Asus PCH DR - Motherboard - Extended ATX Specifications

MotherboardSABERTOOTH X79

xSABERTOOTH X79 specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Intel® Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Editio

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Updating the BIOS through the InternetTo update the BIOS through the Internet:1. From the ASUS Update screen, sele

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-39Chapter 3• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.• Refer to the

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bo

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-41Chapter 33.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to re

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Booting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-43Chapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any ke

3-44 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart y

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 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 X79 4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you thr

xi(continued on the next page)SABERTOOTH X79 specications summaryExclusive TUF Features “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions - TUF Thermal Armor - TU

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 ASUS TUF Thermal RadarThe TUF Thermal Radar monitors temps in critical parts of the motherboard in real

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-5Chapter 4Conguring system fan settingsThe TUF Thermal Radar provides easy-to-use fan proles for adjusting the CPU fan, assist

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4You can also assign the specic system component(s) to monitor and have Thermal Radar to dynamically adjust th

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-7Chapter 44. If you are not sure how to choose the proper components to monitor and the percentage to adjust, click Auto and ha

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.3 TurboV EVOASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency and re

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-9Chapter 4Using Advanced ModeClick on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.Advanced modeApplies all cha

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4CPU StrapAllows you to manually adjust CPU Strap.1. Click the CPU Strap tab.2. Drag the adjustment bar to t

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-11Chapter 44.3.4 DIGI+ Power ControlDIGI+ PowerControl allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance rel

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4• The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM specication.• Do not remove the the

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-13Chapter 44.3.5 Sensor RecorderSensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on a tim

xii*Specications are subject to change without notice.SABERTOOTH X79 specications summaryInternal I/O Connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.6 USB 3.0 BoostThe ASUS exclusive USB 3.0 Boost provides speed boost for USB 3.0 devices and the up-to-d

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-15Chapter 44.3.7 ASUS SSD CachingThis feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.8 ASUS UpdateASUS Update lays out the options for updating BIOS on your system. Update BIOS utility on y

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-17Chapter 44.3.9 MyLogo2This MyLogo utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 42. Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar.3. You can click on B

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-19Chapter 44.3.10 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the Intel® X79 chipset and Marvell SATA controller that all

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-21Chapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,

4-22 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID setTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and pres

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-23Chapter 45. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the s

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH X79 motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features

4-24 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 X79 4-25Chapter 44.4.5 Marvell RAID utilityThe onboard Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller allows you to create a RAID 0 or RAID 1 arra

4-26 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44. Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press <Enter> to congure further RAID s

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-27Chapter 46. Press <F10>. The following warning message appears: Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the

4-28 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Do you want to delete this virtual disk ? Yes NoDelete Virtual Disk2. The following w

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-29Chapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating sy

4-30 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationTo install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 4-31Chapter 44.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive when

4-32 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 48. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstati

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 5-1Chapter 5Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support5.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFi

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsIntel® Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Proces

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 X79 5-3Chapter 52. The VISION Engine Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existance of multi-graphics c

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technologyThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 5-5Chapter 54. Align and rmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step (A), select Personalize.B2. From

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 5-7Chapter 5B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel.B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window

5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5

ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Fax +886-2-2890-

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITYPer FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a) Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremo

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-3Chapter 1Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s SupportThe Intel® X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) inte

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian AngelMemOK!MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This rem

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-5Chapter 1ASUS MyLogo2™This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1ErP ReadyThe motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires product

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-12.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboa

iiE8040Revised Edition V3 January 2013Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and so

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Refer to 2.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.11 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-3Chapter 2Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. CPU, chassis, power, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, C

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-5Chapter 2Recommended memory congurations2.2.3 System memoryThe motherboard comes with eight Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual In

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-7Chapter 2SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1333 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand C

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Vendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-9Chapter 2SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandCh

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Vendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-11Chapter 2* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2000 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2000 MHz memory module will run at

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.4 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-13Chapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (beige) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better per

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.5 JumperClear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-15Chapter 22.2.6 Onboard switchThe onboard switch allows you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.7 Onboard LEDs1. Standby Power LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lig

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-17Chapter 22.2.8 Internal connectors1. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [brown])These connectors conne

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [black])These connectors connect to Serial A

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-19Chapter 23. Marvell® Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [gray])These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6Gb/s hard

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 25. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-21Chapter 2You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector

ivContents2.3.10 Expension Card installation... 2-382.3.11 Rear panel connection ...

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 28. CPU, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 4-pin

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-23Chapter 29. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module t

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-25Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of scr

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-27Chapter 22.3.2 CPU installationPlease note the order in opening/ closing the double latch. Follow the instructions printed on

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2BA9BA7 85 6

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-29Chapter 22.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU bef

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBA

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-31Chapter 22.3.5 Motherboard installationThe diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary w

vContents4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals... 4-24.3 Software information ...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.3

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-33Chapter 22.3.6 Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79The Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 consists of a rear I/O cover an

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. Place the fan cable into the cable slot on the rear I/O cover.5. Connect the fan cable to the ASST_

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-35Chapter 22.3.7 ATX Power connection12OR OR

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.8 SATA device connectionOR2OR1

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-37Chapter 22.3.9 Front I/O ConnectorIDE_LEDPOWER SWRESET SWIDE_LED-IDE_LED+PWRResetGroundGround1 2To install ASUS Q-ConnectorUS

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.10 Expension Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-39Chapter 22.3.11 Rear panel connection5 6 7 8 9 11 122 3 4110* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LED

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.• DO NOT connect a keyboard/mouse to an

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-41Chapter 2Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to Stereo Speakers2.3.12 Audio I/O connectionsAud

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

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 4.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-43Chapter 2 Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process causing the system unable to reboot,

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-1Chapter 3Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSThe new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unied Extensible Firmware Interface that

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 EZ ModeBy default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-3Chapter 33.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS setting

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-5Chapter 33.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu p

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Administrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator passw

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-7Chapter 33.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changi

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

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Scroll down to display the following items:Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking option

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-9Chapter 3EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. Conguration options: [

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] [2 DRAM Clock] [3 DRAM Clock]Secondary TimingsD

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-11Chapter 3Latency TimingsDRAM RTL (CHA/B/C/D D0/1 R0/1 [Auto])Conguration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <En

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-13Chapter 3CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe][T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance.[Extreme] Maintains the VRM current bal

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Ratio [Auto]Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-15Chapter 3Offset Mode Sign [+]This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Offset Mode].[+] To offset th

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3VTTCPU Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the VTTCPU voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.70V with a 0.00625V int

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-17Chapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malf

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

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.[Enabled] Enables th

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-19Chapter 3Execute Disable Bit [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.[Disabled] Forces the XD

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3High Precision Timer [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer. Conguration options:

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-21Chapter 3The following two items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode].Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced]A

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item sho

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-23Chapter 33.5.5 Onboard Devices ConguratonAzalia HD Audio [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the controller.[Enabled] Enables the

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]This item allows user to enabled/disabled VIA 1394 controller. Conguration options: [

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-25Chapter 3Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] The sy

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan se

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-27Chapter 3CPU Fan Profile [Standard]This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set

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

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3The following four items appear only when you set Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Prole to [Manual].Chassis 1/2/3/4 Upper Temp

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-29Chapter 3Assistant/PCH Lower Temperature [40]Displays the lower limit of the assistant/PCH temperature.Assistant/PCH Fan Min.

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Bootup NumLock State [On][On] Sets t

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-31Chapter 3Setup Mode [EZ Mode][Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.[EZ

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8 Tool menuThe Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press &l

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-33Chapter 33.8.2 ASUS DRAM SPD InformationThis menu showed the DIMM slot related informatons.

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.3 ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The Setup Prole Status items

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-35Chapter 33.8.4 ASUS Drive Xpert• Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA signal cable

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or disc

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-37Chapter 33.10 Updating BIOSThe ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, c