ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 User Manual

SABERTOOTH
X58

Motherboard

E5995

Second Edition (V2)
August 2010

Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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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

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etc to this email address).

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................................... iii

Notices .....................................................................................................................

Safety information ...................................................................................................... ix

About this guide .......................................................................................................... x

SABERTOOTH X58 specications summary .......................................................... xii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

1.3.3 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions ..........................................

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel .................................................

1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .......................................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ............................................

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

2.4 System memory .......................................................................................

2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..............................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ......................................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ....................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .................................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slot

2.5.5 PCI Express x16 / x1 slots ........................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .........................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

.................................................... 1-3

............................................................. 1-3

..................................................................... 2-4

................................................................................. 2-4

........................................ 2-9

2-10

2-10

2-11

2-17

2-17

........................................................................................ 2-18

...................................................... 2-18

2-18

................................................................ 2-19

...................................................................................... 2-20

2-20

2-20

viii

1-3

1-3

2-2

2-2

2-3

2-5

2-5

2-8

iii

Contents

2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................2-22

2.7 Onboard switch ........................................................................................

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) ..........................................

2.9 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................................

2.10 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.11 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................

3.3.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................

3.3.3 Navigation keys ...........................................................................

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items ...........................................................................

3.3.6 Conguration elds .....................................................................

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar .....................................................................................

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.4.1 SATA 1–6 ....................................................................................

3.4.2 Storage Conguration ...............................................................

3.4.3 AHCI Conguration ...................................................................

3.4.4 System Information ...................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................................

3.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting .....................................................................

3.5.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech ...................................................

3.5.4 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech ...........................................................

3.5.5 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode ...............................................

.................................................................... 2-29

..................................................................... 3-2

................................................... 3-5

.................................................................................. 3-7

............................................................................ 3-7

................................................................................ 3-7

2-24

2-25

2-25

2-26

2-37

2-38

2-39

2-39

3-1

3-4

3-6

3-6

3-6

3-7

3-7

3-7

3-7

3-8

3-8

3-10

3-11

3-11

3-12

3-12

3-13

3-13

3-13

3-13

iv

Contents

3.5.6 BCLK Frequency ....................................................................... 3-13

3.5.7 PCIE Frequency ........................................................................

3.5.8 DRAM Frequency

3.5.9 UCLK Frequency

3.5.10 QPI Link Data Rate ...................................................................

3.5.11 ASUS/3rd Party UI Priority ........................................................

3.5.12 DRAM Timing Contro ................................................................

3.5.13 CPU Voltage Control .................................................................

3.5.14 CPU Voltage

3.5.15 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................................

3.5.16 QPI/DRAM Core Voltage

3.5.17 IOH Voltage ...............................................................................

3.5.18 IOH PCIE Voltage .....................................................................

3.5.19 ICH Voltage ...............................................................................

3.5.20 ICH PCIE Voltage

3.5.21 DRAM Bus Voltage ...................................................................

3.5.22 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B/C ....................................

3.5.23 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B/C ...................................

3.5.24 Load-Line Calibration ................................................................

3.5.25 CPU Differential Amplitude ........................................................

3.5.26 CPU Clock Skew .......................................................................

3.5.27 CPU Spread Spectrum

3.5.28 IOH Clock Skew ........................................................................

3.5.29 PCIE Spread Spectrum .............................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.4 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.5 PCIPnP .....................................................................................

3.7 Power menu ..............................................................................................

3.7.1 Suspend Mode ..........................................................................

3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ....................................................

3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................................

3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................................

3.7.5 APM Conguration ....................................................................

3.7.6 Hardware Monitor

3.7.7 EuP Ready ................................................................................

...................................................................... 3-14

....................................................................... 3-14

.............................................................................. 3-16

........................................................... 3-16

...................................................................... 3-17

.............................................................. 3-18

...................................................................... 3-29

3-14

3-14

3-14

3-14

3-16

3-16

3-17

3-17

3-17

3-17

3-18

3-18

3-18

3-18

3-18

3-18

3-18

3-19

3-19

3-22

3-23

3-25

3-26

3-27

3-27

3-27

3-27

3-27

3-28

3-30

v

Contents

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-31

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................

3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.3 AI NET 2 ....................................................................................

3.9.4 Drive Xpert Conguration ..........................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

Chapter 4: Software support

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

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................

4.3.2 ASUS Fan Xpert

4.3.3 Audio congurations

4.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................................

4.4.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................

4.4.4 Intel

4.4.5 Marvell RAID utility ....................................................................

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

®

Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility ....................... 4-7

................................................................... 3-31

.................................................. 4-2

.......................................................................... 4-4

.................................................................... 4-5

..................................................................... 4-15

®

.................................. 4-15

®

OS installation ...... 4-16

3-32

3-33

3-35

3-35

3-35

3-37

3-37

3-39

4-1

4-1

4-3

4-3

4-6

4-6

4-7

4-7

4-11

4-15

4-17

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

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

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................

5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................

5.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards ..............................

vi

5-1

5-1

5-2

5-3

Contents

5.1.5 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 5-4

5.1.6 Enabling the ATI

5.2 NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-6

®

CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-4

5.2.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

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

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-7

5-6

5-6

5-7

vii

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.

viii

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.

ix

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.

x

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.

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

complete a task.

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

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

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italic

s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

that you must press the enclosed key.

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

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

xi

SABERTOOTH X58 specications summary

CPU LGA1366 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition /

Chipset Intel® X58 / ICH10R

System bus Up to 6.4GT/s; Intel® QuickPath Interconnect

Memory 6 x DIMM, max. 24GB, DDR3 1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (dual at x16 / x16 mode)

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology

Storage Intel® ICH10R Southbridge

LAN Realtek® 8110SC Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2

USB NEC® USB 3.0 controller

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

Core™ i7 Processors
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Triple channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of

individual CPUs.

** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

1 x PCI Express x16 slot (at x4 mode)
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
1 x PCI slot

Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (black)

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports SATA RAID 0, 1,
5, and 10

Marvell® 88SE9128 PCIe SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller (DriveXpert
Technology)

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

- Supports EZ Backup and SuperSpeed functions

JMicron® JMB362 SATA controller

- 1 x Power eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

- 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (at back panel)

Intel® ICH10R Southbridge

- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

(6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

(one at midboard, one at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xii

SABERTOOTH X58 specications summary

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

Exclusive TUF features “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

Other special features True USB 3.0 support

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

- Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking

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

- ASUS Noise Filter

- 8-phase CPU Power

- 2-phase Memory Power

- 2-phase VTT_CPU Power

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

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

military-standard)

“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

- CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology

- ASUS Fan Xpert

“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

- MemOK!

True SATA 6.0 Gb/s RAID support
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Shield
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-DIMM
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2™
ASUS O.C. Prole
Multi-language BIOS

2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x Power eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (green)
1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (red)
8-channel Audio I/O ports

(continued on the next page)

xiii

SABERTOOTH X58 specications summary

Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

BIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

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

Support DVD contents Drivers

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

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (black)
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x NB Fan connector
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 2 x 3-pin)
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button

SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

xiv

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH X58 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 X58 motherboard 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 1-1

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

with 6.0 Gb/s label

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

User guide Support DVD

• 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.

2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processors in LGA1366 package with
integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory. Supports Intel®
QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4 GT/s and a max bandwidth of
up to 25.6 GB/s. Intel® Core™ i7 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efcient
CPUs in the world. Refer to page 2-5 for details.

Intel® X58 Chipset

The Intel® X58 Express Chipset is one of the most powerful chipset designed to support
the Intel® Core™ i7 Processors with LGA1366 package and Intel® next generation system
interconnect interface, Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), providing improved performance

by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. It also

supports up to 36 PCI Express 2.0 lanes providing better graphics performance.

Triple-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of

the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The triple-channel DDR3
architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.
Refer to page 2-10 for details.

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

SABERTOOTH X58 brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The
motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X58 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in

multiple GPU congurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced

before! Refer to Chapter 5 for details.

True USB 3.0 Support

Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s with USB 3.0–the latest connectivity standard.
Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers
data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components. Refer to page
2-25 for details.

True Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s RAID support

Supporting the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard
delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data
retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems. Refer to page 2-30 for details.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the

use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating

environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health

while minimizing the impact on the environment.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

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

Exclusively for this motherboard, the switching power design is provided not only for the
CPU, but also for other key components such as chipsets. E.S.P. dramatically improves

system efciency and reduces heat generation.

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

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

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

1.3.3 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology

Innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system. It replaces traditional
antioxidants 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 yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different

geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible

controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment. Refer to page 4-4 for details.

Chapter 1

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

MemOK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically
improve your system booting success. Refer to page 2-24 for details.

1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features

ASUS Q-Design

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 1-3

ASUS Q-Shield

ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your

Chapter 1

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

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. Refer to page 2-37 for
details.

ASUS EZ-Flash 2

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

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility. Refer to page 3-4 for details.

ASUS O.C. Prole

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

giving you the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings. Refer to page 3-35 for
details.

ASUS MyLogo2™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more
colorful and vivid image on your screen.

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the available

options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you congure your system easier and faster.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

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

2. CPU, chassis, power, and NB fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin
CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2–3, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin NB_FAN)

3. LGA1366 CPU Socket

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. CPU / DRAM Bus overvoltage settings (3-pin OV_CPU, OV_DRAM_BUS)

6. MemOK! switch

7. Intel

8. Marvell

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

10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

11. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)

12. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

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

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

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

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

®

ICH10R Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1–6 [black]) 2-29

®

Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

(7-pin SATA_6G_1, 7-pin SATA_6G_2 [gray])

2-35

2-33

2-5

2-10

2-23

2-24

2-30

2-36

2-22

2-38

2-31

2-32

2-34

2-32

2-34

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.

2.2.4 Screw holes

Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.

Chapter 2

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

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1366 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor.

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

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the

LGA1366 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, ensure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever
is on your left.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-5

2. Press the load lever with your thumb
(A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow to a 135º angle.

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and

Chapter 2

forenger to a 100º angle.

5. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU
socket.

To prevent damage to the socket pins,
do not remove the PnP cap unless
you are installing a CPU.

Retention tab

A

B

Load lever

Load plate

4

3

PnP cap

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Position the CPU over the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the socket, and then

t the socket alignment key into the CPU

notch.

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!

7. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.

CPU notch

Alignment key

Gold
triangle
mark

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If
it gets into your eyes or touches your
skin, wash it off immediately, and seek
professional medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger directly.

8. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into the
retention tab.

Chapter 2

A

B

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-7

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA1366 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to
ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®-certied
multi-directional heatsink and fan.

®

• Your Intel

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan assembly.

LGA1366 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and

requires no tool to install.

Chapter 2

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners
match the holes on the motherboard.

2. Push down two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to secure the
heatsink and fan assembly in place.

Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.

A

B

B

A

A

B

B

1

A

1

Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to the CPU fan
connector.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the
connector on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to disengage the
heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

B

A

B

A

Chapter 2

A

B

B

A

4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-9

2.4 System memory

DIMM A1

DIMM B1

DIMM A1
DIMM B1
DIMM C1

DIMM A1

DIMM B1

DIMM A1
DIMM B1
DIMM C1

DIMM A1

DIMM A2

DIMM B2
DIMM B1
DIMM C2
DIMM C1

DIMM A1

DIMM B1

DIMM C1

DIMM A2

DIMM A1
DIMM B1
DIMM C1

DIMM A1
DIMM B1
DIMM C1

DIMM A1

DIMM A2

DIMM B2
DIMM B1
DIMM C2
DIMM C1

2.4.1 Overview

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

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for
better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Chapter 2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

You may install one memory module in slot A1, B1 or C1 as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): Three DIMMs (triple-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (triple-channel operation):

Six DIMMs (triple-channel operation):

Due to Intel CPU spec denition, the system will not boot if only one DIMM is installed

in DIMM slot A2, B2, or C2. Follow the illustrations above for recommended memory

conguration.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 Memory congurations

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

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

mapped for single-channel operation.

• Due to Intel spec denition, X.M.P. DIMMs and DDR3-1600 are supported for one

DIMM per channel only.

• According to Intel
the CPU.

• 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 (6 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

®

CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

for manual memory

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 2-11

SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1866 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

CORSAIR TR3X3G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V V

CORSAIR

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBRH (XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 V V

OCZ OCZ3P1866LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1067-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V V

OCZ

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 V V

Super Talent W1866UX2GB(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) N/A V

Patriot PVS32G1866LLK(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1866-8-8-8-24) 1.9 V V

Team

Chapter 2

SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1800 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

CORSAIR

KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65~1.85 V V

OCZ OCZ3P18002GK 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.65-1.85 V V

Transcend TX1800KLU-2GK(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.65-1.85 V V

Patriot PVS32G1800LLKN(EPP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 V V

TR3X6G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB)

OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK

BoxP/N:TXD34096M1866HC7DC-L
(TXD32048M1866HC7-L)(XMP)

BoxP/N:TW3X4G1800C8DF
(CM3X2G1800C8D)Ver4.1(XMP)

6GB(3 x 2GB) DS

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-21(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 V V

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.80 V

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS N/A

N/A Heat-Sink Package

SS/DSChip

Chip NO.

Brand

Chip NO.

Heat-Sink Package

Timing
Lable(Bios)

9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65

9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)

Timing
Lable(Bios)

Voltage

1.65 V

Voltage

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B*

V V

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B*

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information