ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX User Manual

SABERTOOTH 990FX

Motherboard

E6674

Second Edition May 2011

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”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,

and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either (1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download; or (2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Legal Compliance Dept. 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112 Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code

we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the

product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).

Notices ......................................................................................................................vii

Safety information .................................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix

SABERTOOTH 990FX specications summary ....................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Welcome! .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents.......................................................................................1-1

1.3 Special features..........................................................................................1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-2

1.3.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution ............................................ 1-3

1.3.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design....................................................1-3

1.3.4 ASUS DIY ................................................................................... 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ............................................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-4

2.2.3 System memory .......................................................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 2-15

2.2.5 Jumper ...................................................................................... 2-18

2.2.6 Onboard switch ......................................................................... 2-19

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 2-20

2.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................2-21

2.3 Building your computer system ............................................................. 2-29

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............ 2-29

2.3.2 CPU installation.........................................................................2-30

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................. 2-31

2.3.5 Motherboard installation ............................................................2-34

2.3.6 ATX Power connection .............................................................. 2-36

2.3.7 SATA device connection ............................................................2-37

2.3.8 Front I/O Connector .................................................................. 2-38

2.3.9 Expension Card installation.......................................................2-39

2.3.10 Rear panel connection .............................................................. 2-40

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-41

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-44

2.5 Turning off the computer ......................................................................... 2-44

iii

Contents

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-1

3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-2

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

3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-5

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................ 3-7

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-14

3.5.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-15

3.5.2 North Bridge Conguration........................................................3-16

3.5.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................3-17

3.5.4 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-19

3.5.5 CPU Core On/Off Fuction ......................................................... 3-20

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-21

3.5.7 APM .......................................................................................... 3-23

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-24

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-27

3.8 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-28

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-30

3.10 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-31

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility...................................................................3-31

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ............................................................. 3-34

3.10.3 ASUS BIOS Updater ................................................................. 3-36

Chapter 4: Software support

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 Thermal Radar ................................................................. 4-8

4.3.3 Tool............................................................................................ 4-12

4.3.4 Monitor ...................................................................................... 4-21

4.3.5 Update.......................................................................................4-22

4.3.6 System Information ................................................................... 4-27

4.3.7 Audio congurations..................................................................4-28

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................4-29

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................ 4-29

Contents

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................4-30

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................. 4-30

4.4.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility .......................................................... 4-31

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-34

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................ 4-34

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................. 4-34

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ...... 4-35

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ................................................... 4-36

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ..................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin ......................................................................... 5-1

5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 5-2

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 5-3

5.1.5 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-3

5.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ........................................................................ 5-4

5.2.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 5-4

5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 5-4

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 5-5

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-5

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not

expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

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.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• 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: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI® 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

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

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

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

complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

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

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 (+). Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

SABERTOOTH 990FX specications summary

CPU AMD® socket AM3+ for AMD® FX Series CPU up to 8-core

Chipset AMD® 990FX/SB950

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-

Expansion Slots 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (single @ x16, dual @ x16 / x16, triple @

Multi-GPU Technology Support NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ and ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™

Storage AMD® SB950 Chipset:

LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller

High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 port at mid-

Compatible with AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II/ Athlon™ II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors Supports 32nm CPU AMD® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology AMD® 140W CPU Support

ECC and un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture

* Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors Lists) of AM3+ / AM3 CPU

** Due to OS limitation, when installing 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 spec, AMD 100 Series CPUs support up to DDR3

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

x16 / x8 / x8 mode)* 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (Black @ x4) 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot 1 x PCI slot * In dual VGA card mode, ensure to install the VGA cards to PCIex16_1

and PCIex16_3 for better performance. Refer to “2.5 Expansion slots” for details.

Technology

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

2 x JMicron® JMB362 SATA controllers:

- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports

- 1 x Power eSATA 3Gb/s port (green)

- 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port (red)

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

- BD Audio Layer Content Protection

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking

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

board; 1 port at back panel)

*Refer to Chapter 2 for slot congurations.

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH 990FX specications summary

USB 2 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers

Exclusive TUF Features Ultimate COOL! Thermal Solution

Other Special Features Front Panel USB 3.0 Support

BIOS Features 32 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS

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

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at back panel (blue) AMD® SB950 chipset

- 14 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 10 ports at back panel

- TUF CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Tech.

- TUF Thermal Radar

“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

- 8+2 Digital phase Power Design

- TUF Components (Alloy choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certied

by military-standard)

- ASUS DIGI+VRM Utility

- E. S. P. : Efcient Switching Power Disign

“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

- ESD Guards

- MemOK!

- Anti Surge

ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface 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 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 Multi-language BIOS

2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH 990FX specications summary

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

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port

Internal I/O Connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports

Software Drivers

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port 1 x Power eSATA 3Gb/s port (green) 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port (red) 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports

(19-pin; 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 3Gb/s connectors (black) 1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connectors (3 x 4-pin; 1 x 3-pin) 1 x CPU Opt fan connector (4-pin) 1 x IEEE1394a connector Front panel audio connector 1 x COM connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 24-pin EATX Power connector 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector System Panel (Q-Connector) 1 x MemOK! button 1 x Clear CMOS jumper

Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS Update ASUS Utilities

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Chapter 1

User Manual

Five-year warranty

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH 990FX motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

motherboard

4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit

User guide Support DVD

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge

connector

Chapter 1

1 x TUF Certication card

1 x TUF Five-year warranty

manual

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 1-1

• 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.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

The Ultimate Force

TUF /tΛf/, stands for The Ultimate Force.

The TUF series delivers a “tough” image. With the unique design & high quality components (military-standard), TUF series is born for pursuing the preeminent stability, all-round compatibility, and extreme durability

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

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

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 latest

AM3+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

Quad-GPU SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support!

Flexible Multi-GPU Solutions, Your Weapon of Choice!

SABERTOOTH 990FX brings multi-GPU congurations through both SLI™ and CrossFireX.

This motherboard features the powerful AMD® 990FX chipset, optimizing PCIe allocation in multiple GPU setups. Expect a brand new gaming sensation like you’ve never experienced before!

PCIe 2.0

Double Speed; Double Bandwidth

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

Front Panel USB 3.0 Support

Convenient USB 3.0 Front Panel Compatibility

ASUS provides standardized USB 3.0 front panel support, compatible with any chassis.

Enjoy faster throughput of USB 3.0 without relegating cables or devices to the hard-to-reach rear I/O.

Complete USB 3.0 Solution

Double USB access, double convenience

ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 4 USB

3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The SABERTOOTH 990FX affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution

TUF CeraM!X - Heatsink Coating Tech.

Larger area for heat dissipation with the revolutionary ceramics-coating technology

Innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system. It replaces traditional anti-oxidant to dissipate heat better with its microscopic irregular surface and enlarged area. Better cooling leads to overall improvement in system stability.

Do Not uninstall the heatsink module by youself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.

TUF Thermal Radar

Real Time Temp Detection and Heat Removal

The TUF Thermal Radar monitors temps in critical parts of the motherboard in real time, automatically adjusting fan speeds to make sure the system maintains high stability without overheating. It consists of multiple sensors for various components on the motherboard, giving users the ability to monitor each one individually. The Thermal Radar automatically calculates ideal fan speeds based on different parameters selected by users for each component, keeping everything cooler and longer lasting.

1.3.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

DIGI+ VRM

Herald the Arrival of a New Digital Power Design Era

The new ASUS DIGI+ VRM design upgrades motherboard power delivery to a digital

standard. The 8+2 digital architecture provides the highest power efciency, generating

less heat to enhance longer component lifespan and ensure minimal powerloss. With ASUS DIGI+ VRM, users can easily adjust power phase performance, enabling new PWM voltage and frequency modulation controls. Digital 8+2 power phase design also expands the modulation spectrum for improved stability and lower VRM switching noise by dynamically

detecting system load, empowering users with superior exibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized performance, extreme system stability, and greater power efciency.

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

Optimal power efciency for key components

Exclusively for this motherboard, the switching power design is provided not only for the CPU and memory, but also for other key components such as graphics cards, LAN and USB 3.0.

E.S.P. dramatically improves system efciency and reduces heat generation.

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 1-3

TUF Components (Alloy Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; Certied by Military-

standard)

Chapter 1

Certied for Tough Duty

Get rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions with robust TUF chokes,

solid capacitors, and MOSFETs--certied through third-party, military-grade testing. TUF

Chokes, also known as the “Alloy Choke”, is a made of a compound of various types of metal instead standard iron, enables the support of up to a massive 40A of rated current, 25% higher than conventional component. Furthermore, the single piece packaing also elimates the emission of virbation noise, delivering superb charactoristics as well as durability under extreme conditions.

ESD Guards

Unique protection of motherboard components from unexpected electrostatic discharges (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can happen suddenly and its damaging effects is often underestimated. Exclusive ASUS anti-static chip, a protective circuit design, and the I/O shield provides four times better protection to extend component lifespan.

Any Memory is A-OK!

MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time!

1.3.4 ASUS DIY

UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

Flexible & Easy BIOS Interface

ASUS brand new UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional

keyboard only BIOS, to enable more exible and convenient mouse controls. Users can

easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The exclusive EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed setup info, while the Advanced Mode is for experienced performance enthusiasts that demand far more intricate system settings.

AI Suite II

One-stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features into one simple to use software package. It allows you to supervise energy management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS Q-Design

DIY quickly, DIY easily!

ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot, and Q-DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process!

Q-Shield

Easy and Comfortable Installations

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual ""ngers"" - making it

convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

Make connection quick and accurate!

The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.

EZ Flash2

Simply update BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS

from a USB ash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based ash utility.

O.C. Prole

Conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings

Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings The motherboard features the

ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share

and distribute their favorite overclocking settings.

Chapter 1

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.

MyLogo2

Personalize your system with customizable boot logo

The ASUS MyLogo 2 is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows you to

personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot logos.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 1-5

Power eSATA on the Go

The motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage

specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed

Chapter 1

data retrieval and saves.The Power eSATA solution combines the eSATA connector and power source together, allowing users to use external SATA devices without the need of additional power source*. The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents on external devices. *Power eSATA requires a specially designed signal cable to provide 5V power for the external SATA device. The cable is purchased separately.

IEEE 1394a interface

IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices.

ErP Ready

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

products to meet certain energy efciency requirements 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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

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 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.

• 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 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.2.8 Internal connectors

information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

and

2.3.10 Rear panel connection

for more

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-21

2. AM3+ CPU socket 2-4

3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, CPU_OPT FAN, CHA_FAN1~3, 3-pin

CHA_FAN4)

4. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-5

5. MemOK! switch 2-14

6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 2-18

7. JMicron® Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_E1/E2 [black])

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

9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-23

10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-17

11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-13

12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 2-18

13. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 2-15

14. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-19

15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-21

16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-19

2-20

2-17

2-16

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-3

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

Chapter 2

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

The AM3+ socket has a different pinout designe, 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!

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 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

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-5

Memory congurations

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

Chapter 2

• 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 DDR3 1600 MHz

frequency as default.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due 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:

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

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

motherboard. 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).

• The 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 frequency adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

for manual memory

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1066 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

CT12864BA1067.8SFD 1GB

Crucial

Crucial CT12872BA1067.9FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

Crucial CT25664BA1067.16SFD 2GB DS MICRON D9JNL 7 - • • •

Crucial CT25672BA1067.18FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BAW0-AE-E 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 - • • •

EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB

ELPIDA

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-AE-E 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

GEIL GG34GB1066C8DC 4GB

Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C-G7N0 1GB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8-G7 1GB SS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 - • •

Hynix HMT125U6AFP8C-G7N0 2GB DS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

Hynix HYMT125U64ZNF8-G7 2GB DS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 - • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1GB SS Kingston D1288JPNDPLD9U 7 1.5 • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BDSE-DJ-F 7 1.5 • • •

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7K2/4G 4GB

MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 - • • •

MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

MICRON MT9JSF12872AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-

1G1F1

MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-

1G1F1

MICRON MT18JSF25672AZ-

1G1F1

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8 8 1.5 • • •

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC5N-BE 2GB DS Elixir N2CB1G80CN-BE - - • • •

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC9N-BE 2GB DS - - - - • • •

SS MICRON

SS ELPIDA

DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA115FW 8-8-8-20 1.3 • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS KINGSTON D1288JELDNGD9U - 1.5 • • •

( 2x 2GB )

2GB DS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 - • • •

2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

D9JNL

J1108EDSE-DJ-F

7 -

- -

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

•

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-7

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

A-DATA SU3U1333W8G9-B 8GB DS Elpida J4208BASE-DJ-F 9 - • • •

Apacer

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • • •

CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9A 4GB

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1333C9(XMP) 8GB

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1333C9 8GB

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •

Crucial

Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •

Crucial CT25672BA1339.18FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

Chapter 2

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ20UF8BCF0-DJ-F 2GB SS Elpida J2108BCSE-DJ-F - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 4GB

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 8GB

GEIL GET316GB1333C9QC 16GB

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB

GEIL GB34GB1333C7DC 4GB

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB

GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 4GB

GEIL GVP38GB1333C7QC 8GB

Hynix HMT112U6TFR8A-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TC1G83TFR - - • • •

Hynix HMT325U6BFR8C-H9 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR - - • • •

Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFRH9C 9 - • • •

Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TC1G83TFR - - • • •

Hynix HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR - - • • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KM9 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KL9 2GB DS KINGMAX KFB8FNLXL-BNF-15A - - • • •

KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KM9 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • • •

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/1G 1GB SS Elpida J1108BDSE-DJ-F 9 1.5 • • •

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS Kingston D1288JPNDPLD9U 9 1.5 • • •

Kingston KHX1333C9D3UK2/

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9K2/4G 4GB

MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB SS Micron D9LGK - - • • •

MICRON MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 4GB DS Micron D9LGK - - • • •

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3GB

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB

78.01GC6.9L0

BL25664BN1337.16FF(XMP)

4GBECO(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

1GB SS

( 2x 2GB )

( 2x 4GB )

(4 x 2GB)

2GB DS

( 2x 2GB )

(2 x 2GB)

4GB (2 x 2GB)

( 2x 4GB )

( 4x 4GB )

( 2x 2GB )

(2 x 2GB)

( 4x 2GB )

4GB ( 2x 2GB )

( 2x 2GB )

(3 x 1GB)

( 2x 2GB )

Apacer AM5D5808DEJSBG

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

- -

DS G.SKILL D3 128M8CE9 2GB 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5 • • •

DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA115FW 9-9-9-24 1.3 • • •

DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA15FW 7-7-7-24 1.5 • • •

DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3 • • •

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • •

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 9 1.25 • • •

DS KINGSTON D1288JEMFPGD9U - 1.5 • • •

SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • •

7-7-7-24

- •

1.65 •

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

OCZ OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK 8GB

PC310600U-9-10-A0

PSC

PSC AL8F8G73D-DG1 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •

PSC PC310600U-9-10-B0 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B2873FHS-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5773DH0-CH9 2GB SS Samsung K4B2G08460 - - • • •

M378B5673FH0-CH9

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9 - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5273CH0-CH9 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C K4B2G0846C - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5273DH0-CH9 4GB DS Samsung K4B2G08460 - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B1G73AH0-CH9 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846A-HCH9 - - • • •

Transcend TS256MLK64V3N (566577) 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR 9 - • • •

Transcend TS256MLK64V3N (574206) 2GB SS Micron D9LGK 9 - • • •

Transcend TS512MLK64V3N (389889) 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR 9 - • •

Transcend TS512MLK64V3N (574831) 4GB DS Micron D9LGK 9 - • • •

ACTICA ACT1GHU64B8F1333S 1GB SS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •

ACTICA ACT1GHU72C8G1333S 1GB SS Samsung K4B1G0846F(ECC) - - • • •

ACTICA ACT2GHU64B8G1333M 2GB DS Micron D9KPT - - • • •

ACTICA ACT2GHU64B8G1333S 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •

ACTICA ACT2GHU72D8G1333M 2GB DS Micron D9KPT(ECC) - - • • •

ACTICA ACT2GHU72D8G1333S 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F(ECC) - - • • •

ACTICA ACT4GHU64B8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • • •

ACTICA ACT4GHU72D8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC) - - • • •

BUFFALO D3U1333-1G 1GB SS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - - • • •

BUFFALO FSH1333D3G-T3G(XMP) 3GB

BUFFALO D3U1333-2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - • • •

BUFFALO D3U1333-4G 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8BN-CG - • • •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13 4GB

Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •

Elixir M2F4G64CB8HB5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •

GoodRam GR1333D364L9/2G 2GB DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H - - • • •

KINGTIGER F10DA2T1680 2GB DS KINGTIGER KTG1333PS1208NST-C9 - - • • •

KINGTIGER KTG2G1333PG3 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Patriot PSD32G13332 2GB DS Prtriot PM128M8D3BU-15 9 - • • •

Patriot PGS34G1333LLKA 4GB

Patriot PVS34G1333ELK 4GB

Patriot PVS34G1333LLK 4GB

Silicon Power SP001GBLTE133S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • • •

Silicon Power SP001GBLTU1333S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • • •

Silicon Power SP002GBLTE133S01 2GB DS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • • •

Silicon Power SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9 - • • •

Team TXD31024M1333C7(XMP) 1GB SS Team T3D1288LT-13 7-7-7-21 1.75 • • •

Team TXD31048M1333C7-D(XMP) 1GB SS Team T3D1288LT-13 7-7-7-21 1.75 • •

Team TXD32048M1333C7-D(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-13 7-7-7-21 1.5-1.6 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • •

( 2x 4GB )

1GB SS

2GB DS

(3 x 1GB)

(2 x 2GB)

PSC A3P1GF3FGF

SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F

SS - - 7-7-7-20 - • • •

DS - - 9 - • • •

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • •

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

- •

• •

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-9

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

CORSAIR HX3X12G1600C9(XMP) 12GB

CORSAIR

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB

CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2B1600C8 4GB

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB

CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB

CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB

CORSAIR

Chapter 2

CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB

CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP) 6GB

CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3C1600C7(XMP) 6GB

CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D(XMP) 6GB

CORSAIR CMP8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 8GB

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 8GB

Crucial BL12864BN1608.8FF(XMP) 2GB

Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP) 6GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP) 8GB

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-

GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP) 16GB

GEIL GE34GB1600C9DC(XMP) 4GB

GEIL GUP34GB1600C7DC(XMP) 4GB

GEIL GVP38GB1600C8QC(XMP) 8GB

KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8MF7(XMP) 1GB SS - - - • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB

KINGSTON KHX1600C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB

CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 16GB

CMG4GX3M2A1600C7(XMP) 4GB

4GBECO(XMP)

8GBECO(XMP)

( 6x 2GB )

( 4x 4GB )

( 2x 2GB )

(2 x 2GB)

( 3x 2GB )

(3 x 2GB)

( 2x 4GB )

(4 x 2GB)

( 2x 1GB )

( 2x 2GB )

4GB (2 x 2GB)

(2 x 2GB)

4GB (2 x 2GB)

(3 x 2GB)

( 2x 4GB )

8GB ( 2x4GB )

( 4x 4GB )

( 2x 2GB )

( 4x 2GB )

( 3x 4GB )

( 2x 2GB )

(Optional)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

DS -

DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

DS -

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 7-8-7-24 - • •

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.6 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.35 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.6~1.65 •

DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • • •

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6 • •

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 • • •

DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6 • • •

DS N/A - - 1.65 • • •

DS - - - 1.65 • • •

9-9-9-24 1.5

7-7-7-20 1.65

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

•

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB

KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB

KINGSTON

Kingston KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2/

4GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/

6GX(XMP)

OCZ OCZ3G16004GK 4GB

OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB

OCZ

OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB

OCZ OCZ3OB1600LV4GK 4GB

OCZ OCZ3X1600LV4GK(XMP) 4GB

OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 6GB(3 x

OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x

Super Talent WP160UX4G8(XMP) 4GB(2 x

Super Talent WP160UX4G9(XMP) 4GB(2 x

Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3 x

AEXEA AXA3PS2G1600S18V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

AEXEA AXA3PS4GK1600S18V(XMP) 4GB ( 2x

Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint 3128M8-GJ1D - - • • •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB( 2x

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB(2 x

Elixir M2P2G64CB8HC9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

GoodRam GR1600D364L9/2G 2GB DS GoodRam GF1008KC-JN - - • • •

KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Mushkin 996805(XMP) 4GB ( 2x

Mushkin 998805(XMP) 6GB ( 3x

Patriot PX7312G1600LLK(XMP) 12GB ( 3x

Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA2 4GB ( 2x

Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB( 2x

PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x

Patriot PVT36G1600LLK(XMP) 6GB(3 x

Patriot PX538G1600LLK(XMP) 8GB ( 2x

Team TXD31024M1600C8-D(XMP) 1GB SS Team T3D1288RT-16 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

Team TXD32048M1600C7-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-16 7-7-7-24 1.65 • •

Team TXD32048M1600HC8-D(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-16 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

DS - - - 1.65 • • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS -

( 2x 2GB )

DS - - - 1.65 • • •

( 2x 2GB )

4GB

DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

( 3x 2GB )

6GB

DS - - - 1.65 • •

( 3x 2GB )

DS - - 8-8-8 1.7 • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS -

( 2x 2GB )

DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • •

(2 x 2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

(2 x 2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • •

2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

2GB)

DS - - 8 - • •

2GB)

DS - - 9 - • • •

2GB)

DS - - - - • • •

2GB)

DS - - 8 - • • •

2GB)

DS - - - 1.65 • • •

2GB )

DS - - 9 - • • •

2GB )

DS - - 9 - • • •

2GB)

DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

2GB )

DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

2GB )

DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

4GB )

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.7 • • •

2GB )

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

2GB )

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

2GB)

DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

4GB )

- 1.65

8-8-8 1.65

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

•

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-11

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1800 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

G.SKILL F3-14400CL6D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4GB (2 x 2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL

KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB (3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 1866 MHz capability

Chapter 2

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBRH (XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB ( 3x 1GB ) SS - - - 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV3GK 3GB ( 3x 1GB ) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3G1866LV4GK 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 10-10-10 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

Super Talent W1866UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 - •

Team TXD32048M1866C9(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-16 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP)

4GB (2 x 2GB) DS

- 9-9-9-24

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

1.6 •

•

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3 DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

A-DATA AX3U2000GB2G9B(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 •

AX3U2000GC4G9B(XMP)

A-DATA

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

CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP) 6GB

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB

F3-16000CL7Q-8GBFLS(XMP)

G.SKILL

GEIL GE38GB2000C9QC(XMP) 8GB

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

3GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/

4GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

6GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

6GX(XMP)

Transcend TX2000KLN-8GK

(388375)(XMP)

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP) 4GB

Patriot PX7312G2000ELK(XMP) 12GB

Patriot PVT36G2000LLK(XMP) 6GB

Silicon

SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - •

Power

Team TXD32048M2000C9(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6 •

4GB DS

DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • •

(3 x 2GB)

DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 •

( 3x 2GB )

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

(2 x 2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

(2 x 2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

(3 x 2GB)

8GB

(4 x 2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 •

(4 x 2GB)

3GB

SS - - - 1.65 •

( 3x 1GB )

4GB

DS - - 9 1.65 •

( 2x 2GB )

6GB

DS - - 9 1.65 •

( 3x 2GB )

6GB

DS - - - 1.65 •

( 3x 2GB )

4GB DS - - 1.6 • •

DS - - - 1.65 • •

( 2x 2GB )

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 •

( 3x 4GB )

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

(3 x 2GB)

- 9-11-9-27

- 7-9-7-24

1.55~1.75 •

1.65 •

(Optional)

1 DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMM

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-13

SABERTOOTH 990FX Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) AM3+ DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

A-DATA AX3U2000GB2G9B(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 • •

A-DATA

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBTD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • • •

GEIL

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K2/

Chapter 2

KINGSTON KHX2000C9D3T1K2/

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

Gingle 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •

Patriot PVT36G2000LLK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

•

AX3U2000GC4G9B(XMP)

GE38GB2000C9QC(XMP)

3GX(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

6GX(XMP)

- 9-11-9-27

4GB DS

8GB(4 x 2GB) DS

3GB ( 3x 1GB ) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • •

6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

- 9-9-9-28

1.55~1.75

1.65 •

•

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

• 1 DIMM:

•

Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration

Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the beige or the brown

2 DIMMs:

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the beige or the brown slots as

two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• When installing 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.

• The default DIMM frequency depends on its Seriel 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.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.4 Expansion slots

Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

Chapter 2

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (single a t x16, dual at x16/x16, triple at x16/x8/x8 mode)

2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

3 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot

4 PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot

5 PCI slot 1

6 PCIe 2.0 x16_4 slot

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-15

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card

3-way SLI

Chapter 2

PCI Express operating mode

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 PCIe 2.0x16_2 PCIe 2.0x16_3 PCIe 2.0x16_4

x16 (Recommend

N/A N/A N/A

for single VGA)

x16 N/A x16 N/A

x16 N/A x8 x8

• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (beige) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.

• In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 and PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.

• In 3-way SLI mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1/PCIe 2.0 x16_3/PCIe 2.0 x16_4 slots for PCI Express x16 graphic cards to get better performance.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™

mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

VIA6308 (1394) – – – – – – shared –

Realtek 8111E (LAN) – shared – – – – – –

JMicron ATA Controller 0 – – – – shared – – – JMicron ATA Controller 1 – – – – – – shared – ASM USB 3.0 – – – shared – – – – Onchip SATA Controller – – – shared – – – – Onchip USB1 – – shared – – – – – Onchip USB2 – shared – – – – – Onchip Azaliz shared – – – – – – PCI Slot1 – – – – shared – – PCIEX16_1 shared – – – – – – – PCIEX16_2 – – – – shared – – – PCIEX16_3 – – – shared – – – – PCIEX16_4 shared – – – – – – – PCIEX1_1 shared – – – – – – –

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-17

2.2.5 Jumper

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

Chapter 2

To erase the RTC RAM

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to

for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.6 Onboard switch

The onboard switch allows you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-

case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

Chapter 2

• Refer to section

• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows™ OS environment.

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-19

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs

1. Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

Chapter 2

2. POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key components status during POST (Power-on Self Test). If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.8 Internal connectors

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

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

conguration through the onboard AMD® SB950 chipset.

Chapter 2

•

These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID congurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

•

When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Refer to section

•

You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-21

3.5.4 SATA Conguration

SATA Mode

in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode].

for details.

2. JMicron® JMB362 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_E1/E2 [black])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.

Chapter 2

3. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The COM module is purchased separately.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0

specicaton that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel

cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.

5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

48 MBps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB module cable is purchased separately.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-23

6. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Chapter 2

7. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

8. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; CPU_OPT FAN; CHA_FAN1-3; 3-pin CHA_FAN4)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-25

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

Chapter 2

10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, setIf you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the

Front Panel Type

front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to connector is set to

item in the BIOS setup to

[HD]

if you want to connect an AC'97

[HD];

. By default, this

[AC97]

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 350 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system

will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring a system

with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at

com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

http://support.asus.

for details.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-27

11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

Chapter 2

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Building your computer system

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan

DIMM SATA hard disk drive

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

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

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-29

2.3.2 CPU installation

Chapter 2

The AMD AM3+ socket is compatible with AMD AM3+ and AM3 processors. Ensure you

use a CPU designed for the 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!

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-31

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 2

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-33

2.3.5 Motherboard installation

Chapter 2

The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-35

2.3.6 ATX Power connection

Chapter 2

OR OR

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.7 SATA device connection

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-37

2.3.8 Front I/O Connector

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

To install ASUS Q-Connector

1 2

Chapter 2

To install USB 2.0 Connector To install front panel audio connector

AAFP

USB 2.0

To install USB 3.0 Connector

USB 3.0

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.9 Expension Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-39

2.3.10 Rear panel connection

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

2. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Power External SATA port

3. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 10. IEEE 1394a port

4. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 11. External SATA port

5. USB 2.0 ports 9 and 10 12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

6. LAN1 (RJ-45) port*

7. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8

* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LED and audio port denitions.

8. Optical S/PDIF Out port

13. Audio I/O ports**

• DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.

• DO NOT connect a keyboard/mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows® operating system.

• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.

• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.

• If you want to use the hot-plug function of the external SATA ports, you have to set the

JMB Storage Controller JMB36X Controller Driver

Onboard Devices Conguration

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

item in the BIOS setting to [Enabled] and install the

from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to section

for details.

JMicron

3.5.6

* LAN ports LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port Headset

2-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Chapter 2

Connect to Headphone and Mic

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-41

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX 2-43

2.4 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green

Chapter 2

after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated) One continuous beep followed by three short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.

2.5 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting.

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Extensible Firmware Interface that complies with uEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only

BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily

navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The

term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specied.

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal

circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update.

Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel.

3.2 BIOS setup program

A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the

computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or press the reset button on the system chassis to restart the system. You can also turn the system off and then

turn it back on to restart the system. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See sectionSee section 2.2.5 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

• The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.

The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse.

The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-1

3.2.1 EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in sectionsection 3.7 Boot memu for details.

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,

CPU/chassis/power fan speed

Monday [4/11/2011]

Temperature Voltage Fan Speed

CPU +138.2ºF/+60.0ºC CPU 1.356V 5V 5.078V CPU FAN 4245RPM CPU OPT FAN N/A

MB +93.2ºF/+34.0ºC 3.3V 3.288V 12V 11.891V CHASSIS FAN N/A CHASSIS FAN2 N/A

System Performance

Chapter 3

Performance Energy Saving

Boot Priority

Use the mouse to drag or keyboard to navigate to decide the boot priority.

Selects the boot device priority

Displays the system properties of the selected mode on the right hand side

UEFI BIOS Utility - EZ Mode

SABERTOOTH P67

BIOS Version : 0121 Build Date : 04/11/2011

CPU Type : AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 965 Processor Speed : 3448 MHz

Total Memory : 1024 MB

Quiet

Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program

Exits the BIOS setup program without saving

the changes, saves the changes and resets the system, or enters the Advanced Mode

Normal

Power Saving mode

Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode

Selects the boot device priority

Clicks to display all fan

Boot Menu(F8)

Loads optimized default

speeds if available

Exit/Advanced Mode

English

Default(F5)

• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

• The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the

system.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.2 Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations.

To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.

Back button

Menu items

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ Onboard Devices Conguration >

VIA 1394 Controller Enabled

JMB Storage Controller Enabled

JMB Storage OPROM Enabled

Display OptionRom in POST Enabled

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller Enabled

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support

Realtek LAN Controller Enabled

Realtek PXE OPROM Disabled

> Serial Port Conguration Enabled

> SB HD Azalia Conguration

Ai Tweaker

Submenu item

Menu bar

Pop-up window

Conguration elds

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

JMB Storage OPROM

Disabled Enabled

Scroll bar

General help

Enabled/Disabled JMB Storage OPROM.

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

Navigation keys

Exit

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings.

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-3

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

Back button

This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on

the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen.

Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup

Chapter 3

program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3 Main menu

The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

BIOS Version 0121 x64 Build Date 04/08/2011

CPU Information AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 965 Processor

Memory Information Total Memory 1024 MB(DDR3) EC Version MBECG-0008

System Language English

System Date [Mon 04/11/2011] System Time [16:37:25]

Access Level Administrator

> Security

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Choose the system default languageBIOS Information

Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Main\ Security >

Password Description

If ONLY the Administrator's password is set, then this only limits access to Setup and is only asked for when entering Setup If ONLY the User's password is set, then this is a power on password and must be entered to boot or enter Setup. In Setup the User will have Administrator rights

Administrator Password Not Installed User Password Not Installed

Administrator Password User Password

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

To clear the administrator password, key in the current password in the Enter Current Password box, and then press <Enter> when

prompted to create/conrm the

password.

Exit

Chapter 3

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.2.5 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-5

Administrator Password

If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only

selected elds in the BIOS setup program.

To set an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

<Enter>.

3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator

password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear

the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

User Password

If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

Chapter 3

To set a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

<Enter>.

3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press

<Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear the password, the

User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Current CPU Speed : 3426MHz Target CPU Speed : 3400MHz Current Memory Frequency : 1066MHz Current NB Frequency : 3400MHz Current HT Link Speed : 3400MHz

Ai Overclock Tuner Auto

OC Tuner CANCEL

CPU Ratio Auto

Memory Frequency Auto

CPU/NB Frequency Auto

HT Link Speed Auto

CPU Spread Spectrum Auto

PCIe Spread Spectrum Auto

EPU Power Saving Mode Disabled

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll down to display the following items:

> DRAM Timing Control

> DRAM Driving Control

DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load Line Calibration Auto

CPU/NB Load Line Calibration Auto

CPU Current Capability 100%

CPU/NB Current Capability 100%

CPU Power Phase Control Standard

CPU Voltage Frequency Auto

VRM Spread Spectrum Disabled

CPU Power Duty Control T. Probe Th...

CPU & NB Voltage Offset Mode

Offset Mode Sign +

Exit

[D.O.C.P.] When DOCP is enabled CPU Bus frequency, CPU ratio and memory

parameters will be auto optimized.

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

Min = 0.006250V Max = 0.793750V Standard = By CPU Oncrement = 0.006250V +/- : Raise/Reduce

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-7

Scroll down to display the following items:

CPU & NB Voltage Offset Mode

Offset Mode Sign +

CPU Offset Voltage 1.356V Auto

CPU/NB Offset Mode Sign 1.224V +

CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.100V Auto

CPU VDDA Voltage 2.500V Auto

DRAM Voltage 1.500V Auto

NB Voltage 1.100V Auto

NB HT Voltage 1.200V Auto

NB 1.8V Voltage 1.800V Auto

SB Voltage 1.100V Auto

VDD PCIE 1.100V Auto

VDDR 1.200V Auto

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

[D.O.C.P.] Allows you to select a DRAM voltage.

OC Tuner [CANCEL]

Chapter 3

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for enhancing the system performance. Press <Enter> and select Ok to start overclocking automatically.

VDDR Min = 1.20V Max = 1.80V Standard = 1.20V Oncrement = 0.0050V +/- : Raise/Reduce

: Select Screen

→←

: Select Item

↑↓

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-CPB CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner items to [manual].

CPU Bus/PEG Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU and VGA frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 600.

PCIE Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 600.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The conguration options: [DDR3800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz]*

Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

* [DDR3-1866MHz] item is for AM3+ CPU only.

CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between NB clock and the CPU Bus frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [846MHz] [1080MHz] [1296MHz] [1512MHz] [1728MHz] [1944MHz] [2160MHz] [2376MHz] [2592MHz] [2808MHz] [3024MHz] [3240MHz] [3456MHz]

HT Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

PCIe Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode items to [Enabled].

EPU Setting

Conguration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode]

[Max Power Saving Mode]

Chapter 3

DRAM Timing Control

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-9

DRAM Driving Control

DCT0 Information:

CKE drive strength [1.5x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

CS/ODT drive strength [1.5x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

ADDR/CMD drive strength [1.5x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

MEMCLK drive strength [1.5x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Data drive strength [1x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DQS drive strength [1x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Processor ODT [60 ohms +/- 20%]

Conguration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/-

20%]

DCT1 Information:

CKE drive strength [1x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

Chapter 3

CS/ODT drive strength [1x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

ADDR/CMD drive strength [1x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

MEMCLK drive strength [0.75x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Data drive strength [0.75x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DQS drive strength [0.75x]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Processor ODT [240 ohms +/- 20%]

Conguration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/-

20%]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line is dened by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage

will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher Load-line calibration would get higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase the CPU and VRM thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50% (High), 75% (Ultra High) and 100% (Extreme).

Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU speciation.

CPU/NB Load Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]

CPU Current Capability [100%]

This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]

Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.

Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

CPU/NB Current Capability [100%]

This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]

CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]

Phase number is the number of woorking VRM phase. Increasing phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reducing phase

number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency

[Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.

[Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning prole.

[Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode.

[Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.

CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU Voltage Frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-11

VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Auto] and allows you to enable the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.

VRM Fixed Frequency Mode [300]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Manual] and

allows you to set a xed VRM frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300k Hz to 500k Hz with a 10k Hz interval.

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe Thermal]

[T.Probe Thermal] Maintains the VRM thermal balance.

[C.Probe Current] Maintains the VRM current balance.

CPU & NB Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a xed CPU voltage.

[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the Offset voltage.

CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]

and allows you to set a xed CPU voltage. The values range depends on your CPU.

CPU/NB Manual Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]

and allows you to set a xed CPU/NB voltage. The values range depends on your

CPU.

Chapter 3

Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.006250V to 0.793750V with a

0.006250V interval.

CPU/NB Offset Mode Sign [+] CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Autp]

allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.006250V to 0.793750V with a 0.006250V interval.

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.

CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.20000V to 2.90000V with

a 0.00625V interval. The text color in the conguration eld indicates voltage condition.

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.50V with a 0.00625V interval.

According to AMD® CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1.65V.

NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage. The values range from 0.80000V to 1.40000V with a 0.00625V interval.

NB HT Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the NB HT voltage. The values range from 0.80000V to 1.40000V with a

0.00625V interval.

NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the NB 1.8V voltage. The values range from 1.80000V to 2.80000V with a

0.005V interval.

SB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the SB voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.8V with a 0.005V interval.

VDD PCIE [Auto]

Allows you to set the VDD PCIE voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 2.20V with a

0.005V interval. The text color in the conguration eld indicates voltage condition.

VDDR [Auto]

Allows you to set the VDDR voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.80V with a 0.0050V interval.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-13

3.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.

At the bottom right corner of the menu are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Use <F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

> CPU Conguration

> North Bridge

> SATA Conguration

> USB Conguration

> CPU Core On/Off Fuction

> Onboard Devices Conguration

> APM

Chapter 3

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

CPU Conguration Parameters

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ CPU Conguration >

CPU Conguration

Cool ‘n’ Quiet Disabled

C1E Disabled

SVM Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Enable/disable the geberation of ACPI _PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects..

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

Cool‘n’Quiet [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

C1E [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to

[Disabled] Disables this function.

enable the Enhanced Halt Sate.

SVM [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables AMD virtualization in CPU. This secure virtual mode will let you run

[Disabled] Disables this function.

multiple operation system on the same physical hardware by decoupling operation system and physical hardware with the hypervisor layer.

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-15

3.5.2 North Bridge Conguration

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Back Advanced\ North Bridge >

North Bridge Conguration

IOMMU Mode Disabled

> Memory Conguration

Initate Graphic Adapter PEG/PCI

IOMMU [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [64MB]

Memory Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable Memory Bank Interleaving fuction. Conguration options: [Auto]

[Disabled]

Channel Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable Memory Channel Interleaving fuction. Conguration options:

[Auto] [Disabled]

ECC Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ECC Mode.

Chapter 3

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Memory Hole Remapping fuction.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to select unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width). [Enabled]: Ganged mode. [Disabled]: Unganged mose.

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

IOMMU is support on Linux based systems to convert 32bit I/O to 64bit MMIO.

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.3 SATA Conguration

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ SATA Agent Conguration >

SATA Conguration

SATA6G_1 Not Present SATA6G_2 Not Present SATA6G_3 Not Present SATA6G_4 Not Present SATA6G_5 Not Present SATA6G_6 Not Present

> SB SATA Conguration

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot

Options for SATA Conguration.

SB SATA Conguration

Onchip SATA Channel [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Disabled]

SATA Port1-Port4 [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration. This item appears only when you set the OnChip

SATA Channel item to [Enabled].

[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the

SATA hard disk drives.

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the

AHCI (Advabced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the

drive to internally optimize the order of commands.

Exit

Tool

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-17

SATA Port5-Port6 [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration. This item appears only when you set the OnChip

SATA Channel item to [Enabled].

[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA Hot Plug on PORT1-6 [Disabled]

Allows you to set SATA Hot Plug on PORT1-6 to external SATA port.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chapter 3

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

(Advabced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to

internally optimize the order of commands.

You can only set SATA Port5-Port6 to [IDE] if Port1-Port4 is set to [IDE].

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.4 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ USB Conguration >

USB Conguration

USB Devices: 1 Drive, 1 Mouse

Legacy USB Support Enabled

Legacy USB3.0 Support Enabled

EHCI Hand-off Disabled

Mass Storage Devices:

TDK LoR Trans-It Drive PMAP Auto

> SB USB Conguration

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO option disables legacy support if no USB devices are connected. DISABLE option will keep USB devices available only for EFI applications.

Exit

The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] Disables the function.

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the function.

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

feature.

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-19

SB USB Conguration

OHCI HC (Bus 0 Dev 18 Fn 0) [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable OHCI USB1.1 controller (Bus 0 Dev 18 Fn 0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OHCI HC (Bus 0 Dev 19 Fn 0) [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable OHCI USB1.1 controller (Bus 0 Dev 19 Fn 0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OHCI HC (Bus 0 Dev 22 Fn 0) [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable OHCI USB1.1 controller (Bus 0 Dev 22 Fn 0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OHCI HC (Bus 0 Dev 20 Fn 5) [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable OHCI USB1.1 controller (Bus 0 Dev 22 Fn 0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.5.5 CPU Core On/Off Fuction

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Back Advanced\ CPU Core On/Off Function >

ASUS Core Unlocker Disabled

Chapter 3

CPU Core Activation Auto

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Enables ASUS Core Unlocker to get FULL computing power of processor. [Warning] System might become unstable due to different CPU margins.

ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled]

Allows you to enable ASUS Core Unlocker to get full computing power of processor.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

System might become unstable due to different CPU margins.

CPU Core Activation [Auto]

Allows you to manually turn off the second or the third core.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Main

Back Advanced\ Onboard Devices Conguration >

VIA 1394 Controller Enabled

JMB Storage Controller Enabled

JMB Storage OPROM Enabled

Display OptionRom in POST Enabled

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller Enabled

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support Disabled

Realtek LAN Controller Enabled

Realtek PXE OPROM Disabled

> Serial Port Conguration

> SB HD Azalia Conguration

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

JMB Storage Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the JMB storage controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

If you want to use the full functin of the JMB storage contorller (ex. AHCI), we recommend that you set this item to [Enabled] and install the JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver from the motherboard support DVD.

Enabled/Disabled Azalia VIA 1394

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Chapter 3

JMB Storage OPROM [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the OptionRom of the JMB storage controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Display OptionRom in POST [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the JMB Storage OPROM item to [Enabled] and allows you to display or hide the OptionRom of the JMB storage controller during POST.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-21

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 battery charging support.

[Disabled] Disables the fuction.

Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Serial Port Conguration

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port conguration.

Serial Port [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]

Chapter 3

Allows you to select the Serial Port base address.

Conguration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]

This item functions only if there is a serial port (COM1) connector on the motherboard.

SB HD Azalia Conguration

HD Audio Azalia Device [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the HD Audio Device.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Azalia Front Panel [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-

denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.

[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97

[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition audio.

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.

[HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.7 APM

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Main

Back Advanced\ APM >

ErP Ready Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Allow BIOS to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement. When set to Enabled, all other PME options will be switched off.

ErP Ready [Enabled]

Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement.

When set to [Enabled], all other PME options will be swtched off. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-23

3.6 Monitor menu

The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.

CPU Temperature +61ºC / +143ºF+61ºC / +143ºF

MB Temperature +37ºC / +98ºF

VCORE Voltage +1.080 V

3.3V Voltage +3.120 V

5V Voltage +4.842 V

12V Voltage +11.531 V

VDDA2.5V Voltage +2.520 V

CPU FAN Speed N/A

CPU OPT FAN Speed 4192 RPM

Chapter 3

Scroll down to display the following items:

CPU FAN Speed N/A

CPU OPT FAN Speed 4192 RPM

CHASSIS FAN Speed N/A

CHASSIS FAN 2 Speed N/A

CHASSIS FAN 3 Speed N/A

CHASSIS FAN 4 Speed N/A

CPU Q-Fan Control Enabled

CPU Fan Prole Standard

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit 600 RPM

CHassis Q-Fan Control Disabled

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

CPU Temperature

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxx�C/xxx�F][xxx�C/xxx�F]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] Chassis Fan 1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] CPU OPT Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, power,power, and assistant fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to thetant fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

the CPU temperature.

The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Prole to [Manual].

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.

CPU Lower Temperature [20]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the lower limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.

CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0%The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimumWhen the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-25

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [100RPM] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600

RPM]

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed. Conguration options: [Ignore] [100RPM] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

on the chassis temperature.

Chapter 3

The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Prole to [Manual].

Chassis Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.

Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

Chassis Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the

minimum duty cycle.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, VDDA2.5V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Boot Conguration

Bootup NumLock State On

Full Screen Logo Enabled

Wait for 'F1' If Error Enabled

Option ROM Messages Force BIOS

Interrupt 19 Capture Disabled

Setup Mode EZ Mode

Boot Option Priorities

Boot Override

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Select the keyboard NumLock state

→←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Bootup NumLock State [On]

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Exit

Chapter 3

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

sequence.

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-27

Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup

[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.

Boot Option Priorities

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system.

Boot Override

These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start booting from the selected device.

3.8 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Chapter 3

program.

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:

- Press <F8> after POST.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Tool

Exit

Main

> ASUS EZ Flash Utility

> ASUS SPD Information

> ASUS O.C. Prole

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot

Be used to update BIOS

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message

appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to

conrm your choice.

For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Tool\ ASUS O.C. Prole >

O.C. Prole Conguration

==========================================================

Setup Prole1 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole2 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole3 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole4 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole5 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole6 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole7 Status : Not Installed Setup Prole8 Status : Not Installed

==========================================================

Add Your CMOS Prole

Label

Save to Prole 1

Load CMOS Prole

Load from Prole 1

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Save BIOS settings to Prole

Exit

The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.

Label

Allows you to input the label of setup prole.

Save to Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a prole. Key in a prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Load from Prole

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole

number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Chapter 3

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/ CPU conguration and BIOS version.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-29

3.9 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu.

Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Yes to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

Chapter 3

a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When youWhen you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit..

Exit

Load Optimized Defaults

Save Changes & Reset

Discard Changes & Exit

ASUS EZ Mode

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

ASUS EZ Mode

This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of the available lesystem devices.

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3.10 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash disk drive.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need

to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or BIOS Updater utilities.

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Save the current BIOS le

• View the BIOS version information

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

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ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Launching ASUS Update

After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

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Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the ASUS Update screen, select

Update BIOS from Internet, and then click Next.

2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you

to avoid network trafc.

If you want to enable the BIOS

downgradable function and auto BIOS backup function, check the checkboxs before the two items on the screen.

3. Select the BIOS version that you want

to download. Click Next.

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4. You can decide whether to change the BIOS boot logo, which is the image appearing on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo or No to continue.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

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Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. From the ASUS Update screen, select

Update BIOS from le, and then click Next.

2. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, click Open, and click Next.

3. You can decide whether to change

the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo or No to continue.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

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• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

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3-33

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to theEnter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.

Exit

ASUSTek EZ Flash BIOS ROM Utility V00.75

Flash Info

MODEL: SABERTOOTH 990FX VER: 0401 DATE: 04/26/2011

fs0:\

Drive Folder Info

fs0:\ 04/27/11 10:23p 4194304 SABER990FX.ROM fs1:\

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File Infor

MODEL: VER: DATE:

Help Info

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/PageUp/PageDown/Home/End] Move [Esc] Exit [F2] Backup

3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,

and then press <Enter>.

5. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info eld.

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform to perform the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

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• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and

single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

Chapter 3

3-35

3.10.3 ASUS BIOS Updater

The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also

allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or

gets corrupted during the updating process.

Before updating BIOS

1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB ash drive in FAT32/16 format and

single partition.

2. Download the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http:// support.asus.com and save them on the USB ash drive.

3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).

Booting the system in DOS environment

1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB port.

2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the

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optical drive as the boot device.

SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Enter Setup

 ↑ and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to boot using defaults

The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown.

• NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS le and BIOS Updater to a hard disk drive or USB ash drive in NTFS format.

• Do not save the BIOS le to a oppy disk due to low disk capacity.

Please select boot device:

3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by

pressing the item number.

4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from

Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB ash drive).

Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!

C:\>d:

D:\>

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Backing up the current BIOS

To backup the current BIOS le using the BIOS Updater

Ensure that the USB ash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save the le.

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[lename] and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Filename Extension

The [lename] is any user-assigned lename with no more than eight alphanumeric

characters for the lename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.

2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2010/04/29]

Current ROM

BOARD: SABERTOOTH 990FX VER: 0401 DATE: 04/26/2011

PATH: A:\

BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.

Note

Saving BIOS:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX

3-37

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /pc /g

2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2010/04/29]

3. Press <Tab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS le and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS le and prompts you to conrm BIOS update.

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4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your computer.

Current ROM

BOARD: SABERTOOTH 990FX VER: 0401 DATE: 04/26/2010

PATH: A:\

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

SABER990FX.ROM 4194304 2010-10-26 17:30:48

Are you sure to update BIOS?

Yes No

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

• For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS prompt after updating BIOS.

• Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.

• Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS le if you have

disconnected them.

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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Notices

Safety information

About this guide