ASRock Rack X570D4I-2T Server Motherboard
The ASRock Rack X570D4I-2T is a mini-ITX (6.7" × 6.7" / 170 × 170 mm) server/workstation motherboard based on the AMD X570 chipset with an AM4 socket. It supports AMD Ryzen 3000 series (Matisse) natively and Ryzen 5000 series (Vermeer) via BIOS update. The "-2T" suffix denotes dual 10GbE Intel X550-AT2 networking; the X570D4I-NL variant adds dual Intel X710 10GbE plus dual Intel i210 1GbE.
Manufactured by ASRock Rack, the server/workstation division of ASRock Inc. (Taiwan). The board has been in production since approximately 2020.
Despite using the consumer AMD X570 chipset and AM4 socket (desktop Ryzen, not EPYC), this is a server-class board: ECC memory support, IPMI/BMC out-of-band management, and 10GbE networking distinguish it from consumer X570 motherboards. The mini-ITX form factor makes it suitable for dense storage nodes and compact servers.
Specifications
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU | AM4 socket. AMD Ryzen 3000 (Matisse) native; Ryzen 5000 (Vermeer) via BIOS update. Per ASRock Rack specifications, also supports Ryzen PRO, Ryzen 4000G (Renoir), and Athlon 3000G (Picasso) APUs. |
| Chipset | AMD X570 (consumer chipset with server-class board features) |
| Memory | 4× DDR4 SO-DIMM (dual-channel). UDIMM/ECC UDIMM. Speeds: 3200/2933/2666/2400 MT/s. Max: 128 GB (4× 32 GB). ECC supported and recommended. |
| PCIe | 1× PCIe 4.0 x16 (directly from CPU). 1× M.2 Key M 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 from CPU, or SATA). 1× M.2 Key M 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4 from X570 chipset). |
| Storage | 8× SATA III 6 Gb/s via X570 chipset — 2 native SATA ports + 6 additional via OCuLink connectors when set to SATA mode. 2× OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4 each, switchable between PCIe and SATA modes via BIOS). |
| Networking | 2× 10GbE RJ-45 (Intel X550-AT2). 1× dedicated IPMI/BMC port. |
| BMC | ASPEED AST2500. AMI MegaRAC. IPMI 2.0, KVM over IP, virtual media, SOL. |
| Fan headers | 3× 4-pin PWM fan headers |
| Power | 24-pin ATX + 8-pin EPS. 500W+ PSU recommended due to X570 chipset power draw. |
| Display | VGA via BMC (AST2500 integrated). HDMI from APU (if APU installed). |
| CPU cooler | Intel LGA1156-style mounting holes (not standard AM4 mounting). Requires LGA1156-compatible cooler or AM4-to-LGA1156 adapter bracket. |
| Form factor | Mini-ITX (170 × 170 mm / 6.7" × 6.7") |
| Manufacturer | ASRock Rack (ASRock Inc., Taiwan) |
Variants
| Model | Networking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X570D4I-2T | 2× 10GbE (Intel X550-AT2) | Dual 10GbE variant |
| X570D4I-NL | 2× 10GbE (Intel X710) + 2× 1GbE (Intel i210) | Network-optimized variant |
OCuLink (SATA/PCIe switching)
The 2× OCuLink connectors are the board's most distinctive storage feature. Unlike the EPYCD8-2T (where OCuLink appears to be PCIe-only), the X570D4I-2T supports per-port SATA/PCIe mode switching in the BIOS.
BIOS location: Advanced → Chipset Configuration → OCU1/OCU2 Mode Selection
| Mode | Function | Ports exposed |
|---|---|---|
| PCIE (default) | PCIe 4.0 x4 per OCuLink port | For U.2 NVMe drives |
| SATA | 6 additional SATA ports via X570 chipset | For SATA HDDs/SSDs via OCuLink-to-SATA breakout cables |
When both OCuLink ports are set to SATA mode, the board provides 8 total SATA ports (2 native + 6 via OCuLink). This makes the mini-ITX board competitive with larger NAS boards for drive count.
Critical warning: BIOS flash resets OCuLink mode to the default (PCIE). If SATA drives are connected via OCuLink, they become invisible after a BIOS update until the mode is manually switched back to SATA in BIOS setup. This has caused post-flash "missing drives" incidents in production.
BIOS
Known BIOS versions
| Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| P1.20 | Early firmware |
| P2.20 | Stable release. Shipped on many units. |
| L2.14 | Stable. Confirmed working in production with OCuLink SATA mode. All SATA ports are chipset-routed (X570); the BIOS label "Vermeer SATA" is a naming convention, not a routing indicator — these ports do not connect through the CPU. |
| L2.29 | Widely reported as stable by ServeTheHome forum users (as of early 2025). Often recommended as the preferred version for Ryzen 3000 deployments. |
| L2.50 | Problematic. Multiple ServeTheHome forum reports of instability, POST failures, and boot issues. Generally avoided in favor of L2.29 for Ryzen 3000 deployments. |
| L2.60 Beta | Available via ASRock support. Ryzen 5000 series support. Mixed reports. |
Ryzen 5000 (Vermeer) support
Ryzen 5000 series support requires a beta BIOS (L2.60 or later). Community reports indicate that Vermeer support works but some BIOS versions introduce instability. L2.29 is widely considered the most stable version for Ryzen 3000.
BIOS quirks
- BIOS flash resets ALL settings to defaults. Standard AMI behavior. All SATA mode, OCuLink mode, power-on, and sleep settings revert. A post-flash checklist of 5 settings must be reconfigured (see Production deployment checklist).
- No CMOS clear jumper. CMOS clear requires shorting solder pads on the PCB or removing the CMOS battery. This makes emergency CMOS reset difficult without physical access to the board.
- 500W+ PSU recommended. The X570 chipset draws significantly more power than typical server chipsets. Underpowered PSUs (300W–400W) have been reported to cause instability under load, particularly with multiple drives.
- CPU configuration options work (unlike the EPYCD8-2T where Rome ignores them). PSS, SVM, and other AMD options are functional (verified on Ryzen 3000 series with L2.14).
Where to get BIOS updates
- ASRock Rack official: asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=X570D4I-2T (Downloads tab)
- ASRock support contact: For beta versions (L2.60), contact ASRock Rack support directly.
- BMC web interface: Remote flash via Maintenance → BIOS Update in the BMC web UI. This is the only remote method — the REST API does not work on firmware 1.80.
- ServeTheHome community: Forum threads contain links and discussions of specific versions.
BMC (ASPEED AST2500)
Capabilities
IPMI 2.0 remote management with HTML5 KVM over IP, virtual media, SOL (Serial over LAN), sensor monitoring, and remote power control. The KVM uses WebSocket-based video streaming from the ASPEED video encoder.
Factory default credentials: admin / admin. IPMI is accessible via a dedicated management network port, isolated from the production network.
Known BMC firmware versions
| Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1.80 | Shipped on production units. REST API returns "Invalid API Call" — not usable for automation. BIOS flash must be done via web UI. |
BMC REST API (non-functional on fw 1.80)
The AMI MegaRAC BMC REST API at /api/ endpoints returns "Invalid API Call" on firmware version 1.80. This means standard IPMI-over-LAN commands work (power control, sensor reading, SOL), but REST-based automation (firmware upload, configuration) does not. Remote BIOS flash requires browser-based or Playwright-automated access to the BMC web UI.
Sensor reliability (CRITICAL — known bad sensors)
On firmware 1.80, two sensor groups are permanently non-functional:
| Sensor | IPMI reading | Actual value (BIOS) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCPU | Always 0.190V | ~1.0–1.4V (normal) | BROKEN — never trust |
| DDR4 A1/A2/B1/B2 Temp | Always "na" | 35–50°C (normal) | BROKEN — never trust |
| PSU1/PSU2 (all) | All "na" | N/A (single PSU, not wired) | Expected — not applicable |
Reliable sensors: 3VSB, 5VSB, 3V, 5V, 12V (PSU rails), VSOC, VCCM, APU_VDDP, PM_* (chipset/SoC voltages), BAT (CMOS battery), MB Temp, Card Side Temp, X570 Temp (board temperatures), FAN1/2/3 (fan RPMs).
Warning: The broken VCPU sensor has caused false "dead CPU" diagnoses in production. A board showing VCPU = 0.190V via IPMI may have a perfectly functional CPU running code. Never conclude CPU failure from IPMI VCPU readings on this board. Always verify via BMC KVM console.
BMC ROM bit rot
The same ASPEED AST2500 flash memory degradation documented on the EPYCD8-2T applies to this board. Recovery via socflash utility under Linux with the appropriate firmware image.
Networking (Intel X550-AT2)
The dual Intel X550-AT2 provides 2× 10GbE RJ-45 (10GBASE-T). The X550 is well-supported in Linux with the ixgbe driver (included in mainline kernels since 4.x).
The X550-AT2 chips generate significant heat on this board. The mini-ITX form factor provides less airflow than ATX boards, making adequate case ventilation important. Community reports indicate the X550 area can exceed 80°C without directed airflow.
A separate dedicated IPMI/BMC network port connects to the ASPEED AST2500. This port is independent of the host OS and operates even when the system is powered off (standby power only).
Memory
4× DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (dual-channel, 2 DIMMs per channel). Supports unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM) and unbuffered ECC DIMM. Maximum 128 GB with 4× 32 GB modules.
This board uses SO-DIMM (laptop-style) memory, not full-size DIMMs. This is a consequence of the mini-ITX form factor — there is insufficient PCB area for standard DIMM slots.
ECC is supported and recommended for server use. The AMD Ryzen memory controller supports ECC with compatible motherboards; this board exposes the ECC capability.
CPU cooler mounting
The X570D4I-2T uses Intel LGA1156-style cooler mounting holes, not standard AM4 mounting. This is an unusual design choice — an AM4-socket board that requires Intel-pattern coolers. Standard AM4 coolers (including AMD stock coolers) will not fit without an adapter bracket.
Compatible cooler types:
- Intel LGA1156 / LGA1155 / LGA1150 coolers (direct fit)
- AM4 coolers with LGA115x adapter brackets
- Low-profile coolers recommended due to mini-ITX case height constraints
Thermal considerations
The X570 chipset runs significantly hotter than typical server chipsets. Combined with the dense mini-ITX layout:
- X570 chipset: The chipset heatsink on this board is passive — unlike many desktop X570 boards, there is no chipset fan. External directed airflow is essential. ServeTheHome review noted the chipset area requires active case airflow to prevent system freezes. Community reports ~60°C under normal operation with adequate airflow.
- X550-AT2 NICs: Run hot in the mini-ITX form factor. Directed airflow recommended.
- CPU: Standard Ryzen thermal behavior. 75°C observed under sustained load with adequate cooling.
Adequate case airflow across the entire board surface is critical. The compact layout means components are close together and share thermal load.
Linux production deployment
Kernel parameters
amd_iommu=on # AMD-Vi for PCI passthrough pcie_aspm=off # Precautionary — prevents potential NVMe/NIC power-state issues
IOMMU
AMD-Vi (AMD IOMMU) supported. The X570 chipset provides clean IOMMU group separation suitable for PCI passthrough in Proxmox/KVM.
Serial console
Serial console available via BMC SOL (Serial over LAN) using ipmitool sol activate. Physical serial port exposed via Super IO (AST2500, 3F8h/IRQ4).
Watchdog
Hardware watchdog supported. Combined with BIOS "Restore AC Power Loss → Power On" setting, provides automatic recovery from hangs.
Suspend/sleep
Not tested or recommended for server deployment. Use watchdog + auto-power-restore instead.
Power consumption
The X570 chipset draws more power than comparable Intel or EPYC server platforms. A 500W+ PSU is recommended.
Community reports indicate idle system power of approximately 40–60W (without drives), significantly higher than Intel N100-based or EPYC-based boards at idle. The X570 chipset's power draw contributes to this baseline.
Known design limitations
- Mini-ITX form factor limits expansion to a single PCIe x16 slot
- SO-DIMM memory (not full-size DIMM)
- Intel LGA1156-style cooler mount on an AM4 board (unusual, limits cooler selection)
- X570 chipset runs hot and draws significant power for a server board
- X550-AT2 NICs run hot in the compact layout
- No CMOS clear jumper (solder pads only)
- BMC REST API non-functional on firmware 1.80
- IPMI VCPU sensor permanently broken (always reads 0.190V)
- IPMI DDR4 temperature sensors permanently broken (always "na")
- 500W+ PSU recommended despite mini-ITX form factor
Production deployment checklist
- Flash latest stable BIOS (L2.29 recommended; avoid L2.50)
- After BIOS flash: reconfigure ALL settings (they reset to defaults). Critical settings:
- Set "Restore AC Power Loss" → "Power On"
- Set OCU1 Mode Selection → "SATA" (if using SATA drives on OCuLink)
- Set OCU2 Mode Selection → "SATA" (if using SATA drives on OCuLink)
- Disable Aggressive SATA Device Sleep Port 0 and Port 1 (AMD CBS → FCH → SATA Config)
- Configure BMC network (static IP on management subnet)
- Verify cooler compatibility (LGA1156-style mount, not AM4)
- Set kernel parameters:
amd_iommu=on pcie_aspm=off - Configure watchdog for headless operation
- Monitor BMC health periodically — reflash firmware if IPMI becomes unresponsive (ROM bit rot)
- Ensure adequate case airflow across X570 chipset and X550 NIC area
- Never diagnose CPU failure from IPMI VCPU sensor — always verify via BMC KVM console
Pulsed Media deployment
Pulsed Media uses the X570D4I-2T as a compact storage server:
| Host | CPU | RAM | BIOS | BMC FW | Storage | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28apis | AMD Ryzen | 32 GB (4× 8 GB DDR4-2400) | L2.14 | 1.80 | 6× HDD (SATA via OCuLink) + NVMe boot (ADATA SX8200PNP 256 GB) | Storage node |
Custom Playwright-based BMC automation tools were developed for remote KVM access, keyboard input, and BIOS reflash on this board. The BMC web UI BIOS flash procedure (the only remote flash method when REST API is non-functional) was automated through 4 iterations of Playwright scripting. These tools are tested with ASRock Rack and Gigabyte AMI MegaRAC BMCs and are open-sourced as mcxBMCView (Apache-2.0).
Manufacturer
ASRock Rack is the server and workstation division of ASRock Inc., headquartered in Taiwan. ASRock Rack produces server motherboards across Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC, and AMD Ryzen platforms. The X570D4I-2T occupies a niche as a mini-ITX server board using a consumer AMD chipset with server-class features (ECC, IPMI, 10GbE).
The AM5 successor in ASRock Rack's product lineup is the AM5D4ID-2T/BCM, a deep mini-ITX (6.7" × 8.2") board supporting AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 and EPYC 4004/4005 processors with Broadcom networking.
Website: asrockrack.com | Support: asrockrack.com/support/