ASUS X79 User Manual

SABERTOOTH
X79

Motherboard

E8040

Revised Edition V3
January 2013

Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
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ii

Contents

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

iv

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

v

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.

vi

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>

ix

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)

x

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)

xi

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-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-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

DS

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

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 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 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 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 • • •

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

- -

DS

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

• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (beige) for a PCI Express x16
graphics card to get better performance.

• In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1 and PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slots for
PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.

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

mode. Refer to page 2-24 for details.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-22 for details.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIEX16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEX16_2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEX16_3 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEX1_1 – – – shared – – – –
PCIEX1_2 shared – – – – – – –
USB3.0 1 – shared – – – – – –
USB3.0 2 – – shared – – – – –
USB3.0 3 – – – shared – – – –
eSATA shared – – – – – – –
Intel LAN – – shared – – – – –
Marvell 9128 – – – shared – – – –
On Chip USB1 – – – – – – – shared
On Chip USB2 – – – – – – – shared
HD Audio – – – – – – shared –
On Chip SATA – – – – shared – – –
IEEE 1394 – shared – – – – – –
PCI slot shared – – – – – – –

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-13

2.2.5 Jumper

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

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

Chapter 2

To erase the RTC RAM

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

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

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

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

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

re-enter data.

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

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

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

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

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.6 Onboard switch

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

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

MemOK! switch

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

Chapter 2

• Refer to section

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

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

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

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

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

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

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

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

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-15

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs

1. Standby Power LED

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

Chapter 2

2. POST State LEDs

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

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.8 Internal connectors

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

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6Gb/s
signal cables.

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

conguration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® X79

chipset.

Chapter 2

•

These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Conguration for details.

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

•

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

•

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-17

3.5.3 SATA Conguration

SATA Mode

in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode].

for details.

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

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc drives
via Serial ATA 3Gb/s signal cables.

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

conguration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® X79

chipset.

Chapter 2

•

These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID congurations or the manual

bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

•

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

•

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

3.5.3 SATA Conguration

SATA Mode

in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode].

for details.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Marvell® Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [gray])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6Gb/s
signal cables.

• The SATA6G_E1/E2 (gray) connectors do not support ATAPI devices.

• You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives.

• For high performance of ASUS SSD Caching, please connect one HDD and one SSD
to Marvell® SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors.

• For regular usage, the SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for data drives.

• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the
to [Enabled]. Refer to section

• Press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create or delete a

RAID conguration.

• If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a RAID conguration created
using the Marvell® SATA controller, you have to create a RAID driver disk using the
motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation. For 32/64-bit

Windows XP OS, load rst the

91xx SATA Controller Driver
Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver

Marvell Storage Controller

3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration

Marvell shared library driver

. For Windows Vista / Windows7 OS, load only the

.

item in the BIOS

, and then load

Chapter 2

for details.

Marvell

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-19

SABERTOOTH X79

®

PIN 1

Vbus
IntA_P1_SSRX­IntA_P1_SSRX+
GND
IntA_P1_SSTX­IntA_P1_SSTX+
GND
IntA_P1_D­IntA_P1_D+
ID

Vbus

IntA_P2_SSRX-

IntA_P2_SSRX+

GND

IntA_P2_SSTX-

IntA_P2_SSTX+

GND

IntA_P2_D-

IntA_P2_D+

USB3_56

SABERTOOTH X79 USB3.0 connector

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

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

Chapter 2

5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)

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

specicaton that supports up to 4.8 Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel

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

The COM module is purchased separately.

The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

SABERTOOTH X79

®

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P14-

USB_P14+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P13-

USB_P13+

GND

USB1314

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

USB1112

SABERTOOTH X79 USB2.0 connectors

SABERTOOTH X79

®

SABERTOOTH X79 Digital audio connector

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

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

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

480 Mbps connection speed.

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

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

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

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

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

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-21

Chapter 2

8. CPU, chassis, and assistant fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 4-pin ASST_FAN)

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

Chapter 2

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

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

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

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

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

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

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

the

Front Panel Type

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

item in the BIOS setup to

.

[HD]

if you want to connect an AC'97

[HD];

. By default, this

[AC97]

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-23

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

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

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

Chapter 2

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

minimum power of 450 W.

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

will not boot.

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

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

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

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

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

http://support.asus.

for details.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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

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

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

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

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

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

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

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

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

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-25

2.3 Building your computer system

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

Chapter 2

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel LGA 2011 CPU Intel LGA 2011 compatible CPU Fan

DIMM SATA hard disk drive

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

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

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 CPU installation

B

A

B

C

A

B

A

Please note the order in opening/ closing the double latch. Follow the instructions printed
on the metal sealing hatch or the illustrations shown below in this manual. The plastic cap
will pop up automatically once the CPU is in place and the hatch properly sealed down.

1 2

3 4

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-27

B

A

B

A

5 6

Chapter 2

7 8

9

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

A

B

B

A

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

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1 2

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-29

2.3.4 DIMM installation

1

2

Chapter 2

3

To remove a DIMM

B

A

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.5 Motherboard installation

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

1

2

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-31

3

Chapter 2

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

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.6 Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79

The Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 consists of a rear I/O cover and a
PCH cover and fan assembly, providing effective dissipation of the heat generated from
the motherboard components. To ensure the most optimum heat dissipation, follow the
instruction below to install the I/O cover fan to the rear I/O cover.

1. Remove the two screws on the rear
I/O cover, and then remove the lid to
show the fan socket.

2. Place the rear I/O cover fan into the
fan socket, ensuring that the TUF logo
on the fan is facing up.

Chapter 2

3. Secure the fan to the socket using
the screws removed in step 1 and the
long fan screws in accessory pack.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-33

4. Place the fan cable into the cable slot
on the rear I/O cover.

5. Connect the fan cable to the
ASST_FAN connector on the
motherboard.

Chapter 2

6. The PCH cover is pre-assembled with
a slim-type fan, providing effective
heat dissipation to the PCH. Remove

the protection lm on the PCH cover

before use.

If the PCH fan is not working or
the fan speed is too slow, check if
the fan cable is well-connected. If
the problem persists, refer to local
ASUS service centers for help.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.7 ATX Power connection

1

2

OR OR

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-35

2.3.8 SATA device connection

1

OR

Chapter 2

2

OR

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.9 Front I/O Connector

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

Ground

To install ASUS Q-Connector

1 2

To install USB 2.0 Connector To install front panel audio connector

AAFP

USB 2.0

To install USB 3.0 Connector

USB 3.0

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-37

Chapter 2

2.3.10 Expension Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

Chapter 2

To install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.11 Rear panel connection

5 6 7 8 9 11 12

2 3 41

10

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 7. IEEE 1394a port

2. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 8. Optical S/PDIF Out port

3. External SATA port 9. USB BIOS Flashback button

4. LAN (RJ-45) port* 10. USB 2.0 ports 1,2,3 and 4

5. USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4 11. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

6. Power eSATA 6G port 12. Audio I/O ports**

Chapter 2

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-39

Chapter 2

* LAN ports LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

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

Port Headset

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

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

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASM1061 Storage Controller

the

Asmedia SATA Controller Driver

section

3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration

item in the BIOS setting to [AHCI Mode] and install

from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to

for details.

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2-channel

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.12 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-41

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.13 USB BIOS Flashback

1. Download the BIOS ROM le from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com). Save
the ROM le to a USB portable disk.

2. On the rear I/O port, plug the USB disk to the USB port with the WHITE interior. (See
red box in the image below)

3. Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the light will begin to ash (on the

third second).

4. The Flashback function is enabled once the light starts to ash.

5. The ashing rate of the light signal accelerates along with the updating speed.

Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process
causing the system unable to reboot, please contact the local service station for help.

Chapter 2

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 2-43

2.4 Starting up for the rst time

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

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

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

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

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

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

c. System power

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

Chapter 2

after the system LED turns on.

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

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

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

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

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

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

2.5 Turning off the computer

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

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unied Extensible Firmware Interface that complies with

UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.2 BIOS setup program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-1

Chapter 3

3.2.1 EZ Mode

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

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the

Setup Mode item in sectionsection 3.7 Boot memu for details.

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,
CPU/CPU_OPT/Chassis fan speed

Chapter 3

Quick switch to frequently
used menus.

Selects the boot device priority

Selects the display language of
the BIOS setup program

Power Saving mode

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

Clicks to display all fan

speeds if available

Exits the BIOS setup program without saving
the changes, saves the changes and resets
the system, or enters the Advanced Mode

Loads optimized default

Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode

Selects the boot device priority

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

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

system.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.2 Advanced Mode

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

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

Submenu item

Menu items

Menu bar

Conguration elds

Scroll barPop-up window

General help

Chapter 3

Navigation keys

Menu bar

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

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

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

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-3

Menu items

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

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

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

Back button

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

Submenu items

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

Pop-up window

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

options for that item.

Scroll bar

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

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

Navigation keys

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

Chapter 3

program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

General help

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

Conguration elds

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

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

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3 Main menu

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

Security

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

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

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-5

Chapter 3

Administrator Password

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

selected elds in the BIOS setup program.

To set an administrator password:

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

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

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

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

<Enter>.

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

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

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

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

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

User Password

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

Chapter 3

To set a user password:

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

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

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

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

<Enter>.

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

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

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

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

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

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

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

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

values can cause the system to malfunction.

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

installed on the motherboard.

Scroll down to display the following items:

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-7

Chapter 3

Scroll down to display the following items:

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

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

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

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

BCLK Frequency [XXX]

Chapter 3

Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value

using the numeric keypad. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.

CPU Strap [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [100MHz] [125MHz] [166MHz] [250MHz]

ClockGen Full Reset [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enabled for better overclocking.

[Disabled] To skip system shutdown at BCLK frequency adjustment.

CPU Clock Gen Filter [Auto]

When enabled, this item may help maximize the CPU overclockability.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

The following three items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner item to
[Manual].

Memory Frequency [Auto]

Forces a DDR3 frequency slower than the common tCK detected via SPD.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3­1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz] [DDR3-2666MHz]

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

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OC Tuner

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for

enhancing the system performance. Conguration options: [OK] [Cancel]

DRAM Timing Control

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

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

Primary Timings

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [40 DRAM Clock]

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-9

Chapter 3

DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] [2 DRAM Clock] [3 DRAM Clock]

Secondary Timings

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [48 DRAM Clock] – [511 DRAM Clock]

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock]

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [16 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

DRAM Write to Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

Third Timings

tRRDR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

Chapter 3

tRRDD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

tWWDR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

tWWDD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

tRWDR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

tRWDD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

tWRDR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

tWRDD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

tRWSR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]

tCCD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Latency Timings

DRAM RTL (CHA/B/C/D D0/1 R0/1 [Auto])

Conguration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] – [Advance 4

Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] – [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]

DRAM IOL (CHA/B/C/D D0/1 R0/1 [Auto])

Conguration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay

1 Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]

others

DRAM CLK Period [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]

Enhanced Training (CHA/B/C/D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

MCH Duty Sense (CHA/B/C/D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock]

MCH Recheck [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

DIGI+ Power Control

Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power Control related
parameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-11

Chapter 3

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

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

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

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

CPU Current Capability [Auto]

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

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

CPU VCORE Boot Up Voltage [Auto]

This item controls the voltage for CPU at initial boot. Set higher value for better
overclockability. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.

VCCSA Load-line calibration [Auto]

The behavior of the DRAM controller is decided by VCCSA Load-Line. Set to a higher
value for system performance, or to a lower value for better thermal solution.

Chapter 3

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

VCCSA Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to set the VCCSA current capability. A higher value brings wider total DRAM
controller power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

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

CPU VCCSA Boot Up Voltage [Auto] [Auto]

This item controls the voltage for CPU VCCSA at initial boot. Set higher value for better
overclockability. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.

CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]

Switching frequency will affect the transient response and component thermal. Higher
frequency gets quicker transient response.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

CPU Fixed Frequency [XXX]

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

and allows you to set a CPU xed frequency. The values range from 300kHz to 500kHz
with a 10kHz interval.

CPU Spread Spectrum [Diasbled]

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

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

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

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

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

[T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance.

[Extreme] Maintains the VRM current balance.

CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]

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

phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency

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

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

[Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode.

[Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment for Regular/Medium/Fast/Ultra

Fast options.

DRAM-AB/DRAM-CD Current Capability [100%]

Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.

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

DRAM-AB/DRAM-CD Voltage Frequency [Auto]

This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a xed high

DRAM frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system

stability. Conguration options: [Auto] [manual]Conguration options: [Auto] [manual]

DRAM-AB/DRAM-CD Fixed Frequency Mode [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the DRAM-AB/DRAM-CD Voltage Frequency

item to [manual] and allows you to set a DRAM xed frequency. The values range from
300kHz to 500kHz with a 50kHz interval.

DRAM-AB/DRAM-CD Power Phase control [Auto]

[Optimized] Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning prole.

[Extreme] Allows you to set the Full phase mode.

CPU Performance Settings

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-13

CPU Ratio [Auto]

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

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specic

Turbo Mode Parameters

Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]

The default setting of this item will be TDP (130W). For Sandy Bridge-E, Turbo Ratio
can be kept a time duration exceed TDP for maximum performance. Any value under
255 can be programmed. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Long Duration Maintained [Auto]

This value can vary from 1 to 32, which indicates the time window for Turbo Ratio over
TDP should be maintained. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]

Chapter 3

This is the second power limit to provide rapid protection when package power
exceeds Power Limit 1. Default setting is 1.25 times Power Limit 1. For Intel
recommend, platform must be capable of supporting over Power Limit 2 for up to 10
msec. ASUS board can support over Power Limit 2 for a long duration. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Additional Turbo Voltage [Auto]

This item allows user to set the maximum additional voltage applied to the CPU when
Turbo Boost is engaged. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

CPU Core Current Limit [Auto]

This item allows user to enter CPU Current Limit, unit in 0.125A. Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the value.

CPU VCORE Voltage [Offset Mode]

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

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

CPU VCORE Manual Voltage [Auto]

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

and allows you to set a xed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V

with a 0.005V interval.

core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and
decreased average heat production.

condition.

The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode items to [Enabled].

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Offset Mode Sign [+]

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

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

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

CPU VCORE Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V
with a 0.005V interval.

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

CPU VCCSA Voltage [Offset Mode]

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

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

CPU VCCSA Manual Voltage [Auto]Manual Voltage [Auto]

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

and allows you to set a xed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V

with a 0.005V interval.

Offset Mode Sign [+]

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

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

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

CPU VCCSA Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V
with a 0.005V interval.

DRAM Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V
interval.

DRAM Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V
interval.

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

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.10V with
a 0.00625V interval.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-15

Chapter 3

VTTCPU Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VTTCPU voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.70V with a

0.00625V interval.

PCH 1.1v Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1.1v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.10V to

1.70V with a 0.00625V interval.

PCH 1.5v Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1.5v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.50V to

1.80V with a 0.00625V interval.

VTTDDR Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]

Allows you to set the CHA, CHB VTTDDR voltage. The values range from 0.6250V to 1.10V
with a 0.00625V interval.

VTTDDR Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]

Allows you to set the CHC, CHD VTTDDR voltage. The values range from 0.6250V to 1.10V
with a 0.00625V interval.

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B/C/D

The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.0050x interval.

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B/C/D

Chapter 3

The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.0050x interval.

DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHA/B/C/D

The values range from 0.38500x to 0.61500x with a 0.0050x interval.

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

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

PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.

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

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5 Advanced menu

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

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

can cause the system to malfunction.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-17

Chapter 3

3.5.1 CPU Conguration

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

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

Chapter 3

Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.

[Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.

Hyper-threading [Enabled]

The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two
threads or processes simultaneously.

[Disabled] Only one thread per activated core is enabled.

[Enabled] Two threads per activated core are enabled.

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.

Conguration options: [All] or by CPU specication

Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs

[Disabled] For Windows® XP OS, select this option to disable this function.

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

with extended CPUID functions.

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

[Disabled] Forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).

Intel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately

and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU Power Management Conguration

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your
CPU model.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).

[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

[Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specic

condition.

CPU C1E [Auto]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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

enable the Enhanced Halt State.

CPU C3 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.

CPU C6 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.

CPU C7 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to OS.

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-19

3.5.2 PCH Conguration

High Precision Timer [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.5.3 SATA Conguration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA
Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.

Chapter 3

SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.

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

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

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

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

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

internally optimize the order of commands.

SATA hard disk drives.

The following two items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode].

Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced]

Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 0.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enhanced] [Compatible]

Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced]

Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 1.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enhanced]

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

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

messages during the POST. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Hot Plug [Disabled]

These items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to [AHCI Mode] or [RAID Mode]
and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-21

Chapter 3

3.5.4 USB Conguration

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

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

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

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

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

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

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

Chapter 3

Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the function.

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems

(OS).

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the function.

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

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

feature.

3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguraton

Azalia HD Audio [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to
[Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD]

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

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

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

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

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

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

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

Intel LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

[Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller.

Intel PXE OPROM [Disabled]

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

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-23

Chapter 3

VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]

This item allows user to enabled/disabled VIA 1394 controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PCI Express x1_1 Slot Conguration [Auto]

[AUTO] The system auto-detects the occupied PCIEx1_1 slot or SATA6G_E1/E2

[SATA6G_E1/E2] If SATA6G_E1/E2 (Marvell controller) is enabled, PCIEx1_1 slot will be

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

This item allows user to enabled/disabled Asmedia USB 3.0.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Marvell Storage Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to select the Marvell storage controller operating mode.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

[Enabled] Set to [Enabled] when you want use the function of Marvell RAID.

Marvell Storage OPROM [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASM1061 Storage Controller [AHCI Mode]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASM1061 storage controller.

Chapter 3

Conguration options: [Disabled] [IDE Mode] [AHCI Mode][Disabled] [IDE Mode] [AHCI Mode]

connector. When both are occupied, only PCIEx1_1 slot can work.

blocked and you can connect devices to the SATA6G_E1/E2 connector.

If you want to use the full functin of the ASM1061 storage contorller (ex. AHCI), we
recommend that you set this item to [AHCI Mode] and install the ASM1061 Controller

Driver from the motherboard support DVD.

ASM1061 Storage OPROM [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [IDE Mode] or [AHCI Mode] and
allows you to enable or disable the OptionRom of the ASM1061 storage controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Serial Port Conguration

Serial Port [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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

Allows you to select the Serial Port base address.

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

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.6 APM

Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

before the AC power loss.

Power On By Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by keyboard function or set specic keys on the

keyboard to turn on the system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

Power On By Mouse [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a mouse.

[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a mouse.

Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables Ring to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables Ring to generate a wake event.

Power On By RTC [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/

Minute/Second will become user-congurable with set values.

ErP Ready [Disabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chapter 3

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-25

3.6 Monitor menu

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

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

Chapter 3

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

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

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

CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

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

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

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

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

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

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

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

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

the CPU temperature.

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

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

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

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

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

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

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

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from
0% to 100%. The minimum value can not lower than the setting of Min duty cycle. When the
CPU temperature reaches 75 degree, fan will run up to full speed.

CPU Lower Temperature [20]

Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.

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

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

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

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

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

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.

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

Chapter 3

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Profile [Standard]

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

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

on the chassis temperature.

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

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

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-27

Assistant/PCH Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Assistant / PCH Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Aassistant / PCH Q-Fan control feature.

Assistant/PCH Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

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

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

Chapter 3

Assistant/PCH Fan Profile [Standard]

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

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the assistant/PCH fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet assistant/PCH fan

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum assistant/PCH fan speed.

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

The following four items appear only when you set Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Prole to
[Manual].

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Upper Temperature [70]

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

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from
60% to 100%. The minimum value can not lower than the setting of Min duty cycle. When the
chassis temperature reaches 95 degree, fan will run up to full speed.

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

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

depending on the assistant/PCH temperature.

operation.

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

Assistant/PCH Upper Temperature [70]

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

Assistant/PCH Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum assistant/PCH fan duty cycle. The values
range from 60% to 100%. The minimum value can not lower than the setting of Min duty cycle.
When the assistant/PCH temperature reaches 95 degree, fan will run up to full speed.

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Assistant/PCH Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the assistant/PCH temperature.

Assistant/PCH Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

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

CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

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

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-29

Chapter 3

3.7 Boot menu

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

Bootup NumLock State [On]

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

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

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

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

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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

Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

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

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

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

sequence.

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

Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

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

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

program.

Boot Option Priorities

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

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

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

Boot Override

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

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-31

Chapter 3

3.8 Tool menu

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

press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Chapter 3

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

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

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

conrm your choice.

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

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.8.2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information

This menu showed the DIMM slot related informatons.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-33

Chapter 3

3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

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

Label

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

Save to Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a prole. Key in a
prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Chapter 3

Load from Prole

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the proleKey in the prole

number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

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

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/CPU
conguration and BIOS version.

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.8.4 ASUS Drive Xpert

• Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA

signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2
connectors.

• You can only make one Drive Xpert change a time before you save BIOS settings and
restart the computer.

Drive Xpert Mode

[Normal Mode] Allows you to use the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors as normal

[Super Speed] Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives

[EZ Backup] Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an

SATA connectors.

as one single drive partition.

identical image of data from the SATA6G_E1 drive to the SATA6G_E2
drive.

When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the SATA6G_E1
connector on the motherboard.

• All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed setup.

• All original data of the SATA6G_E2 hard disk will be erased for EZ Backup setup.

Drive Xpert Device(s) List:

SATA 6G E1 (Gray white) / SATA 6G E2 (Gray white)

Press <Enter> to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the
SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors on the motherboard.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-35

Chapter 3

3.9 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.

Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Yes to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

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a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When youWhen you
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit..

Exit

Load Optimized Defaults

Save Changes & Reset

Discard Changes & Exit

ASUS EZ Mode

Launch UEFI Shell from lesystem device

ASUS EZ Mode

This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.

Launch UEFI Shell from lesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one
of the available lesystem devices.

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3.10 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or

a USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

4. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash disk drive.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need

to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update or BIOS Updater utilities.

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Save the current BIOS le

• View the BIOS version information

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Chapter 3

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).

Launching ASUS Update

After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 3-37

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the ASUS Update screen,

select Update BIOS from Internet,
and then click Next.

2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc.

If you want to enable the BIOS

downgradable function and auto
BIOS backup function, check the
checkboxs before the two items on
the screen.

3. Select the BIOS version that you

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want to download. Click Next.

4. You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo, which is the
image appearing on screen during
the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).
Click Yes if you want to change the
boot logo or No to continue.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.

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