Asus Computer Hardware 90MB0DR0M0AAY0 User Manual

SABERTOOTH  
Z87  
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Contents  
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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.  
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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.  
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.  
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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 (+).  
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SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel®  
Core™i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors  
Supports 22nm CPU  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*  
*
The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU  
types.  
Chipset  
Memory  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,  
non-ECC, un-buffered memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
*
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of  
individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)  
for details.  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8  
mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with  
PCIe x1 and x4 devices)  
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots**  
*
The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot, PCIe  
2.0 x1_2 slot, and PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot default  
setting is x1 mode.  
** The PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot shares bandwidth with eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports.  
The eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports default settings are enabled.  
VGA  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support  
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port  
Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution of 3840 x 2160  
@60Hz  
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2304 @24Hz and  
2560 x 1600 @60Hz  
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear  
Video HD Technology and Intel® Insider™  
Supports up to three displays simultaneously  
Maximum shared memory 1024MB  
Multi-GPU support  
LAN  
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology  
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Intel® I217-V Gigabit LAN controller  
(continued on the next page)  
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SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Storage  
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (brown) with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10  
support  
-
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*  
2 x ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers**  
-
-
2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (beige)  
2 x eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (red)  
*
These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.  
** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not  
supported.  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio CODEC  
-
High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at  
rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support.  
-
-
-
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 rear I/O  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0  
Boost  
USB  
-
6 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear panel)  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
-
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear  
panel)  
Exclusive TUF Features  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution  
-
-
TUF Thermal Armor with Flow Valve  
TUF Thermal Radar 2 with Thermistor cables  
“We Got Your Back” Shape Force  
TUF Fortifier  
-
“TUF ENGINE” Power Design  
-
8+2 Digital Phase Power Design  
-
TUF Components (Choke, Cap & MOSFET; certified by  
military-standard)  
-
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility  
“SAFE & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
-
-
-
-
Dust Defender with connector caps and rear I/O dust filter  
ESD Guards  
MemOK!  
Anti-surge  
(continued on the next page)  
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SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary  
Other Special Features  
-
-
-
-
-
USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission  
USB BIOS Flashback  
USB Charger+  
Network iControl  
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user  
interface  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
AI Suite 3  
Remote GO!  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
ASUS Q-Slot  
ASUS Q-DIMM  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Multi-language BIOS  
Rear Panel I/O Ports  
1 x DisplayPort  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button  
2 x eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports  
1 x LAN (RJ45) port  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports  
(moss green)  
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (6 x brown; 2 x beige)  
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector (black) supports both 3-pin (DC  
mode) and 4-pin (PWM mode) CPU coolers control  
1 x 4-pin CPU Optional Fan connector (CPU_OPT; black)  
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors (black)  
2 x 3-pin Assistant Fan connectors (white)  
3 x Thermal Sensor connectors (T_Sensor)  
1 x TPM connector  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x DirectKey button  
1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector  
1 x MemOK! button  
(continued on the next page)  
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SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
System panel (Q-Connector)  
24-pin EATX Power connector  
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
BIOS features  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM  
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS  
CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log,  
F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM  
SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information  
Manageability  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE  
Support DVD contents  
Drivers  
ASUS Utilities  
EZ 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.  
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Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items  
User Manual  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
motherboard  
Technical documentations,  
certification and warranty card  
Support DVD  
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
2 x short fan screws  
4 x long fan screws  
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
2 x 35mm Assistant fans  
2 x DRAM slot covers  
1 x Connector cap set  
3 x PCIe x16 slot covers  
3 x PCIe x1 slot covers  
Rear I/O dust filter  
1 x 40mm I/O assistant fan lid  
3 x Thermistor cables  
(LAN cap, HDMI cap, DVI cap, DP  
cap, Front USB 3.0 cap)  
7 x SATA connector caps  
2 x eSATA connector caps  
2 x Onboard USB 2.0 connector  
caps  
1 x Adhesive foam for 35mm  
assistant fan  
8 x Back I/O USB 3.0/2.0 connector  
caps  
6 x Audio connector caps  
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.  
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Installation tools and components  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
Intel® LGA1150 CPU  
Intel® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan  
DIMM  
SATA hard disk drive  
SATA optical disc drive (optional)  
Graphics card (optional)  
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.  
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Chapter 1:  
Product Introduction  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
1.1.1  
Product highlights  
LGA1150 socket for 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel®  
Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors  
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Corei3,  
Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics and  
system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0  
expansion slots.  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th  
generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®  
processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances  
the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times  
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics  
performance.  
PCI Express® 3.0  
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the  
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,  
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility  
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.  
Dual-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support  
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates  
of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1033 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the  
higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.  
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support  
This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z87 platform that optimizes PCIe  
allocation in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming  
enjoyment.  
1-1  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
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Intel® Smart Response Technology  
Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing,  
reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power  
usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for  
frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive  
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s  
overall performance.  
*
4th Generation Intel® Core™ processors family support Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
** An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
Your computer can receive fresh updates for selected applications, even when the system  
is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the  
cloud, leading to a more efficient computing experience.  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power  
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides  
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.  
Complete USB 3.0 integration  
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 of speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.  
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support  
The Intel® Z87 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)  
interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports  
with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus  
systems.  
1.1.2  
“Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions  
Thermal Armor with flow valve  
Thermal Armor features the exclusive flow gate mechanism that allows you to open or close  
the Thermal Armor via a button. When the gate is open, it provides an excellent thermal  
solution for the CPU. When the gate is closed, it focuses air on heatpipes for better heat  
removal, especially useful for liquid cooling.  
Thermal Radar 2  
Thermal Radar 2 uses sensors to control motherboard temperatures, automatically adjusting  
fan speeds for better system stability and power efficiency. It also provides customizable fan  
management that displays real-time motherboard, CPU and VGA zone cooling status, and  
promotes extended system longevity, power saving solution, and noise reduction.  
1-2  
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1.1.3  
“TUF Engine” Power Design  
Digital Power Control  
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM,  
and CPU Voltage controllers. These controllers offers ultra-precise memory and voltage  
tuning for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance.  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)  
The motherboard’s TUF components features military-standard robust TUF chokes, titanium  
solid state capacitors, and MOSFETS. These TUF components support up to a massive 40A  
rated current, eliminates buzzing noise and vibration, and delivers better performance, and  
durability during the most extreme usage.  
1.1.4  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
TUF Fortifier  
The metal base TUF Fortifier strengthens the base of the motherboard and secures the  
Thermal Armor and the motherboard in place. It reinforces the motherboard’s PCB to support  
the Thermal Armor, CPU, VGA card, additional expansion cards, and other peripherals. It also  
makes the motherboard easier to handle and helps protect your hands.  
Dust Defender  
Dust Defender provides rear I/O filter and special shields that help reduce dust build-up on  
critical points within slots and connectors, minimizing any harm to the components’ optimal  
functions, data transfer efficiency, and system performance.  
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.  
1-3  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
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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 UEFI 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:  
New My Favorites function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items  
New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment  
New Last Modified log allows you to view all your modified settings  
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.  
ASUS Q-Design  
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-Slot and Q-Shield design speed up  
and simplify the DIY process.  
ASUS Q-shield  
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your  
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against  
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).  
ASUS Q-connector  
ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the  
chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one cable at a  
time and making the connection quick and accurate.  
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.  
1-4  
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1.1.6  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
Remote GO!  
ASUS Remote GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS  
Remote GO!, you can wirelessly stream media files to DLNA devices, remotely control  
and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between your  
computer and smart device.  
Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Remote GO! functions:  
Cloud GO!: Allows you to control files and sync them all across cloud services in a few  
clicks.  
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 smart device.  
File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and smart device.  
USB 3.0 Boost  
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI  
Protocol), significantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the  
already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for  
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.  
USB Charger+  
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as  
smartphones, tablets and more, all up to three times faster, even when the system is  
powered off, in sleep or hibernation mode.  
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.  
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.  
AI Suite 3  
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS  
features into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise fan speed  
control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use  
functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.  
1-5  
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1.1.7  
Other special features  
DisplayPort Support  
DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that delivers up to 10.8 Gbps of bandwidth  
over standard cables, providing billions of colors and bi-directional communications, thus  
enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution digital display through a single  
cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray discs. Simply output 3D signals  
through the connected DisplayPort cable with your 3D display, then you can sit back and  
enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.  
HDMI Support  
High Definition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers  
mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through  
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI  
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.  
ErP Ready  
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires  
products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy 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.  
1-6  
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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.  
1-7  
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1.2.2  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information  
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
1-8  
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Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
1-32  
1-30  
1.  
2.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
CPU, optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,  
4-pin CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4, 3-pin ASST_FAN1-2 )  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
LGA1150 CPU socket  
1-10  
1-11  
1-22  
1-27  
1-26  
1-27  
1-34  
1-33  
1-23  
1-31  
1-29  
1-34  
1-25  
1-24  
1-28  
1-31  
DDR3 DIMM slots  
MemOK! button  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)  
Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])  
ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [beige])  
DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)  
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
11. DirectKey button  
12. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2, T_SENSOR3)  
13. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314)  
14. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
15. Standby Power LED  
16. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
1-9  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
1.2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th  
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®  
processors.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a  
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and  
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap  
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard  
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/  
transit-related.  
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise  
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the  
LGA1150 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from  
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP  
cap.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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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  
1-11  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
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Memory configurations  
You may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM  
sockets.  
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps  
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess  
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.  
According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect  
the CPU.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we  
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.  
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB  
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be  
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the  
following:  
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 3.5 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.  
Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their  
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is not the JEDEC memory standard.  
The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s  
capabilities and other installed devices.  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SABERTOOTH Z87 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2666 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-2666CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
GOC332GB2666C11QC(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
DDR3 2500 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
10-11-11-31 1.65  
DDR3 2400 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP)  
78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP)  
783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-12-12-31  
1.65  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
11-12-12-30  
11-11-11-30  
10-12-12-31  
-
Apacer  
-
CORSAIR  
CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10  
(Ver4.21)  
1.65  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
4G (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2400 9-11-11-31  
10-12-12-31  
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-19200CL10Q-  
32GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9D-  
4GBPIS(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9Q-  
16GBZMD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
9-11-11-31  
GEIL  
GEIL  
GET34GB2400C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27  
1.65  
1.65  
GOC316GB2400C10  
QC(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (4x2GB)  
10-11-11-30  
GEIL  
GOC316GB2400C11  
QC(XMP)  
DS  
SS  
-
-
-
-
11-11-11-30  
11-13-11-30  
1.65  
1.65  
Kingston  
KHX2400C11D3K4/  
8GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Patriot  
KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP)  
KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11-13-13-30  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.66  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
KHX24C11T3K4/32X(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB)  
9-9-9-24  
PVV34G2400C9K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C11K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C11K(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB  
9-11-9-27  
11-11-11-30  
2400 11-11-11-30  
10-12-12-31  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
TXD38G2400HC  
10QBK(XMP)  
1-13  
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
DDR3 2200 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP)  
GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)  
GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP)  
4G (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
GEIL  
DDR3 2133 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS Chip Chip Timing  
Brand NO.  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2133XC4G10(XMP)  
AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP)  
78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP)  
AHU04GFB33CAQ3R(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-11-11-30  
10-11-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
-
8GB  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB  
Apacer  
11-13-13-31  
9-11-10-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
11-11-11-30  
9-11-9-28  
-
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
CMD8GX3M2A2133C9 (Ver1.5)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB)  
1.5  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(Ver7.1)(XMP)  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP)  
F3-17000CL11Q2-64GBZLD(XMP)  
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBXLD(XMP)  
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9Q-16GBTDD(XMP)  
F3-2133C11Q-32GZL(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
1.5  
1.5  
64GB (8x8GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
1.5  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
9-11-10-28  
9-9-9-24  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
32GB (4x8GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
16GB (2x8GB) DS  
64GB (8x8GB) DS  
9-9-9-24  
11-11-11-31  
11-12-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3T1K2/16GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX21C11T3FK8/64X(XMP)  
1.65  
1.6  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
OCZ  
OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK  
PV316G213C1K(XMP)  
2GB  
DS  
7-7-7-20  
1.65  
1.5  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
Team  
16GB (2x8GB) DS  
11-11-11-30  
9-11-9-27  
PVV34G2133C9K(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
1.66  
1.65  
1.5  
PXD38G2133C11K(XMP)  
PXD38G2133C11K(XMP)  
TLD38G2133HC11ABK(XMP)  
TXD34096M2133HC11A-V(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
2133 11-11-11-27  
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
1.65  
1.65  
4GB  
DDR3 2000 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/ Chip  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM  
socket  
DS  
Brand  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
AEXEA  
AEXEA  
Apacer  
Asint  
AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
-
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB)  
-
-
78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
4GB  
-
-
9-9-9-27  
9-9-9-27  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-28  
7-7-7-20  
SLA302G08-ML2HB(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)  
GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP)  
PV736G2000ELK(XMP)  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFRH9C  
-
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
-
-
-
-
Patriot  
Patriot  
-
-
PX7312G2000ELK(XMP)  
12GB (3x4GB) DS  
-
-
9-11-9-27 1.65  
Silicon Power SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP)  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
Team  
Team  
Team  
TXD32048M2000C9(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L(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  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
DDR3 1866 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip Chip  
Brand NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
CMD16GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver5.29)(XMP)  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9 (Ver4.13)(XMP)  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver4.13)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver5.12)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMT32GX3M4X1866C9(Ver3.23)(XMP)  
16GB (2x8GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1866 9-9-9-27  
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  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
1.5  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
9-10-9-27  
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  
1866 9-10-9-27  
9-9-9-27  
32GB (4x8GB) DS  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R (Ver8.16)(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R(Ver 8.16)(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10 (Ver3.23)(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10(Ver3.23)(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
32GB (4x8GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G (Ver5.12)(XMP)  
BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.16FMD(XMP)  
F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP)  
G.SKILL  
64GB (8x8GB) DS  
8GB (2x4GB) DS  
10-11-10-30  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-9-9-24  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB) DS  
16GB (4x4GB) DS