ASUS RS520QA-E13-RS8U 2U Server: 4 Independent Single-Socket Nodes, Each with 1x AMD EPYC 9005 CPU, 12-20x DDR5 DIMMs (5TB Max), 2x NVMe, 2x M.2, PCIe 5.0, and OCP 3.0

ASUS RS520QA-E13-RS8U: 2U4N High-Density Server with AMD EPYC 9005 Processors

Product Overview

The ASUS RS520QA-E13-RS8U is a high-density 2U rack server featuring four independent single-socket nodes (2U4N architecture), each powered by an AMD EPYC 9005 Series processor (Turin) . Designed for modern data centers requiring maximum compute density, this server delivers exceptional performance for high-performance computing (HPC), electronic design automation (EDA), cloud computing, virtualization, and memory-intensive workloads .

The innovative 2U4N form factor enables four independent server nodes within a standard 2U chassis, significantly reducing rack space requirements while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability and scalability.

Key Performance Capabilities

Per-Node AMD EPYC 9005 Processor Architecture

Each of the four nodes harnesses the power of a single AMD EPYC 9005 Series processor :

• Single AMD EPYC 9005 processor per node (SP5 socket, compatible with EPYC 9004 Series)

• Up to 192 Zen 5c cores per node (12-channel memory architecture)

• Max CPU TDP: Up to 500W with advanced air-cooling solution (400W at 35°C ambient)

• 3nm process technology for exceptional performance-per-watt

• PCIe 5.0 support: 128 lanes per CPU for high-speed I/O

High-Performance DDR5 Memory Architecture

Each node features a flexible memory architecture with optional CXL expansion :

The CXL memory expansion capability is a key differentiator — it overcomes traditional 2DPC speed limitations by keeping CPU-attached DIMMs at full 6400MHz speed while providing additional capacity via PCIe 5.0-connected CXL modules, delivering up to 96.7% additional memory bandwidth compared to traditional 2DPC designs .

Storage Configuration (Per Node)

PCIe 5.0 Expansion (Per Node)

Each node provides dedicated expansion capabilities :

Networking (Per Node)

Graphics and Management

• Integrated Graphics: ASPEED AST2600 with 64MB VRAM per node

• Remote Management: ASUS ASMB12-iKVM (BMC) for KVM-over-IP

• Management Software: ASUS Control Center

• Redfish API Support: For automated data center management

• Security: Root-of-Trust for hardware-level security

System-Wide Features

Advanced Air Cooling Design

The RS520QA-E13-RS8U employs an optimized air-cooling thermal solution for high-density 2U4N environments :

• Custom EVAC Heat Pipe Module: Direct-contact heat pipe design accelerates heat transfer from CPU to heatsink, supporting 500W TDP at 25°C ambient

• Independent PSU Airflow Path: Dedicated PSU cooling channel separates power supply thermal path from CPU node airflow, reducing PSU inlet temperature

• System Fans: 14 x 8080 high-performance fans for system-wide cooling

Flexible-Access Design

The front-access layout allows IT staff to service the server without entering hot aisles, enhancing convenience and uptime .

Tool-less Maintenance

The server features tool-less maintenance design including :

• Ergonomic carry handle

• Quick-release top cover

• Tool-less brackets for PCIe cards, M.2 risers, and backplane

Power Supply

• Configuration: 2+2 redundant or 1+1 redundant configurations available

• Power Options: 3200W 80 PLUS Titanium power supply units

• Redundancy: Complete power supply redundancy for high-availability deployments

Physical Specifications

Operating Environment

Key Applications

High-Density High-Performance Computing (HPC)

With four independent EPYC 9005 nodes in 2U (each up to 192 cores), the RS520QA-E13-RS8U delivers exceptional compute density for HPC clusters, scientific simulations, and research computing environments.

Electronic Design Automation (EDA)

Memory-intensive EDA workloads benefit from the flexible CXL memory expansion architecture, delivering up to 5TB memory per node with high bandwidth for chip design and verification tasks .

Cloud Computing and Virtualization

The 2U4N design with each node supporting up to 20 DIMM slots and PCIe 5.0 expansion enables high VM density for cloud infrastructure providers.

Memory-Intensive Workloads

The optional CXL memory expansion (up to 20 DIMMs per node, 5TB capacity) makes this server ideal for large-scale in-memory databases, real-time analytics, and big data processing.

Enterprise Data Centers

Front-access design, tool-less maintenance, and comprehensive management capabilities simplify deployment and operations in large-scale data center environments.

Why Choose ASUS RS520QA-E13-RS8U?

Conclusion

The ASUS RS520QA-E13-RS8U represents a breakthrough in high-density server design, combining four independent single-socket AMD EPYC 9005 nodes in a standard 2U form factor. With support for up to 20 DDR5 DIMMs per node (12 base + 8 CXL expansion), up to 5TB memory capacity per node, PCIe 5.0 expansion, and advanced air cooling supporting 500W TDP CPUs, this server delivers exceptional performance density for HPC, EDA, cloud computing, and memory-intensive workloads .

The innovative CXL memory expansion architecture overcomes traditional 2DPC speed limitations, delivering up to 96.7% additional memory bandwidth while reducing platform costs for high-density deployments . Combined with front-access design, tool-less maintenance, enterprise-grade management (ASMB12-iKVM with AST2600), and hardware-level Root-of-Trust security, the RS520QA-E13-RS8U is the ideal choice for organizations seeking to maximize compute density, memory capacity, and operational efficiency in modern data center environments .