ASUS X79 User Manual

SABERTOOTH X79

Motherboard

E8040

Revised Edition V3 January 2013

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

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).

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

Notices vi

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

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

SABERTOOTH X79 specications summary ............................................................ x

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

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

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel ................................................. 1-4

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................1-4

1.3.6 ASUS Exclusive Features ........................................................... 1-5

1.3.7 Other special features ................................................................. 1-5

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 ......................................................................... 2-12

2.2.5 Jumper ...................................................................................... 2-14

2.2.6 Onboard switch ......................................................................... 2-15

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................2-16

2.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................2-17

2.3 Building your computer system .............................................................2-26

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............ 2-26

2.3.2 CPU installation.........................................................................2-27

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................. 2-29

2.3.4 DIMM installation.......................................................................2-30

2.3.5 Motherboard installation ............................................................2-31

2.3.6 Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 .........................2-33

2.3.7 ATX Power connection .............................................................. 2-35

2.3.8 SATA device connection ............................................................2-36

2.3.9 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-37

iii

Contents

2.3.10 Expension Card installation....................................................... 2-38

2.3.11 Rear panel connection ..............................................................2-39

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

2.3.13 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................ 2-43

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

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

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

3.5.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-18

3.5.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-20

3.5.3 SATA Conguration ................................................................... 3-20

3.5.4 USB Conguration ....................................................................3-22

3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguraton ................................................. 3-23

3.5.6 APM ..........................................................................................3-25

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-26

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-30

3.8 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-32

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-32

3.8.2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information .................................................3-33

3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ..................................................................... 3-34

3.8.4 ASUS Drive Xpert .....................................................................3-35

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-36

3.10 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-37

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility...................................................................3-37

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ............................................................. 3-40

3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................. 3-41

3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ................................................................. 3-42

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

Contents

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

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

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

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

4.3.3 TurboV EVO ................................................................................ 4-8

4.3.4 DIGI+ Power Control ................................................................. 4-11

4.3.5 Sensor Recorder ....................................................................... 4-13

4.3.6 USB 3.0 Boost...........................................................................4-14

4.3.7 ASUS SSD Caching .................................................................. 4-15

4.3.8 ASUS Update ............................................................................ 4-16

4.3.9 MyLogo2 ...................................................................................4-17

4.3.10 Audio congurations..................................................................4-19

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................4-20

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................4-20

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................4-21

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................. 4-21

4.4.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................4-21

4.4.5 Marvell RAID utility .................................................................... 4-25

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-29

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................ 4-29

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ...... 4-30

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ................................................... 4-31

® ...............................................................4-29

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 AMD® 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 AMD® 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

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.that you must press the enclosed key.

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

SABERTOOTH X79 specications summary

CPU Intel® Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor

Chipset Intel® X79 Express Chipset

Memory 8 x DIMM, Max. 64GB*, DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz,

Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (dual at x16/x16 mode)mode)

Multi-GPU Support Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ TechnologyQuad-GPU SLI™ Technology SLI™ Technology

Storage Intel® X79 Express Chipset

LAN Intel® 82579V Gigabit LAN controller

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

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6315N controller supports 1 IEEE 1394a port at back

USB 3 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers

Extreme Edition Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory Quad 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 3.0 x16 slot (PCIe x16_3 at x8 speed) 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots 1 x PCI slot * This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions

will be available when using PCIe 3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.com for updated details.

Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10 support (brown)

- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10 support (black)

Marvell® 9128 SATA controller

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (gray)

ASMedia® 1061 SATA controller

- 1 x Power eSATA 6Gb/s port (green)

- 1 x eSATA 6Gb/s port (red)

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

- BD Audio Layer Content Protection

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

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

panel

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at midboard for front panel support

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports at back panel (blue)

Intel® X79 Express Chipset

- 14 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

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

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH X79 specications summary

Exclusive TUF Features “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

Other Special Features ASUS SSD Caching

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

- TUF Thermal Armor

- TUF Thermal Radar

“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

- 8+2+2+2 Digital Phase Power Design

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

- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility

“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

- ESD Guards

- MemOK!

- Anti Surge

USB BIOS Flashback USB 3.0 Boost Front Panel USB 3.0 Support 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 CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2™ Multi-language BIOS

1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button 1 x Power eSATA 6Gb/s port (green) 1 x eSATA 6Gb/s port (red) 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH X79 specications summary

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

BIOS Features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

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

Support DVD 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.

ports (19-pin; moss green) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (2 x brown; 2 x gray) 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (black) 1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) 1 x CPU OPT fan connector (4-pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) 1 x Assistant Fan connector (4-pin) 1 x PCH Fan connector (4-pin) 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x COM connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel (Q-Connector) 1 x MemOK! button 1 x Clear CMOS jumper

SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

xii

Chapter 1

User Manual

Five-year warranty

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH X79 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 X79

motherboard

4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables

1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x I/O Cover Fan 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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-1

1 x TUF Five-year warranty

manual (by region)

• 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 long fan screws

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

Intel® Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Process Extreme Edition

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme in the LGA2011 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to quad-channel (8 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics

performance. Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme is one of the most powerful

and energy efcient CPUs in the world.

Intel® X79 Express Chipset

The Intel® X79 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design that supports the new socket 2011 Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme. It improves performance by

utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing for increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally,

the X79 comes with 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 3Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval, doubling the bandwidth of current bus systems.

Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

SABERTOOTH X79 brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The™ or CrossFireX™. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X79 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in

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

before!

Quad-Channel DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

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

system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The quad-channel DDR3 architecture quadruple the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 1866 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 1600 MHz frequency as

default.

PCIe 3.0 Ready

The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices It is a must-have feature PC users aiming

to improve and optimize graphics performance, as well as have the latest, most future-proof

technology.

* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will be available when using PCIe

3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.com for updated details.

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 6 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 X79 affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support

The Intel® X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

1.3.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

TUF Thermal Armor

New generation TUF Thermal Armor kicks cooling up a notch with dual integrated Turbo Engine fans. This enhances the original TUF thermal design, helping direct heat away from MOS area components and out the case via the rear I/O section. Special heat pipes propel dissipation from critical components and make sure temps stay low across the board. The Thermal Armor also provides modder’s and LAN party goers an extra-cool dress up option to show off their creativity and dedication to performance.

TUF Thermal Radar

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 user 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

New DIGI+ Power Control

All-new digital CPU and DRAM power controls work perfectly together to match digital

power signal (SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing and response efciently

delivering precision power. Accurate delivery reduces waste, and provides more stable CPU Vcore voltages. With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can adjust CPU and DRAM PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking scenarios, with accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface. This proprietary design increases overclocking headroom to push performance to its full potential.

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

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 “Ferrite Choke II”, is a made of compound of various types of metal instead standard iron, enables the support of up to a massive 50A of rated current, 55% higher than conventional component. Furthermore, the single piece packaging also elimates the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics as well as durability under extreme conditions.

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-3

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

Chapter 1

MemOK!

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 your system boot success.

ESD Guards

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

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY

UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

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

keyboard BIOS input to enable more exible and convenient mouse controls. You 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

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.

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 Q-Shield

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

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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

1.3.6 ASUS Exclusive Features

ASUS SSD Caching

SSD caching from ASUS is easier than ever. At 3X faster, this feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click, no rebooting needed and instant activation for complete ease of use.

USB 3.0 Boost

New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, the performance of a USB

device transmission speed is signicantly increased up to 130% (TBD), adding to an already

impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, the system provides a user-friendly graphical interface, which spontaneously accelerates the transfer speed through USB 3.0 peripherals with an ASUS exclusive auto-detect setting.

USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to ash the BIOS ever! It allows

overclockers to try new BIOS versions easily, without even entering their existing BIOS or operating system. Just plug in USB storage and push the dedicated button for 3 seconds,

and the BIOS is automatically ashed using standby power. Worry-free overclocking for the

ultimate convenience!

1.3.7 Other special features

Power eSATA 6Gb/ Ready

Powered eSATA 6Gb/s combines data and power connectivity. Users enjoy 2X faster transfer rates, and can use external SATA 6Gb/s devices with no additional power adapters. ASUS provides two extra ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems for extra speed and accessibility.

* Power eSATA requires a specially designed signal cable to provide 5V power for the external

SATA device. The cable is purchased separately.

Chapter 1

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 1-5

ErP Ready

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

Chapter 1

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

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

1-6 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.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 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

2.3.11 Rear panel connection

for more

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. CPU, chassis, power, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1–4, CPU_OPT, ASST_FAN)

2. DDR3 DIMM slots channel A and B 2-5

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

4. LGA2011 CPU socket 2-4

5. DDR3 DIMM slots channel C and D 2-5

6. MemOK! switch 2-15

7. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56) 2-20

8. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [brown])

9. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [black])

10. Marvell® Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors

(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [gray])

11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-25

12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-14

13. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112, USB1314)

14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-20

15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-23

16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-21

17. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 2-16

2-22

2-17

2-18

2-19

Chapter 2

2-21

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-3

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for the Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition.

Chapter 2

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

LGA2011 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.

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 System memory

The motherboard comes with eight 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 X79 2-5

Memory congurations

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

Chapter 2

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C and

Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the quadchannel 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.

• The Max. 64GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB (or above).

ASUS will update QVL once the DIMMs are available on the market.

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

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 (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

for manual memory

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AD63I1B0823EV 2GB SS A-DATA 3CCA-1509A - - • • •

A-DATA AM2U139C2P1 2GB SS A-DATA 3CCD-1509A - - • • • •

A-DATA AXDU1333GC2G9(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.25~1.35 • • • •

AD63I1C1624EV

A-DATA

A-DATA AM2U139C4P2 4GB DS A-DATA 3CCD-1509A - - • •

A-DATA SU3U1333W8G9(XMP) 8GB DS ELPIDA J4208BASE-DJ-F - - • • • •

Apacer 78.01GC6.9L0 1GB SS Apacer AM5D5808DEJSBG 9 - • • •

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

Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 - • • • •

TW3X4G1333C9A 4GB(2x2GB)

CORSAIR

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1333C9(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1333C9 8GB(4x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

Crucial BL25664BN1337.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65 • • •

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

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(2x2GB) DS G.SKILL D3 128M8CE9 2GB 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

F3-10666CL8D-

G.SKILL

4GBHK(XMP)

F3-10666CL7D-

G.SKILL

4GBRH(XMP)

F3-10666CL8D-

G.SKILL

4GBECO(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • •

GEIL GVP34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • •

GEIL GET316GB1333C9QC 16GB(4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA115FW 9-9-9-24 1.3 • •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA15B 9-9-9-24 1.3 •

GEIL GB34GB1333C7DC 4GB(2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA15FW 7-7-7-24 1.5 • •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3 • • •

GEIL GVP38GB1333C9DC 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

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-C8KL9 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • • • •

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

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

KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KL9 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - • • • •

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

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

KINGSTON KVR1333D3S8N9/2G 2GB SS Micron IFD77 D9LGK - 1.5 • • • •

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

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9K2/4G 4GB(2x2GB) DS KINGSTON D1288JEMFPGD9U - 1.5 • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3E9S/4G 4GB DS Elpida J2108ECSE-DJ-F 9 1.5 • • •

MICRON MT4JTF12864AZ-1G4D1 1GB SS Micron D9LGQ - - • • •

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

MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - • • • •

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

MICRON MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4M1 4GB DS Micron IGM22 D9PFJ - • • • •

NANYA NT4GC64B8HG0NF-CG 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8GN-CG - - • • • •

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3GB(3x1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

4GB DS

4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5 • •

4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5 • •

4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • • •

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

A-DATA 3CCA-1509A

DS -

9-9-9-24 1.5

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

- •

• •

•

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-7

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1333 MHz capability (continued)

Vendors Part No. Size

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

PSC PC310600U-9-10-A0 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

PSC PC310600U-9-10-B0

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

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

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

SAMSUNG M378B5673FH0-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F - - • • •

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

M378B5273CH0-CH9

SAMSUNG

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

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

Transcend TS256MLK64V3N(585541) 2GB SS Micron ICD77 D9LGK 9 - • • • •

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

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

Transcend JM1333KLU-2G(584076) 2GB DS Micron IBG22 D9MNL 9 - • •

Transcend JM1333KLN-4G(583782) 4GB DS Transcend TK483PCW3 9 - • •

Chapter 2

Transcend TS512MLK64V3N(585538) 4GB DS Micron IED27 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) - - • • •

ATP AQ56M72E8BJH9S 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC) - - • • • •

ATP AQ12M72E8BKH9S 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C(ECC) - - • • • •

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

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

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

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

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

Elixir M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir M2CB2G8BDN-CG - - • • • •

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

Elixir M2F4G64CB8HD5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir M2CB2G8BDN-CG - - • • • •

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

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

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

Patriot PGS34G1333LLKA 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

Patriot PVS34G1333ELK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

Patriot PVS34G1333LLK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 •

RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 2GB DS RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 9 - • •

RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 4GB DS RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 9 - • •

Silicon

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

Power

Silicon

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

Power

Silicon

SP001GBLTU133S02 1GB SS S-POWER 10YT3E5 9 - • •

Power

Silicon

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

Power

Silicon

SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9 - •

Power

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 •

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

2GB

4GB DS

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DS PSC

SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C

A3P1GF3FGF -

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

• •

- •

•

• •

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U1600XC2G79(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6-1.8 •

A-DATA AX3U1600GC4G9(XMP) 4GB DS - - - 1.55~1.75 • • • •

A-DATA AX3U1600PC4G8(XMP) 4GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.55~1.75 •

A-DATA AX3U1600XC4G79(XMP)

CORSAIR HX3X12G1600C9(XMP) 12GB(6x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 16GB(4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • •

CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2B1600C8 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 •

CMX4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP)

CORSAIR

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C7(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 •

CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3C1600C7(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • • •

CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

CORSAIR CMP8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • •

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • •

Crucial BL12864BN1608.8FF(XMP) 2GB(2x1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

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

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB(4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.6 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.35 • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6 • • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.25 • • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • •

GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP) 16GB(4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6 • • •

GEIL GUP34GB1600C7DC(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 • • •

GEIL GVP38GB1600C8QC(XMP) 8GB(4x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6 • • •

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

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/

KINGSTON

12GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K6/24GX(XMP) 24GB(6x4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3B1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X1K2/4G 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3X1600LV4GK(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

Super Talent WP160UX4G9(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • •

Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - - - • •

Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8 - • •

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

4GB

4GB(2x2GB) DS

12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS -

- -

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

- 7-9-7-21

8-8-8-24

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

•

1.65

1.65 •

•

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-9

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capability (continued)

Vendors Part No. Size

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 - •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • •

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

KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP)

Mushkin 996805(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

Mushkin 998805(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

Patriot PX7312G1600LLK(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA2 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.7 • • •

Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

PGS34G1600LLKA

PATRIOT

Patriot PVT36G1600LLK(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

Patriot PX538G1600LLK(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • • •

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

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

2GB

4GB(2x2GB) DS

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS -

- -

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

- -

7-7-7-20

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

• •

1.7 •

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capability*

Chapter 2

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO.

Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 1800 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 1800 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 1600 MHz frequency.

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1866 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U1866GC4G9B(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 • • • •

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB(4x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(3x1GB) SS - - - 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3G1866LV4GK 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 10-10-10 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

Super Talent W1866UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2x1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 - •

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

SS/DSChip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1866 MHz capability*

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2000GC4G9B(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 • • •

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • • •

CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(3x1GB) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3B2000LV6GK 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 7-8-7 1.65 •

Transcend TX2000KLN-8GK (388375)(XMP) 4GB DS - - - 1.6 • • •

SS/DSChip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

•

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1866 MHz capability* (continued)

Vendors Part No. Size

AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • •

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Gingle FA3URSS673A801A 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •

Patriot

Patriot PV736G2000ELK(XMP) 6GB(3x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 • • •

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

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 • • •

PX7312G2000ELK(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB)

SS/DSChip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

- -

9-11-9-27 1.65

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2000 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2000 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 1866 MHz frequency.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

• •

•

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2133 MHz capability

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

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

GEIL GE34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 •

KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

Patriot PVV34G2133C9K(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2133 MHz capability*

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

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G(2x2G) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-17600CL9D-4GBTDS(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • •

GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP) 8GB(2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KHA(XMP) 4G(2x2G) DS - - - 1.5~1.7 • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS Kingmax N/A - - •

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2200 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 2133 MHz frequency.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

SABERTOOTH X79 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400 MHz capability

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

CORSAIR CMGTX3(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 •

CORSAIR CMGTX7(Ver5.11) 8GB(2x4GB) - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4G(2x2G) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •

GEIL GET34GB2400C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • •

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK(374243)(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • •

Patriot PVV34G2400C9K(XMP) 4GB(2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-11

2.2.4 Expansion slots

Chapter 2

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.

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x16/x16 mode)

2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

4 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot

5 PCI slot 1

6 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 slot (at x8 mode)

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

PCI Express operating mode

PCIe x16_1 PCIe x16_2 PCIe x16_3

x16 (Recommend for single VGA)

x16 x16 N/A

N/A N/A

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