Asus Computer Hardware SABERTOOTHZ77 User Manual

SABERTOOTH  
Z77  
Contents  
iii  
Contents  
iv  
Contents  
Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies ...................4-33  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®..................................4-45  
AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................................................5-1  
Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology.............................5-3  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology .....................................5-5  
v
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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
vi  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring 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 configure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™,  
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards, and LucidLogix Virtu MVP.  
Where to find 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 flyers,  
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the  
standard package.  
vii  
 
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  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means  
that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>  
viii  
SABERTOOTH Z77 specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA 1155 socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/  
Pentium®/Celeron® Processors  
Supports 22/32nm CPU  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0  
* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the  
CPU types  
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list  
Chipset  
Memory  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz,  
non-ECC, un-buffered memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics  
of the individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified  
Vendors) list for details.  
** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory  
QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)  
Expansion Slots  
2 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16, dual at x8/x8)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot** [black] (Max. at x4 mode,  
compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)  
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™  
processors.  
** The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_1  
slot, PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot, and PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot. The PCIe 2.0  
x16 slot default setting is in x1 mode.  
Multi-GPU Support  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel HD Graphics support  
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology  
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP Technology*  
* LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.  
Storage  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
-
-
-
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (brown) with RAID 0,1, 5, and 10 support  
4 x SATA 3Gb/s ports (black) with RAID 0,1, 5, and 10 support  
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, and Intel® Rapid  
Start Technology*  
2 x ASMedia® 1061 SATA controllers**  
-
-
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (gray)  
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports (red)  
* Supports on Intel® Core processor family with Windows 7  
operating systems.  
** These SATA ports are for data hard drivers only. ATAPI devices  
are not supported.  
LAN  
Intel® 82579V Gigabit LAN controller  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
-
-
-
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  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
SABERTOOTH Z77 specifications summary  
USB  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost  
UASP Mode*  
-
4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at back panel)  
ASMedia® 1042 USB 3.0 controllers - supports ASUS USB 3.0  
Boost UASP Mode  
-
2 x USB 3.0 ports at the back panel (blue)  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
-
10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back  
panel)  
* USB 3.0 ports only support Windows® 7 or later versions.  
UASP standard only supports Windows® OS versions that  
are released after Windows® 7.  
Exclusive TUF Features  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions  
-
-
TUF Thermal Armor  
TUF Thermal Radar  
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design  
-
-
8+4+2 Digital Phase Power Design  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by  
military-standard)  
-
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
-
-
-
-
Dust Defender  
ESD Guards  
MemOK!  
Anti Surge  
Other Special Features  
USB 3.0 Boost featuring the latest USB 3.0 UASP standard  
USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ  
BIOS download scheduling  
USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all devices  
Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth domination  
for top network program in use  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
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. Profile  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
Multi-language BIOS  
(continued on the next page)  
x
SABERTOOTH Z77 specifications summary  
Back Panel I/O Ports  
1 x DisplayPort  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output  
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button  
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
Internal I/O Connectors  
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0  
ports (19-pin; moss green)  
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 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 black)  
1 x CPU OPT fan connector (4-pin black)  
4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin black)  
2 x Assistant Fan connectors (3-pin white)  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
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  
BIOS Features  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,  
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen  
Function, F3 Shortcut Function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial  
Presence Detect) memory information  
Manageability  
Support DVD  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE  
Drivers  
ASUS Utilities  
ASUS Update  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xi  
xii  
Chapter 1  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH Z77 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.  
User Manual  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
User guide  
Support DVD  
motherboard  
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge  
connector  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
2 x Accessory Fans  
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
3 x PCIe x16 Slot dust covers  
3 x PCIe x1 Slot dust covers  
2 x DRAM slot dust covers  
1 x Adhesive sponge for 35mm  
fan  
2 x short fan screws  
4 x long fan screws  
Five-year warranty  
1 x TUF Five-year warranty  
manual (by region)  
1 x TUF Certification card  
40mm I/O Cover fan lid  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may  
vary with different models.  
1-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /  
Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® Processors  
This motherboard supports the Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron®  
processors in the LGA1155 package, with iGPU, memory, and PCI Express controllers  
integrated to support onboard graphics out with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMMs)  
DDR3 memory, and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance.  
Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors are among the most  
powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
The Intel® Z77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset designed to support the 1155 socket Intel®  
3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors. It provides improved  
performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.  
Additionally, Z77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster data retrieval speed.  
Moreover, Intel® Z77 Express Chipset can also enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the  
latest Intel® integrated graphic performance.  
PCI Express® 3.0  
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding  
schemes that provide twice the performance of the current PCIe 2.0. The total bandwidth  
for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32Gb/s, double the 16Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode).  
As such, PCIe 3.0 provides users an unprecedented data speeds, combined with the  
convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe  
1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to  
improve and optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to  
them.  
* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors.  
Dual-Channel 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support  
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3  
1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest  
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture  
enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.  
Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support  
Flexible Multi-GPU Solutions, Your Weapon of Choice!  
SABERTOOTH Z77 brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX. The  
motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z77 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in  
multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced  
before!  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
Intel® Smart Response Technology  
SSD Speed with HDD Capacity  
Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed  
fast SSD (min 18.6GB available capacity required) as a cache for frequently accessed data.  
Key benefits include reduced load and wait times, and lower power consumption through the  
elimination of unnecessary hard drive spin. This technology combines SSD performance with  
hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important  
part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing.  
* Intel® Smart Response Technology is supported by 2nd/3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor  
family on Windows® 7™ operating systems.  
** Operating systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
Your computer could receive web updates with fresh content for selected applications even  
when setting the system to sleep. This means less time waiting for applications to start,  
update and sync with the Cloud, providing a more efficient way.  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power hibernate state in seconds. Saving  
system memory to the designed SSD provides your computer a faster wake-up response  
time, while keeping the energy use low.  
Complete USB 3.0 Integration  
Double USB Access, Double Convenience  
ASUS facilitates the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel with 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 Z77 affords greater convenience to high speed  
connectivity.  
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support  
Extra Ports, Extra Speed and Accessibility  
The Intel® Z77 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 Thermal Armor boosts cooling with dual turbo fans, enhancing the original  
TUF thermal design, and helping direct hot air away from components and the motherboard  
via smart shunt funneling. It covers the entire board with more powerful airflow, and uses  
special heat pipes to expedite thermal removal, and make sure temperatures stay low. The  
dedicated I/O cover fan draws additional cold air in, and expels even more heat for improved  
stability, plus new Thermal Armor comes with special convection holes in the PCB to facilitate  
underside flow. It now sports a military-themed style, perfect for case modders.  
1-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
TUF Thermal Radar  
The TUF Thermal Radar monitors temperatures in critical parts of the motherboard in real  
time, automatically adjusting fan speeds to make sure the system maintains high stability.  
It consists of multiple sensors, giving users the ability to track each individually. Automatic  
calculation of ideal fan speeds based on different parameters selected manually for  
components has everything cooler and longer-lasting. New Fan Overtime keeps the two  
turbo fans running a few minutes post shutdown on standby power to remove the remaining  
heat. Stopping high temperatures from lingering in the case where they can cause damage,  
it extends system longevity, dropping the heat by as much as 7oC in just ten minutes. To  
prolong fan lifespan, reduce noise, and lower power consumption, the new Fan Off has been  
added, automatically shutting off fans under either preset or manually-selected temperature  
thresholds.  
1.3.3  
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design  
New DIGI+ Power Control  
New DIGI+ Power Control includes multiple digital voltage controllers, allowing extra precise  
modulation and tuning of CPU, iGPU, and DRAM. This innovative and industry-leading ASUS  
technology provides an extremely accurate voltage tuning for better efficiency, stability, and  
performance. With the next generation Intel VRD 12.5 future power design, CPU wattage can  
be decreased by half, creating a cooler and quieter PC. This innovation of industry-leading  
ASUS technology provides the smartest control for better power saving scenarios.  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-  
standard)  
Get rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions with robust TUF chokes,  
solid capacitors, and MOSFETs – certified through third-party, military-grade testing. TUF  
Chokes, also known as the “Alloy Choke”, is made of a compound of various types of  
metal instead standard iron, enables the support of up to a massive 40A of rated current,  
25% higher than conventional component. Furthermore, the single piece packaging also  
eliminates the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics as well as  
durability under extreme conditions.  
1.3.4  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
Dust Defender  
Dust particles and environmental contamination present a constant hazard to the optimal  
functioning of slots and connectors. Build up on contact points within slots compromises  
data transfer over time, negating the benefits of expensive and critical components such  
as graphics cards. Custom TUF design keeps this in mind with special shields that resist  
particulate entry, effectively extending slot and connector lifespan while promoting better  
performance.  
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 fail-safe  
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
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  
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)  
ASUS UEFI BIOS is a mouse-controlled user-friendly graphics interface that allows you  
to easily select performance settings, and drag and drop boot priorities with its EZ Mode  
interface. Its Advanced Mode interface allows you to configure more advanced BIOS settings.  
ASUS Q-Design  
DIY Quickly, DIY Easily!  
ASUS Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design speed up, simplify, and enhances your DIY (Do-It-Yourself)  
experience.  
ASUS Q-Shield  
Easy and Comfortable Installations  
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making it  
convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your  
motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference  
(EMI).  
ASUS Q-Connector  
Make Connection Quick and Accurate!  
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables  
in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of  
plugging in one cable at a time, making the connection quick and accurate.  
ASUS EZ-Flash 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a  
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.  
1.3.6  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
USB 3.0 Boost  
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and  
automatically increases a USB 3.0 device’s transfer speed up to 170%.  
1-5  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
USB Charger+  
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge your USB devices such iProducts,  
smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices 50% faster, even when the PC is powered  
off, in sleep, or hibernation.  
* USB Charger+ only applies to the bottom port of USB3_12.  
USB BIOS Flashback  
With USB BIOS Flashback, simply connect a USB flash drive containing the UEFI BIOS file  
to the USB 3.0 port, press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is  
updated automatically. With its Windows-compatible application, you can regularly check for  
UEFI BIOS updates and download the latest UEFI BIOS automatically.  
* USB BIOS Flashback only applies to the bottom port of USB3_12.  
Network iControl  
ASUS Network iControl is an intuitive one-stop network control center that makes it easier  
for you to manage your network bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the  
bandwidth priorities for your network programs. It also allows you to automatically connect to  
a PPPoE network for a more convenient online experience.  
1.3.7  
Other special features  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP featuring HyperFormance™ Technology boosts your PCIe graphics  
card up to 30% beyond its original performance. Designed for Intel® processor graphics and  
Windows® 7 PCs, it perfectly combines the performance of discrete graphic cards with fast  
computing iGPU. Also, with newly designed Virtual Sync, users can enjoy a smoother gaming  
experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. LucidLogix Virtu MVP can also dynamically  
assigns tasks to the best available graphics resource, based on power, performance, and  
system load. This allows users to fully utilize 3x faster video conversion with Intel® Quick  
Sync Video technology while retaining high-end 3D rendering and gaming performance,  
provided by both NVIDIA and AMD graphic cards. When the PCIe graphic cards are not  
required, the graphics control switches to the Intel® processor graphics, reducing the PCIe  
graphics power use down to zero, making the system more environment-friendly. For users  
searching for perfection, LucidLogix Virtu MVP provides great graphical performance, and  
best quality and efficiency.  
* LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows® operating system.  
** Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor  
family  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
DisplayPort 1.1a Support  
DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that delivers up to 10.8 Gbps of bandwidth  
over standard cables, providing billions of colors and bidirectional communications, thus  
enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution digital display through a single  
cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray discs. Simply output 3D signals  
through the connected DisplayPort 1.1a cable with your 3D display, then you can sit back and  
enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.  
HDMI 1.4a Support  
High Definition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers  
multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a  
single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI  
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.  
ErP Ready  
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires  
products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy consumption.  
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products  
through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus  
mitigate environmental impacts.  
1-7  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
1-8  
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.  
2-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
2.2.1  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 2.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.11 Rear panel connection for more  
information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
1.  
2.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
2-24  
CPU, chassis, and assistant fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1–4, CPU_OPT, 3-pin ASST_FAN)  
2-22  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
LGA1155 CPU socket  
DDR3 DIMM slots  
2-4  
2-5  
MemOK! switch  
2-15  
2-20  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)  
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [brown])  
2-17  
2-18  
2-19  
8.  
9.  
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [black])  
ASMedia® Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [gray])  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)  
Standby power LED (SB_PWR)  
2-25  
2-21  
2-16  
2-14  
2-23  
2-21  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
2-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
2.2.2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®  
3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium / Celeron Processors.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a  
LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.  
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  
LGA1155 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 four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) slots.  
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR  
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.  
Recommended memory configurations  
2-5  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the  
DIMM sockets.  
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, and Channel B. The system maps  
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess  
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.  
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 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory  
frequency adjustment.  
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full  
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip Brand Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
1
2
4
DIMM DIMM DIMM  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AD63I1B0823EV  
2GB  
SS A-DATA  
SS  
3CCA-1509A  
-
-
-
AXDU1333GC2G9(XMP) 2GB  
-
9-9-9-24  
AD63I1C1624EV  
SU3U1333W8G9(XMP)  
78.A1GC6.9L1  
4GB  
8GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS A-DATA  
DS ELPIDA  
DS Apacer  
DS Apacer  
3CCA-1509A  
J4208BASE-DJ-F  
AM5D5808FEQSBG  
AM5D5908CEHSBG  
-
-
-
-
-
9
-
Apacer  
78.B1GDE.9L10C  
TW3X4G1333C9A  
9
-
CORSAIR  
4GB  
DS  
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
(2x2GB)  
CORSAIR  
CMX8GX3M2A1333C9  
(XMP)  
8GB  
( 2x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
G.SKILL  
EBJ20UF8BCF0-DJ-F  
EBJ41UF8BCF0-DJ-F  
F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT  
2GB  
4GB  
SS Elpida  
J2108BCSE-DJ-F  
J2108BCSE-DJ-F  
D3 128M8CE9 2GB  
-
-
DS ELPIDA  
DS G.SKILL  
-
-
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL  
F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL  
GET316GB1333C9QC  
GG34GB1333C9DC  
GG34GB1333C9DC  
GB34GB1333C7DC  
GVP38GB1333C9DC  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
7-7-7-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.3  
1.3  
1.5  
1.5  
8GB (  
2x4GB)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS GEIL  
DS GEIL  
DS GEIL  
GL1L128M88BA  
115FW  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GL1L128M88BA  
15B  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GL1L128M88BA15FW  
GEIL  
8GB  
DS  
-
-
(2x4GB)  
Hynix  
HMT325U6BFR8C-H9  
HMT125U6TFR8A-H9  
FLFE85F-C8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KM9  
FLFE85F-B8KL9  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
SS Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFR  
-
-
Hynix  
DS Hynix  
H5TC1G83TFR  
-
-
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
SS KINGMAX  
SS Kingmax  
DS KINGMAX  
DS KINGMAX  
DS Kingmax  
SS Micron  
KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A  
KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A  
KFB8FNLXL-BNF-15A  
KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A  
KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A  
IFD77 D9LGK  
-
-
-
-
-
-
FLFF65F-C8KL9  
-
-
FLFF65F-C8KM9  
-
-
KINGSTON KVR1333D3S8N9/2G  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G  
-
1.5  
1.5  
1.25  
DS Kingston  
D1288JPNDPLD9U  
-
9
9
KINGSTON KHX1333C9D3UK2/4GX  
(XMP)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
-
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9K2/4G  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS KINGSTON D1288JEMFPGD9U  
-
1.5  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3E9S/4G  
4GB  
DS Elpida  
SS Micron  
SS Micron  
SS Micron  
SS MICRON  
DS Micron  
J2108ECSE-DJ-F  
D9LGQ  
D9LGK  
D9LGK  
D9PFJ  
9
1.5  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
OCZ  
MT4JTF12864AZ-1G4D1 1GB  
-
-
MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB  
MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB  
MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB  
MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 4GB  
-
-
-
-
-
-
D9LGK  
-
-
-
OCZ3G1333LV4GK  
OCZ3G1333LV8GK  
OCZ3G1333LV8GK  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-9-9  
1.65  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
-
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK 8GB  
(2x4GB)  
PSC  
PSC  
PC310600U-9-10-A0  
PC310600U-9-10-B0  
1GB  
SS PSC  
DS PSC  
A3P1GF3FGF  
A3P1GF3FGF  
-
-
-
-
-
-
2GB  
2GB  
SAMSUNG M378B5773DH0-CH9  
SS SAMSUNG K4B2G08460  
2-7  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability (continued)  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip Brand Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
1
2
4
DIMM DIMM DIMM  
SAMSUNG M378B5673FH0-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B5273CH0-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B5273DH0-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B1G73AH0-CH9  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F  
DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C  
DS SAMSUNG K4B2G08460  
DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846A-HCH9  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
K4B2G0846C  
-
-
Transcend  
Transcend  
Transcend  
JM1333KLN-2G (582670) 2GB  
SS Micron  
ICD77 C9LGK  
TK483PCW3  
ICD77 D9LGK  
-
JM1333KLN-2G  
2GB  
2GB  
SS Transcend  
SS Micron  
-
TS256MLK64V3N  
( 585541 )  
9
Transcend  
Transcend  
Transcend  
TS256MLK64V3N  
(566577)  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
SS Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFR  
D9LGK  
9
9
9
-
-
-
TS256MLK64V3N  
(574206)  
SS Micron  
DS Transcend  
JM1333KLN-4G  
( 583782 )  
TK483PCW3  
Transcend  
Transcend  
JM1333KLN-4G  
4GB  
4GB  
DS Transcend  
DS Micron  
TK483PCW3  
IED27 D9LGK  
-
-
-
TS512MLK64V3N  
( 585538 )  
9
Transcend  
TS512MLK64V3N  
(574831)  
4GB  
DS Micron  
D9LGK  
9
-
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ATP  
ACT1GHU64B8F1333S  
ACT1GHU72C8G1333S  
ACT2GHU64B8G1333M  
ACT2GHU64B8G1333S  
ACT2GHU72D8G1333M  
ACT2GHU72D8G1333S  
ACT4GHU64B8H1333H  
ACT4GHU72D8H1333H  
AQ56M72E8BJH9S  
AQ12M72E8BKH9S  
D3U1333-1G  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
2GB  
4GB  
1GB  
2GB  
4GB  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
DS Micron  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F  
DS Micron D9KPT(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
D9KPT  
DS Hynix  
DS Hynix  
H5TQ2G83AFR  
H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C(ECC)  
ATP  
BUFFALO  
BUFFALO  
BUFFALO  
SS Elpida  
DS Elpida  
DS NANYA  
J1108BFBG-DJ-F  
J1108BFBG-DJ-F  
NT5CB256M8BN-CG  
-
D3U1333-2G  
D3U1333-4G  
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13  
4GB  
DS  
-
9
(2x2GB)  
Elixir  
M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG  
M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG  
M2F4G64CB8HD5N-CG  
GR1333D364L9/2G  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
SS Elixir  
N2CB2G808N-CG  
M2CB2G8BDN-CG  
M2CB2G8BDN-CG  
IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H  
-
-
Elixir  
SS Elixir  
-
-
Elixir  
DS Elixir  
-
-
GoodRam  
DS Qimonda  
-
-
KINGTIGER F10DA2T1680  
KINGTIGER KTG2G1333PG3  
DS KINGTIGER KTG1333PS1208NST-C9  
-
-
DS  
-
-
-
-
Patriot  
Patriot  
PSD32G13332  
DS Prtriot  
PM128M8D3BU-15  
-
9
-
PGS34G1333LLKA  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
7-7-7-20  
1.7  
Patriot  
PG38G1333EL(XMP)  
C304627CB1AG22Fe  
E304459CB1AG32Cf  
SMD4G68H1P-13HZ  
SP001GBLTE133S01  
8GB  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
1GB  
-
-
1.5  
RiDATA  
RiDATA  
SanMax  
DS RiDATA  
DS RiDATA  
DS Hynix  
C304627CB1AG22Fe  
E304459CB1AG32Cf  
H5TQ2G83BFRH9C  
NT5CB128M8AN-CG  
9
9
-
-
-
1.5  
-
Silicon  
Power  
SS NANYA  
-
Silicon  
Power  
SP001GBLTU133S02  
SP002GBLTE133S01  
1GB  
2GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
SS S-POWER  
DS NANYA  
SS Team  
10YT3E5  
9
-
Silicon  
Power  
NT5CB128M8AN-CG  
T3D1288LT-13  
T3D1288LT-13  
T3D1288LT-13  
-
-
Team  
Team  
Team  
TXD31024M1333C7  
(XMP)  
7-7-7-21  
7-7-7-21  
7-7-7-21  
1.75  
1.75  
1.5-1.6  
TXD31048M1333C7-D  
(XMP)  
SS Team  
TXD32048M1333C7-D  
(XMP)  
DS Team  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DS  
Brand  
2
4
1 DIMM  
DIMM DIMM  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AM2U16BC2P1  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
-
3CCD-1509A  
3CCD-1509A  
-
-
-
-
-
-
AM2U16BC4P2  
AX3U1600GC4G9(XMP)  
1.55~  
1.75  
A-DATA  
AX3U1600PC4G8(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.55~  
1.75  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
HX3X12G1600C9(XMP)  
12GB (6x2GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
2GB (2x1GB) SS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24 1.6  
9-9-9-24 1.5  
6-6-6-18 1.65  
8-8-8-24 1.65  
8-8-8-24 1.65  
7-8-7-20 1.65  
8-8-8-24 1.5  
9-9-9-24 1.5  
8-8-8-24 1.65  
7-8-7-24 1.6  
9-9-9-24 1.5  
7-8-7-24 1.6  
9-9-9-24 1.5  
9-9-9-24 1.25  
8-8-8-24 1.35  
9-9-9-28 1.6  
CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9(XMP)  
CMG4GX3M2A1600C6  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP)  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP)  
CMX6GX3M3C1600C7(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP)  
BL12864BN1608.8FF(XMP)  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-12800CL7Q-16GBXH(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS  
F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP)  
F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS  
F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS  
GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
12GB (3x4GB) DS  
12GB (3x4GB) DS  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP)  
9
9
1.65  
1.65  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/12GX  
(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K6/24GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP)  
12GB(3x4GB) DS  
24GB (6x4GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
9
8
-
-
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS  
9
9
9
-
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP)  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX  
(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX  
(XMP)  
6GB (3x2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
9
1.65  
OCZ  
OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK  
JM1600KLN-8GK  
4GB(2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
2GB DS  
DS  
8-8-8  
1.65  
Transcend  
Asint  
Transcend TK483PCW3  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP)  
Asint  
3128M8-GJ1D  
-
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP)  
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
4GB (2 x 2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
9
9
-
GoodRam  
GR1600D364L9/2G  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
GoodRam GF1008KC-JN  
KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mushkin  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
SanMax  
996805(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
12GB (3x4GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
4GB (2x2GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
-
6-8-6-24 1.65  
8-9-8-24 1.65  
8-8-8-24 1.7  
7-7-7-20 1.7  
8-9-8-24 1.65  
8-9-8-24 1.65  
PX7312G1600LLK(XMP)  
PGS34G1600LLKA2  
PGS34G1600LLKA  
PVV38G1600LLK(XMP)  
PX538G1600LLK(XMP)  
SMD-4G68HP-16KZ  
-
-
-
-
-
4GB  
DS  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G  
-
1.5  
83BFRPBC  
Team  
Team  
TXD31024M1600C8-D(XMP)  
TXD32048M1600HC8-D(XMP)  
1GB  
2GB  
SS  
DS  
Team  
Team  
T3D1288RT-16 8-8-8-24 1.65  
T3D1288RT-16 8-8-8-24 1.65  
2-9  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 1800 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Vendors Part No.  
G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP)  
Size  
Timing  
Voltage  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
-
9-9-9-24  
1.60  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 1866 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Vendors Part No.  
Size  
Timing  
Voltage  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AX3U1866GC2G9B(XMP)  
AX3U1866GC4G9B(XMP)  
2GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
-
-
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-9-9-24  
1.55-1.75  
1.55-1.75  
1.5  
CORSAIR CMT3GX3M4X1866C9(XMP)  
CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
32GB (4x8GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
1.5  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
Patriot  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS  
1.5  
F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
1.5  
F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB)  
1.6  
PXD32G1866ELK(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
Patriot  
F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP)  
-
9-11-9-27  
1.65  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2000 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
A-DATA  
AX3U2000GC4G9B(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
-
-
9-11-9-27 1.55~  
1.75  
Apacer  
78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-27  
-
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)  
GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP)  
DS  
8-9-8-24 1.65  
9-9-9-24 1.65  
9-9-9-24 1.65  
9-9-9-28 1.65  
DS  
DS  
DS  
KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB)  
DS  
9
-
1.65  
1.6  
Transcend  
AEXEA  
Patriot  
TX2000KLN-8GK (388375)(XMP) 4GB  
DS  
DS  
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP)  
PX7312G2000ELK(XMP)  
PV736G2000ELK(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
-
1.65  
12GB (3x4GB) DS  
9-11-9-27 1.65  
7-7-7-20 1.65  
Patriot  
6GB (3x2GB)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP)  
-
-
-
-
Team  
Team  
TXD32048M2000C9(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP)  
2GB  
2GB  
DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5  
DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2133 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
SS/ Chip Chip  
DS Brand NO.  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Timing  
Voltage  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2133C2G9B(XMP)  
AX3U2133GC2G9B(XMP)  
78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP)  
CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP)  
2GB  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75  
2GB  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.55-1.75  
-
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.Skill  
9-10-9-24 1.65  
9-9-9-24 1.5  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(Ver7.1)(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP)  
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBXLD(XMP)  
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9Q-16GBTDD(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
9-10-9-27 1.5  
9-11-9-28 1.65  
9-11-10-28 1.65  
16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS  
16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS  
16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
8GB ( 4x 2GB )  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
9-9-9-24  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3W1K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/8GX(XMP)  
-
9
9
9
9-9-9-24  
9
OCZ  
OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK  
PVV34G2133C9K(XMP)  
7-7-7-20  
Patriot  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
9-11-9-27 1.66  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2200 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Vendors Part No.  
Size  
Timing  
Voltage  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28 1.65  
GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)  
GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
9-10-9-28  
9-11-9-28  
-
1.65  
1.65  
-
GEIL  
KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB)  
DS Kingmax N/A  
SABERTOOTH Z77 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2400 MHz capability  
DIMM socket support  
SS/ Chip Chip  
(Optional)  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Timing  
Voltage  
DS  
Brand NO.  
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM  
CORSAIR CMGTX8(XMP)  
CORSAIR CMGTX8(XMP)  
8GB (4x2GB)  
8GB (4x2GB)  
4G (2x2GB)  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-12-10-30  
10-12-10-30  
9-11-9-28  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
G.SKILL  
F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP)  
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 2GB  
2-11  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
2.2.4  
Expansion slots  
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do  
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.  
Slot No. Slot Description  
1
PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot  
2
3
4
5
6
PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)  
PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot  
PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot (max. at x4 mode)  
PCI Express operating mode  
VGA configuration  
PCIe x16_1  
PCIe x16_2  
PCIe x16_3  
x16  
Single VGA/PCIe card (Recommend for  
N/A  
N/A  
single VGA)  
Dual VGA/PCIe card  
x8  
x8  
N/A  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
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 sufficient 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.  
PCIe x16_3 configuration  
PCIE x16_3  
PCI Express sharing mode  
Configuration  
PCIE x16_3  
PCIE x1_1  
PCIE x1_2  
PCIE x1_3  
x1 mode  
x1  
x4  
x1  
x1  
x1  
x4 mode*  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
Refer to 3.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
PCIEX16_1  
PCIEX16_2  
PCIEX16_3  
PCIEX1_1  
PCIEX1_2  
PCIEX1_3  
Intel SATA  
USB 2.0 #0  
USB 2.0 #1  
USB 3.0  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
HD Audio  
shared  
Intel LAN  
shared  
ASM USB 3.0  
ASM1061 #0  
ASM1061 #1  
shared  
shared  
shared  
2-13  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
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.  
To erase the RTC RAM  
1.  
2.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3  
for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
3.  
4.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to  
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 fine-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.  
Refer to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.  
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 (Qualified 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.  
2-15  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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.  
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® Z77 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  
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z77  
chipset.  
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 Configuration for details.  
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual  
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode].  
Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.  
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.  
2-17  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.  
Intel® Z77 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  
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z77  
chipset.  
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 Configuration for details.  
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual  
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode].  
Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.  
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.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
ASMedia® 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.  
SABERTOOTH Z77 ASMedia SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors  
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 regular usage, the SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for data drives.  
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the ASMedia Storage Controller item in the BIOS  
to [Enabled]. Refer to section 3.5.5 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.  
2-19  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
5.  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)  
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0  
specificaton 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.  
USB3_34  
ID  
IntA_P1_D+  
IntA_P1_D-  
GND  
IntA_P1_SSTX+  
IntA_P1_SSTX-  
GND  
IntA_P2_D+  
IntA_P2_D-  
GND  
IntA_P2_SSTX+  
IntA_P2_SSTX-  
GND  
IntA_P2_SSRX+  
IntA_P2_SSRX-  
Vbus  
®
IntA_P1_SSRX+  
IntA_P1_SSRX-  
Vbus  
PIN  
1
SABERTOOTH Z77 USB3.0 connector  
The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
6.  
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB56, USB910)  
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 specification 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)  
first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your  
chassis supports front panel USB ports.  
Remove the USB dust cover before installation.  
The USB 2.0 connector module is purchased separately.  
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.  
2-21  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
8.  
CPU, chassis, and assistant fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-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.  
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow 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-definition front panel audio module to this  
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.  
If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set  
the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]; if you want to connect an AC'97  
front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this  
connector is set to [HD].  
2-23  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
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 fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and  
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit  
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a  
minimum power of 350W.  
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 configuring 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 http://support.asus.  
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us 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 flashes when data is read from or written to  
the HDD.  
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker  
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the  
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings.  
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the  
system OFF.  
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without  
turning off the system power.  
2-25  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
2.3  
Building your computer system  
2.3.1  
Additional tools and components to build a PC system  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
Intel LGA 1155 CPU  
Intel LGA 1155 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  
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
A
B
2
3
2-27  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
C
4
A
B
5
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.3  
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation  
Apply the Thermal Interface Material  
to the CPU heatsink and CPU  
before you install the heatsink and  
fan if necessary.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly  
1
2
A
B
B
A
2-29  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.3.4  
DIMM installation  
1
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
2-31  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
3
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 Z77  
The Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 consists of a rear I/O cover fan, and  
a cover 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.  
Installing the first accessory fan:  
1.  
Remove the screw on the rear I/O  
cover, and then remove the lid to  
show the fan socket.  
2.  
Secure the accessory fan to the  
designated fan slot of the I/O fan  
cover lid using the two bundled short  
screws. The fan cable must be on  
the bottom right corner opposite to  
the installed I/O cover fan lid, and the  
back of the fan faces the screw hole  
of the I/O fan cover lid.  
• Use the bundled 40mm I/O  
cover fan lid if you want to install  
a 40mm fan.  
• The arrow markings pointing  
in one direction determine the  
fan’s back part and the direction  
of the airflow.  
3.  
Remove the release paper, and stick  
the adhesive sponge on the opposite  
side of the installed I/O fan cover.  
The sponge acts as a filler  
between the PC board and the  
fan.  
The sponge is not needed  
if you choose to install the  
40mm fan.  
2-33  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.  
Install the assembled fan and sponge  
to the rear I/O fan socket, and screw  
the I/O fan cover lid to close.  
The TUF logo must be visible along  
with the I/O ports.  
5.  
Place the fan cable inside the cable  
slot, and connect the fan cable to the  
assistant fan (ASST_FAN1) connector  
on the motherboard  
Keep the fan cable hidden under  
the thermal armor to prevent clutter.  
Installing the second accessory fan:  
1.  
Remove the fan cover lid to show the  
fan socket and the fan connector.  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.  
Place the fan into the socket, ensuring  
that the TUF logo is facing up, and  
screw to lock in place using the four  
bundled long screws.  
Keep the fan cable hidden under  
the thermal armor to prevent  
clutter.  
3.  
Connect the fan cable to the  
assistant fan (ASST_FAN2) connector  
on the motherboard.  
The screwdriver is not included in  
the package.  
2-35  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
2.3.7  
ATX Power connection  
1
2
OR  
OR  
2-36  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.3.8  
SATA device connection  
1
OR  
2
OR  
2-37  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.3.9  
Front I/O Connector  
To install ASUS Q-Connector  
1
2
To install USB 2.0 Connector  
To install front panel audio  
connector  
AAFP  
USB 2.0  
Remove the USB dust cover before  
installing the USB 2.0 connector.  
To install USB 3.0 Connector  
USB 3.0  
2-38  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.3.10  
Rear panel connection  
2
8
9
10  
Rear panel connectors  
1. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4  
2. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6  
3. Optical S/PDIF Out port  
4. LAN (RJ-45) port*  
6. External SATA 6G  
DisplayPort  
7
8. HDMI port  
9. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2***  
10. Audio I/O ports**  
5. USB BIOS Flashback button  
* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LED and audio port definitions.  
*** USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 only support Windows 7 or later versions. The bottom port of USB3_12  
supports USB Charger+ and USB BIOS Flashback.  
2-39  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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 item in the BIOS setting to [AHCI Mode] and install the  
Asmedia SATA Controller Driver from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to section  
3.5.5 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.  
* LAN ports LED indications  
SPEED  
LED  
ACT/LINK  
LED  
Activity Link LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
Description  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
OFF  
No link  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
Data activity  
LAN port  
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Port  
Headset  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
2-channel  
Light Blue Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Lime  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Gray  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
2-40  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.11  
Audio I/O connections  
Audio I/O ports  
Connect to Headphone and Mic  
Connect to Stereo Speakers  
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers  
2-41  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers  
2-42  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.12  
USB BIOS Flashback  
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to update the BIOS without entering the BIOS or operating  
system. Just connect the USB storage device containing the BIOS file to the USB port, press  
the BIOS Flashback button, and the BIOS is updated automatically.  
1. Download the USB BIOS Flashback from theASUS website at www.asus.com and  
save it to the root directory of your USB flash drive.  
2. Connect the USB flash drive to the bottom USB 3.0 port at the rear panel.  
3. Press the USB Flashback button for three seconds until the LED flashes. The LED  
goes out when the BIOS update is completed.  
1. Do not disconnect the USB flash drive or power system, or press the CLR_CMOS  
button during the BIOS updating process. Doing so will interrupt the BIOS updating  
process. In case of interruption, follow the steps again to update the BIOS.  
2. If LED flashes for five seconds and turns into a stable light, this indicates that USB  
BIOS Flashback is not working properly due to improper USB flash drive connection,  
BIOS file name error, or incompatible BIOS file format. If this happens, restart the  
system.  
3. BIOS updating poses some risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the updating  
process and the system fails to reboot, please contact your local ASUS Service Center  
for assistance.  
2-43  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.4  
Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Be sure that all switches are off.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.  
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  
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  
Quick boot set to disabled  
No keyboard detected  
No memory detected  
One continuous beep followed by two  
short beeps then a pause (repeated)  
One continuous beep followed by three  
short beeps  
No VGA detected  
One continuous beep followed by four  
short beeps  
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 Unified Extensible Firmware Interface that complies with  
UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-  
only BIOS controls to enable more flexible 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 specified.  
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage  
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device  
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal  
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum  
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in  
the following circumstances:  
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to  
run the BIOS Setup.  
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or  
update.  
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly  
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service  
personnel.  
3.2  
BIOS setup program  
A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. 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 first 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 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.  
3-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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 section 3.7 Boot memu for details.  
Selects the display language of  
the BIOS setup program  
Clicks to display all fan  
speeds if available  
Displays the CPU/motherboard  
temperature, CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage  
output, CPU/CPU_OPT/Chassis fan  
speed  
Exits the BIOS setup program without saving  
the changes, saves the changes and resets  
the system, or enters the Advanced Mode  
Exit/Advanced Mode  
UEFI BIOS Utility - EZ Mode  
SABERTOOTH Z77  
BIOS Version : 0401  
English  
Build Date : 11/28/2011  
CPU Type : Intel (R) Core (TM) i3-2130 CPU @ 3.00GHz  
Total Memory : 1024 MB (DDR3 1333MHz)  
Speed : 3400 MHz  
Tuesday [12/20/2011]  
Temperature  
Voltage  
CPU  
Fan Speed  
CPU  
MB  
+113.0ºF/+45.0ºC  
+75.2ºF/+40.0ºC  
1.248V  
3.344V  
5V  
5.160V  
CPU_FAN  
3325RPM CPU_OPT_FAN  
N/A CHA_FAN2  
N/A  
N/A  
3.3V  
12V  
12.248V  
CHA_FAN1  
System Performance  
Quiet  
Performance  
Boot Priority  
Energy Saving  
Normal  
Use the mouse to drag or keyboard to navigate to decide the boot priority.  
Shortcut (F3)  
Advanced Mode (F7)  
Boot Menu(F8)  
Default(F5)  
Quick switch to  
frequently used menus.  
Power Saving mode  
Normal mode  
Loads optimized default  
ASUS Optimal mode  
Quick switch to Advanced mode  
menus.  
Selects the boot device priority  
Displays the system properties of the  
selected mode on the right hand side  
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 configure  
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the  
following sections for the detailed configurations.  
To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.  
Back button  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration  
>
Enabled/Disabled ASM1061 Storage  
OPROM  
HD Audio Controller  
Enabled  
HD  
Front Panel Type  
SPDIF Out Type  
SPDIF  
PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth)  
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear)  
X1 mode  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
ASM1061 Storage OPROM  
ASM101 Storage OPROM  
Disabled  
Enabled  
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Fr
ASM1061 Storage OPROM  
ASmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_E12)  
ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support  
Intel LAN Controller  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Intel PXE OPROM  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll bar  
Navigation keys  
Submenu item  
Pop-up window  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
For changing the overclocking settings  
For changing the advanced system settings  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the  
fan settings.  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
3-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific 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 configuration  
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 fit 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  
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.  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can  
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not  
user-configurable.  
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, 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.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
BIOS Information  
BIOS Version  
Build Date  
Choose the system default language  
0401 x64  
01/12/2012  
MBEC-Z77-0124  
8.0.0.1351  
EC Version  
ME Version  
South Bridge Stepping  
C1  
CPU Information  
Intel(R) Core(TM) CPU 0 @ 3.00GHz  
Speed  
3000 MHz  
Memory Information  
Total Memory  
2048 MB (DDR3)  
Memory Frequency  
1333 MHz  
System Language  
English  
System Date  
System Time  
Access Level  
[Wed 11/08/2011]  
[17:46:15]  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Administrator  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
>
Security  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Exit  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Main\ Security  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
>
Password Description  
To clear the administrator password,  
key in the current password in the  
Enter Current Password box,  
and then press <Enter> when  
prompted to create/confirm the  
password.  
If ONLY the Administrator's password is set,  
then this only limits access to Setup and is  
only asked for when entering Setup  
If ONLY the User's password is set, then this  
is a power on password and must be entered to  
boot or enter Setup. In Setup the User will  
have Administrator rights  
Administrator Password  
User Password  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Administrator Password  
User Password  
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.  
3-5  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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 fields in the BIOS setup program.  
To set an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
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.  
Confirm 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/confirm 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.  
To set a user password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change a user password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
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.  
Confirm 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/confirm 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 configure overclocking-related items.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field  
values can cause the system to malfunction.  
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you  
installed on the motherboard.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Target CPU Speed : 3700MHz  
Target DRAM Speed : 1333MHz  
Ai Overclock Tuner  
[X.M.P.] When XMP is enabled BLCK  
frequency, CPU ratio and memory  
parameters will be auto optimized.  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Turbo Ratio  
Internal PLL Overvoltage  
CPU Bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode  
Memory Frequency  
EPU Power Saving Mode  
>
>
>
>
OC Tuner  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
DRAM Timing Control  
CPU Power Management  
DIGI+ Power Control  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
CPU Voltage  
0.916V  
Offset Mode  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
Offset Mode Sign  
+
CPU Offset Voltage  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
DRAM Voltage  
1.501V  
0.925V  
1.816V  
1.059V  
VCCSA Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
PCH Voltage  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB  
CPU Spread Spectrum  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Auto  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
3-7  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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 configuration options:  
[Auto]  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
[Manual]  
[X.M.P.]  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile  
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles supported by your  
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.  
The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].  
BCLK/PCIE Frequency [XXX]  
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.  
eXtreme Memory Profile  
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner item to [X.M.P.] and  
allows you to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.  
Configuration options: [Profile #1] [ Profile #2]  
Turbo Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU ratio automatically or manually.  
[Auto]  
[Manual]  
Sets all Turbo Ratio to Intel® CPU default settings automatically.  
Sets the Turbo Ratio for every core-activation condition of a full unlocked  
CPU manually.  
When the Turbo Ratio is set to [Manual], the following item appears:  
Ratio Synchronizing Control [Enabled]  
[Enabled] Allows you to set an individual Turbo Ratio for every core-activation condition  
[Disabled] Allows you to set one single Turbo Ratio for all core-activation conditions.  
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set the 1-Core Ratio Limit  
[Auto]  
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting  
[Manual]  
Select to to manually assign a 1-Core Ration Limit value that is higher  
than or equal to the 2-Core Ratio Limit.  
2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set the 2-Core Ratio Limit  
[Auto]  
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting  
[Manual]  
Select to to manually assign a 2-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than  
or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto]  
3-8  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set the 3-Core Ratio Limit  
[Auto]  
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting  
[Manual]  
Select to to manually assign a 3-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than  
or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core Ratio Limit must not be  
set to [Auto]  
4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set the 4 Core Ratio Limit  
[Auto]  
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting  
[Manual]  
Select to to manually assign a 4-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than  
or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/3-Core Limit must not  
be set to [Auto]  
Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the internal PLL voltage.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Memory Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the  
BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings.  
CPU bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode.  
[Auto]  
DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.  
[100:133] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.  
[100:100} The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.  
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
EPU Setting [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving MODE item to [Enabled.] and  
allows you to select the EPU power saving mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max  
Power Saving Mode]  
OC Tuner  
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for  
enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]  
3-9  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
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.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
>
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Ai Tweaker\ DRAM Timing Control  
Primary Timings  
DRAM CAS# Latency  
DRAM CAS# Latency  
CHA:  
CHA:  
9
9
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay  
DRAM RAS# PRE Time  
DRAM RAS# ACT Time  
DRAM COMMAND Mode  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
9
24  
1
Secondary Timings  
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
4
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
DRAM REF Cycle Time  
74  
5200  
10  
5
DRAM Refresh Interval  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time  
DRAM READ to PRE Time  
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay  
DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width  
DRAM CAS# Write Latency  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
20  
5
4
7
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
DRAM RTL (CHA)  
DRAM RTL (CHB)  
DRAM IO-L (CHA)  
DRAM IO-L (CHB)  
CHA DO: 32, CHA D1: 35  
Auto  
Auto  
CHA DO: 0, CHA D1:  
2
2
Auto  
Auto  
Third Timings  
tWRDR (DD)  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
CHA:  
1
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
tRWDR (DD)  
tRWSR  
3
3
3
1
4
3
3
4
tRR (DD)  
tRR (DR)  
tRRSR  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
tWW (DD)  
tWW (DR)  
tWWSR  
MISC  
MRC fast Boot  
Enabled  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
3-10  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
DRAM CLK Period  
Auto  
Transmitter Slew(CHA)  
Transmitter Slew(CHB)  
Receiver Slew(CHA)  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Receiver Slew(CHB)  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
MCH Duty Sense (CHA)  
MCH Duty Sense (CHB)  
Channel A DIMM Control  
Channel B DIMM Control  
DRAM Read Additional Swizzle  
DRAM Write Additional Swizzle  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Enable Both . . .  
Enable Both . . .  
Auto  
Auto  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Primary Timings  
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [40 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] [2 DRAM Clock] [3 DRAM Clock]  
Secondary Timings  
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [48 DRAM Clock] – [511 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [48 DRAM Clock] – [511 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [16 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]  
3-11  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM CAS# Write to Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RTL (CHA) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RTL (CHB) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM IO-L (CHA) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Delay 1 Clock] – [Delay 15 Clock]  
DRAM IO-L (CHB) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Delay 1 Clock] – [Delay 15 Clock]  
Third Timings  
tWRDR (DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
tRWDR (DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
tRWSR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
tRR (DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
tRR (DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
tRRSR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
tWW (DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
tWW (DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
tWWSR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
MISC  
MRC Fast Boot [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the MRC fast boot.  
[Enabled] Enables the MRC fast boot.  
[Disable]  
Disables the function.  
3-12  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM CLK Period.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]  
Transmitter Slew(CHA) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHA Transmitter slew] – [7 CHA Transmitter slew]  
Transmitter Slew(CHB) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHB Transmitter slew] – [7 CHB Transmitter slew]  
Receiver Slew(CHA) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHA Receiver slew] – [7 CHA Receiver slew]  
Receiver Slew(CHB) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHB Receiver slew] – [7 CHB Receiver slew]  
MCH Duty Sense (CHA) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHA MCH Duty Sense] – [31 CHA MCH Duty Sense]  
MCH Duty Sense (CHB) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CHB MCH Duty Sense] – [31 CHB MCH Duty Sense]  
Channel A DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs]  
Allows you to enable or disable DIMMs on Channel A slots.  
[Enable Both DIMMs]  
[Disable DIMM0]  
Enables both Channel A DIMMs  
Disables DIMM0 slot  
[Disable DIMM1]  
Disables DIMM1 slot  
[Disable Both DIMMs]  
Disables both Channel A DIMMs  
Channel B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs]  
Allows you to enable or disable DIMMs on Channel A slots.  
[Enable Both DIMMs]  
[Disable DIMM0]  
Enables both Channel B DIMMs  
Disables DIMM0 slot  
[Disable DIMM1]  
Disables DIMM1 slot  
[Disable Both DIMMs]  
Disables both Channel B DIMMs  
DRAM Read Additional Swizzle  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
DRAM Write Additional Swizzle  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-13  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
CPU Power Management  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Ai Tweaker\ CPU Power Management  
>
Allows User can manually adjust the  
maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The  
value will be limit to CPU base  
or factory setting.  
CPU Ratio  
Auto  
Enabled  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology  
Turbo Mode Parameters  
Long Duration Power Limit  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Long Duration Maintained  
Short Duration Power Limit  
Primary Plane Current Limit  
Secondary Plane Current Limit  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
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  
core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and  
decreased average heat production.  
Turbo Mode Parameters  
Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s long duration power.  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.  
Long Duration Maintained [Auto]  
Allows you to maintain the turbo ratio’s long duration power.  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.  
Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s long duration power.  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.  
3-14  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]  
Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for CPU cores  
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment. .  
Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto]  
Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for Internal Graphics cores.  
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment.  
DIGI+ Power Control  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
>
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Ai Tweaker\ DIGI+ Power Control  
Load-line is defined by Intel VRM  
CPU Load-line Calibration  
CPU Voltage Frequency  
VRM Spread Spectrum  
Auto  
Auto  
spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU  
working voltage will decrease  
proportionally to CPU loading. Higher  
value could get higher voltage and  
good overclocking perfomance but increase  
the CPU and VRM thermal.  
Disabled  
T. Probe  
100%  
CPU Power Phase Control  
CPU Power Duty Control  
CPU Current Capability  
(1) Regular: 0%  
(2) Medium: 25%  
(3) High: 50%  
Auto  
(4) Ultra High: 75%  
(5) Extreme: 100%  
CPU Power Thermal Control  
CPU Power Response Control  
iGPU Load-line Calibration  
iGPU Current Capability  
DRAM Current Capability  
DRAM Voltage Frequency  
DRAM Power Phase Control  
DRAM Power Thermal Control  
130  
Auto  
Auto  
100%  
100%  
Auto  
Auto  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
130  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
Load-line is defined by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working  
voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value gets a higher voltage  
and better overclocking performance, but increases 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).  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.  
3-15  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]  
Frequency switching affects the VRM transient response, and the thermal component.  
Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Manual Mode. The thermal  
conditions should be monitored.  
VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the Frequency item to [Auto] and allows you to  
enable the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.  
CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]  
Allows you to control the power phase based on the CPU’s demands.  
Configuration options: [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual Mode. The  
thermal conditions should be monitored.  
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]  
DIGI + VRM Duty control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every  
component’s phase.  
Configuration options: [T. Probe] - Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.  
[Extreme] - Select to maintain the current VRM balance.  
CPU Current Capability [100%]  
Allows you to configure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency  
range simultaneously.  
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]  
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power  
support.  
CPU Power Thermal Control [130]  
Allows you to extend the overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking potential  
and provides a wider power thermal range.  
Press <+> or <-> to set a value.  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. Thermal conditions must be monitored regularly.  
CPU Power Response Control [Auto]  
Allows you to set a precise power response rate for your CPU for an extreme  
overclocking.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular: 100] [Medium: 150] [High: 200] [Ultra High: 250]  
The actual performance boost varies depending on your CPU specification.  
iGPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]  
Allows you to set the iGPU Load-line Calibration.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]  
3-16  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
iGPU Current Capability [100%]  
Allows you to set the iGPU Current Capability.  
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters .  
The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
Some of the following items above 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.  
DRAM Current Capability [100%]  
Allows you to set the DRAM Current Capability to a higher value for a wider total power  
range, and extends the overclocking frequency range.  
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]  
DRAM Voltage Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
DRAM Power Phase Control [Auto]  
Allows you to set the tuning profile  
[Auto]  
Sets the default configuration.  
[Optimized]  
[Extreme]  
Sets the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.  
Sets the full phase mode.  
DRAM Power Thermal Control [110]  
Allows you to set a higher temperature for a wider DRAM power thermal range, and  
extends the overclocking tolerance for overclocking potential.  
Press <+> or <-> to set a value.  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. Thermal conditions must be monitored regularly.  
CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]  
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.  
[Offset Mode]  
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and  
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a  
0.005V interval.  
3-17  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and  
allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.990V 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.  
The following items appears only when you set the Initiate iGPU items to [Enabled].  
DRAM Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.20V with a 0.00625V  
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.  
VCCSA Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V with a 0.00625V  
interval.  
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.20V with  
a 0.00625V interval.  
PCH Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub volage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V  
with a 0.01V interval.  
The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCSA  
Voltage, VCCIO Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color,  
indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.  
The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage  
settings.  
3-18  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Black  
Yellow  
Pink  
Red  
CPU Manual  
Voltage  
CPU Offset  
Voltage  
1.225V–  
1.280V  
0.065V–  
0.120V  
1.285V–  
1.335V  
0.125V–  
0.175V  
1.340V–  
1.990V  
0.180V–  
0.635V  
0.8V–1.22V  
0.005V–  
0.060V  
iGPU Offset  
Voltage  
0.005V–  
0.035V  
0.105V–  
0.635V  
0.04V–0.065V  
0.07V–0.1V  
1.20000V–  
1.57500V  
0.80000V–  
1.10000V  
1.20000V–  
1.88750V  
0.80000V–  
1.10000V  
1.58125V–  
1.65000V  
1.10625V–  
1.15000V  
1.89375V–  
1.97500V  
1.11000V–  
1.15000V  
1.65625V–  
1.72500V  
1.15625V–  
1.20625V  
1.98125V–  
2.06875V  
1.16000V–  
1.20000V  
1.73125V–  
2.20000V  
1.21250V–  
1.70000V  
2.07500V–  
2.20000V  
1.21000V–  
1.70000V  
DRAM Voltage  
VCCSA Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
PCH Voltage  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values  
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM  
overclocking ability.  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values  
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM  
overclocking ability.  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatic configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.  
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.  
3-19  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
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 field values  
can cause the system to malfunction.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
CPU Configuration Parameters  
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
CPU Configuration  
PCH Configuration  
SATA Configuration  
System Agent Configuration  
USB Configuration  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
APM  
Network Stack  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
3-20  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.1  
CPU Configuration  
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.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ CPU Configuration  
>
CPU Configuration  
Adjust Non-Turbo Ratio  
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2130 CPU 0 @ 3.40GHz  
EM64T  
Supported  
3400 MHz  
206a7  
Processor Speed  
Processor Stepping  
Microcode Revision  
L1 Data Cache  
25  
32 kB x 4  
32 kB x 4  
256 kB x 4  
3072 kB  
2
L1 Code Cache  
L2 Cache  
L3 Cache  
Processor Cores  
Intel HT Technology  
CPU Ratio Range  
CPU Current Ratio  
Supported  
16-34  
34  
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor  
Hyper-threading  
Enabled  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enabled  
All  
Enter: Select  
Active Processor Cores  
Limit CPUID Maximum  
Execute Disable Bit  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Intel Virtualization Technology  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
Hardware Prefetcher  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch  
>
CPU Power Management Configuration  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
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.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Two threads per activated core are enabled.  
Only one thread per activated core is enabled.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Active Processor Cores [All]  
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.  
Configuration options: [All] or by CPU specification  
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs  
with extended CPUID functions.  
[Disabled]  
For Windows® XP OS, select this option to disable this function.  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.  
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).  
[Disabled]  
Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]  
[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.  
Hardware Prefetcher [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.  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Allows a hardware platform to perform adjacent cache line prefetching.  
Disables this function.  
CPU Power Management Configuration  
This item allows you to manage and configure the CPU’s power.  
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.  
CPU C1E [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Sets the default configuration.  
[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.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-22  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
CPU C6 Report [Auto]  
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3.5.2  
PCH Configuration  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ PCH Configuration  
>
PCH Configuration  
Enabled/Disabled the High Precision  
Event Timer.  
High Precision Timer  
Enabled  
>
>
Intel (R) Rapid Start Technology  
Intel (R) Smart Connect Technology  
High Precision Timer [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel (R) Rapid Start Technology  
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel® Rapid Start Technology function.  
Intel (R) Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable the system’s RTC (real-time clock) wake.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]  
Entry After [Immediately]  
Allows you to set the system’s RTC (real-time clock) wake.  
Configuration options: [Immediately] [1 minute] [2 minutes] [5 minutes] [10 minutes] [15 minutes]  
[30 minutes] [1 hour] [2 hours]  
Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]  
This function supports the Intel® Rapid Start Technology with a small partition.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Active Memory Threshold [0]  
Key in the value for the additional partition size. For RST to work, ensure that the caching  
partition size is larger than the total memory size. When set to [0], the system automatically  
checks if the partition size is enough for the S3 entry (waketime entry).  
The following four items above appear only when you set the Intel (R) Rapid Start  
Technology item to [Enabled].  
3-23  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Intel (R) Smart Connect Technology [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel® Smart Connect Technology configuration.  
ISCT Configuration [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3.5.3  
SATA Configuration  
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.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ SATA Configuration  
>
SATA Configuration  
Determines how SATA controller(s)  
operate.  
SATA Mode Selection  
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check  
AHCI  
Enabled  
SATA 6G_1 (Gray)  
Hot Plug  
Empty  
Disabled  
Empty  
Disabled  
Empty  
Disabled  
Empty  
Disabled  
Empty  
Disabled  
Empty  
SATA 6G_2 (Gray)  
Hot Plug  
SATA 3G_3 (Blue)  
Hot Plug  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
SATA 3G_4 (Blue)  
Hot Plug  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
SATA 3G_5 (Blue)  
Hot Plug  
SATA 3G_6 (Blue)  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
Hot Plug  
Disabled  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
3-24  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]  
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the SATA function.  
[IDE Mode]  
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as  
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.  
[AHCI Mode]  
Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the  
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.  
[RAID Mode]  
Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the  
SATA hard disk drives.  
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. Configuration 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.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].  
3-25  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
3.5.4  
System Agent Configuration  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ System Agent Configuration  
>
System Agent Bridge Name  
Memory Remap Feature  
IvyBridge  
Enable or disable memory remap above  
4G.  
Enabled  
>
>
PCH Configuration  
NB PCIe Configuration  
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Allow you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.  
Disables this function.  
Graphics Configuration  
Allows you to set the graphics configuration for primary display, iGPU memory, render  
standby, and iGPU initiation functions.  
Primary Display [Auto]  
Allows you to select the IGFX/PEG graphics device for primary display.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [IGFX] [PEG]  
iGPU Memory [64M]  
Allows you to select a pre-allocated graphics memory size to be used by the internal  
graphics device.  
Configuration options: [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M] [160M] [192M] [224M] [256M] [288M]  
[320M] [352M] [384M] [416M] [448M] [480M] [512M] [1024M]  
Render Standby [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the rendered standby support.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. Set this item to [Enabled] to  
activate the Lucid Virtu Universal MVP support function for empowering both integrated  
and discrete graphics.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
NB PCIe Configuration  
Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings.  
PCIEX16_1 Link Speed [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]  
PCIEX16_2 Link Speed [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]  
3-26  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.5  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ USB Configuration  
>
USB Configuration  
Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO  
option disables legacy support if no  
USB devices are connected. DISABLE  
option will keep USB devices  
USB Devices:  
1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 2 Hubs  
available only for UEFI applications.  
Legacy USB Support  
Legacy USB3.0 Support  
Intel xHCI Mode  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Smart Auto  
Disabled  
EHCI Hand-off  
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the  
item shows None.  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.  
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).  
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If  
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is  
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.  
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Disables the function.  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems  
(OS).  
Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]  
[Smart Auto]  
[Auto]  
Keeps the last operation of xHCI controller in OS during boot up.  
Enables the auto default.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the operation of xHCI controller.  
Disables the function.  
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the function.  
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature.  
3-27  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
3.5.6  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration  
>
Enabled/Disabled ASM1061 Storage  
OPROM  
HD Audio Controller  
Enabled  
Front Panel Type  
HD  
SPDIF Out Type  
SPDIF  
PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth)  
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear)  
ASM101 Storage OPROM  
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Front)  
ASM1061 Storage OPROM  
ASmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_E12)  
ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support  
Intel LAN Controller  
X1 mode  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Intel PXE OPROM  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
HD Audio Controller [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the controller.  
Enables the High DUEFInition 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-dUEFInition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports.  
[HD]  
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high dUEFInition 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.  
3-28  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) [X1 mode]  
Allows you to set the modes of the PCIe slots.  
[X1 mode]  
[X4 mode]  
PCIe x16_3 slot runs at X1 mode with all slots enabled.  
PCIe x16_3 slot runs at its highest performance support.  
Enabling the X4 mode disables the PCIe x1_1, PCIe x1_2 and PCIe x1_3.  
ASM1061 Storage Controller Front/Rear [Enable]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASM1061 storage controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASM1061 Storage OPROM Front/Rear [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the OptionRom of the ASM1061 storage controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_E12) [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Asmedia USB 3.0.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable Asmedia USB 3.0 battery charging support function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-29  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
3.5.7  
APM  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced\ APM  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
>
ErP Ready  
Disabled  
Allow BIOS yo 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.  
Restore AC Power Loss  
Power On By PCIE/PCI  
Power On By RTC  
Power Off  
Disabled  
Disabled  
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.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
[Power On]  
[Power Off]  
[Last State]  
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was  
before the AC power loss.  
Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Power On By RTC [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.  
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/  
Minute/Second becomes user-configurable with set values.  
3-30  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.8  
Network Stack  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Advanced\ Network Stack  
>
Network Stack  
Disable Link  
Enable/Disable UEFI network staack.  
Network Stack [Disable Link]  
This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.  
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enable]  
Ipv4 PXE Support [Enable]  
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enable]  
Ipv6 PXE Support [Enable]  
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enable]  
The following items appear only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].  
3-31  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
3.6  
Monitor menu  
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change  
the fan settings.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
CPU Temperature  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
CPU Fan Speed  
CPU OPT Speed  
Chassis Fan 1 Speed  
Chassis Fan 2 Speed  
Chassis Fan 3 Speed  
Chassis Fan 4 Speed  
ASST Fan 1 Speed  
ASST Fan 2 Speed  
CPU Voltage  
+41ºC / +104ºF  
+31ºC / +87ºF  
4909 RPM  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
N/A  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
+1.160 V  
+3.320 V  
+5.080 V  
+12.288 V  
Enabled  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
12V Voltage  
CPU Q-Fan Control  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit  
CPU Fan Profile  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
Chassis1 Q-Fan Control  
Chassis1 Fan Speed Low Limit  
Chassis1 Fan Profile  
Chassis2 Q-Fan Control  
Chassis2 Fan Speed Low Limit  
Chassis2 Fan Profile  
Chassis3 Q-Fan Control  
Chassis3 Fan Speed Low Limit  
Chassis3 Fan Profile  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Chassis4 Q-Fan Control  
Chassis4 Fan Speed Low Limit  
Chassis4 Fan Profile  
ASST 1 Q-Fan Control  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
3-32  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Scroll down to display the following items:  
ASST 1 Fan Speed Low Limit  
ASST 1 Fan Profile  
600 RPM  
Standard  
Enabled  
600 RPM  
Standard  
ASST 2 Q-Fan Control  
ASST 2 Fan Speed Low Limit  
ASST 2 Fan Profile  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Fan Overtime  
1 minute  
Enabled  
Anti Surge Support  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
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 Speed; Chassis Fan 1/2/3/4 Speed;  
Assistant Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan, CPU OPT  
fan, chassis fan, and assistant fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not  
connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to  
display the detected speed.  
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.  
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.  
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.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
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]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.  
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
3-33  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile 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%  
to 100%. When 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]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
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.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
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]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.  
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 Profile 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.  
3-34  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
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.  
ASST 1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.  
Assistant 1/2 Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
This item appears only when you enable the ASST 1/2 Q-Fan Control feature and allows  
you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
ASST 1/2 Fan Profile [Standard]  
This item appears only when you enable the ASST 1/2 Q-Fan Control feature and  
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the assistant fan.  
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the assistant fan automatically adjust  
depending on the assistant temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet assistant fan operation.  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum assistant fan speed.  
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
[Fan-off]  
Sets to [Fan-off] to allow assistant fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the  
motherboard’s temperature decreases to a cetain degree.  
The following four items appear only when you set ASST 1/2 Fan Profile to [Manual].  
ASST 1/2 Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the assistant/PCH temperature. The values  
range from 40ºC to 90ºC.  
ASST 1/2 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.  
ASST 1/2 Lower Temperature [40]  
Displays the lower limit of the assistant/PCH temperature.  
ASST 1/2 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.  
3-35  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Allow Fan Stop [Disable]  
Allows your assistant fans to run at 0% cycle when the motherboard’s temperature drops to a  
certain degree.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]  
Fan Overtime [1 minute]  
Allows you to set the turbo fan’s working time to extend for good heat dissipation, and lowers  
the temperature after system shutdown.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [1 minute] [2 minutes] [3 minutes] [5 minutes] [10 minutes]  
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function for UVP or OVP protection.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-36  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.7  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Select the keyboard NumLock state  
Bootup NumLock State  
Full Screen Logo  
On  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error  
Option ROM Messages  
Setup Mode  
Force BIOS  
EZ Mode  
UEFI/Legacy Boot  
PCI ROM Priority  
Enable bot...  
Legacy ROM  
Boot Option Priorities  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
Boot Override  
Enter: Select  
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
Bootup NumLock State [On]  
[On]  
[Off]  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the full screen logo display feature.  
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]  
[Enabled]  
Disables this function.  
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.  
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]  
[Force BIOS]  
The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot  
sequence.  
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party  
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.  
3-37  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]  
[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup  
program.  
[EZ Mode]  
Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.  
UEFI/Legacy Boot [Enable both UEFI and Legacy]  
[Enable both UEFI and Legacy]  
[Disable UEFI]  
Enables both UEFI and Legacy boot.  
Enables the Legacy boot, and disables the UEFI boot.  
[Disable Legacy  
Enables the UEFI booth, and disables the Legacy boot.  
PCI ROM Priority [Legacy ROM]  
Allows you launch a specific ROM option.  
Configuration options: [Legacy ROM] [UEFI Compatible ROM]  
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.  
3-38  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.8  
Tool menu  
The Tool menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then  
press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
Exit  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Be used to update BIOS  
>
>
>
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS SPD Information  
3.8.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message  
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to  
confirm your choice.  
For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.  
3.8.2.  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool\ ASUS O.C. Profile  
>
O.C. Profile Configuration  
Save BIOS settings to Profile  
Setup Profile 1 Status :  
Setup Profile 2 Status :  
Setup Profile 3 Status :  
Setup Profile 4 Status :  
Setup Profile 5 Status :  
Setup Profile 6 Status :  
Setup Profile 7 Status :  
Setup Profile 8 Status :  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Not Installed  
Add Your CMOS Profile  
Label  
Save to Profile  
1
1
Add Your CMOS Profile  
Load from Profile  
The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no profile is created.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Label  
Allows you to input the label of setup profile.  
Save to Profile  
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in  
a profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and select Yes. You can also do this by or  
keying the <+> or <->, press <Enter> and select Yes.  
Load from Profile  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in a profile  
number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and select Yes. You can also do this by or keying  
the <+> or <->, press <Enter> and select Yes.  
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 file only coming from the same memory/CPU  
configuration and BIOS version.  
3.8.3.  
ASUS SPD Information  
This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.  
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode  
Tool  
Main  
Back  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool\ ASUS SPD Information  
>
DIMM Slot #  
DIMM_A2  
DIMM Slot number  
Manufacturer  
Samsung  
1024 MBytes  
1333 Mhz  
Module Size  
Maximum Bandwidth  
Part Number  
M391B2873DZ1-CH9  
060369f9  
Serial Number  
Product Week/Year  
SPD Ext.  
50/2011  
JEDEC ID  
JEDEC  
Frequency(Mhz)  
Voltage (V)  
1333  
1.500  
9
1600  
1.650  
9
CAS# Lantency (tCL)  
RAS# to CAS# (tRCD)  
RAS# Precharge(tRP)  
tRAS  
9
9
9
9
27  
36  
24  
→←: Select Screen  
↑↓: Select Item  
tRC  
33  
Enter: Select  
tWR  
10  
4
12  
5
+/-: Change Opt.  
F1: General Help  
F2: Previous Values  
F5: Optimized Defaults  
F10: Save ESC: Exit  
F12: Print Screen  
tRRD  
tRFC  
tWTR  
tRTP  
tFAW  
74  
5
88  
6
5
6
20  
24  
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.  
DIMM Slot # [DIMM_A2]  
Allows you to view the information of the DIMM slots.  
Configuration options: [Slot 1] [Slot 2] [Slot 3] [Slot 4]  
3-40  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
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.  
Exit  
Load Optimized Defaults  
Save Changes & Reset  
Discard Changes & Exit  
ASUS EZ Mode  
Launch UEFI Shell from filesystem device  
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 confirmation window appears.  
Select Yes to load the default values.  
Save Changes & Reset  
Once you are finished 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>,  
a confirmation 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 you  
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to  
discard changes and exit.  
ASUS EZ Mode  
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.  
Launch UEFI Shell from filesystem device  
This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.UEFI) from  
one of the available filesystem devices.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
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 file for this  
motherboard.  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or  
a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.  
4.  
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the  
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash 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 file from the Internet  
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file  
Save the current BIOS file  
View the BIOS version information  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.  
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.  
3-42  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
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 traffic.  
If you want to enable the BIOS  
downgradable function and auto  
BIOS backup function, check the  
checkboxs before the two items on  
the screen.  
3.  
Select the BIOS version that you  
want to download. Click Next.  
4.  
5.  
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.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
3-43  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
From the ASUS Update screen,  
select Update BIOS from file, and  
then click Next.  
2.  
Locate the BIOS file from the Open  
window, click Open, and click Next.  
3.  
4.  
You can decide whether to change  
the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you  
want to change the boot logo or No to  
continue.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information  
vary by models.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
3-44  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.10.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a  
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.  
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website  
at www.asus.com.  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.  
2.  
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select  
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.  
Exit  
ASUSTek EZ Flash BIOS ROM Utility V01.04  
Flash Info  
MODEL: SABERTOOTH Z77  
VER: 0401  
DATE: 01/12/2012  
fs0:\  
Drive  
Folder Info  
fs0:\  
fs1:\  
01/16/12 10:23p  
01/16/12 11:50p  
4194304  
4132597  
SABERZ77.ROM  
SABERZ77.CAP  
File Infor  
MODEL:  
Help Info  
VER:  
DATE:  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/PageUp/PageDown/Home/End] Move  
[Esc] Exit  
[F2] Backup  
3.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.  
4.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,  
and then press <Enter>.  
5.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.  
6.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform  
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.  
3-45  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and  
single partition only.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system  
boot failure!  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select  
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for  
details.  
3.10.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the  
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a  
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains  
the BIOS file.  
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published  
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at  
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.  
Recovering the BIOS  
To recover the BIOS:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive  
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.  
3.  
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility  
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.  
4.  
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure  
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default  
BIOS values.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause  
system boot failure!  
3-46  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.10.4  
ASUS BIOS Updater  
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also  
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or  
gets corrupted during the updating process.  
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may  
not be same as shown.  
Before updating BIOS  
1.  
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and  
single partition.  
2.  
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http://  
support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.  
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS  
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.  
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.  
3.  
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).  
Booting the system in DOS environment  
1.  
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.  
2.  
Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS  
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the  
optical drive as the boot device.  
Please select boot device:  
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
Enter Setup  
and to move selection  
ENTER to select boot device  
ESC to boot using defaults  
3.  
4.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by  
pressing the item number.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d:and press <Enter> to switch the disk from  
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).  
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!  
C:\>d:  
D:\>  
3-47  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Backing up the current BIOS  
To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater  
Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save  
the file.  
1.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename]and press <Enter>.  
D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom  
Filename Extension  
The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric  
characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.  
2.  
The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When  
BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.  
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2012/01/12]  
Current ROM  
BOARD: SABERTOOTH Z77  
VER: 0262  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 01/12/2012  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.  
Note  
Saving BIOS:  
3-48  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater  
1.  
2.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /gand press <Enter>.  
D:\>bupdater /pc /g  
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.  
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2012/01/12]  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
BOARD: SABERTOOTH Z77  
VER: 0262  
DATE: Unknown  
DATE: 01/12/2012  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
SABERZ77.ROM  
4194304 2012-01-16 17:30:48  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
3.  
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys  
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file  
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.  
Are you sure to update BIOS?  
Yes  
No  
4.  
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS  
Updater. Restart your computer.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot  
failure!  
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS  
prompt after updating BIOS.  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.  
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3  
of your motherboard user manual for details.  
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have  
disconnected them.  
3-49  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
3-50  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chapter 4  
Chapter 4:  
Software support  
4.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS).  
Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of  
your hardware.  
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented  
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed  
information.  
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before  
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.  
4.2  
Support DVD information  
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software  
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.  
4.2.1  
Running the support DVD  
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if  
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.  
The Drivers menu shows the  
available device drivers if the system  
detects installed devices. Install the  
necessary drivers to use the devices.  
The Make Disk menu The Manual menu contains  
contains items to  
the list of supplementary user  
create the RAID/AHCI manuals. Click an item to open  
driver disk.  
the folder of the user manual.  
Click the Contact  
The Utilities  
menu shows  
the applications  
and other  
tab to display the  
ASUS contact  
information.  
software that  
the motherboard  
supports.  
Click an icon  
to display DVD/  
motherboard  
information  
Click an item  
to install  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to  
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run  
the DVD.  
4-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.2.2  
Obtaining the software manuals  
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get  
the necessary software manuals.  
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®  
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.  
1.  
Click on the Manual tab. Click  
on ASUS Motherboard Utility  
Guide from the manual list on the  
left.  
2.  
The Manual folder of the support  
DVD appears. Double-click the  
folder of your selected software.  
3.  
Some software manuals are  
provided in different languages.  
Double-click the language to  
show the software manual.  
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals  
containing in the support DVD vary by models.  
4-2  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3  
Software information  
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you  
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software  
application for more information.  
4.3.1  
AI Suite II  
AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to  
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.  
Installing AI Suite II  
To install AI Suite II on your computer  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your  
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.  
Using AI Suite II  
AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows® operating system (OS). The AI  
Suite II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click the icon to open the AI Suite II  
main menu bar.  
Click each button to select and launch a utility, to monitor the system, to update the motherboard  
BIOS, to display the system information, and to customize the settings of AI Suite II.  
Click to customize  
the interface settings  
Click to show the  
system information  
Click to update the motherboard BIOS  
Click to monitor sensors  
or CPU frequency  
Click to select a utility  
Shortcut to Thermal Radar  
The applications in the Tool menu vary with models.  
The screeshots of AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference only. The actual  
screenshots vary with models.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website  
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
4-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.3.2  
ASUS TUF Thermal Radar  
The TUF Thermal Radar monitors temperatures 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.  
Launching Thermal Radar  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Thermal Radar by  
clicking the Thermal Radar icon on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
The software screen captures in this manual are for reference only, but the operation  
steps remain the same.  
Using the Thermal Radar main screen  
System thermal  
sensor map  
System thermal,  
fan and voltage  
information  
Function list  
Click any thermal sensor on the sensor map to read the detail information of the selected  
sensor.  
On the right part of the Thermal Radar main screen, click Temperature, Fan or Voltage  
to see the real-time system thermal, fan and voltage information.  
4-4  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
Configuring system fan settings  
The TUF Thermal Radar provides easy-to-use fan profiles for adjusting the CPU fan,  
assistant fan (I/O cover fan and cover fan), and the chassis fan speeds according to  
different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic  
regions and your PC’s system loading. Thermal Radar also provides fully-customizable fan  
speed control, offering the most flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool  
environment.  
Loading default fan profiles  
To load the system default fan profiles  
1.  
Click  
or  
from the function list on the bottom of the Thermal Radar main  
screen.  
2.  
Click a fan to configure. For example,  
click CPU Fan.  
3.  
Read the introduction and notice of the  
selected fan. Click Setting.  
4.  
Select a fan profile in the Profile Name  
drop-down list and click Apply. You can  
also configure other system fans by  
clicking the CHA and ASST icon below.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Configuring user-customizable fan settings  
You can customize the fan speed to meet different computing and environment needs.  
To fast customize the fan speed  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select User in the Profile Name drop-  
down list.  
Drag the control points on the fan speed  
curve to set the fan speed percentage.  
Click Apply.  
You can also assign the specific system component(s) to monitor and have Thermal Radar to  
dynamically adjust the fan speeds in real-time when the temperature of the monitored system  
component reaches to certain degree.  
To customize the fan speed with advanced options  
1.  
2.  
Select User in the Profile Name drop-  
down list.  
Drag the paper clip icon to the system  
component(s) listed on the right of the  
Thermal Radar window. You can assign  
maximum three components to monitor.  
3.  
Adjust the slider(s) under each  
component you selected for a  
combination of 100% and click Apply.  
For example, you assign 60% to  
motherboard, 20% to VCORE, and  
20% to VCCSA and click Apply,  
Thermal Radar automatically sets the  
required fan speed by calculating the  
overall temperature of the monitored  
components.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.  
If you are not sure how to choose  
the proper components to monitor  
and the percentage to adjust, click  
Auto and have Thermal Radar do the  
recommended settings for you. Click  
Apply for the setting to take effect.  
Configuring Fan-Off settings  
When this function is selected, the fans automatically turn off when the temperature drops to  
a certain level and run when the system’s temperature rises.  
To enable or disable the assistant fans:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click  
and select the fan from the  
Fan Name drop-down list.  
Select Fan-Off in the Profile name  
dropdown list.  
Click Apply.  
You can also tick Allow Fan Stop to enable  
the Fan-off setting under the User profile.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Configuring Fan Overtime settings  
Allows you to customize the fan’s working time to dissipate the remaining heat after shutting  
down or in standby mode.  
To fast customize the fan overtime:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click  
.
Drag the scroll bar on the Fan Overtime screen.  
Click Apply. Click Undo to cancel the fan overtime settings made.  
Click and drag  
to set time for  
fan overtime  
Click to save  
and apply the  
changes made  
Click to undo the changes  
made  
Maximum fan overtime is 10 minutes.  
Default fan overtime is 1 minute.  
Fan Overtime is only applicable for two assistant fans.  
Fan Overtime is disabled when you enable the ErP in the BIOS.  
The two assistant (ASST) fans run on standby power after system shutdown.  
DO NOT connect too many standby-powered devices as this result to power  
overload.  
4-8  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.3  
TurboV EVO  
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency  
and related voltage values. After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD,  
launch TurboV EVO by clicking Tool > TurboV EVO on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
TurboV  
TurboV allows you to overclock the BCLK frequency, CPU voltage, IMC voltage, and DRAM  
Bus voltage in Windows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and  
rebooting the OS.  
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high  
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the  
system unstable.  
For system stability, all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and  
will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your  
customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.  
Save the current  
settings as a new  
profile  
Load profile  
Target values  
Current values  
Voltage  
Adjustment  
bars  
Click to show  
settings  
Undoes all changes  
without applying  
Click to restore  
all start-up  
settings  
Applies all changes  
immediately  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Using Advanced Mode  
Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.  
Advanced mode  
Target values  
Voltage  
Adjustment  
bars  
Undoes all changes  
without applying  
Current values  
Click to restore  
all start-up  
settings  
Applies all changes  
immediately  
CPU Ratio  
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.  
1.  
2.  
Click the CPU Ratio tab.  
Click ON to activate the CPU Ratio function. The system automatically reboots for the  
changes to take effect.  
3.  
4.  
After system reboot, launch TurboV EVO again, and then click the CPU Ratio tab. Drag  
the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value.  
Click Apply to make the change take effect.  
CPU Ratio  
Adjustment bar  
Undoes all changes  
without applying  
Click to restore  
all start-up  
settings  
Applies all changes  
immediately  
Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function  
in TurboV. Refer to Chapter 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.  
The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU  
model.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.4  
DIGI+ Power Control  
DIGI+ PowerControl allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance  
reliability and stability. It also provides the highest power efficiency, generating less heat to  
longer component lifespan and minimize power loss.  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch DIGI+ Power Control  
by clicking Tool > DIGI+ Power Control on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Select CPU Power or DRAM Power to adjust the power control settings.  
CPU Power  
6
5
1
2
Application aids  
3
4
Apply all changes  
immediately  
Undo all changes  
without applying  
Click to proceed to next page  
Function no. Function description  
1
CPU Load-line Calibration  
It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system  
temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and  
good overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal.  
2
3
4
CPU Current Capability  
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.  
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.  
CPU Voltage Frequency  
Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and  
component thermal. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.  
CPU Power Phase Control  
Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient  
and better thermal performance. Reduce phase number under light  
system loading to increase VRM efficiency.  
5
6
iGPU Load line Calibration  
Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specifications and affects the iGPU  
voltage. The iGPU working voltage decreases proportionally to integrated  
graphics loading. A higher value can get a higher iGPU voltage and a  
good performance, but decreases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.  
iGPU Current Capability  
A higher value brings wider total iGPU power range and extends the  
overclocking frequency range simultaneously to enhance the iGPU  
performance.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
7
Application aids  
8
9
Apply all changes  
immediately  
Undo all changes  
without applying  
Click to proceed to  
previous page  
Function no. Function description  
7
8
9
CPU Power Thermal Control  
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range and  
extends the overclocking performance to enlarge O.C potential.  
CPU Power Response Control  
Provides a faster and precise power response rate for your CPU. Apply a  
higher value for extreme overclocking.  
CPU Power Duty Control  
Balances the load on the power phases based on the current system load  
or phase bank temperature.  
4-12  
Chapter 4: Software support  
DRAM Power  
1
Application aids  
2
3
4
Apply all changes  
immediately  
Undo all changes  
without applying  
Function no. Function description  
1
2
3
DRAM Current Capability  
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the  
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.  
DRAM Voltage Frequency  
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or  
to increase OC Range.  
DRAM Power Phase Control  
Set Manual Adjustment to faster phase response to increase system  
performance or to slower phase response to increase DRAM power  
efficiency.  
4
DRAM Power Thermal Control  
Allows you to set a wider DRAM power thermal range, and extends the  
overclocking tolerance to widen O.C potential.  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM  
specification.  
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Smart DIGI+  
1
2
Applies the default  
settings  
Function no. Function description  
1
35W  
Allows you to limit the wattage to 35W for power saving.  
2
45W  
Allows you to limit the wattage to 45W for power saving.  
Setting a specific wattage decreases the total power delivery to the CPU, and affects the  
system’s performance under a heavy system load.  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM  
specification.  
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
4-14  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.5  
Sensor Recorder  
Sensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on  
a timeline. The History Record function allows you to designate specific time spans on record  
to keep track of the three system statuses for certain purposes.  
Launching Sensor Recorder  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Sensor Recorder by  
clicking Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using Sensor Recorder  
Click on Voltage/ Temperature/ Fan Speed tabs for the status you want to monitor. Colored  
lines will automatically appear on the diagram to indicate the immediate changes in the  
system status.  
Using History Record  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click on the History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Type, Date,  
Record Interval, and Record Duration according to need.  
Colored lines will then appear on the diagram to indicate the changes in the requested  
status of the given time.  
Click on Recording to record the history changes.  
Click on Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and a highlight of the system  
statuses will appear on the right panel.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.3.6  
Ai Charger+  
This utility allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1* mobile devices on your  
computer’s USB port three times faster than the standard USB devices**.  
*Check your USB device manufacturer if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.  
**The actual charging speed may vvary with your USB device’s conditions.  
To launch Ai Charger+, click, Tool > Ai Charger+ on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
4-16  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.7  
USB Charger+  
This utility allows you to fast-charge your portable USB devices even if your PC is off, in  
Sleep Mode, or Hibernate Mode.  
Launching the USB Charger+  
To launch this utility, open the AI Suite II, then click Tool > USB Charger+.  
Displays the  
status of the  
Application aids  
connected device*  
Click to detect the  
currently connected  
device  
Click to choose  
the USB fast-  
charging mode  
settings  
Click to discard the  
settings  
Click to apply the  
settings  
* The illustration above shows that no device connected to your PC for  
fast-charging.  
USB fast-charging mode settings  
Click the dropdown box, and select a proper charge mode when your PC is off, in Sleep  
Mode, or Hibernate Mode.  
Disable: disables the USB fast-charging function.  
ASUS: fast-charges your connected ASUS devices.  
Apple: fast-charges your connected Apple devices.  
Kindle: fast-charges your Kindle devices.  
Others: charges other portable USB devices.  
The utility cannot detect the devices connected to your computer if the charging mode is  
enabled.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
Setting up the charging function  
When a portable device is connected to the USB port of the PC, the USB Charger+  
automatically detects the kind of your device.  
Charging the device  
Click  
to fast-charge your device.  
Indicates that  
the portable  
device is in  
charging mode  
Click to fast-charge  
your connected  
device.  
Click to rescan the  
connected device.  
Clicking the  
stops the charging of your connected device, and rescans for other detected  
devices. Click the  
to re-enable the fast-charging.  
Disabling the charging function  
Click  
to stop charging your device.  
Click to stop  
fast-charging the  
connected device.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.8  
USB 3.0 Boost  
The ASUS exclusive USB 3.0 Boost provides speed boost for USB 3.0 devices and the  
up-to-date support of USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). With USB 3.0 Boost, you can  
accelerate the transfer speed of your USB 3.0 devices with ease.  
Launching USB 3.0 Boost  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch USB 3.0 Boost by  
clicking Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost  
1.  
2.  
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.  
USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the connected device and  
switches to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the connected  
device).  
3.  
You can manually switch the USB 3.0 mode back to Normal mode at any time.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.3.9  
Network iControl  
ASUS Network iControl, a one-stop setup network control center that gives you the EZ Start,  
Quick Connection, and EZ Profile functions, makes it easier for you to manage your network  
bandwidth. It also allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a more  
convenient online experience.  
To launch Network iControl, click Tool > Network iControl from AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Ensure to install the LAN drivers before using this function.  
Network iControl is only supported under Windows 7 and can only support the  
onboard LAN.  
Using EZ Start  
EZ Start allows you to quickly activate Network iControl, and set the highest bandwidth  
priority for your top currently running program.  
To use EZ Start:  
1.  
2.  
Click the EZ Start tab.  
Click ON/OFF to enable/disable Network iControl.  
By default, Network iControl is set to ON.  
When switched off, the Quick Connection, EZ Profile and Info are disabled.  
You may monitor the bandwidth priority from your desktop’s taskbar.  
3.  
Tick Set current network program as the highest priority to enable User Profile.  
4.  
Select a profile and click Apply.  
You may also apply your personal profile in EZ Start.  
Select ON to activate  
Network iControl  
Displays the  
current network  
programs  
bandwidth  
Click to apply  
the settings  
made  
Click to enable the network  
program as the highest priority  
Click to select a profile  
4-20  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
Using Quick Connection  
Configuring the PPPoE connection settings  
Before enabling the Network iControl’s Quick Connection functions, you must configure the  
PPPoE connection settings  
To configure the PPPoE settings:  
1. Right-click  
in the taskbar, and select Open Network and Sharing Center.  
.
2. Right-click the PPPoE Connection, and select Properties.  
3. Click the Options tab, and deselect Prompt for name and password, certificate, etc.  
Click OK to complete the auto PPPoE connection settings.  
You only need to configure the PPPoE connection settings once.  
Obtain the necessary information about your PPPoE connection from your  
network provider.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Configuring the Quick Connection  
To configure the auto-PPPoE connection:  
1. Click the Quick Connection tab.  
2. Tick Automatically connect online anytime option, then select the connection name  
in the Connection Name dropdown box.  
3. Click Apply to enable PPPoE automatic network connection.  
You can also enable the No Delay TCP function to help improve the network performance.  
Click to select  
Connection Name  
Tick to set  
the auto  
PPPoE  
connection  
Click to apply  
settings  
Click ON  
to improve  
network  
performance  
4-22  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Using EZ Profile  
To use the EZ Profile:  
EZ Profile allows you to load, edit, and save your own network program priority profile.  
1. Click the EZ Profile tab. The programs are shown in the network program column.  
2. Select the network program, and click  
to create your profile.  
3. Click  
4. Click  
to save the changes and/or rename your profile.  
,
, or  
to set the program priority as High, Normal, or Low.  
Click to save, or rename your  
Click to select a  
profile settings  
network profile  
Click to set  
program as  
High/Normal/  
Low priority  
Information  
pane of  
currently  
running  
Pre-schedule  
your network  
priorities to  
programs  
avoid network  
congestions  
Select a  
program, and  
click  
to edit your  
network profile  
4-23  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
4.3.10  
ASUS Update  
ASUS Update lays out the options for updating BIOS on your system. Update BIOS utility  
on your system or simply save the utility for later use just by following the directions on this  
convenient updating feature.  
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.  
Using ASUS Update  
Select the way you would like to do with the BIOS utility. Click on Next and follow the  
instructions to complete your request.  
Update BIOS from Internet  
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and  
follow the suggested procedures to update the BIOS version on your system.  
Download BIOS from Internet  
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and  
save for later use.  
Update BIOS from file  
Use the BIOS utility demanded from a source file to update the BIOS version on your  
system.  
Save BIOS to file  
Back up the current BIOS utility on your system to another file or USB disk to save for  
later use.  
There may be risks of system crash when updating BIOS. Backing up the original BIOS  
utility is recommended before updating.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.11  
MyLogo2  
This MyLogo utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears  
on screen during the Power-On-Self-Tests (POST). Personalize your computer from the very  
beginning!  
Launching ASUS Update  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch MyLogo by clicking  
Update> MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using MyLogo  
Select the way you would like to do update your boot logo. Then click Next and follow the  
given instructions.  
Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard  
1.  
Under Current BIOS, click Browse and choose the desired image for your boot logo.  
Then click on Next.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar.  
You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image. Then click Next.  
Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo.  
Click on Yes to reboot or you can also see the new logo next time you restart your  
computer.  
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this  
BIOS to the motherboard  
1.  
At BIOS File, Browse to download the requested BIOS file to your system. This utility  
will help you detect the compatibility of the BIOS version.  
2.  
3.  
Then at Picture File, Browse to select the desired image for boot logo. Click Next.  
Follow steps 2-5 in Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard to complete  
logo update.  
The fullscreen logo application in BIOS utility must be enabled for MyLogo to take effect.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.12  
Audio configurations  
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio  
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection function, S/PDIF Out  
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®  
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and  
giving users plug and play convenience.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that  
came with the motherboard package.  
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the  
Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click  
on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager  
A. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® 7™  
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)  
Device advanced  
settings  
Exit button  
Information button  
Minimize button  
Control settings  
Set default device buttons  
Connector settings  
Analog and digital connector status  
B.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP  
Exit button  
Configuration  
options  
Minimize button  
Control settings  
window  
Information  
button  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
Due to Intel® Z77 platform does not support Windows® Vista™, Realtek HD Audio  
driver is only supported by Windows® 7™ /Windows® XP™.  
To play Blu-ray disc, ensure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.  
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ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
4.4  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the Intel® Z77 chipset controller that allows you to configure  
Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID  
configurations:  
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.  
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.  
Due to Windows® XP limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot  
be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only.  
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a  
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS  
installation. Refer to section 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
4.4.1  
RAID definitions  
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in  
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a  
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access  
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to  
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications  
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID  
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use  
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be  
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among  
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and  
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,  
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.  
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having  
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both  
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive  
and three new drives for this setup.  
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4.4.2  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install  
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
4.4.3  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using  
SATA HDDs. To do this:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.  
Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.  
Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].  
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.  
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.  
Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at  
RAID mode together.  
4.4.4  
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility  
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system.  
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.  
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032  
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ MAIN MENU ]  
1. Create RAID Volume  
2. Delete RAID Volume  
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID  
4. Recovery Volume Options  
5. Exit  
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]  
RAID Volumes:  
None defined.  
Physical Devices:  
Port Device Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size Type/Status(Vol ID)  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Exit  
[ENTER]-Select Menu  
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The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus  
and select the menu options.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not  
exactly match the items on your screen.  
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.  
Creating a RAID set  
To create a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032  
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name: Volume0  
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)  
Disks: Select Disks  
Strip Size:  
128KB  
Capacity: 0.0  
Sync: N/A  
GB  
Create Volume  
[ HELP ]  
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is  
16 characters or less.  
[↑↓]Change  
[TAB]-Next  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[ENTER]-Select  
2.  
3.  
Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.  
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID  
level to create, and then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want  
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:  
[ SELECT DISKS ]  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size Status  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.  
]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done  
[
↑↓  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
5.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small  
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.  
6.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10  
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB  
to 128KB. The following are typical values:  
RAID 0: 128KB  
RAID 10: 64KB  
RAID 5: 64KB  
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for  
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.  
7.  
8.  
When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want  
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.  
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning  
message appears:  
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.  
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):  
9.  
Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back  
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.  
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Deleting a RAID set  
Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when  
you delete a RAID set.  
To delete a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032  
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name  
Volume0  
Level  
RAID0(Stripe)  
Drives  
2
Capacity  
298.0GB  
Status  
Normal  
Bootable  
Yes  
[ HELP ]  
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.  
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[DEL]-Delete Volume  
2.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press  
<Del>. The following warning message appears:  
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]  
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to  
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.  
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility  
To exit the utility:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following  
warning message appears:  
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]  
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):  
2.  
Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.  
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4.4.5  
Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies  
This section details the overview of the installation and configuration procedures of the Intel®  
2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies.  
Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies feature the three technologies:  
Intel® Smart Response Technology  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
System Requirements  
In order for the system to run smoothly for the Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness, your  
system must meet the following requirements:  
• CPU:  
• OS:  
Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core Processor family  
Windows® 7 operating system  
• SSD:  
One dedicated SSD (Solid State Disk) to support Intel® Smart Response and  
Intel ® Rapid Start Technology is necessary.  
Refer to the SSD Capacity Requirements table for the information of SSD size, partition  
capacity, and system memory requirements.  
• HDD:  
At least one HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for the system OS drive.  
• DRAM:  
To enable Intel® Rapid Start Technology, DRAM size should be at least 8GB.  
Ensure to enable the acceleration of Intel® Smart Response Technology before  
creating the partition for the Intel® Rapid Start Technology.  
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SSD Capacity Requirements  
SSD Partition Capacity  
Requirements  
System DRAM  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
8GB  
Intel® Rapid Start  
4GB  
8GB  
Intel® Smart Response  
20GB  
20GB  
20GB  
Separate 20GB  
and 2GB  
partition  
(SSD size >  
22GB)  
Separate  
20GB and 4GB 20GB and 8GB  
partition  
(SSD size >  
24GB)  
Separate  
Intel® Smart Response  
and  
Intel® Rapid Start  
partition  
(SSD size >  
28GB)  
Separate  
20GB and 4GB  
partition  
(SSD size >  
24GB)  
Separate 20GB  
and 8GB  
partition  
(SSD size >  
28GB)  
Intel® Smart Response,  
Intel® Rapid Start,  
and  
Separate 20GB  
and 2GB partition  
(SSD size >  
22GB)  
Intel® Smart Connect  
You cannot create RAID drivers on the SSD for Intel® Rapid Start and Intel® Smart  
Response.  
Due to OS behavior, Intel® Rapid Start Technology will not work properly on system  
memory over 4GB under Windows® 7 32-bit operating system.  
Only Intel® internal SATA ports (gray and blue) support Intel® 2012 Desktop  
responsiveness technologies.  
The performance of Intel® Smart Response Technology and Intel® Rapid Storage  
Technology vary with the installed SSD.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
Intel® Smart Response Technology  
Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed  
SSD with at least 20GB size as a cache for frequently-accessed operations. It speeds up  
hard drive and main memory interaction, reduces load and wait time, maximizes storage  
usage, and saves power via the reduction on unnecessary hard drive spin.  
Before applying Intel® Smart Response Technology, setting the SATA Mode BIOS item to  
[RAID mode] in BIOS setup is necessary. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for  
details  
Installing Intel® Smart Response Technology  
1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The installation wizard appears if your  
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.  
2. Click the Drivers tab, then click Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver software.  
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.  
Using the Intel® Smart Response Technology  
1. Click Accelerate to launch Smart  
Response Technology settings.  
2.  
Follow these steps to configure the  
acceleration settings:  
a. Select the SSD you want to use to  
accelerate your storage system.  
b. Select the size allocated for SSD  
caching.  
c. Select the disk or volume you want  
to use for caching.  
d. Select any of these modes:  
Enhanced mode: This mode writes  
through, writes to SSD and HDD at  
the same time.  
Maximized mode: This mode writes  
back, writes to SSD, and writes back  
to HDD at a specified time.  
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3.  
Select Disable Acceleration to disable  
this function, and select Change Mode to  
>
To enable Intel® Smart Response Technology, you need at least one SSD ( 20GB)  
and an HDD, and only one SSD can be assigned for caching.  
=
If you want to restore the OS, go to BIOS Option ROM > Acceleration Options  
and remove the Disks/Volume Acceleration to disable Intel® Smart Response  
Technology. Refer to Chapter 4, section Installing Serial ATA hard disk for the entry of  
BIOS Option ROM.  
The maximum caching size on the SSD is 64GB. If it exceeds, the storage capacity  
left out for caching can still be identified by the system for normal storage.  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your system to quickly wake up from sleep mode.  
Before applying Intel® Rapid Start Technology, go to Advanced Mode > Advanced >  
PCH Configuration in BIOS item, and enable Intel® Rapid Start Technology.  
Ensure to follow the procedure Creating a partition precisely to enable the Intel  
Rapid Start function. Error message appears if you install the Intel® Rapid Start Utility  
before creating a partition.  
Creating a partition  
Ensure to back up your data before using the Microsoft partition tool. Incorrect  
partitioning process will result to data loss.  
Adjusting the DRAM to a high frequency will result to an unstable system  
performance.  
To create a partition:  
1.  
2.  
Go to Start, right-click Computer > Manage > Disk Management.  
Select the SSD that you want to partition.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
3.  
Right click the New Volume  
that you want to shrink from,  
and select Shrink Volume.  
4.  
If your SSD is not initialized and not formatted:  
a. Right-click the disk that you want to partition, and select Initialize.  
b. Right-click the unallocated volume, select New Simple Volume, and follow  
the remaining steps.  
If your SSD is smaller than 64GB, and is set to Full disk capacity caching option for Intel®  
Smart Response, you cannot see any volume in the Disk Management. Ensure to set your  
cache memory value of 18.6GB in Intel® Smart Response to allow enough capacity for the  
Intel® Rapid Start partition.  
5.  
Key in the required partition  
size, which must be equal to  
the system DRAM memory  
(1GB = 1024MB). Click  
Shrink.  
Go to Start > Control Panel  
> System and Security  
> System, and check the  
DRAM size information.  
The unallocated volume is  
allocated to the selected  
disk.  
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6.  
To launch the disk partitioning tool, click Start > Programs > Accessories >  
Command Prompt tool.  
7.  
8.  
Type diskpartand press Enter.  
In the diskpart prompt, type  
list diskafter DISKPART,  
and press Enter. Select the  
disk with the unallocated  
volume by typing select  
disk x(x = disk number),  
and press Enter .  
The value “x” refers to a disk number where you created the unallocated partition.  
Refer to step 5 for details about the unallocated disk space in the SSD.  
9.  
Type create partition  
primary, and press Enter.  
10. After creating a primary  
partition, type detail  
disk, and press Enter  
to view the details of the  
partitioned disk.  
11. Select the RAW volume  
that has the same size as  
the shrinked volume, type  
select volume x(x =  
number), and press Enter  
to store the Intel® Rapid  
Start partition.  
The value “x” refers to a disk number where you want to create the store partition.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
12. Type set id=84 override, press Enter, and wait for the “shrinking process” until  
the Disk Management utility identifies a new partition called Hibernation Partition.  
The Hibernation Partition does not appear when you choose “GPT (GUID Partition Table  
store type”. Ensure the “Unallocated” disappears from the volume, and a new partition is  
identified.  
13. Reboot the system after creating the partition.  
If the system is not rebooted, the partition will not be completed and Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology will not work properly.  
Enabling and disabling the Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Install the Intel® Rapid Start Technology first from your support DVD in order to launch the  
Intel® Rapid Start Manager.  
After creating the partition, launch the Intel® Rapid Start Manager to enable or disable the  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology.  
1.  
Click the Show hidden icons arrow from the right  
side of the task bar, and click Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology Manager icon.  
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2.  
Tick On in the Status field to enable the function, and click Save.  
Select and click to enable  
or disable the function  
Click to enable or  
disable battery  
saving mode. This  
function only applies  
to notebooks.  
Click to save the Click to cancel the  
Click to enable or disable the timer. When enabled, move  
the scroll bar to the desired time. When the system is  
idle for more than the time period you set, the system  
automatically goes into the Intel® Rapid Start mode.  
Default time is 10 minutes.  
settings made.  
settings made.  
Recovering the partition  
This procedure allows you to delete the Intel® Rapid Start Technology from your system and  
recover the partition you made for the Intel Rapid Start Technology installation.  
1.  
2.  
Run the Command Prompt tool.  
Type diskpart and press Enter.  
3.  
At the diskpart prompt, type  
list diskafter DISKPART,  
and press Enter.  
4.  
Select the disk (SSD)  
where the Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology is installed for  
volume recovery, type select  
disk x (x = number), and  
press Enter.  
The value “x” refers to a disk number where you want to delete the store partition.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
5.  
Type list partition,  
press Enter, and select the  
partition where the Intel®  
Rapid Start Technology is  
installed by typing select  
partition x(x = number),  
and press Enter.  
The value “x” refers to a disk number where you want to delete the store partition.  
6.  
Type delete partition override, and press Enter. The diskpart utility deletes  
the selected partition.  
7.  
8.  
In the desktop, click Start, right-click Computer, and click Manage.  
In the Computer Management window,  
click Disk Management, right click  
the shrinked new volume, and select  
Extend Volume.  
9.  
As the Extend Volume Wizard appears,  
click Next.  
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10. Click Next after selecting the default  
selected disk.  
11. Extend volume setup is completed. Click Finish to recover the Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology partition.  
12. Reboot the system after deleting the partition.  
13. Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > to remove the  
Intel® Rapid Start Manager for the complete deletion of Intel® Rapid Start Technology.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
The Intel® Smart Connect Technology is a feature that provides the latest content updates  
and energy efficiency to your computer’s platform.  
Once installed and activated, Intel® Smart Connect Technology periodically wakes up the  
system from sleep mode, performs user state gathering, and initiates re-entry to sleep mode  
to wake-up after a set time interval.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology supports Windows® Live Mail, Microsoft Outlook, and  
Seesmic applications.  
It is necessary to enable the items of the PCH Configuration in the BIOS before  
applying the Intel® Smart Connect Technology. Go to Advanced Mode > Advanced >  
PCH Configuration, and enable the Intel® Smart Connect Technology.  
Installing the Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive.  
2. Go to Utilities, and click Intel® Smart Connect Technology.  
3. As the setup wizard appears, click Next to begin the setup.  
4. Tick I accept the terms in the License Agreement, and click Next.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
5.  
Select all and click Next for  
Custom Setup.  
6.  
7.  
Click Install to proceed the installation.  
Click Yes to restart your system, and for the newly installed Intel® Smart Connect  
Technology to take effect.  
Using the Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
Before the system goes to sleep mode, ensure to keep your applications on the  
desktop, and enter the applications, passwords.  
Ensure that the internet is in connection when enabling the Intel® Smart Connect  
Technology.  
1.  
2.  
Click Start > All Programs > Intel > Intel® Smart Connect Technology.  
In the Basic tab, click Enable Updating. When enabled, the Advanced tab is  
available for advanced function settings.  
The Advanced tab is activated  
when updating is enabled  
Click to view version  
information and help topics  
Click to configure  
the basic settings  
When updating is  
enabled, click to  
reset all settings  
to default.  
Click to enable  
or disable the  
function  
When the scroll bar  
is activated, adjust  
the waking up time  
period for Internet  
data update.  
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3.  
4.  
5.  
To disable the  
updating function, click  
Disable Updating.  
Clicking this button  
automatically disables  
the configuration in the  
Advanced tab. To reset  
to defaults, click Reset  
All to Defaults.  
In the Advanced tab,  
set up the schedule  
during low power usage  
time period for power  
saving. This setting only  
applies to the assigned  
time period.  
In the Help tab, click About to view the feature’s version. Click Topics to learn more  
about the Intel® Smart Connect Technology and its configuration.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system  
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a  
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.  
Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP  
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.5.4 Using a USB  
floppy disk drive.  
4.5.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Boot your computer.  
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.  
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.  
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.  
Save changes and exit BIOS.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
4.5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Start Windows®.  
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to create a  
RAID driver disk.  
5.  
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.  
6.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.  
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4.5.3  
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:  
1.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-  
party SCSI or RAID driver.  
2.  
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.  
3.  
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the  
corresponding OS version.  
4.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
To install the RAID driver for Windows® 7 or later OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation  
media containing the RAID driver.  
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into  
the optical drive, and then click Browse.  
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select  
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer  
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.  
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4.5.4  
Using a USB floppy disk drive  
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you  
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.  
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to  
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:  
1.  
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk  
containing the RAID driver.  
2.  
Right-click My Computer on the  
Windows® desktop or start menu,  
and then select Manage from the  
pop-up window.  
or  
3.  
Select Device Manager. From the  
Universal Serial Bus controllers,  
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and  
then select Properties from the pop-up  
window.  
The name of the USB floppy disk  
drive varies with different vendors.  
4.  
Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)  
and Product ID (PID) are displayed.  
5.  
Browse the contents of the RAID driver  
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.  
6.  
Double-click the file. A window appears,  
allowing you to select the program for  
opening the oem file.  
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7.  
Use Notepad to open the file.  
8.  
9.  
Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and  
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] sections in the txtsetup.oem  
file.  
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:  
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”  
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer]  
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C02&CC_0106”,”iaStor”  
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”  
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer]  
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2822&CC_0104”,”iaStor”  
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”  
Add the same line to both sections.  
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.  
10. Save and exit the file.  
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Chapter 5  
Chapter 5:  
Multiple GPU technology support  
5.1  
AMD® CrossFireX™  
technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install  
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in  
this section.  
5.1.1  
Requirements  
In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are AMD® certified.  
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX technology.  
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.  
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
Visit the AMD Game website (http://game.amd.com) for the latest certified graphics  
card and the supported 3D application list.  
5.1.2  
Before you begin  
For AMD CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers  
before installing AMD CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.  
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers:  
1.  
2.  
Close all current applications.  
For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.  
For Windows 7, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.  
Select your current graphics card driver/s.  
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.  
3.  
4.  
For Windows 7, select Uninstall.  
5.  
Turn off your computer.  
5-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
5.1.3  
Installing two CrossFireX™  
graphics cards  
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard  
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual  
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots  
recommended for multi-graphics card  
installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly  
seated on the slots.  
4.  
Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX  
bridge connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Ensure that the  
connector is firmly in place.  
goldfingers  
CrossFireX bridge  
(bundled with  
graphics cards)  
5.  
6.  
Connect two independent auxiliary power  
sources from the power supply to the two  
graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
5-2  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
5.1.4  
Installing the device drivers  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device  
drivers.  
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD® CrossFireX™  
technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
5.1.5  
Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™  
technology  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature  
through the AMD Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.  
Launching the AMD VISION Engine Control Center  
To launch the AMD VISION Engine Control Center:  
1.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select  
AMD VISION Engine Control Center. You can  
also right-click the AMD icon in the Windows  
notificAMDon area and select Vision Engine  
Control  
Center.  
2.  
The VISION Engine Control Center  
Setup Assistant appears when the  
system detects the existance of multi-  
graphics cards. Click Go to continue  
to the VISION Engine Control Center  
Advanced View window.  
Enabling Dual CrossFireX  
technology  
1.  
In the Catalyst Control Center window,  
click Graphics Settings > Performance  
> AMD CrossFireXTM Configuration.  
2
2.  
From the Graphics Adapter list, select the  
graphics card to act as the display GPU.  
3
3.  
4.  
Select Enable CrossFireXTM  
.
1
Click Apply, and then click OK to exit the  
window.  
4
5-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
5.2  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology  
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that  
allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the  
installation procedures in this section.  
5.2.1  
Requirements  
In SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®  
certified.  
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download  
the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.  
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics  
card and supported 3D application list.  
5.2.2  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards  
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard  
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual  
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots  
recommended for multi-graphics card  
installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly seated  
on the slots.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
4.  
5.  
6.  
Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics  
card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.  
Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two  
graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.  
SLI bridge  
Goldfingers  
5.2.3  
Installing the device drivers  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device  
drivers.  
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.  
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
5.2.4  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA®  
Control Panel under the Windows® 7™ operating system.  
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel  
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.  
A.  
Right click on the empty space of the Windows® desktop  
and select NVIDIA Control Panel.  
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step B5).  
5-5  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step  
(A), select Personalize.  
B2. From the Personalization window,  
select Display Settings.  
B3. From the Display Settings dialog box,  
click Advanced Settings.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and  
then click Start the NVIDIA Control  
Panel.  
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window  
appears.  
Enabling SLI settings  
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select  
Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI  
and set the display for viewing SLI rendered  
content. When done, click Apply.  
5-7  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
5.3  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP allows your computer’s VGA output and discrete graphic cards  
to perform better, respond faster and process media files smoother within a low power  
environment. Its GPU virtualization assigns tasks to the best available graphic source while  
the newly-designed Virtual Vsync gives you a smoother gaming experience.  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows7® operating systems.  
Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by the 3rd/2nd generation Intel®  
Core™ processor family.  
iGPU Multi-Monitor support option must be enabled in BIOS and install  
both Intel® Graphics Accelerator, and graphics card driver before installing  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP from ASUS support DVD. Refer to 3.5.4 System  
Configuration for details.  
Hyperformance® and Virtual Sync are enabled when using more than one  
discrete GPU at the same time.  
Supports NVIDIA® GF4xx/5xx series and AMD® HD5xxx/6xxx series graphic  
cards.  
We do not recommended to use LucidLogix Virtu MVP under RAID mode.  
5.3.1  
Installing LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
To install LucidLogix Virtu MVP:  
1. Insert the support DVD in the optical drive. The ASUS Support Wizard appears if your  
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.  
2. Click the Utilites tab, then click LucidLogix Virtu MVP Software.  
3. Follow the succeeding onscreen instructions to complete the installation.  
After you successfully installed the LucidLogix Virtu MVP, the LucidLogix Virtu MVP icon  
appears in the notification area.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
5.3.2  
Setting up your display  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP solution comes with two distinct modes that allows you to enjoy better  
graphics either from your built-in video output (i-Mode) or from a discrete graphics card  
(d-Mode).  
i-Mode  
To use LucidLogix Virtu MVP in i-Mode, the display must be connected to the onboard video  
output.  
Ensure to set the Primary Display to iGPU in BIOS to activate i-Mode support.  
d-Mode  
To use LucidLogix Virtu MVP in d-Mode, the display must be connected to the installed  
graphics card.  
Ensure to set the Primary Display to PCIE or PCIE/PCI in BIOS to enable  
d-Mode support.  
d-Mode is recommended for an enhanced 3D gaming performance.  
d-Mode (VGA output from  
discrete graphics card)  
i-Mode (VGA output  
from motherboard)  
The motherboard’s IO ports and discrete graphic card is for reference only and may vary in  
different models.  
5-9  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
 
5.3.3  
Configuring LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
Launch the Virtu MVP Control Panel to allow you to configure the main features, adjust the  
performance settings and select applications for graphical virtualization.  
To open the control panel, right-click LucidLogix Virtu MVP icon in the notification area and  
select Open Virtu MVP Control Panel.  
LucidLogix Virtu MVP is automatically activated when your system is powered on. Select  
Remove from system tray if you want to remove LucidLogix Virtu MVP icon from the  
notification area.  
Main  
Allows you to turn ON/OFF the GPU virtualization. Also from the Main tab, you can set to  
show or hide the In-Game icon.  
Click to turn ON/OFF the LucidLogix Virtu MVP  
Click to restore to default  
settings  
Tick to show icon  
in system tray  
Select display  
option for In-Game  
icon  
5-10  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
Performance  
Allows you to turn ON/OFF the Hyperformance® or Virtual Vsync function.  
Click to turn  
Hyperformance®  
ON or OFF  
Click to turn  
Virtual Vsync  
ON or OFF  
5-11  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77  
Applications  
Allows you to select applications for graphic virtualization.  
Click to select a program to run by  
discrete card, iGPU, or Hyperformance®  
Click to add, edit, or remove programs  
See the descriptions of these columns below:  
D column allows you to run applications with the discrete graphic card. Select D to  
enable 3D graphical performance for that application.  
I column allows to run applications with iGPU. Select I for applications with media  
extensive performance.  
H column allows you to run applications with Hyperformance®. Tick H to enhance  
graphical performance for that application.  
Actual graphical performance varies with the application used and graphics card installed.  
5-12  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
Appendices  
Appendices  
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.  
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 modifications to this unit not  
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority  
to operate this equipment.  
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement  
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS  
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian  
interference-causing equipment regulations.  
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is  
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)  
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation of the device.  
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le  
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :  
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et  
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer  
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.  
A-1  
ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE  
 
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.  
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement  
VCCI Class B Statement  
KC: Korea Warning Statement  
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.  
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services  
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for  
protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly  
recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials. Please  
go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information in different  
regions.  
A-2  
Appendices  
ASUS contact information  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
E-mail  
Web site  
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259  
+886-2-2894-3447  
+886-2-2890-7798  
www.asus.com.tw  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Online support  
+86-21-38429911  
support.asus.com  
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA  
+1-812-282-3777  
+1-510-608-4555  
usa.asus.com  
Web site  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support fax  
+1-812-282-2787  
+1-812-284-0883  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)  
Address  
Fax  
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany  
+49-2102-959911  
Web site  
Online contact  
www.asus.de  
www.asus.de/sales  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support Fax  
+49-1805-010923*  
+49-2102-9599-11  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.  
A-3  
ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE  
A-4  
Appendices  

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