MotherboardSABERTOOTH 55i

xConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Typog

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from

4-2 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instruct

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you thr

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 ASUS Fan XpertAsus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to diff

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-5Chapter 4Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software cong

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.4 ASUS Drive XpertDrive Xpert, an ASUS exclusive technology, secures the data on your hard disk and enhan

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-7Chapter 44.3.5 ASUS T.ProbeThe onboard T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in real-time

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the Intel® P55 chipset that allows you to congure Serial AT

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-9Chapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,

xiSABERTOOTH 55i specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 Processors Supports Intel® Turbo B

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID volumeTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and p

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-11Chapter 45. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the s

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Deleting a RAID setTake caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-13Chapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP operating s

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk dri

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-15Chapter 44. Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) are displayed.5. Browse the contents of the RAID dri

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 48. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_PCH] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iastor_8R9R10RDOPCH] sections in the txtsetu

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install m

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install th

xii(continued on the next page)SABERTOOTH 55i specications summaryASUS TUF features “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design - 12-phase CPU Power - 2-phase M

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Se

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-5Chapter 55.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technologyThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 54. Align and rmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card. En

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-7Chapter 5B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step (A), select Personalize.B2. From the Personalization win

5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel.B5. The NVID

xiii*Specications are subject to change without notice.SABERTOOTH 55i specications summaryBIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM

xiv

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsIntel® LGA1156 Lynneld Processor ReadyThis motherboard supp

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-3Chapter 11.3.2 “TUF ENGINE!” Power DesignASUS 12+2 Phase Power DesignThe groundbreaking 12+2 phase VRM design is brought to th

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian AngelMemOK!Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during comp

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-5Chapter 1ASUS EZ DIYASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS

iiE4954First Edition (V1) August 2009Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and sof

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inte

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)2-372. LGA

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in th

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-5Chapter 22.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel® C

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted.Load plate

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-7Chapter 26. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, en

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe Intel® LGA1156 processor requires a specially designed heats

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-9Chapter 23. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Me

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.•

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000MHz capabilitySABERTOOTH 55i Motherboar

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-13Chapter 2SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability CPU Vendor Part No. SizeChip BrandCh

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability (continued)SABERTOOTH 55

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-15Chapter 2Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing Lable(Bios)VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*CORSAIR TR3

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1066MHz capabilityVendor Part No. SizeChip

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-17Chapter 22.4.4 Removing a DIMMTo remove a DIMM:1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.2. Re

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections des

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-19Chapter 22.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.IRQ Prio

ivContents2.7 Onboard switches ... 2-232.8 Connectors ...

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-21Chapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use rst the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (beige) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get bette

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.6 Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-23Chapter 22.7 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. T

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompaible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-25Chapter 24. DRAM overvoltage setting switch (OV_DRAM)This switch allows you to enable or disable the advanced DRAM overvoltag

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 6. USB 2.0 p

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-27Chapter 2* LAN port LED indicationsSPEED LEDACT/LINK LEDLAN portActivity Link LED Speed LEDStatus Description Status Descripti

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 4.1-channel SpeakersConnect to Stereo / 2.1-channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1-channel Speakers

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-29Chapter 2Connect to 7.1-channel SpeakersConnect to 9.1-channel Speakers

v3.5.4 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled] ... 3-163.5.5 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto] ...

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8.3 Internal connectorsDrive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Selec

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-31Chapter 22. Intel® P55 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA 1-6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. JMicron® JMB322 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA_E1 [orange], SATA_E2 [white])These connectors are

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-33Chapter 24. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 26. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IE

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-35Chapter 28. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN; 3-pin MEM_F

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 29. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital I

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-37Chapter 211. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power s

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis pow

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-39Chapter 22.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables.

vi3.9.3 AI NET 2 ...3-373.9.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ...

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.9 Onboard LEDs POST State LEDsPOST State LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD) in

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-41Chapter 22.10 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure t

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device congurat

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard B

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FTP si

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a boot

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-5Chapter 33.2.4 ASUS BIOS UpdaterThe ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable o

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Windows® environment1. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the oppy disk drive. For motherboards without an onboard o

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-7Chapter 3Updating the BIOS leTo update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater1. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download

viiNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer, t

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-9Chapter 33.3.3 Navigation keysAt the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Us

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the ba

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-11Chapter 3Type [Auto]Allows you to select the type of device installed.[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is inst

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4.2 Storage CongurationThe Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an ite

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-13Chapter 33.4.3 AHCI CongurationThis menu is the section for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the item Congur

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.3.5.1 Ai Overclock

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-15Chapter 33.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use the

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.10 DRAM Timing ControlThe items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features.The conguratio

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-17Chapter 31st Information: 7-7-7-20-4-59-9-6-20The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:DRAM CAS#

viiiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SR) [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [10 DRAM Clock] – [22 DRAM Clock]DRAM READ to WRITE

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-19Chapter 3Offset Sign [xx]This item appears only when you set the Offset Voltage item to a value other than [Auto]. [+] To off

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.18 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-21Chapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malf

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+>

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-23Chapter 3Active Processor Cores [All]Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. Cong

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.3 Onboard Devices CongurationHDA Controller [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.[

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-25Chapter 33.6.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and press

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.5 PCIPnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.Plug And Play O/S

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-27Chapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select

ixAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis gui

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] T

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-29Chapter 33.7.7 Hardware MonitorCPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and display

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter&

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-31Chapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST i

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item and press &

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-33Chapter 3Change User PasswordSelect this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-35Chapter 3Current CMOSRestore CMOSA:Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Changed ModeThis item appears only when you select a Drive Xpert mode to update and displays the Drive Xpert mode t

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-37Chapter 33.9.3 AI NET 2Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled][Disabled] BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the Pow