Asus 990FXGEN3, 990FX R20, 990FX-GEN3 R2 User Manual

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Motherboard

E8041 Revised Edition V2

January 2013

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

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Contents

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specications summary .................................... x

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiii

Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1-1

1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution ............................................ 1-2

1.1.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design....................................................1-2

1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel ................................................. 1-3

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................1-3

1.1.6 Other special features ................................................................. 1-4

1.2 Motherboard overview ............................................................................... 1-5

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................1-5

1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-6

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................1-8

1.2.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-9

1.2.5 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 1-23

1.2.6 Onboard buttons .......................................................................1-25

1.2.7 Jumpers ....................................................................................1-27

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-28

1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-29

Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-1

2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................2-1

2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-4

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-5

2.1.4 DIMM installation.........................................................................2-7

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................ 2-8

2.1.6 SATA device connection ..............................................................2-9

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-10

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-11

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-12

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-13

iii

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-15

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-17

2.5 Turning off the computer ......................................................................... 2-18

Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3-1

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-2

3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-4

3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-6

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................ 3-8

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-17

3.5.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-17

3.5.2 North Bridge Conguration........................................................3-19

3.5.3 South Bridge Conguration ....................................................... 3-21

3.5.4 SATA Conguration ................................................................... 3-21

3.5.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................3-23

3.5.6 CPU Core On/Off Function .......................................................3-24

3.5.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-24

3.5.8 APM ..........................................................................................3-26

3.5.9 Network Stack ........................................................................... 3-27

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-28

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-31

3.8 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-37

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-37

3.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ............................................................. 3-38

3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ..................................................................... 3-39

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-40

3.10 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-41

3.10.1 ASUS Update ............................................................................ 3-41

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ...................................................................... 3-44

3.10.3 ASUS BIOS Updater ................................................................. 3-45

Chapter 4: Software support 4-1

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-2

4.3 Software information .................................................................................4-3

4.3.1 AI Suite II.....................................................................................4-3

4.3.2 ASUS TUF Thermal Radar .........................................................4-4

4.3.3 Remote GO! ................................................................................ 4-8

4.3.4 TurboV EVO .............................................................................. 4-19

4.3.5 DIGI+ Power Control .................................................................4-22

4.3.6 Sensor Recorder ....................................................................... 4-25

4.3.7 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................4-27

4.3.8 USB 3.0 Boost...........................................................................4-28

4.3.9 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard....................................................4-29

4.3.10 Network iControl........................................................................4-31

4.3.11 ASUS Update ............................................................................ 4-36

4.3.12 MyLogo2 ...................................................................................4-37

4.3.13 Audio congurations..................................................................4-38

Chapter 5: RAID support 5-1

5.1 RAID congurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................5-1

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................5-2

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 5-2

5.1.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility ............................................................ 5-3

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................5-7

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .................. 5-7

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................... 5-7

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ........ 5-8

5.2.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ..................................................... 5-9

Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support 6-1

6.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................................................6-1

6.1.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 6-1

6.1.2 Before you begin ......................................................................... 6-1

6.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................6-2

6.1.4 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 6-4

6.1.5 Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ............................. 6-4

6.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 6-6

6.2.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 6-6

6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................6-6

6.2.3 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 6-7

6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ..................................... 6-8

Appendices A-1

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-4

Safety information

Electrical safety

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

• before relocating the system.

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables

• for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

• power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

• could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

• sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

• technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals

• that came with the package.

Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

• cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

• slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

• where it may become wet.

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

• technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 2: Basic Installation

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 5: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

• Chapter 6: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD® CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

viii

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. .

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX series CPU up to 8-core

compatible with AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon II™ / Sempron™ 100 series processors

Supports AMD® 140W CPU

AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

Supports 32nm CPU

Chipset AMD® 990FX / SB950 Chipset

System Bus Up to 5.2 GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, ECC,

non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

* Refer to www.asus.com for Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) of

AM3+ / AM3 CPU for details.

** Due to OS limitation, when installing a total memory of 4GB capacity

or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

*** Due to CPU specications, AMD 100 Series CPUs support up to DDR3

1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.

Expansion slots 3 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (Dual at x16/x16, triple at x16/x8/x8

mode)*

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (black@x16)

1 x PCI slot

* When running dual graphics cards, ensure to insert the card in the rst

and third PCI Express X16 slot to get the best performance.

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® QUAD-GPU SLI™ Technology

Supports AMD® QUAD-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

LAN Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller

Storage

AMD® SB950 Chipset

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 support

ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]

Audio

Realtek® ALC892 8-channel high denition audio CODEC

- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit True BD Lossless Sound

- BD audio layer content protection

- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jackretasking

- Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

- ASUS noise lter

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specications summary

USB

3 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel [blue]

AMD® SB950 Chipset

- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back panel)

Exclusive TUF features

“Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solution

- TUF CeraM!X heatsink coating technology

- TUF Thermal radar

TUF ENGINE! Digital Power Design

- 8+2 Digital phase power design

- TUF Components (alloy choke, Cap & MOSFET certied by

military standard)

- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control utility

- Efcient Switching Power (E.S.P.) design

Safe & Stable! Guardian Angel

- ESD Guards

- MemOK!

- Anti Surge

Other special features Front panel USB 3.0 support

Remote GO!

USB 3.0 Boost

Network iControl

ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode

USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard

DirectKey

AI Suite II

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Shield

ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)

ASUS Q-Slot

ASUS Q-DIMM

ASUS O.C. Prole

Ai Charger+

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS MyLogo2

Multi-language BIOS

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specications summary

Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port

2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]

1 x USB BIOS Flashback button

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports [blue]

8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

6 x Audio jacks for 8-channel Audio I/O ports

Internal I/O connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector (supports additional 2 19-pin USB

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, SLP2.1, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

3.0/2.0 ports [moss green])

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports)

6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors [brown]

2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors [gray]

1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)

1 x CPU Optional fan connector (4-pin)

4 x Chassis fan connectors (4-pin)

1 x TPM header

1 x COM connector

1 x S/PDIF Out header

1 x DirectKey button

1 x DRCT header

1 x MemOK! button

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

24-pin EATX power connector

8-pin EATX 12V power connector

Front panel audio connector

System panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

ASUS Utilities

ASUS Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Package contents

User Manual

Five-year warranty

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3

R2.0 motherboard

4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector 1 x TUF Certication card

1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x TUF Five-year warranty manual

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

User manual Support DVD

xiii

Installation tools and components

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan

DDR3 DIMM SATA hard disk drive

xiv

SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)

The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product introduction

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

The Ultimate Force

The TUF series delivers a tough image with its unique design, and high-quality and militarystandard components. The TUF series pursues pre-eminent stability, all-around compatibility, and extreme durability.

FX™/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™ 100 Series Processors (AM3+ / AM3

CPU)

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3+ multi-core processors with up to 8-core native CPU cores, and AMD® CPUs in the new 32nm manufacturing process. It provides better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features AMD Turbo CORE Technology 2.0 to accelerate data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s rate via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus.

AMD® 990FX Chipset

AMD 990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)

interface speed and dual PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD AM3+

and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding schemes that provide twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such, PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe

2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and

optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.

QUAD-GPU SLI and QUAD-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard supports multi-GPU congurations of both SLI™ and CrossFireX. This

motherboard features the AMD® 990FX/SB950 platform, optimizing PCIe allocation in multiple GPU setups.

Dual-Channel 1866 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer

rates of 1866 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth

requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

1-1

Complete USB 3.0 Solution

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution

TUF CeraM!X - Heatsink Coating Technology

This feature offers better cooling solution for an overall improvement in system stability. Its innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system, and replaces traditional anti-oxidant for better heat dissipation.

TUF Thermal Radar

The TUF Thermal Radar monitors the temperature of the motherboard’s critical parts and automatically adjusts fan speeds in real time to ensure that the system remains stable and does not overheat. It consists of multiple sensors for various components, allowing you to monitor each area, while increasing options for fan control housed inside the chassis. The Thermal Radar calculates ideal fan speeds based on different parameters that you have selected for each component, keeping your system cool and more stable.

1.1.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

DIGI+ Power Control

DIGI+ Power Control includes multiple digital voltage controllers, allowing ultra-precise modulation and tuning of both CPU and DRAM. This innovative and industry-leading ASUS

technology provides accurate voltage tuning for better efciency, stability, and performance.

Efcient Switching Power (E.S.P.) Design

E.S.P., an ASUS exclusive feature, is designed for key components such as CPU, memory,

graphics cards, LAN, and USB 3.0 to help improve system efciency and reduce heat

generation.

TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certied by military-standard)

This motherboard provides rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions

with its robust TUF chokes, solid capacitors, and MOSFETs, which are certied through a

Chapter 1

third-party, military-grade testing. TUF Chokes or Alloy Choke is made up of a compound of various metals instead of the standard iron, which supports up to 40A rated current, 25% higher than the standard chokes. The TUF Chokes are packaged in a single piece, eliminating the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics, and durability under extreme conditions.

DO NOT uninstall the heatsink module by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

ESD Guards

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic discharges, which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-Static chip and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the motherboard’s lifespan.

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive

graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,

providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the

traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations.

DirectKey

DirectKey allows you to conveniently go into the BIOS setup with the press of a button. With this feature, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the <Del> key during POST. It also allows you to shut down or turn on your computer and directly enter the BIOS during boot-up.

Remote GO!

Remote GO! links PCs, tablets, smartphones, and TVs wirelessly together through an existing LAN cable and route setup. It provides a seamless environment for a futuristic connected lifestyle with three useful functions:

DLNA Media Hub: Enjoy HD video, music and photos stored in your PC, streaming to

•

your DLNA devices via Wi-Fi. You can even use your tablet to control your PC to play multimedia contents.

Remote Desktop: Operate and control your PC in real time from a smartphone or tablet

•

for complete comfort and convenience.

File Transfer: Send and share les between your PC and smart devices* with only a

•

right click on the mouse.

* iPad/iPhone can send les, but cannot receive le transfers from PC.

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

1-3

USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.

Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback button for

about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.

USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology, which supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), automatically accelerates the data transfer speed of a USB 3.0 device up to 170% faster than the standard USB 3.0 transfer speed.

Network iControl

Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a more convenient online experience.

ASUS EZ-Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

O.C. Prole

This motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving you

the freedom to share and distribute your favorite overclocking settings.

1.1.6 Other special features

8 Channel Audio Codec

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality Absolute Pitch 192kHz/24bit audio output, true BD lossless

sound, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-streaming technology.

S/PDIF-out on Back I/O port

This motherboard provides a convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via optical S/PDIF-out (Sony-Philips Digital Interface) jacks. It allows the system to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

ErP Ready

Chapter 1

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires

products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products

through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely groundedBefore handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-5

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

1-6

Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-36

2. AM3+ CPU socket 1-8

3. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4 )

4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-9

5. MemOK! button 1-25

6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56) 1-30

7. AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 1-29

8. ASmedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [gray])

9. Direct connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-38

10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-37

11. DirectKey button 1-26

12. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-33

13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-27

14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1314, USB1112) 1-32

15. Standby power LED 1-28

16. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 1-38

17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-35

18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-31

1-34

1-30

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® FX Series CPU up to 8core, also compatible with AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

The AM3+ socket has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for

the AM3+/AM3 socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU

into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

Chapter 1

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.

Recommended memory congurations

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-9

Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB ECC, non-ECC and unbuffered DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded DRAM OC Prole is not the JEDEC memory standard. The

stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 1800 MHz memory module will run at the default frequency of DDR3 1600 MHz.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, weAlways install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GBDue to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on theInstall a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on thenstall a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less (Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

Chapter 1

1-10

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence DetectThe default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a fullFor system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q-

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q-

KINGSTON KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP) 16GB

Patriot PXD38G2400C11K(XMP) 8GB

Team TXD34096M2400HC9N-

(Ver4.13)(XMP)

32GBZHD(XMP)

16GBZHD(XMP)

16GBZMD (XMP)

L (XMP)

16GB (4x4GB)

32GB (4x8GB)

16GB (4x4GB)

(4x4GB)

(2x4GB)

4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846D 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

Brand

DS - - 2400

DS - - 10-12-

DS - - 11-11-

DS - - 9-11-

DS - - 11-13-

DS - - 11-11-

DDR3 2200 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 4GB

DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 • • •

(2x2G)

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • • •

(2x2GB)

DS Kingmax N/A - - • •

(2x2GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

1.65 • • 9-1111-31

1.65 • • 12-31

1.65 • • 11-31

1.65 • • 13-30

1.65 • • 11-30

Chip

Brand

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support (Optional)

1 2 4

support (Optional)

1 2 4

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-11

DDR3 2133 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A2133C9

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9

G.SKILL F3-17000CL11Q2-

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9Q-

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3K4/

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3T1K2/

KINGSTON KHX21C11T1BK2/8X

Patriot PVV34G2133C9K (XMP) 4GB

Patriot PXD38G2133C11K (XMP) 8GB

Team TXD34096M2133HC9N-

(Ver1.5)(XMP)

(Ver7.1)(XMP)

(XMP)

64GBZLD (XMP)

(XMP)

16GBTDD(XMP)

16GX(XMP)

16GX (XMP)

(XMP)

L(XMP)

8GB

DS - - 9-11-

(2x4GB)

4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-241.5 • • •

(2x2GB)

4GB

DS - - 9-10-

(2x2GB)

64GB

DS - - 11-11-

(8x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-11-

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-241.65 • •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 11-12-

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-

(2x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 11-12-

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-11-

(2x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-

(2x4GB)

4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G

NO.

0846D

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

10-27

9-27

11-30

10-28

11-30

9-27

9-9-924

support (Optional)

1 2 4

1.5 • •

1.5 • • •

1.65 • • •

1.6 • •

1.6 • • •

1.66 • • •

1.65 • • •

Chapter 1

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V

(XMP)

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V

(XMP)

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD (XMP) 6GB

Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB

(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH

(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD

(XMP)

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC

(XMP)

Patriot PV736G2000ELK

(XMP)

Patriot PVT36G2000LLK

(XMP)

Patriot PX7312G2000ELK

(XMP)

Silicon

SP002GBLYU200S02

Power

(XMP)

Team TXD32048M2000C9

(XMP)

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L

(XMP)

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L

(XMP)

2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

4GB (2x2GB)

(3x2GB)

4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C 9-9-9-27 - • • •

4GB (2x2GB)

6GB (3x2GB)

12GB (3x4GB)

2GB DS - - - - • • •

2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

Brand

DS - - - 1.65 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • • •

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

support

(Optional)

1 2 4

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-13

DDR3 1866 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A1866C9

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1866C9

CORSAIR CMT32GX3M4X1866C9

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R

CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G

Crucial BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.1

G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q2-

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX

Chapter 1

Patriot PXD34G1866ELK (XMP) 4GB

Patriot PXD38G1866ELK (XMP) 8GB

Team TXD34096M1866HC9K-

(Ver4.13)(XMP)

(Ver8.16)(XMP)

(Ver4.13)(XMP)

(Ver8.16)(XMP)

(Ver3.23)(XMP)

(Ver8.16)(XMP)

(Ver3.23)(XMP)

(Ver8.16)(XMP)

(XMP)

(Ver5.12)(XMP)

6FMD(XMP)

64GBZLD (XMP)

8GBSR(XMP)

(XMP)

L (XMP)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

8GB

DS - - - 1.5 • • •

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(2x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(4x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 • • •

(4x8GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 • •

(4x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 1866 9-10-

(2x4GB)

4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.5 • • •

64GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 • • •

(8x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • • • ( 2x 4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • • • (4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • • • (4x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • • (2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - - 1.65 • (2x4GB)

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • • (2x2GB)

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • • • (2x4GB)

DS - - 1866 9-10(2x4GB)

4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83BFRH9A 9-11-9-27 1.65 • • •

9-27

support

(Optional)

1 2 4

1.5 • • •

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1800 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-

4GBRL(XMP)

4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

(2x2GB)

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

NO.

(Optional)

1 2 4

DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 • • •

AMD AP38G1608U2K

(XMP)

Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908DEQSCK - 1.65 • • •

Apacer AHU04GFA60C9Q1D

(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-EGG1C

(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-EGJ1C

(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • • •

Asint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS ASint 304G08-GN1B - - • • •

Asint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • • •

Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D

(XMP)

ATP AQ12M64B8BKK0S 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G08460 - NO • • •

8GB (2x4GB)

4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65 • • •

4GB DS Asint 302G08-GG1C 9-9-9-27 - • • •

4GB DS Asint 302G08-GJ1C 9-9-9-27 - • • •

2GB DS Asint 3128M8-GJ1D - - • • •

Brand

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •

(continued on the next page)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

support

(Optional)

1 2 4

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0

Chapter 1

1-15

DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

CENTURY CD4G-D3U1600 4GB DS ELPIDA EDJ2108BDBG-

CENTURY CD4G-D3U1600 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFR-

CENTURY CD8G-D3U1600 8GB DS ELPIDA EDJ4208BBBG-

CENTURY CD8G-D3U1600 8GB DS Hynix H5TQ4G83MFR-

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1600C8

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB

CORSAIR CML16GX3M4X1600C8

CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8

CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3C1600C7

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9

CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9

Chapter 1

CORSAIR HX3X12G1600C9 (XMP) 12GB

(Ver8.21)(XMP)

(Ver5.12)(XMP)

(Ver2.12)(XMP)

(Ver 2.12)(XMP)

(XMP)

(Ver3.19)(XMP)

(Ver.3.24)(XMP)

(XMP)

(Ver2.2)(XMP)

(XMP)

(Ver 2.12)(XMP)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM

Brand

GN-F

PBC

GN-F

PBC

16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

(2x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 1600 8-8-

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • • •

(2x2GB)

16GB

DS - - Heat-Sink

(4x4GB)

6GB

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

(3x2GB)

6GB

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

(3x2GB)

6GB

DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • • • ( 3x 2GB)

8GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • • (2x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.5 • • • (2x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • (4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.5 • • • (4x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • • • (2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • (2x4GB)

8GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • (4x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • • (6x2GB)

- 1.5 • • •

8-24

Package

(continued on the next page)

socket support

(Optional)

1 2 4

1.5 • • •

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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