SABERTOOTH
990FX/GEN3
R2.0
Contents
About this guide....................................................................................................... viii
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xiv
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
Motherboard overview...............................................................................1-5
Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
BIOS update utility...................................................................................2-12
iii
Starting up for the first time....................................................................2-17
Turning off the computer.........................................................................2-18
Knowing BIOS............................................................................................3-1
BIOS setup program..................................................................................3-2
Main menu ..................................................................................................3-6
Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................3-8
Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-17
Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-28
Boot menu ................................................................................................3-31
Tools menu ...............................................................................................3-37
Exit menu..................................................................................................3-40
Updating BIOS..........................................................................................3-41
Support DVD information..........................................................................4-1
iv
Software information.................................................................................4-3
RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-1
Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................5-7
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.
vii
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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
•
•
•
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
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: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID configurations.
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple AMD® CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1.
2.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
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.
viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task..
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text
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 (+).
ix
SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specifications summary
CPU
AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX series CPU up to 8-core
compatible with AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II /
Athlon II™ / Sempron™ 100 series processors
Supports AMD® 140W CPU
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
Supports 32nm CPU
Chipset
AMD® 990FX / SB950 Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Up to 5.2 GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, ECC,
non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
*
Refer to www.asus.com for Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) of
AM3+ / AM3 CPU for details.
** Due to OS limitation, when installing a total memory of 4GB capacity
or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is
recommended.
*** Due to CPU specifications, AMD 100 Series CPUs support up to DDR3
1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to
DDR3 1333MHz.
Expansion slots
3 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (Dual at x16/x16, triple at x16/x8/x8
mode)*
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (black@x16)
1 x PCI slot
*
When running dual graphics cards, ensure to insert the card in the first
and third PCI Express X16 slot to get the best performance.
Multi-GPU support
Supports NVIDIA® QUAD-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD® QUAD-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
LAN
Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
AMD® SB950 Chipset
Storage
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 support
ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers
-
-
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]
Realtek® ALC892 8-channel high definition audio
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 ports at back I/O
-
ASUS noise filter
(continued on the next page)
x
SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specifications summary
3 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers
USB
-
-
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel [blue]
AMD® SB950 Chipset
-
12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back
panel)
Exclusive TUF features
“Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solution
-
-
TUF CeraM!X heatsink coating technology
TUF Thermal radar
TUF ENGINE! Digital Power Design
-
8+2 Digital phase power design
-
TUF Components (alloy choke, Cap & MOSFET certified by
military standard)
-
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control utility
-
Efficient Switching Power (E.S.P.) design
Safe & Stable! Guardian Angel
-
-
-
ESD Guards
MemOK!
Anti Surge
Other special features
Front panel USB 3.0 support
Remote GO!
USB 3.0 Boost
Network iControl
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard
DirectKey
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
Ai Charger+
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo2
Multi-language BIOS
(continued on the next page)
xi
SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 specifications summary
Back Panel I/O ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports [blue]
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6 x Audio jacks for 8-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector (supports additional 2 19-pin USB
3.0/2.0 ports [moss green])
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors [brown]
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors [gray]
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Optional fan connector (4-pin)
4 x Chassis fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x TPM header
1 x COM connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x DirectKey button
1 x DRCT header
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
24-pin EATX power connector
8-pin EATX 12V power connector
Front panel audio connector
System panel (Q-Connector)
BIOS features
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, SLP2.1, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut function, and ASUS DRAM
SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents
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.
xii
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
User Manual
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3
User manual
Support DVD
R2.0 motherboard
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
1 x TUF Certification card
Five-year warranty
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
1 x TUF Five-year warranty manual
•
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.
xiii
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screws
Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis
Power supply unit
AMD AM3+ CPU
AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan
DDR3 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.
xiv
Chapter 1:
Product Introduction
Product introduction
1
1.1
Special features
1.1.1
Product highlights
The Ultimate Force
The TUF series delivers a tough image with its unique design, and high-quality and military-
standard components. The TUF series pursues pre-eminent stability, all-around compatibility,
and extreme durability.
FX™/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™ 100 Series Processors (AM3+ / AM3
CPU)
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3+ multi-core processors with up to 8-core
native CPU cores, and AMD® CPUs in the new 32nm manufacturing process. It provides
better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features AMD Turbo CORE
Technology 2.0 to accelerate data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s rate via HyperTransport™ 3.0
based system bus.
AMD® 990FX Chipset
AMD 990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)
interface speed and dual PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD AM3+
and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.
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 current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16
link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such,
PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and
seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe
2.0 devices. 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.
QUAD-GPU SLI and QUAD-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
This motherboard supports multi-GPU configurations of both SLI™ and CrossFireX. This
motherboard features the AMD® 990FX/SB950 platform, optimizing PCIe allocation in multiple
GPU setups.
Dual-Channel 1866 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 1866 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.
1-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Complete USB 3.0 Solution
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
1.1.2
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution
TUF CeraM!X - Heatsink Coating Technology
This feature offers better cooling solution for an overall improvement in system stability. Its
innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system, and replaces traditional
anti-oxidant for better heat dissipation.
DO NOT uninstall the heatsink module by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
TUF Thermal Radar
The TUF Thermal Radar monitors the temperature of the motherboard’s critical parts and
automatically adjusts fan speeds in real time to ensure that the system remains stable and
does not overheat. It consists of multiple sensors for various components, allowing you to
monitor each area, while increasing options for fan control housed inside the chassis. The
Thermal Radar calculates ideal fan speeds based on different parameters that you have
selected for each component, keeping your system cool and more stable.
1.1.3
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design
DIGI+ Power Control
DIGI+ Power Control includes multiple digital voltage controllers, allowing ultra-precise
modulation and tuning of both CPU and DRAM. This innovative and industry-leading ASUS
technology provides accurate voltage tuning for better efficiency, stability, and performance.
Efficient Switching Power (E.S.P.) Design
E.S.P., an ASUS exclusive feature, is designed for key components such as CPU, memory,
graphics cards, LAN, and USB 3.0 to help improve system efficiency and reduce heat
generation.
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)
This motherboard provides rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions
with its robust TUF chokes, solid capacitors, and MOSFETs, which are certified through a
third-party, military-grade testing. TUF Chokes or Alloy Choke is made up of a compound
of various metals instead of the standard iron, which supports up to 40A rated current,
25% higher than the standard chokes. The TUF Chokes are packaged in a single piece,
eliminating the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics, and durability
under extreme conditions.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1.4
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel
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.
MemOK!
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.
1.1.5
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the first mouse-controlled intuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providing you with more flexibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
•
•
•
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helping with difficult POST situations.
DirectKey
DirectKey allows you to conveniently go into the BIOS setup with the press of a button. With
this feature, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the <Del> key during
POST. It also allows you to shut down or turn on your computer and directly enter the BIOS
during boot-up.
Remote GO!
Remote GO! links PCs, tablets, smartphones, and TVs wirelessly together through an
existing LAN cable and route setup. It provides a seamless environment for a futuristic
connected lifestyle with three useful functions:
•
DLNA Media Hub: Enjoy HD video, music and photos stored in your PC, streaming to
your DLNA devices via Wi-Fi. You can even use your tablet to control your PC to play
multimedia contents.
•
Remote Desktop: Operate and control your PC in real time from a smartphone or tablet
for complete comfort and convenience.
•
File Transfer: Send and share files between your PC and smart devices* with only a
right click on the mouse.
*
iPad/iPhone can send files, but cannot receive file transfers from PC.
1-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology, which supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol),
automatically accelerates the data transfer speed of a USB 3.0 device up to 170% faster than
the standard USB 3.0 transfer speed.
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a
more convenient online experience.
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.
O.C. Profile
This motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows you to store or load multiple
BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving you
the freedom to share and distribute your favorite overclocking settings.
1.1.6
Other special features
8 Channel Audio Codec
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)
CODEC enables high-quality Absolute Pitch 192kHz/24bit audio output, true BD lossless
sound, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-streaming technology.
S/PDIF-out on Back I/O port
This motherboard provides a convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems
via optical S/PDIF-out (Sony-Philips Digital Interface) jacks. It allows the system to transfer
digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.
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 consumptions.
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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2
Motherboard overview
Before you proceed
1.2.1
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.
1-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots
Page
1-36
1-8
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
2. AM3+ CPU socket
3. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4 )
1-34
4. DDR3 DIMM slots
1-9
5. MemOK! button
1-25
1-30
1-29
1-30
6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)
7. AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])
8. ASmedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E12 [gray])
9. Direct connector (2-pin DRCT)
1-38
1-37
1-26
1-33
1-27
1-32
1-28
1-38
1-35
1-31
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
11. DirectKey button
12. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1314, USB1112)
15. Standby power LED
16. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
1-7
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
1.2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® FX Series CPU up to 8-
core, also compatible with AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™
100 Series Processors.
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
The AM3+ socket has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for
the AM3+/AM3 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.4
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
1-9
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Memory configurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB ECC, non-ECC and unbuffered DDR3
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
•
•
Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding
timing or the loaded DRAM OC Profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The
stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities
and other installed devices.
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.
•
Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 1800 MHz memory module will run at the default
frequency of DDR3 1600 MHz.
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.
•
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:
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.
b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
c) 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.
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3 2400 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support (Optional)
1
2
4
CORSAIR
CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R
(Ver4.13)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
DS
-
-
2400
9-11-
11-31
1.65
•
•
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
KINGSTON
Patriot
F3-19200CL10Q-
32GBZHD(XMP)
32GB
(4x8GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
10-12-
12-31
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
F3-19200CL11Q-
16GBZHD(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
-
11-11-
11-31
F3-19200CL9Q-
16GBZMD (XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
-
9-11-
11-31
KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP)
PXD38G2400C11K(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
-
11-13-
13-30
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
11-11-
11-30
Team
TXD34096M2400HC9N-
L (XMP)
4GB
SAMSUNG
K4B2G0846D
9-9-9-24
DDR3 2200 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip
NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support (Optional)
1
2
4
G.SKILL
GEIL
F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP)
GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)
FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP)
4G
(2x2G)
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28
9-10-9-28
-
1.65
1.65
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4GB
(2x2GB)
KINGMAX
4GB
Kingmax
N/A
(2x2GB)
1-11
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 2133 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip Brand
Chip
NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support (Optional)
1
2
4
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
Patriot
CMD8GX3M2A2133C9
(Ver1.5)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-
10-27
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9
(Ver7.1)(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
9-9-9-
24
1.5
•
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
9-10-
9-27
1.5
F3-17000CL11Q2-
64GBZLD (XMP)
64GB
(8x8GB)
-
11-11-
11-30
1.5
•
•
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
9-11-
10-28
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.6
F3-17066CL9Q-
16GBTDD(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
9-9-9-
24
KHX2133C11D3K4/
16GX(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
11-12-
11-30
•
KHX2133C11D3T1K2/
16GX (XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
-
9-9-9-
24
KHX21C11T1BK2/8X
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
11-12-
11-30
1.6
•
•
•
•
PVV34G2133C9K (XMP)
PXD38G2133C11K (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
9-11-
9-27
1.66
1.65
1.65
Patriot
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
9-9-9-
24
Team
TXD34096M2133HC9N-
L(XMP)
4GB
SAMSUNG
K4B2G
0846D
9-9-9-
24
1-12
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3 2000 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
AEXEA
AEXEA
Apacer
Asint
AXA3ES2G2000LG28V
(XMP)
2GB
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
1.65
1.65
-
•
•
•
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
78.AAGD5.9KD (XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
-
-
9-9-9-27
9-9-9-27
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-28
7-7-7-20
8-8-8-24
9-11-9-27
-
SLA302G08-ML2HB
(XMP)
4GB
Hynix
H5TQ2G83BFRH9C
-
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
GEIL
F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
-
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
GUP34GB2000C9DC
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
•
•
Patriot
Patriot
Patriot
PV736G2000ELK
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
-
-
PVT36G2000LLK
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
-
-
PX7312G2000ELK
(XMP)
12GB
(3x4GB)
-
-
Silicon
Power
SP002GBLYU200S02
(XMP)
2GB
2GB
2GB
2GB
-
-
•
•
•
Team
Team
Team
TXD32048M2000C9
(XMP)
Team
Team
Team
T3D1288RT-20
T3D1288LT-20
T3D1288RT-20
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
1.5
1.5
1.6
TXD32048M2000C9-L
(XMP)
TXD32048M2000C9-L
(XMP)
1-13
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 1866 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
Crucial
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9
(Ver4.13)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-27
9-10-9-27
-
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
•
•
•
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9
(Ver8.16)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9
(Ver4.13)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9
(Ver8.16)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
9-10-9-27
9-10-9-27
9-10-9-27
9-10-9-27
10-11-10-27
10-11-10-27
9-10-9-27
9-10-9-27
CMT32GX3M4X1866C9
(Ver3.23)(XMP)
32GB
(4x8GB)
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R
(Ver8.16)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R
(Ver8.16)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10
(Ver3.23)(XMP)
32GB
(4x8GB)
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10
(Ver3.23)(XMP)
32GB
(4x8GB)
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9
(Ver8.16)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G
(Ver5.12)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
1866 9-10-
9-27
BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.1
6FMD(XMP)
4GB
9-9-9-27
G.SKILL
F3-14900CL10Q2-
64GBZLD (XMP)
64GB
(8x8GB)
10-11-10-30
9-10-9-28
G.SKILL
F3-14900CL9D-
8GBSR(XMP)
8GB
( 2x
4GB)
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
KINGSTON
Patriot
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
9-10-9-28
9-10-9-28
9-9-9-24
-
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
-
1.5
F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
1.6
KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.5
PXD34G1866ELK (XMP)
PXD38G1866ELK (XMP)
PXD38G1866ELK (XMP)
PXD38G1866ELK (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
9-9-9-24
9-11-9-27
9-11-9-27
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Patriot
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
Patriot
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
Patriot
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
1866 9-10-
9-27
Team
TXD34096M1866HC9K-
L (XMP)
4GB
Hynix
H5TC2G83BFRH9A
9-11-9-27
1.65
1-14
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3 1800 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip
NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket support
(Optional)
1
2
4
G.SKILL
F3-14400CL9D-
4GBRL(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
DS
-
-
9-9-9-24
1.6
•
•
•
DDR3 1600 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support
(Optional)
1
•
2
•
4
AMD
AMD
AE32G1609U1-U
2GB
SS
DS
AMD
-
23EY4587MB6H
-
-
1.5
•
AP38G1608U2K
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
9-9-9-28
1.65
•
•
Apacer
Apacer
78.B1GE3.9L10C
4GB
4GB
DS
DS
Apacer
-
AM5D5908DEQSCK
-
-
1.65
1.65
•
•
•
•
•
•
AHU04GFA60C9Q1D
(XMP)
9-9-9-27
Asint
Asint
SLA302G08-EGG1C
(XMP)
4GB
4GB
DS
DS
Asint
Asint
302G08-GG1C
302G08-GJ1C
9-9-9-27
9-9-9-27
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
SLA302G08-EGJ1C
(XMP)
Asint
Asint
Asint
Asint
SLA302G08-EGN1C
SLB304G08-EGN1B
SLZ302G08-EGN1C
4GB
8GB
2GB
2GB
DS
DS
SS
DS
ASint
ASint
ASint
Asint
302G08-GN1C
304G08-GN1B
302G08-GN1C
3128M8-GJ1D
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D
(XMP)
ATP
AQ12M64B8BKK0S
4GB
DS
SAMSUNG
K4B2G08460
-
NO
•
•
•
(continued on the next page)
1-15
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 1600 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
CENTURY
CENTURY
CENTURY
CENTURY
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CD4G-D3U1600
CD4G-D3U1600
CD8G-D3U1600
CD8G-D3U1600
4GB
4GB
8GB
8GB
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
ELPIDA
EDJ2108BDBG-
GN-F
-
1.5
•
•
•
Hynix
H5TQ2G83CFR-
PBC
-
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ELPIDA
EDJ4208BBBG-
GN-F
-
1.5
Hynix
H5TQ4G83MFR-
PBC
-
1.5
CMD16GX3M2A1600C9
(Ver8.21)(XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24
1.5
CMD8GX3M2A1600C8
(Ver5.12)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
1600 8-8-
8-24
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMD8GX3M2A1600C9
(Ver2.12)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
9-9-9-24
6-6-6-18
1.5
CMG4GX3M2A1600C6
4GB
(2x2GB)
1.65
1.5
CML16GX3M4X1600C8
(Ver 2.12)(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
Heat-Sink
Package
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
8-8-8-24
8-8-8-24
7-8-7-20
1.65
1.65
1.65
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
(XMP)
6GB
( 3x
2GB)
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CMX8GX3M2A1600C9
(Ver3.19)(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24
1.65
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.6
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10
(Ver.3.24)(XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
10-10-10-27
9-9-9-24
CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10
(Ver2.2)(XMP)
32GB
(4x8GB)
10-10-10-27
8-8-8-24
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
9-9-9-24
CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9
(Ver 2.12)(XMP)
8GB
(4x2GB)
9-9-9-24
HX3X12G1600C9 (XMP)
12GB
(6x2GB)
9-9-9-24
(continued on the next page)
1-16
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3 1600 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
Crucial
Crucial
EK Memory
EK Memory
Elixir
BL12864BN1608.8FF (XMP)
2GB
(2x1GB)
SS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24
8-8-8-24
9
1.65
1.5
-
•
•
•
BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0.16FM
(XMP)
4GB
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
EKM324L28BP8-I16 (XMP)
EKM324L28BP8-I16 (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
9
-
M2X2G64CB88G7N-DG
(XMP)
2GB
4GB
8GB
Elixir
N2CB2G80GN-
DG
9-9-9-28
9-9-9-28
9-9-9-28
7-8-7-24
7-8-7-24
8-8-8-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-28
7-7-7-24
-
Elixir
M2X4G64CB8HG5N-DG
(XMP)
Elixir
N2CB2G80GN-
DG
-
Elixir
M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG
(XMP)
Elixir
N2CB4G80BN-
DG
1.5
1.6
1.6
1.35
1.5
1.25
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.6
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.Skill
F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
F3-12800CL7Q-16GBXH
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
•
F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
GEIL
GET316GB1600C9QC
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
•
•
GEIL
GUP34GB1600C7DC (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
GoodRam
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
KINGSTON
GR1600D364L9/2G
2GB
2GB
4GB
DS
SS
DS
DS
GoodRam
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
-
GF1008KC-JN
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
FLGE85F-C8KL9A (XMP)
FLGF65F-C8KL9A (XMP)
N/A
N/A
-
9-9-9-28
9-9-9-28
-
-
-
KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX
(XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
1.65
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX
(XMP)
12GB
(3x4GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
9
KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX
(XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
9
KHX1600C9D3K4/16GX
(XMP)
16GB
(4x4GB)
9-9-9-24
9
•
•
•
KHX1600C9D3K6/24GX
(XMP)
24GB
(6x4GB)
KHX1600C9D3K8/32GX
(XMP)
32GB
(8x4GB)
9-9-9-27
(continued on the next page)
1-17
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 1600 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KHX1600C9D3LK2/
4GX (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.35
1.35
1.5
•
•
•
KHX1600C9D3LK2/
8GX (XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
9-9-9-24
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KHX1600C9D3P1K2/
8G
8GB
(2x4GB)
9
9
9
9
KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/
12GX (XMP)
12GB
(3x4GB)
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.5
KHX1600C9D3T1K3/
6GX (XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
KHX1600C9D3X2K2/
4GX (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
KHX16C9K2/16
KVR16N11/4
16GB
(2x8GB)
1333-9-9-
9-24
KINGSTON
KINGTIGER
4G
DS
DS
Hynix
-
H5TQ2G83CFRPBC
-
-
-
1.5
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
KTG2G1600PG3
(XMP)
2GB
MICRON
MICRON
MICRON
Mushkin
Mushkin
OCZ
MT16JTF1G64AZ-
1G6D1
8GB
4GB
2GB
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
MICRON
D9PBC
-
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MT16KTF51264AZ-
1G6M1
MICRON
D9PFJ
-
-
MT8KTF25664AZ-
1G6M1
MICRON
D9PFJ
-
-
996805 (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6-8-6-24
6-8-6-24
8-8-8
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.5
998805 (XMP)
6GB
(3x2GB)
OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK
4GB
(2x2GB)
Patriot
PGD316G1600ELK
(XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
-
•
Patriot
PGD316G1600ELK
(XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
7-7-7-20
8-8-8-24
8-9-8-24
8-9-8-24
Patriot
PGD38G1600ELK
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
1.65
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
Patriot
PGD38G1600ELK
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
Patriot
PGS34G1600LLKA
PGS34G1600LLKA2
4GB
(2x2GB)
1.7
Patriot
4GB
(2x2GB)
1.7
Patriot
PVV38G1600LLK
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
1.65
1.65
1.65
Patriot
PX7312G1600LLK
(XMP)
12GB
(3x4GB)
Patriot
PXD38G1600LLK(XMP)
8GB
1600
(2x4GB)
8-9-8-24
(continued on the next page)
1-18
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3 1600 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
•
2
•
4
•
SanMax
SanMax
SMD-4G68HP-16KZ
SMD-4G68NG-16KK
4GB
4GB
2GB
DS
DS
SS
Hynix
H5TQ2G83BFRPBC
J2108BDBG-GN-F
20YT5NG
-
-
1.5
-
ELPIDA
•
•
•
Silicon
Power
SP002GBLTU160V02
(XMP)
S-
POWER
9-11-
11-28
1.5
•
•
•
Silicon
Power
SP004GBLTU160V02
(XMP)
4GB
DS
S-
POWER
20YT5NG
9-9-9-24
1.5
•
•
Team
Team
TED34096M1600HC11
4GB
1GB
DS
SS
Team
Team
T3D2568ET-16
T3D1288RT-16
-
-
•
•
•
•
TXD31024M1600C8-D
(XMP)
8-8-8-24
1.65
•
Team
Team
Team
TXD32048M1600C7-L
(XMP)
2GB
2GB
4GB
DS
DS
DS
Team
Team
Hynix
T3D1288LT-16
7-7-7-24
8-8-8-24
9-9-9-24
1.65
1.65
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
TXD32048M1600HC8-
D (XMP)
T3D1288RT-16
H5TC2G83BFRH9A
•
•
TXD34096M1600HC9-
D(XMP)
DDR3 1333 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
ACTICA
AMD
ACT1GHU64B8F1333S
ACT1GHU72C8G1333S
ACT2GHU64B8G1333M
ACT2GHU64B8G1333S
ACT2GHU72D8G1333M
ACT2GHU72D8G1333S
ACT4GHU64B8H1333H
ACT4GHU72D8H1333H
AE32G1339U1-U
1GB
1GB
2GB
2GB
2GB
2GB
4GB
4GB
2GB
4GB
2GB
4GB
2GB
4GB
4GB
SS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
Micron
K4B1G0846F
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
9
-
-
-
-
K4B1G0846F(ECC)
D9KPT
-
-
SAMSUNG
Micron
K4B1G0846F
-
D9KPT(ECC)
-
SAMSUNG
Hynix
K4B1G0846F(ECC)
H5TQ2G83AFR
H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC)
23EY4587MB3H
23EY4587MB3H
AM5D5808FEQSBG
AM5D5908CEHSBG
302G08-DJ1C
-
-
Hynix
-
AMD
1.5
AMD
AE34G1339U2-U
AMD
1.5
Apacer
Apacer
Asint
78.A1GC6.9L1
Apacer
Apacer
ASint
-
-
-
-
-
78.B1GDE.9L10C
SLA302G08-EDJ1C
SLZ302G08-EDJ1C
AQ12M72E8BKH9S
Asint
ASint
302G08-DJ1C
ATP
SAMSUNG
K4B2G0846C(ECC)
(continued on the next page)
1-19
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 1333 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
•
2
•
4
•
BUFFALO
BUFFALO
BUFFALO
CORSAIR
D3U1333-1G
1GB
2GB
4GB
SS
DS
DS
SS
Elpida
Elpida
NANYA
-
J1108BFBG-DJ-F
J1108BFBG-DJ-F
NT5CB256M8BN-CG
N/A
-
-
-
-
-
D3U1333-2G
•
•
•
D3U1333-4G
•
•
•
CMV4GX3M2A1333C9
4GB
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9
•
•
•
(2x2GB)
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CMV8GX3M2A1333C9
8GB
(2x4GB)
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
DS
-
N/A
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMX8GX3M1A1333C9
(Ver2.2)
8GB
8GB
-
-
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
-
CMX8GX3M1A1333C9
(Ver3.23)
-
-
CMX8GX3M2A1333C9
(XMP)
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
•
TW3X4G1333C9A
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
EK
Memory
EKM324L28BP8-I13
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Elixir
M2F2G64CB88D7N-
CG
2GB
Elixir
M2CB2G80DN-CG
-
-
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
GEIL
F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT
F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
GB34GB1333C7DC
GET316GB1333C9QC
GG34GB1333C9DC
GG34GB1333C9DC
GVP34GB1333C9DC
GVP38GB1333C7QC
GVP38GB1333C9DC
4GB
(2x2GB)
G.SKILL
D3 128M8CE9 2GB
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
7-7-7-24
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
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.3
1.3
1.5
1.5
1.5
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
8GB
(2x4GB)
-
-
4GB
(2x2GB)
GEIL
GL1L128M88BA15FW
GEIL
16GB
(4x4GB)
-
-
GEIL
4GB
(2x2GB)
GEIL
GL1L128M88BA115FW
GEIL
4GB
(2x2GB)
GEIL
GL1L128M88BA15B
GEIL
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
-
-
-
-
GEIL
8GB
(4x2GB)
GEIL
8GB
(2x4GB)
Hynix
HMT125U6TFR8A-H9
M3UN-2GHJBC09
M3UN-4GHJAC09
FLFE85F-B8KL9
2GB
2GB
4GB
2GB
DS
SS
DS
DS
Hynix
H5TC1G83TFR
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
INNODISK
INNODISK
KINGMAX
Hynix
H5TQ2G83CFRH9C
H5TQ2G83CFRH9C
KFB8FNLXL-BNF-15A
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
-
Hynix
KINGMAX
(continued on the next page)
1-20
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3 1333 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
2
4
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
FLFE85F-C8KL9
FLFE85F-C8KL9
FLFE85F-C8KM9
FLFF65F-C8KL9
FLFF65F-C8KL9
FLFF65F-C8KM9
2GB
2GB
2GB
4GB
4GB
4GB
SS
SS
SS
DS
DS
DS
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
Kingmax
KFC8FNLBF-GXX-
12A
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
KFC8FNLXF-DXX-
15A
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KFC8FNMXF-
BXX-15A
KINGMAX
KINGMAX
Kingmax
KFC8FNLBF-GXX-
12A
KFC8FNLXF-DXX-
15A
KFC8FNMXF-
BXX-15A
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KVR1333D3E9S/4G
KVR1333D3N9/2G
KVR1333D3N9H/4G
KVR1333D3N9H/8G
4GB
2GB
4GB
8GB
DS
DS
DS
DS
Elpida
J2108ECSE-DJ-F
D1288JPNDPLD9U
J2108BDBG-GN-F
J4208EASE-DJ-F
9
9
-
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kingston
ELPIDA
ELPIDA
9-9-9-
24
KINGSTON
KVR1333D3N9K2/4G
4GB
(2x2GB)
DS
KINGSTON
D1288JEMFPGD9U
-
1.5
•
•
•
KINGSTON
KINGSTON
KINGTIGER
KVR1333D3S8N9/2G
KVR13N9S8H/4
F10DA2T1680
2GB
4GB
2GB
SS
SS
DS
Micron
IFD77 D9LGK
-
-
-
1.5
1.5
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ELPIDA
J4208BBBG-GN-F
KINGTIGER
KTG1333PS1208NST-
C9
KINGTIGER
KTG2G1333PG3
2GB
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mach
MXD3U133316GQ
16GB
Xtreme
(4x4GB)
Mach
Xtreme
MXD3V13332GS
2GB
2GB
SS
SS
DS
DS
DS
DS
Mach
Xtreme
C2S46D30-D313
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MICRON
OCZ
MT8JTF25664AZ-
1G4M1
MICRON
D9PFJ
-
-
OCZ3G1333LV4GK
OCZ3G1333LV8GK
OCZ3G1333LV8GK
OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK
PG38G1333EL (XMP)
4GB
(2x2GB)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9
9-9-9
9-9-9
9-9-9
-
1.65
1.65
1.65
1.65
OCZ
8GB
(2x4GB)
OCZ
8GB
(2x4GB)
OCZ
8GB
(2x4GB)
Patriot
Patriot
8GB
DS
DS
-
-
-
-
1.5
1.5
•
•
•
•
•
•
PGD316G1333ELK
(XMP)
16GB
(2x8GB)
9-9-9-
24
Patriot
PGS34G1333LLKA
4GB
(2x2GB)
DS
-
-
7-7-7-
20
1.7
•
•
Patriot
PSD32G13332
2GB
2GB
DS
DS
Prtriot
PM128M8D3BU-15
9
9
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
RiDATA
C304627CB1AG22Fe
RiDATA
C304627CB1AG22Fe
(continued on the next page)
1-21
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DDR3 1333 MHz capability
Vendors
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
1
•
•
•
•
•
2
•
•
•
•
•
4
•
•
•
•
•
RiDATA
E304459CB1AG32Cf
M378B1G73AH0-CH9
M378B5273CH0-CH9
M378B5673FH0-CH9
SP001GBLTE133S01
4GB
8GB
4GB
2GB
1GB
DS
DS
DS
DS
SS
RiDATA
E304459CB1AG32Cf
K4B4G0846A-HCH9
K4B2G0846C
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
SAMSUNG
NANYA
-
K4B1G0846F
-
Silicon
Power
NT5CB128M8AN-CG
-
Silicon
Power
SP001GBLTU133S02
SP002GBLTE133S01
SP002GBLTU133V02
SP004GBLTU133V02
TED34096M1333HC9
1GB
2GB
2GB
4GB
SS
DS
SS
DS
S-POWER
NANYA
10YT3E5
9
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Silicon
Power
NT5CB128M8AN-CG
20YT3NG
-
Silicon
Power
S-POWER
S-POWER
9-9-9-24
9-9-9-24
Silicon
Power
20YT3NG
•
Team
Team
4GB
1GB
DS
SS
Team
Team
T3D2568LT-13
T3D1288LT-13
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
TXD31024M1333C7
(XMP)
7-7-7-21
1.75
Team
Team
TXD31048M1333C7-D
(XMP)
1GB
2GB
SS
DS
Team
Team
T3D1288LT-13
T3D1288LT-13
7-7-7-21
7-7-7-21
1.75
•
•
•
•
TXD32048M1333C7-D
(XMP)
1.5-1.6
•
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:
(1) Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory
configuration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot.
(2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the beige slots or brown slots as one
pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules
into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.
(4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the beige and brown slots as two pairs of
Dual-channel memory configuration.
•
•
ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.
•
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
1-22
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.5
Expansion slots
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
2
3
4
5
PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16, dual at x16/x16, triple at x16/x8/x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot
PCIe 3.0 x16_3 slot
PCI slot
PCIe 3.0 x16_4 slot
1-23
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
PCI Express operating mode
VGA
configuration
PCIe
3.0_x16_1
PCIe
PCIe
PCIe
3.0x16_4
2.0_x16_2
3.0x16_3
x16
Single or Dual
VGA/PCIe card
(Recommend for x16
single VGA)
x16
N/A
3-way SLI
x16
x16
x8
x8
•
•
•
•
•
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_3 slots for
PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.
In 3-way SLI mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1/PCIe 3.0 x16_3/PCIe 3.0 x16_4 slots for
PCI Express x16 graphic cards to get better performance.
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™
mode.
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
PCIe x16_1
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_2
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_3
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_4
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
PCIe x1_1
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
ASM eSATA
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
ASM SATA [Gray]
ASM USB3_12
ASM 1042 (Front)
ASM USB3_3
Realtek 8111F (LAN)
Onchip SATA [Brown]
Onchip Audio
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
shared
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
Onchip USB2_1-5
shared
Onchip USB2_6-8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
Onchip USB2_11-14
shared
1-24
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.6
Onboard buttons
Onboard buttons allow 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.
1.
MemOK! button
Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
•
•
Refer to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.
The DRAM_LED also lights up 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 fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch
to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message 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.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
2.
DirectKey button
This feature allows your system to go to the BIOS Setup program with the press of
a button. With DirectKey, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press
the <Del> key during POST. It also allows you to turn on or turn off your system and
conveniently enter the BIOS during boot-up.
Ensure to save your data before using the DirectKey button.
•
When the system is on and you press the DirectKey button, your system will shut
down. Press the DirectKey button again or the Power-on button to reboot and enter
the BIOS directly.
•
•
Turn off your system using the power-on button to allow your system to go through
POST (without entering the BIOS) when you reboot your system.
Refer to section 3.7 Boot Menu for details about setting the DirectKey default
function.
1-26
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.7
Jumpers
1.
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.
1-27
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
1.2.8
Onboard LEDs
1.
POST State LEDs
The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST
(Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an
error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.
2.
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.
1-28
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.9
Internal connectors
1.
AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
configuration through the onboard AMD® SB950 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 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
•
•
•
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
When creating a RAID set, set the SATA_5-6 connectors to [AHCI Mode] or [IDE
Mode] to ensure that the system recognizes your ODD device.
When using NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section
3.5.4 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 SP3 or later versions.
1-29
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
2.
ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1-2 [gray])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
3.
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0
specificaton that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel
cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have
a front panel USB 3.0 solution.
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Chapter 1: Product introduction
4.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. 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.
1-31
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
5.
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1314, USB1112)
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
48 MBps connection speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, brown) first,
and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis
supports front panel USB ports.
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
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Chapter 1: Product introduction
6.
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The COM module is purchased separately.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
7.
CPU and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4)
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.
1-34
Chapter 1: Product introduction
8.
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 or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD] or [AC97].
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
9.
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 350 W.
•
DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the
system will not boot.
•
We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output 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.
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Chapter 1: Product introduction
10. 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.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely
store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance
network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
12. Direct Connector (2-pin DRCT)
This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function.
Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on
the motherboard.
Ensure that your chassis comes with the button cable that supports the DirectKey feature.
Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.
1-38
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 2:
Basic Installation
Basic Installation
2
2.1
Building your PC system
Motherboard installation
2.1.1
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.
1.
Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.
2-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
2.
Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to
the chassis’ rear I/O panel.
2-2
Chapter 2: Getting started
3.
Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
2.1.2
CPU installation
The AMD AM3+ socket is compatible with AMD AM3+ and AM3 processors. Ensure you
use a CPU designed for the AM3+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO
NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and
damaging the CPU!
1
2
3
2-4
Chapter 2: Getting started
2
3
4
5
2-6
Chapter 2: Getting started
2.2
BIOS update utility
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing
BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the
USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.
To use USB BIOS Flashback:
1.
Place the bundled support DVD to the optical drive and install the USB BIOS
Flashback Wizard. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
You can also download the BIOS from ASUS official website www.asus.com. Rename the
file as ST990R2G3.CAP, and save it in the root directory of a USB storage device.
2.
Insert the USB storage device to the USB Flashback port.
3.
Launch the USB BIOS Flashback Wizard to automatically download the latest BIOS
version.
4.
Press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds until a flashing light appears, which
indicates that the BIOS Flashback function is enabled.
5.
Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.
USB BIOS Flashback button
USB BIOS Flashback port
For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section 3.10 Updating BIOS.
•
Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or press the CLR_CMOS button while
BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption,
please follow the steps again.
•
If the light flashes for five seconds and turns into a solid light, this means that the
BIOS Flashback is not operating properly. This may be caused by improper installation
of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. If this scenario happens,
please restart the system to turn off the light.
•
Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process
and results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service
Center.
2-12
Chapter 2: Getting started
2.3
Motherboard rear and audio connections
Rear I/O connection
2.3.1
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 Combo port
7.
8.
9.
USB 2.0 ports 3, 4, 5, and 6
USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4
2. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2
3. LAN (RJ-45) port*
USB BIOS Flashback button
4. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8
5. Optical S/PDIF Out port
6. External SATA ports
10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
11. Audio I/O ports**
* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.
2-13
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
•
•
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 [Enabled] and install the
ASM1061 Controller Driver from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to section 3.5.6
Onboard Devices Configuration for details.
* LAN ports LED indications
Activity Link LED
ACT/LINK SPEED
LED LED
Speed LED
Status
Status
Description
No link
Description
OFF
OFF
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
–
2-14
Chapter 2: Getting started
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
2-16
Chapter 2: Getting started
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers
2.4
1.
Starting up for the first time
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2.
Ensure that all switches are off.
3.
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:
4.
5.
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 (POST). While the tests are running, the
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) 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.
2-17
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.
2-18
Chapter 2: Getting started
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
BIOS setup
3
3.1
Knowing BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-
only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your 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
optimal performance. DO 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 BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
3-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.2
BIOS setup program
Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup
program.
Entering BIOS at startup
To enter BIOS Setup at startup:
•
Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>,
POST continues with its routines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
•
•
•
Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.
Press the reset button on the system chassis.
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you
failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.
•
•
•
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 or press hotkey <F5>. 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 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and
switches for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.
The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.
BIOS menu screen
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 screen.
3-2
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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 or press <F7> hot
key for the advanced BIOS settings.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section 3.7 Boot menu for details.
Selects the display language of the
BIOS setup program
Click to display all fan
speeds if available
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output, CPU/chassis/
power 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 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
English
BIOS Version : 0202
Build Date : 13/09/2012
CPU Type : AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 965 Processor
Total Memory : 2048 MB (DDR3 1333MHz)
Speed : 3400 MHz
Monday [03/25/2012]
Temperature
Voltage
Fan Speed
CPU
MB
+113.0ºF/+45.0ºC
+75.2ºF/+40.0ºC
CPU
3.3V
1.248V
3.344V
5V
5.160V
CPU_FAN
3325RPM CPU_OPT_FAN
N/A CHA_FAN2
N/A
N/A
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)
Boot Menu (F8)
Default (F5)
Advanced Mode (F7)
Displays the Advanced
mode menus
Loads optimized default
settings
Power Saving mode
Normal mode
Selects the boot device priority
ASUS Optimal mode
Selects the boot device priority
Displays the system properties of the
selected mode on the right hand side
Selects the Advanced mode
functions
•
•
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.
3-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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 Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.
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
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear)
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Disabled
ASM1061 Storage OPROM
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Front)
ASM1061 Storage OPROM
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_12)
ASM101 Storage OPROM
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (
Disabled
Enabled
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (
Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support
Realtek LAN Controller
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Realtek PXE OPROM
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
S3 Video Repost
>
>
Serial Port Configuration
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
SB HD Azalia Configuration
Version 2.00.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
Pop-up window
Scroll bar
Submenu item
Navigation keys
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
3-4
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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.
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.
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.
3-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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
0211 x64
5/30/2012
CPU Information
AMD(R) Phenom(TM) II X4 965 Processor
Memory Information
Total Memory
2048 MB (DDR3 1333MHz)
EC Version
MBECI-0006
System Language
English
System Date
System Time
[Fri 03/12/2012]
[16:46:15]
Access Level
Administrator
>
Security
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
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 1.2.6 Onboard buttons for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.
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].
3-6
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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.
3-7
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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.
3.4
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.
Scroll down to display other BIOS items.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Current CPU Speed
:
:
:
:
3400MHz
[D.O.C.P.] When DOCP is enabled CPU
Bus frequency, CPU ratio and memory
parameters will be auto optimized.
Target CPU Speed
3200MHz
1333MHz
2000MHz
2000MHz
Current Memory Frequency
Current NB Frequency
Current HT Link Speed
:
Ai Overclock Tuner
CPU Ratio
Auto
Auto
AMD Turbo CORE technology
Memory Frequency
CPU/NB Frequency
HT Link Speed
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
CPU Spread Spectrum
PCIe Spread Spectrum
EPU Power Saving Mode
Auto
Auto
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
Disabled
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
3-8
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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.
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Allows you to select a DRAM voltage.
[Manual]
[D.O.C.P.]
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].
CPU Bus Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU and VGA frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The
values range from 100 to 600.
PCIE Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The
values range from 100 to 600.
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-CPB CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.
AMD Turbo CORE technology [Auto]
Allows you to set the AMD Turbo CORE technology.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Memory Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency.
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-
1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz]
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between NB clock and the CPU Bus frequency.
Configuration options: [Auto] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] [2200MHz]
[2400MHz] [2600MHz] [2800MHz] [3000MHz] [3200MHz]
HT Link Speed [Auto]
Allows you to set the HyperTransport link speed.
Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz]
[1800MHz] [2000MHz] [2200MHz] [2400MHz] [2600MHz]
3-9
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
[Auto]
Automatic configuration.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
PCIe Spread Spectrum [Auto]
[Auto]
Automatic configuration.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode items to
[Enabled].
EPU Setting
Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode]
[Max Power Saving Mode]
OC Tuner [CANCEL]
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]
DRAM Timing Control
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press the <Enter> key.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.
Primary Timings
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5] – [19]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2] – [19]
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2] – [19]
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [8] – [40]
3-10
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4] – [10]
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [9]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4] – [9]
DRAM CAS# Write Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5] – [12]
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7] [8] [10] [12] [14] [16]
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]
DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [10] - [56]
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3] - [17]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay (DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [11]
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Timing [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2] - [11]
DRAM READ to READ Timing [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2] - [11]
DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]
DRAM COMMAND Rate [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]
3-11
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DRAM Driving Control
Allows you to set the primary, secondary, and tertiary memory timings.
DCT0 Information
CKE drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
Data drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
DQS drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
Processor ODT [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%]
[80 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]
DCT1 Information
CKE drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
Data drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
DQS drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
Processor ODT [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%]
[80 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]
3-12
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DIGI+ Power Control
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Load-line is defined by AMD VRM specification 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 conditions. 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.
CPU/NB Load Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]
CPU Current Capability [Auto]
This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider
total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power related parameters .
The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU/NB Current Capability [Auto]
This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider
total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]
Allows you to increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient
and better thermal performance. Reduce the phase number under light system loading to
increase VRM efficiency
[Standard]
Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.
Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Proceeds the full phase mode.
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
[Manual Adjustment]
Allows manual adjustment.
DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual Mode. The
thermal conditions should be monitored.
3-13
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Manual Adjustment [Fast]
This item appears only when you set the CPU Power Phase Control item to [Manual
Adjustment].
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]
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 CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Auto] and
allows you to enable the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]
DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every component’s
phase.
[T. Probe]
Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.
Select to maintain the current VRM balance.
[C. Probe Current]
CPU Power Response Control [Auto]
The DIGI+ VRM controller provides a faster and precise power response rate for the CPU.
Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [Fast] [Ultra Fast]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU configuration.
CPU/NB Power Response Control [Auto]
The DIGI+ VRM controller provides a faster, and precise power response rate for the CPU
and North Bridge. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [Fast] [Ultra Fast]
3-14
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU Power Thermal Control [130]
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range and extends the overclocking
tolerance to enlarge the O.C. potential. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The
values range from 130 to 151.
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
DRAM Current Capability [100%]
A higher value brings a wider total power range, and extends the overclocking range
simultaneously. Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM Voltage Frequency [300KHZ]
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM frequency to
increase the O.C. range, or a low DRAM frequency for a better system stability.
Configuration options: [300KHZ] [350KHZ] [400KHZ] [450KHZ] [500KHZ]
DRAM Power Phase Control [Optimized]
[Optimized]
Allows you to set the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
[Extreme]
Allows you to set the full phase mode.
CPU & NB Voltage [Offset Mode]
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.
[Offset Mode]
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.
CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]
and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range depends on your CPU.
CPU/NB Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]
and allows you to set a fixed CPU/NB voltage. The values range depends on your
CPU.
Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may
make the system unstable. Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU
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 CPU offset voltage. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The
values range from 0.006250V to 0.700000V with a 0.006250V interval.
3-15
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
CPU/NB Offset Mode Sign [+]
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Offset Mode]
and allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to
0.70000V with a 0.00625V interval.
CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.20000V to 2.80000V with
a 0.00625V interval.
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 0.86V to 2.135V with a 0.005V
interval.
NB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.25V with a
0.00625V interval.
NB HT Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.2V to 1.4V with a
0.00625V interval.
NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge 1.8 voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.80V with a
0.005V interval.
SB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Southbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.80V with a
0.005V interval.
VDD PCIE [Auto]
Allows you to set the VDD PCIE voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 2.20V with a
0.005V interval.
VDDR [Auto]
Allows you to set the memory’s voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.80V with a 0.005V
interval.
ASUS Enhancement Mode
[Auto]
Allows you to set the maximum performance mode.
[Disabled]
Allows you to disable the function and goes back to its default setting.
3-16
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5
Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect 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
North Bridge
South Bridge
SATA Configuration
USB Configuration
CPU Core On/Off Function
Onboard Devices Configuration
APM
Network Stack
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.00.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
3.5.1
CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.
3-17
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ CPU Configuration
>
CPU Configuration
Enabled/Disabled the generation of ACPI
_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects.
Socket0: AMD Phenom (tm) II X4 965 Processor
Quad Core Running @ 3715 MHz 1400 mV
Max Speed: 3400 MHZ Intended Speed: 3400 MHZ
Microcode Patch Level: 10000c6
------------ Cache per Core ------------
L1 Instruction Cache: 64 KB/2-way
L1 Data Cache: 64 KB/2-way
L2 Cache: 512 KB/16-way
Total L3 Cache per Socket: 6 MB/48-way
Cool ‘n’ Quiet
C1E
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
SVM
Cool‘n’Quiet [Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.
Disables the function.
C1E [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the system to utilize the AMD specific ACPI states to save power
consumption.
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
SVM [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the AMD Security and Virtual Machine (SVM) architecture. This
design allows you to run multiple operating systems on the same physical
hardware by decoupling the operating system and physical hardware with
the hypervisor layer.
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
Core C6 State [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the Core C6 state. This feature will help reduce the power
consumed by the CPU.
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
HPC [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the High Performance Computing Mode.
Disables the function.
[Disabled]
Apm Master Mode [Auto]
[Auto]
Automatically sets the application power management mode depending on
the detected system power requirement.
Enables the application power management mode.
Disables the feature.
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
3-18
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.2
North Bridge Configuration
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ North Bridge
>
North Bridge Configuration
Enabled/Disabled IOMMU
IOMMU
Disabled
>
Memory Configuration
Initiate Graphic Adapter
PEG/PCI
ASUS Graphic Card Optimization
DIMM0: Not Present
Auto
DIMM1: size=2048 MB, speed=1066 MHz
DIMM2: Not Present
DIMM3: Not Present
IOMMU [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the input/output memory management unit (IOMMU)
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
When the IOMMU is set to [Enabled], the following item appears:
IOMMU Mode [Disabled]
Allows you to set the IOMMU Mode that supports LINUX-based systems to convert
32bit I/O to 64-bit memory-mapped I/O.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [64MB]
Memory Configuration
Bank Interleaving [Auto]
Allows you to enable Memory Bank Interleaving function.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
Channel Interleaving [Auto]
Allows you to enable Memory Channel Interleaving function.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
Warm Boot RAM [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the re-use of data in the RAM after a warm boot to
speed-up the boot process. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Memory Clear [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Memory Clear funtion.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3-19
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
ECC Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Error Correcting Code (ECC) Mode.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Power Down Enable [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable Memory Hole Remapping function.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
DCT Unganged Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to select unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width).
[Enabled]: Ganged mode.
[Disabled]: Unganged mose.
Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]
Allows you to set which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.
Configuration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]
ASUS Graphic Card Optimization [Auto]
[Auto]
Allows you to set ASUS GEN3 graphic card’s maximum performance.
Allows you to disable the function and goes back to its default setting.
[Disabled]
3-20
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.3
South Bridge Configuration
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Advanced\ South Bridge
>
HPET TIMER
HPET
Enabled
HPET [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer (HPET).
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3.5.4
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
(1) IDE Mode. (2) AHCI Mode. (3)
RAID Mode.
SATA 6G_1
SATA 6G_2
SATA 6G_3
SATA 6G_4
SATA 6G_5
SATA 6G_6
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
>
SB SATA Configuration
3-21
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
SB SATA Configuration
This item alows you to set the SATA configuration.
OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Serial ATA channel.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
The following items appear only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel to [Enabled].
SATA Port1 - Port 4 [AHCI]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[IDE]
Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk
drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[RAID]
[AHCI]
Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration
from the SATA hard disk drives.
Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to
use the AHCI (Advabced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI
allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial
ATA features that increases storage performance on random
workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order
of commands.
SATA Port 5 - Port 6 [AHCI]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[IDE]
Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk
drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[AHCI]
Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to
use the AHCI (Advabced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI
allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial
ATA features that increases storage performance on random
workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order
of commands.
You can only set SATA Port5-Port6 to [IDE] if Port1-Port4 is set to [IDE].
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: [Disabled] [Enabled]
SATA ESP on PORT1-6 [Disabled]
Allows you to set SATA port on PORT1-6 to external SATA port.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-22
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 EFI applications.
Legacy USB Support
Legacy USB3.0 Support
EHCI Hand-off
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
>
SB USB Configuratuin
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems
(OS).
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
SB USB Configuration
USB PORT 0-14 [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the USB ports.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3-23
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.5.6
CPU Core On/Off Function
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced\ CPU Core On/Off Function
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
>
Let User turn off core except core 1, user
can turn of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc core
manually
CPU Core Activation
Auto
CPU Core Activation [Auto]
Allows you to automatically or manually activate the CPU cores.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Activation to [Manual].
3rd Core - 4th Core [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the core’s activation.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3.5.7
Onboard Devices Configuration
Scroll down to view the other BIOS items.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration
>
Enabled/Disabled ASM1061 Storage
OPROM
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear)
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Front)
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_12)
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_34)
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller (Front)
Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support
Realtek LAN Controller
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Realtek PXE OPROM
>
>
Serial Port Configuration
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
SB HD Azalia Configuration
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.00.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
3-24
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear) [Enabled]
Allows you to select the ASM1061 storage controller operating mode.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the ASM1061 storage controller.
Enables the ASM1061 storage controller.
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Front) [Enabled]
Allows you to select the ASM1061 storage controller operating mode.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the ASM1061 storage controller.
Enables the ASM1061 storage controller.
ASmedia USB 3.0 Controller USB3_12/USB3_34/Front [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the ASmedia® USB 3.0 controller.
Disables the ASmedia® USB 3.0 controller.
ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enables Asmedia USB 3.0 fast battery charging support for USB 3.0
devices complying with the BC 1.1 regulation.
[Disabled]
Disables battery charging support.
Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the Realtek® LAN controller.
Disables the Realtek® LAN controller.
Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Serial Port Configuration
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port configuration.
This item only functions if there is a serial port (COM1) connector on the motherboard.
Serial Port [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port base address.
Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4]
[IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]
3-25
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
SB HD Azalia Configuration
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the SB HD Azalia configuration.
HD Audio Azalia Device [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the HD Audio Device.
Disables the controller.
The following two items appear only when you set the HD Azalia Audio Device item to
[Enabled].
Azalia Front Panel [HD]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy
AC’97 or high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the
front panel audio module supports.
[AC97]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy
AC’97
[HD]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high
definition audio.
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]
[SPDIF]
Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.
[HDMI]
Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.
3.5.8
APM
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced\ APM
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
>
ErP Ready
Disabled
Allow BIOS to switch off some power
at S5 to get the system ready for ErP
requirement. When set to Enabled, all
other PME options will be switched
off.
Restore AC Power Loss
Power On By PME Device
Power On By Ring
Power On By RTC
Power Off
Disabled
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.
3-26
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Power On By PME Device [Disabled]
[Disabled]
Disables the PME device to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the
Realtek LAN device.
[Enabled]
Enables the PME device to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the Realtek
LAN device.
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables Wake-On-Ring from generating a wake event.
Enables Wake-On-Ring 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 will become user-configurable with set values.
3.5.9
Network Stack
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ Network Stack
>
Network Stack
Disabled Link
Enable/Disable the network stack (PXE
and UEFI)
Network Stack [Disabled]
This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].
Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE boot option.
Configuration options: [Disabled Link] [Enabled]
3-27
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.6
Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
CPU Temperature
MB Temperature
VCORE Voltage
+73ºC / +163ºF
+31ºC / +87ºF
+1.452 V
+3.312 V
+5.080 V
+12.192 V
+2.520 V
4192 RPM
N/A
3.3V Voltage
5V Voltage
12V Voltage
VDDA2.5V Voltage
CPU Fan Speed
CPU OPT Fan Speed
Chassis Fan 1 Speed
Chassis Fan 2 Speed
Chassis Fan 3 Speed
Chassis Fan 4 Speed
CPU Q-Fan Control
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
N/A
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
N/A
N/A
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
N/A
Enabled
Version 2.00.1208. 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.
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, VDDA2.5V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], CPU OPT Fan Speed [xxxx
RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], Chassis Fan 1/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis,
and power 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 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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.
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 40ºC to 90ºC.
CPU Lower Temperature [40]
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The
values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the
upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]
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 Q-Fan Control 1-3 [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit 1/4 [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Chassis Fan 1/4 Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard]
Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust
depending on the chassis temperature.
[Silent]
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan
operation.
[Turbo]
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.
[Manual]
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual].
Chassis Upper Temperature [70]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.
The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.
Chassis Lower Temperature [40]
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.
Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature
reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty
cycle.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is
under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
3-30
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 [Enable] to accelerate the boot
speed. Select [Disable] to go back to
normal boot.
Boot Configuration
Fast Boot
Enabled
USB Support
Partial In...
Disabled
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support
Network Stack Driver Support
Next Boot after AC Power Loss
DirectKey
Disabled
Normal Boot
[Go to BIOS...]
Full Screen Logo
Enabled
3 sec
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
POST Delay Time
Bootup NumLock State
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error
Option ROM Messages
Setup Mode
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
On
Enabled
Force BIOS
EZ Mode
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
>
>
CSM (Compatibility Support Module
Secure Boot
Version 2.00.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
Fast Boot [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Select to accelerate the boot speed.
Select to go back to normal boot.
The following four items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].
USB Support [Partial Initialization]
[Disabled] All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for the
fastest POST time.
[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will
extend the POST time.
[Partial
Initialization]
For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with keyboard and
mouse connections will be detected.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]
Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These
settings only apply when Fast Boot is enabled.
[Auto]
For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when the
system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not been
reconnected or changed. If you disconnect or change PS/2 devices
before restarting the system, PS/2 devices will not be available and
BIOS setup program will not be accessible via PS/2 devices.
[Full Initialization] For full system control, PS/2 devices will be available during POST at
any circumstances. This process will extend POST time.
[Disabled]
For the fastest POST time, all PS/2 devices will not be available until
your computer enters the operating system.
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.
Select to load the network stack driver during POST.
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]
[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss.
[Fast Boot]
Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after AC power loss.
DirectKey [Go to BIOS...]
[Disabled]
Disables the DirectKey function. The system will only power on or
off when you press the DirectKey button.
[Go to BIOS Setup]
Allows the system to power on and go to BIOS Setup directly
when you press the DirectKey button.
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 ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
POST Delay Time [3 sec]
This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Enabled]. This item allows
you to select the desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS setup.
You can only execute the POST delay time during Normal Boot. The values range from
1 to 10 seconds.
This feature will only work under normal boot.
Post Report [5 sec]
This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Disabled]. This item allows
you to select a desired post report waiting time.
Configuration options: [1] - [10] [Until Press ESC]
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the
various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.
Launch CSM [Auto]
[Auto]
The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-
on devices.
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.
Disable the CSM to fully support the Windows® Security Update and
Security Boot.
The following four items appear when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]
Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot up.
Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only]
[UEFI only
Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM first] [Both, UEFI first]
[Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want
to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first]
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Secure Boot
Allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect
the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]
Allows you to select your installed operating system.
[Windows UEFI mode]
[Other OS]
Executes the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only
select this option when booting on Windows® UEFI
mode or other Microsoft® Secure Boot compliant OS.
Get the optimized function when booting on Windows®
non-UEFI mode, Windows® Vista/XP, or other
Microsoft® Secure Boot non-compliant OS. Microsoft®
Secure Boot only supports Windows® UEFI mode.
Secure Boot Mode [Standard]
Allows you to select how the Secure Boot prevents unauthorized firmware, operating
systems, or UEFI drivers from running during boot time.
[Standard]
Allows the system to automatically load the Secure Boot keys from
the BIOS database.
[Custom]
Allows you to customize the Secure Boot settings and manually load
its keys from the BIOS database.
This item only appears when you set OS Type item to [Windows UEFI mode]
Key Management
This item appears only when you set Secure Boot Mode to [Custom]. It allows you to
manage the Secure Boot keys.
Manage the Secure Boot Keys (PK, KEK, db, dbx)
Install Default Secure Boot keys
Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked
Signatures (dbx). The Platform Key (PK) state will change from Unloaded
mode to Loaded mode. The settings are applied after reboot or at the next
reboot.
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key database (KEK).
Clear Secure Boot keys
This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This
item allows you to clear all default Secure Boot keys.
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup
PK Management
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes.
The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.
Load PK from File
Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.
Copy PK to File
Allows you to store the PK to a USB storage device.
Delete PK
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all
the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
KEK Management
The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database
(db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK).
Load KEK from File
Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.
Copy KEK to File
Allows you to store the KEK to a USB storage device.
Append KEK from file
Allows you to load the additional KEK from a storage device for an
additional db and dbx loaded management.
Delete the KEK
Allows you to delete the KEK from your system.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
The KEK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
db Management
The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI
applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the
single computer.
Load db from File
Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.
Copy db from file
Allows you to store the db to a USB storage device.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Append db from file
Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more
images can be loaded securely.
Delete the db
Allows you to delete the db file from your system.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
The db file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
dbx Management
The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.
Load dbx from File
Allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device.
Copy dbx from file
Allows you to store the dbx to a USB storage device.
Append dbx from file
Allows you to load the additional dbx from a storage device so that more
db’s images cannot be loaded.
Delete the dbx
Allows you to delete the dbx file from your system.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
The dbx file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
3-36
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8
Tools menu
The Tools 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 SPD Information
ASUS O.C. Profile
3.8.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. 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.
3-37
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.8.2
ASUS SPD Information
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 #
Slot 2
DIMM Slot number
Manufacturer
Kingston
2048 MBytes
1333 Mhz
Module Size
Maximum Bandwidth
Part Number
9905403-048.A00LF
65cc6ec8
Serial Number
Product Week/Year
SPD Ext
05/2012
JEDEC ID
JEDEC
Frequency(Mhz)
Voltage (V)
1333
1.500
9
CAS# Lantency (tCL)
RAS# to CAS# (tRCD)
RAS# Precharge(tRP)
tRAS
9
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
9
24
Enter: Select
tRC
33
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
tWR
10
4
tRRD
tRFC
tWTR
tRTP
tFAW
74
5
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
5
20
Version 2.00.1208. Copyright (C) 2012 American Megatrends, Inc.
3-38
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8.3
ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
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.
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 then select Yes.
Load from Profile
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile
number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then 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.
3-39
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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 EFI 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 EFI Shell from filesystem device
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of
the available filesystem devices.
3-40
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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 BIOS Updater: Updates and back ups the BIOS in DOS environment using the
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.
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
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment.
•
•
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
3-41
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Launching ASUS Update
To launch ASUS Update, click Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
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
downgrade and auto backup functions,
tick Enable BIOS downgrade and
Automatically backup my current
BIOS.
3.
Select the BIOS version that you want
to download. Click Next.
3-42
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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 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.
3-43
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.10.2
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 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 V00.75
Flash Info
MODEL: SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
VER: 0202
DATE: 09/15/2012
fs0:\
Drive
Folder Info
09/15/12 10:23p
fs0:\
fs1:\
4194304
ST990R20.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.
4.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,
and then press <Enter>.
5.
6.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.
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.
3-44
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
•
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 BIOS Updater
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the 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).
3-45
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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:\>
Updating the BIOS file
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater:
1.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
3-46
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
2.
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2012/12/22]
FLASH TYPE:
MX1C 25L1065A
Current ROM
Update ROM
BOARD:UNKNOWN
VER: UNKNOWN
DATE: UNKNOWN
SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
BOARD:
VER:
0204
09/15/2012
DATE:
PATH:
A:\
ST990R20.CAP
2097152 2012-05-30 17:30:48
A:
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
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
3-47
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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.
3-48
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chapter 4:
Software support
Software support
4
4.1
Installing an operating system
•
•
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems
(OS).
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 3 or later versions before
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
4.2
Support DVD information
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 Make Disk menu
contains items to
create the RAID/AHCI
driver disk.
The Manual menu contains
the list of supplementary user
manuals. Click an item to open
the folder of the user manual.
The Drivers menu shows the available
device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary
drivers to use the devices.
Click the Contact
tab to display the
ASUS contact
information.
The Utilities
menu shows the
applications and
other 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 ASSETUP.EXE to run the
DVD.
4-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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 Manual tab. Click 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 Utilities tab > AI Suite II.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the 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.
Shortcut to Thermal Radar
Click to monitor sensors or
CPU frequency
Click to customize
the interface
settings
Shortcut to Remote GO!
Click to show the
system information
Click to update the motherboard BIOS
Click to select a utility
•
•
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 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4.3.2
ASUS TUF Thermal Radar
TUF Thermal Radar monitors the critical components in real-time and automatically
adjusts fan speeds for system stability. Its interface provides you with sensors for various
components, allowing you to monitor the components individually. It automatically adjusts fan
speeds based on your selected or customized fan profile for each component, keeping the
system stable and cool.
Launching Thermal Radar
To launch Thermal Radar, click Thermal Radar on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
The software screen captures in this manual are for reference only.
Using the Thermal Radar main screen
To use the Thermal Radar:
1.
2.
Click any thermal sensor on the sensor map to get the detailed information.
On the right pane of the Thermal Radar main screen, click Temperature, Fan or
Voltage to see the real-time system thermal, fan and voltage information.
System thermal,
fan and voltage
information
System
thermal sensor
map
Function list
4-4
Chapter 4: Software support
Configuring system fan settings
TUF Thermal Radar’s preset fan profiles automatically adjusts the fan speeds based on the
ambient temperature and the system’s load. It also allows you to customize the fan speeds to
achieve a quiet and cool environment for the system.
Loading the preset fan profiles
To load the preset fan profiles:
1.
2.
Click
screen.
or
from the function list on the bottom of the Thermal Radar main
Click the fan that you want to assign
a preset fan profile to.
3.
Read the introduction and notice of the
selected fan. Click Setting.
4.
Select a fan profile in the Profile Name
dropdown list and click Apply. Click
the CPU or CHA icon to configure the
system fans.
4-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Configuring user-customizable fan settings
You can customize the fan speed to meet different computing and environment needs.
To customize the fan speed:
1.
2.
3.
Select User in the Profile Name
dropdown list.
Drag the control points on the fan speed
curve to set the fan speed percentage.
Click Apply.
You can also assign the specific component that Thermal Radar will monitor and dynamically
adjust the fan speeds in real-time when the temperature reaches a certain degree.
To customize the fan speed with advanced options:
1.
Select User in the Profile Name
dropdown list.
2.
Drag the paper clip icon to a component
listed on the right pane that you want
to monitor. You can assign up to three
components to monitor.
3.
Adjust the slider of each selected
component for a 100% combination and
click Apply.
For example, you assign 60% to
motherboard, 20% to VCORE, and
20% to VCCSA and click Apply,
Thermal Radar calculates the
overall temperature of the monitored
components to automatically set the
required fan speed.
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 Chassis Fan 4 settings
Allows you to set a profile to your CHA_FAN4.
To select the CHA_FAN4 setting:
1.
2.
3.
3.
Click
.
Click the setting that you want to apply for the CHA_FAN4.
If you select User setting, adjust the slider to set the RPM percentage.
Click Apply to save and apply the changes or click Undo to cancel the fan settings
made.
Click to select
the CHA_FAN4
setting
Adjust the slider
to set RPM
percentage of the
User fan setting
Click to save and
apply the changes
made
Click to undo the changes made
4-7
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4.3.3
Remote GO!
Connect your computer to a wireless network and use Remote GO! to wirelessly stream
media files to DLNA devices. It allows you to remotely control and access your computer
using your mobile device, and easily transfer files between your computer and mobile device.
•
•
Remote GO! is supported only on Windows® 7.
All devices using the Remote GO! functions must be in the same network.
Using Remote GO!
To launch Remote GO!, click Tool > Remote GO! on the AI Suite II menu bar.
Allows you to set a
password
Application
help
Remote GO!
menu
Remote GO! functions
•
•
•
DLNA Media Hub: Provides support to the latest DLNA standard, and allows you to
stream media files to a DLNA-supported device.
Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate
your computer in real-time from your mobile device.
File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and mobile device.
Launch Wi-Fi GO! Remote on your mobile device to use Wi-Fi GO! Remote control
functions. For more details, refer to next section Wi-Fi GO! Remote.
4-8
Chapter 4: Software support
Wi-Fi GO! Remote
Install the Wi-Fi GO! Remote application on your mobile device to use Remote GO!’s remote
control functions.
•
•
Wi-Fi GO! Remote supports iOS 4.0/Android 2.3 mobile devices or later versions.
For iOS devices, download the Wi-Fi GO! Remote from iTunes store. For Android
devices, download the Wi-Fi GO! Remote from Google Play Store or from ASUS
support DVD.
Launching Wi-Fi GO! Remote
1.
Turn on your mobile device’s wireless connection. Ensure that your mobile device is
within the same network as your computer.
2.
On your mobile device, tap
and
tap Enter on the Wi-Fi GO! Remote
page.
4.
Tap the computer you want to
connect to your mobile device.
4-9
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Wi-Fi GO! Remote menu
The Wi-Fi GO! Remote’s user interface shown above is for reference only and may vary
with the mobile device’s operating system.
Below are the supported screen resolution of your mobile devices:
Screen type
Low Density
(120, ldpi)
Medium Density
(160, mdpi)
High Density
(240, hdpi)
Extra high
density
(320, xhdpi)
QVGA
(240 x 320)
Small creen
480 x 640
WVGA800
(480 x 800)
WQVGA400
(240 x 400)
Normal
screen
HVGA
(320 x 480)
640 x 960
WVGA854
(480 x 854)
600 x 1024
WQVGA432
(240 x 432)
WVGA800
(480 x 800)
WVGA800
(480 x 800)
Large screen
WVGA854
(480 x 854)
WVGA854
(480 x 854)
600 x 1024
WXGA
(1280 x 800)
1536 x 1152
1920 x 1152
1920 x 1200
2048 x 1536
2560 x 1536
2560 x 1600
Extra large
screen
1024 x 600
1024 x 768
1280 x 768
4-10
Chapter 4: Software support
DLNA Media Hub
DLNA Media Hub allows you to stream your multimedia files to your DLNA-supported device
and remotely control playback using your mobile device or your computer.
Click to select
media file type
Tick to select
source location
Click to refresh
media files
Media files pane
Displays the target
receiver’s name
and the media file
currently playing
Click to go back
to main menu
Click to edit the playlist
Click to select receiver
Using the DLNA Media Hub
1.
2.
From the main screen, click DLNA Media Hub.
Click
•
to select a device as your receiver.
When using your DLNA display (such as DLNA TV) as the receiver, ensure that
DLNA function is enabled.
•
When using another computer as the receiver, launch Windows Media Player,
click Stream > Allow remote control of my Player to remotely control media
playback.
•
When using the computer as sender and receiver, launch Windows Media
Player, click Stream > Allow remote control of my Player and Automatically
allow devices to play my media.
•
Only computers under Windows® 7 support the DLNA Media Hub function.
•
Keep the Windows Media Player open. Ensure that your media file formats
supported on Windows Media Player and DLNA playback devices.
3.
Click any of the tabs to select your preferred media file type.
4-11
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
To play music:
1.
2.
Click Music tab.
Tick Library to view or play
files.
Tick Playlist and select an
existing playlist from the
dropdown list.
3.
Click a music file, and click
.
To edit the library:
1.
2.
Tick Library.
Click
to add or delete music
files.
3.
4.
Click Add and locate the file from
the directory. To delete, tick the
selected file and click Delete.
Click OK.
To edit the music playlist:
1.
2.
3.
Tick Playlist.
Click
.
Tick to select or deselect the
music file and click Save Profile.
4.
Select the profile name and click
Save. To add as a new playlist,
key in your profile name and click
Save.
5.
To delete playlist, select the profile
and click
.
4-12
Chapter 4: Software support
To play a video file:
1.
2.
Click Video tab.
Tick Library to view the video files
from your local computer. Tick
Playlist to view the video files
saved in your profile.
3.
Click the video file you want to
watch, and click
.
Change the resolution from the
Quality dropdown list.
To edit the video library:
1.
2.
Tick Library.
Click
to add or delete video
files.
3.
4.
Click Add and locate the file from
the directory. To delete, tick the
selected file and click Delete.
Click OK.
To edit the video playlist:
1.
2.
3.
Tick Playlist.
Click
.
Tick to select or deselect the video
file and click Save Profile.
4.
Select the profile name and click
Save. To add as a new playlist,
key in your profile name and click
Save.
5.
To delete playlist, select the profile
and click
.
4-13
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
To view images:
1.
2.
Click Photo tab.
Tick Library to view the image
files from your local computer. Tick
Playlist to view the image files
saved in your profile.
An image slideshow plays when
pressing
.
To edit the image library:
1.
2.
Tick Library.
Click
to add or delete image
files.
3.
4.
Click Add and locate the file from
the directory. To delete, tick the
selected file and click Delete.
Click OK.
To edit the image playlist:
1.
2.
3.
Tick Playlist.
Click
.
Tick to select or deselect the
image file and click Save Profile.
4.
Select the profile name and click
Save. To add as a new playlist,
key in your profile name and click
Save.
5.
To delete playlist, select the profile
and click
.
4-14
Chapter 4: Software support
Using the DLNA Media Hub via Wi-Fi GO! Remote
You can access the DLNA Media Hub on your mobile device via Wi-Fi GO! Remote.
1.
2.
Tap DLNA Media Hub.
Select and tap the receiver name.
3.
4.
The mobile device shows the information of the DLNA Media Hub function. Tap Enter
to proceed to the Remote GO! function.
Tap Music, Video or Photo, to play.
Your mobile device’s WI-FI GO! Remote interface may vary with the mobile device’s
operating system.
Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate your
computer in real-time from your mobile device.
Using the Remote Desktop
1.
2.
From the main screen, click Remote Desktop.
Click Setting.
4-15
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.
4.
Select a suitable codec Auto, Speed optimization, or Image optimization for your
mobile device.
Click Apply.
Click to select
a video codec
Application help
Click to go back
to previous
screen
Using the Remote Desktop via Wi-Fi GO! Remote
When the Remote Desktop is enabled, the mobile device shows the contents of your
desktop.
The Wi-Fi GO! Remote’s user interface shown above is for reference only and may vary
with the mobile device’s operating system.
4-16
Chapter 4: Software support
File Transfer
Allows you to transfer files wirelessly between your computer and mobile device.
Before using File Transfer, ensure that your computer is connected to your mobile device.
For more details, refer to the section Wi-Fi GO! Remote.
Application help
Destination path for
Destination
the files transferred
path for the files
from mobile device
transferred from
to desktop
desktop to mobile
device
Click to go
back to main
menu
Click to select a destination path for
your file transfer
•
•
Android mobile devices can send and receive files.
iOS mobile devices can only send files.
Using File Transfer
1.
Right-click the file and click Send to > [Device name].
2.
After the transfer is complete, click OK.
Using File Transfer via Wi-Fi GO! Remote
1.
2.
3.
On your mobile device, tap File Transfer.
Tap Enable to receive files from PC.
Tap Enter to send files to PC.
4-17
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Tap to select
the file’s source
location
Tap to select files
for transfer
Tap to send
selected files
Tap to select
all files
Tap to clear all
files
The Wi-Fi GO! Remote’s user interface shown above is for reference only and may vary
with the mobile device’s operating system.
Securing your computer for Wi-Fi GO! Remote functions
Remote GO! Settings allows you to create a password for your computer.
To create a password:
1.
2.
3.
Click
in the main menu.
Tick Use Password and key in your password.
Click Apply.
Tick to enable
password
Key in your
password
Click to go
back to main
menu
Click to apply
settings made
•
•
When you launch the Wi-Fi GO! Remote, the application prompts you to key in the
computer’s password.
Your password must contain 6-12 letters or numbers.
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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.4
TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO includes TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency
and related voltages that offers automatic and easy overclocking and system boost
performance.
To launch TurboV EVO, click 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 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 lead to an
unstable system.
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.
Load profile
Save the current
settings as a new
profile
Target values
Current values
Voltage
Adjustment bars
Click to show
settings
Undoes all the changes
Click to restore all
startup settings
Applies all the
changes immediately
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Using the Advanced Mode
Click the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.
Voltage Adjustment
bars
Advanced mode
Target values
Undoes all the changes
Current values
Click to restore all
startup settings
Applies all the changes
immediately
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Chapter 4: Software support
CPU Ratio
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.
The first time you use CPU Ratio, go to AI Tweaker > CPU Power Management in BIOS
and set the Turbo Ratio item to [Maximum Turbo Ratio setting in OS].
1.
2.
3.
Click CPU Ratio tab.
Drag the adjustment bars upwards or downwards to the desired value.
Click Apply to save the changes made.
CPU Ratio
Adjustment bars
Undoes all the changes
Click to restore all
start-up settings
Applies all the
changes immediately
•
•
Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function
in TurboV. Refer to the BIOS chapter of your motherboard user manual for details.
The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU
model.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4.3.5
DIGI+ Power Control
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control 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 prolong the component lifespan and minimize power loss.
To launch DIGI+ Power Control, click 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
Application help
1
2
3
4
Applies all the
changes
Undoes all the
changes
Click to proceed to next page
CPU Load-line Calibration
1
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 conditions.
CPU Current Capability
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking. A
higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.
2
3
4
CPU Voltage Frequency
Switching frequency affects the VRM transient response and thermal components.
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.
CPU/NB Load-line Calibration
Set to a higher value for system performance, or to a lower value for better
thermal solution.
5
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Chapter 4: Software support
CPU/NB Current Capability
6
Setting CPU/NB Current Capability to a higher value increases the overclocking
frequency range of the DRAM Controller.
7
Application help
8
9
10
Applies all the
changes
Undoes all the
changes
Click to proceed to previous page
CPU Power Response Control
Provides a faster and precise power response rate for your CPU. Apply a higher
value for extreme overclocking.
7
8
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 Duty Control
9
Balances the load on the power phases based on the current system load or
phase bank temperature.
CPU/NB Power Response Control
The CPU/NB controller provides a faster and precise power response rate for
CPU&DRAM. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.
10
•
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
•
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
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 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
DRAM Power
1
Application help
2
3
Applies all the
changes
Undoes all the
changes
DRAM Current Capability
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
1
2
DRAM Voltage Frequency
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to
increase the overclocking range.
DRAM Power Phase Control
3
Set Manual Adjustment to faster phase response to increase system performance
or to slower phase response to increase DRAM power efficiency.
•
•
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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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.6
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
To launch Sensor Recorder, click Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using Sensor Recorder
Click 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.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Using History Record
1.
Click History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Record Interval and
Record Duration according to need.
2.
3.
4.
Click Start Recording to start measuring and recording each sensor.
To stop recording, click Recording again.
To track the recorded contents, set Type/ Date/ Select display items to display the
history details.
Click Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and the system status will appear
on the right panel.
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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.7
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 manufacturer if your USB device is a Battery Charging Specification
1.1 (B.C.) compliant or compatible device.
** Actual charging speeds may vary depending on the charging rate and specifications
of your USB device.
To ensure normal charging function, disconnect and reconnect your USB device every
time you enable or disable Ai Charger+.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4.3.8
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%.
Launching USB 3.0 Boost
To launch USB 3.0 Boost, click Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost
1.
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.
USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the USB 3.0 device and switches
to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the USB 3.0 device).
2.
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.
Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with
USB devices.
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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.9
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily 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.
Current BIOS
information
Sets the schedule
for BIOS Update
download
Click to check for
an update BIOS
firmware available for
download
Cancels all the
changes
Applies all the
changes
Scheduling the latest BIOS download
1.
In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days) and select the number of days for
your download schedule.
2.
Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule. Click Cancel to cancel the changes
made.
Downloading the updated BIOS
Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to
your computer’s USB port.
1.
Click Check for New BIOS Update to check for the latest BIOS version.
Wait for the system to check the latest
BIOS firmware.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
2.
From the Save to dropdown list, select
the USB storage device that you want
to save the BIOS file to, then click
Download.
3.
When the download process is
completed, click OK to exit.
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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.10
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 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 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.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Select ON to activate
Network iControl
Displays the
current network
programs
bandwidth
Click to apply the
settings made
Click to select a profile
Click to set the current network
program as the highest priority
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.
2.
Right-click
in the taskbar, and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
Right-click the PPPoE Connection, and select Properties.
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Chapter 4: Software support
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.
4-33
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Configuring the Quick Connection
To configure the auto-PPPoE connection:
1.
2.
Click the Quick Connection tab.
Tick Automatically connect online anytime option, then select the connection name
in the Connection Name dropdown box.
3.
Click Apply to enable the 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
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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.
2.
3.
4.
Click EZ Profile tab. The programs are shown in the network program column.
Select the network program, and click
to create your profile.
Click
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
programs
Pre-schedule
your network
priorities to
avoid network
congestions
Select a
program, and
click
to edit
your network
profile
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4.3.11
ASUS Update
ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS
in Windows® environment.
Launching ASUS Update
To launch ASUS Update, click Update> ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using ASUS Update
Select any of these options to update the BIOS:
•
Update BIOS from Internet
Allows you to download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at
www.asus.com and follow the onscreen instructions to update the BIOS.
•
Download BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com and save
it for later use.
•
•
Update BIOS from file
Use the BIOS file that you had downloaded and saved to update the system BIOS.
Save BIOS to file
Save the BIOS to another file or a USB storage device for later use.
Updating the BIOS poses some risks such as system instability or failure to boot. Before
updating the BIOS, ensure that you back up the original BIOS file.
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Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.12
MyLogo2
MyLogo2 allows you to customize the boot logo, which is the image that appears on the
screen during the Power On Self Tests (POST).
Launching ASUS Update
To launch MyLogo2, click Update > MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using MyLogo
Select the option that you want to use to update your boot logo, click Next and follow the
instructions below.
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this BIOS to
the motherboard
1.
2.
From the BIOS file field, click Browse to locate the BIOS file.
From the Picture File field, click Browse the image for your boot logo, then click Next.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
3.
4.
Do any of the following:
•
•
Click Auto Tune to adjust the image size or the image resolution.
Click Booting Preview to preview the boot image.
Click Next.
5.
6.
Click Flash to update the boot logo.
When prompted, click Yes to reboot the system. You will see the new boot logo the
next time you start up the system.
Ensure to enable the Full Screen Logo in BIOS to use this feature.
4.3.13
Audio configurations
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing 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
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Chapter 4: Software support
A.
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® 7
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)
Device advanced
settings
Exit button
Information button
Control settings
Minimize button
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.
To play Blu-Ray disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
4-40
Chapter 4: Software support
Chapter 5:
RAID support
RAID support
5
5.1
RAID configurations
The motherboard comes with the AMD® SB950 chipset that allows you to configure
Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID
configurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5.
•
•
•
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 SP3 or later versions.
Due to Windows® XP / Vista 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 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
5.1.1
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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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
5.1.2
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.
5.1.3
Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets 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 SATA ports are set to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
5-2
Chapter 5: RAID configurations
5.1.4
AMD® Option ROM Utility
To enter the AMD® Option ROM utility:
1.
2.
Turn on the system.
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <F> to display the utility main menu.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ Main Menu ]
View Drive Assignments .......[ 1 ]
LD View / LD Define Menu ......[ 2 ]
Delete LD Menu ...............[ 3 ]
Controller Configuration ......[ 4 ]
[ Keys Available ]
Press 1..4 to Select Option
[ESC] Exit
The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:
•
•
View Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives.
LD View / LD Define Menu: displays the existing RAID set information / creates a RAID
0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration.
•
•
Delete LD Menu: deletes a selected RAID set and partition.
Controller Configuration: shows the system resources configuration.
Press <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> to enter the option you need; press <ESC> to exit the utility.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.
To create a RAID volume using more than four hard disk drives, ensure that the SATA
connectors 5/6 are set to [RAID] mode.
5-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Creating a RAID volume
To create a RAID volume:
1.
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Define Menu function.
2.
Press <Ctrl> + <C>, and the following screen appears.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ LD Define Menu ]
LD No
LD
LD Name
RAID Mode
Drv
2
1
Logical Drive 1
RAID 0
Strip Block
Gigabyte Boundary
64 KB
ON
Fast Init
Cache Mode
ON
WriteThru
[ Drives Assignments ]
Port:ID Drive Model
01:00 xxxxxxxxx
02:00 xxxxxxxxx
03:00 xxxxxxxxx
04:00 xxxxxxxxx
Capabilities
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
Capacity(GB)
Assignment
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
Y
Y
N
N
xxxxxxx
[ Keys Available ]
[↑] Up [↓] Down [PaUp/PaDn] Switch page [Space] Change Option
[Ctrl-Y] Save [ESC] Exit
3.
4.
Move to the RAID Mode item and press <Space> to select a RAID mode to create.
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to select the hard
disk drives you want to include in the RAID set.
5.
6.
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to save the setting.
The utility prompts the following message. Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to input the LD name.
Please press Ctrl-Y key to input the LD Name or
press any key to exit.
If you do not input any LD name, the default LD
name will be used.
7.
8.
Eenter an LD name, and then press any key to continue.
Enter the LD name here:
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to erase the MBR, or you may press any key to abort the settings.
Fast Initialization Option has been selected.
It will erase the MBR data of the disks.
<Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it>
<Press any other key to ignore this option>
9.
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to enter the screen to modify the array capacity, or press any key to
use the maximum capacity.
5-4
Chapter 5: RAID configurations
Deleting a RAID configuration
Take caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives
when you delete a RAID volume.
To delete a RAID volume:
1.
2.
In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the Delete LD function.
Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt> + <D>.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ Delete LD Menu ]
LD No
LD
RAID Mode
RAID 0
Drv
2
Capacity(GB)
xxxxxx
Status
1
Functional
[ Keys Available ]
[↑] Up [↓] Down [PaUp/PaDn] Switch page [Del/Alt+D] Delete LD
3.
The utility prompts the following messages:
Press Ctrl-Y to delte the data in the disk!
or press any other key to abort...
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to delete the RAID volume.
5-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
Displaying a RAID set information
To display a RAID set information:
1.
2.
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Define Menu function.
Select a RAID item and press <Enter> to display its information.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ View LD Defination Menu ]
LD No
LD
LD Name
xxxxx
RAID Mode
RAID 0
Drv
2
Capacity(GB)
157.99
1
Strip Block
64 KB
Cache Mode
WriteThru
[ Drives Assignments ]
Port:ID Drive Model
01:00 xxxxxxxxx
02:00 xxxxxxxxx
Capabilities
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
Capacity(GB)
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
Any Key To Continue.......
5-6
Chapter 5: RAID configurations
5.2
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 5.2.4 Using a USB
floppy disk drive.
5.2.1
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.
5.2.2
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.
6.
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.
5-7
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
5.2.3
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS
installation
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:
1.
2.
3.
4.
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the <F6> key to install
third-party SCSI or RAID driver.
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk
drive.
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the
corresponding OS version.
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.
5-8
Chapter 5: RAID configurations
5.2.4
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.
5-9
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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.
5-10
Chapter 5: RAID configurations
Chapter 6:
Multiple GPU support
Multiple GPU support
6
6.1
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.
6.1.1
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 1 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.
6.1.2
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 and Features.
Select your current graphics card driver/s.
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.
For Windows 7, select Uninstall.
3.
4.
5.
Turn off your computer.
6-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
6.1.3
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 1 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)
6-2
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support
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.
6-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
6.1.4
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).
6.1.5
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 Catalyst Control Center
To launch the AMD Catalyst Control Center:
1.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select
Catalyst Control Center.
2.
Click Catalyst Control Center to configure the
displays and settings of your AMD graphic cards.
6-4
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support
Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology
1.
2.
3.
4.
In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Performance > AMD CrossFireXTM
Select Enable CrossFireXTM
.
.
Select a GPU combination from the drop-down list.
Click Apply to save and activate the GPU settings made.
2
1
3
4
6-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
6.2
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.
6.2.1
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 at www.nvidia.com.
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power
required by your system.
•
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.
6.2.2
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.
6-6
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU 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
6.2.3
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).
6-7
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
6.2.4
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
B3).
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step
(A), select Screen Resolution.
B2. From the Screen Resolution window,
click Advanced settings.
6-8
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support
B3. The NVIDIA Control Panel window
appears.
Enabling SLI settings
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window,
select Configure SLI, Surround, PhysX.
In the Quad-SLI enabled, click Maximize
3D Performance SLI to set the display for
viewing SLI rendered content. When done,
click Apply.
6-9
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
6-10
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU 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.
A-1
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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.
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
A-2
Appendices
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-3
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
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-4
Appendices
A-5
ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX/GEN3 R2.0
A-6
Appendices
|
