or GPUs? A: The motherboard offers two PCIe 4.0 expansion slots, allowing you to add storage controllers, network cards, accelerators, or GPUs suitable for your workload, within the power and cooling limits of your chassis.