Asus SABERTOOTH X58 User Manual
SABERTOOTH  
X58  
Contents  
Contents...................................................................................................................... iii  
Notices ..................................................................................................................... viii  
Safety information...................................................................................................... ix  
About this guide.......................................................................................................... x  
SABERTOOTH X58 specifications summary.......................................................... xii  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ....................................................................................................1-1  
Package contents.......................................................................................1-1  
Special features..........................................................................................1-2  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
1.3.4  
1.3.5  
Product highlights........................................................................1-2  
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design....................................................1-3  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions ..........................................1-3  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel.................................................1-3  
ASUS exclusive features.............................................................1-3  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1  
Motherboard overview...............................................................................2-2  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
Motherboard layout.....................................................................2-2  
Layout contents...........................................................................2-3  
Placement direction.....................................................................2-4  
Screw holes.................................................................................2-4  
2.3  
2.4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................2-5  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
Installing the CPU .......................................................................2-5  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan............................................2-8  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan........................................2-9  
System memory .......................................................................................2-10  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
Overview...................................................................................2-10  
Memory configurations.............................................................. 2-11  
Installing a DIMM ......................................................................2-17  
Removing a DIMM ....................................................................2-17  
2.5  
Expansion slots........................................................................................2-18  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
2.5.5  
2.5.6  
Installing an expansion card......................................................2-18  
Configuring an expansion card .................................................2-18  
Interrupt assignments................................................................2-19  
PCI slot......................................................................................2-20  
PCI Express x16 / x1 slots........................................................2-20  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots.........................................................2-20  
iii  
 
Contents  
2.6  
2.7  
2.8  
Jumpers....................................................................................................2-22  
Onboard switch........................................................................................2-24  
Connectors...............................................................................................2-25  
2.8.1  
2.8.2  
2.8.3  
2.8.4.  
Rear panel connectors..............................................................2-25  
Audio I/O connections...............................................................2-26  
Internal connectors....................................................................2-29  
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)..........................................2-37  
2.9  
Onboard LEDs..........................................................................................2-38  
Starting up for the first time....................................................................2-39  
Turning off the computer.........................................................................2-39  
2.10  
2.11  
Chapter 3:  
BIOS setup  
3.1  
3.2  
Knowing BIOS............................................................................................3-1  
Updating BIOS............................................................................................3-1  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
3.2.3  
ASUS Update utility.....................................................................3-2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...............................................................3-4  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility...................................................3-5  
3.3  
BIOS setup program..................................................................................3-6  
3.3.1  
3.3.2  
3.3.3  
3.3.4  
3.3.5  
3.3.6  
3.3.7  
3.3.8  
3.3.9  
BIOS menu screen......................................................................3-6  
Menu bar.....................................................................................3-6  
Navigation keys...........................................................................3-7  
Menu items..................................................................................3-7  
Submenu items...........................................................................3-7  
Configuration fields .....................................................................3-7  
Pop-up window............................................................................3-7  
Scroll bar.....................................................................................3-7  
General help................................................................................3-7  
3.4  
3.5  
Main menu ..................................................................................................3-8  
3.4.1  
3.4.2  
3.4.3  
3.4.4  
SATA 1–6 ....................................................................................3-8  
Storage Configuration...............................................................3-10  
AHCI Configuration................................................................... 3-11  
System Information................................................................... 3-11  
Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................3-12  
3.5.1  
3.5.2  
3.5.3  
3.5.4  
3.5.5  
Ai Overclock Tuner....................................................................3-12  
CPU Ratio Setting.....................................................................3-13  
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech ...................................................3-13  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech...........................................................3-13  
Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode ...............................................3-13  
iv  
Contents  
3.5.6  
BCLK Frequency.......................................................................3-13  
PCIE Frequency........................................................................3-14  
DRAM Frequency......................................................................3-14  
UCLK Frequency.......................................................................3-14  
QPI Link Data Rate...................................................................3-14  
ASUS/3rd Party UI Priority........................................................3-14  
DRAM Timing Contro................................................................3-14  
CPU Voltage Control.................................................................3-16  
CPU Voltage..............................................................................3-16  
CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................................3-16  
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage...........................................................3-16  
IOH Voltage...............................................................................3-17  
IOH PCIE Voltage .....................................................................3-17  
ICH Voltage...............................................................................3-17  
ICH PCIE Voltage......................................................................3-17  
DRAM Bus Voltage ...................................................................3-17  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B/C....................................3-18  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B/C ...................................3-18  
Load-Line Calibration................................................................3-18  
CPU Differential Amplitude........................................................3-18  
CPU Clock Skew.......................................................................3-18  
CPU Spread Spectrum..............................................................3-18  
IOH Clock Skew........................................................................3-18  
PCIE Spread Spectrum.............................................................3-18  
3.5.7  
3.5.8  
3.5.9  
3.5.10  
3.5.11  
3.5.12  
3.5.13  
3.5.14  
3.5.15  
3.5.16  
3.5.17  
3.5.18  
3.5.19  
3.5.20  
3.5.21  
3.5.22  
3.5.23  
3.5.24  
3.5.25  
3.5.26  
3.5.27  
3.5.28  
3.5.29  
3.6  
Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-19  
3.6.1  
3.6.2  
3.6.3  
3.6.4  
3.6.5  
CPU Configuration....................................................................3-19  
Chipset......................................................................................3-22  
Onboard Devices Configuration................................................3-23  
USB Configuration ....................................................................3-25  
PCIPnP .....................................................................................3-26  
3.7  
Power menu..............................................................................................3-27  
3.7.1  
3.7.2  
3.7.3  
3.7.4  
3.7.5  
3.7.6  
3.7.7  
Suspend Mode..........................................................................3-27  
Repost Video on S3 Resume....................................................3-27  
ACPI 2.0 Support......................................................................3-27  
ACPI APIC Support...................................................................3-27  
APM Configuration....................................................................3-28  
Hardware Monitor......................................................................3-29  
EuP Ready................................................................................3-30  
v
Contents  
3.8  
Boot menu ................................................................................................3-31  
3.8.1  
3.8.2  
3.8.3  
Boot Device Priority...................................................................3-31  
Boot Settings Configuration ......................................................3-32  
Security.....................................................................................3-33  
3.9  
Tools menu ...............................................................................................3-35  
3.9.1  
3.9.2  
3.9.3  
3.9.4  
ASUS EZ Flash 2......................................................................3-35  
ASUS O.C. Profile.....................................................................3-35  
AI NET 2....................................................................................3-37  
Drive Xpert Configuration..........................................................3-37  
3.10  
Exit menu..................................................................................................3-39  
Chapter 4:  
Software support  
4.1  
4.2  
Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1  
Support DVD information..........................................................................4-1  
4.2.1  
4.2.2  
Running the support DVD...........................................................4-1  
Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-2  
4.3  
Software information.................................................................................4-3  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
ASUS PC Probe II.......................................................................4-3  
ASUS Fan Xpert..........................................................................4-4  
Audio configurations....................................................................4-5  
4.4  
RAID configurations ..................................................................................4-6  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
RAID definitions ..........................................................................4-6  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................4-7  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS....................................................4-7  
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility.......................4-7  
Marvell RAID utility.................................................................... 4-11  
4.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-15  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
4.5.4  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................4-15  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®..................................4-15  
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation......4-16  
Using a USB floppy disk drive...................................................4-17  
Chapter 5:  
5.1  
Multiple GPU technology support  
ATI® CrossFireX™ technology..................................................................5-1  
5.1.1  
5.1.2  
5.1.3  
5.1.4  
Requirements..............................................................................5-1  
Before you begin.........................................................................5-1  
Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................5-2  
Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards..............................5-3  
vi  
Contents  
5.1.5  
Installing the device drivers.........................................................5-4  
Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-4  
5.1.6  
5.2  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.........................................................................5-6  
5.2.1  
5.2.2  
5.2.3  
5.2.4  
Requirements..............................................................................5-6  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................5-6  
Installing the device drivers.........................................................5-7  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology .....................................5-7  
vii  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This  
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference  
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur  
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required  
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not  
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority  
to operate this equipment.  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from  
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department  
of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
REACH  
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of  
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at  
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.  
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to  
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin  
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in  
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol  
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal  
waste.  
viii  
 
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.  
ix  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it  
supports.  
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
•
•
•
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 4: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ 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.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software  
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
2.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers,  
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the  
standard package.  
x
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used  
throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to  
complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to  
complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means  
that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>  
xi  
SABERTOOTH X58 specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1366 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition /  
Core™ i7 Processors  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology  
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list  
Chipset  
Intel® X58 / ICH10R  
System bus  
Memory  
Up to 6.4GT/s; Intel® QuickPath Interconnect  
6 x DIMM, max. 24GB, DDR3 1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,  
non-ECC, un-buffered memory  
Triple channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of  
individual CPUs.  
** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory  
QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (dual at x16 / x16 mode)  
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (at x4 mode)  
2 x PCI Express x1 slots  
1 x PCI slot  
Multi-GPU support  
Storage  
Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology  
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Intel® ICH10R Southbridge  
-
-
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (black)  
Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports SATA RAID 0, 1,  
5, and 10  
Marvell® 88SE9128 PCIe SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller (DriveXpert  
Technology)  
-
-
2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)  
Supports EZ Backup and SuperSpeed functions  
JMicron® JMB362 SATA controller  
-
-
1 x Power eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)  
1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)  
LAN  
USB  
Realtek® 8110SC Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2  
NEC® USB 3.0 controller  
-
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (at back panel)  
Intel® ICH10R Southbridge  
-
12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
(6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)  
IEEE 1394  
VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports  
(one at midboard, one at back panel)  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
 
SABERTOOTH X58 specifications summary  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
-
-
Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound  
Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and  
Front Panel Jack-Retasking  
-
-
Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O  
ASUS Noise Filter  
Exclusive TUF features  
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design  
-
-
-
-
-
8-phase CPU Power  
2-phase Memory Power  
2-phase VTT_CPU Power  
E.S.P.: Efficient Switching Power Design  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by  
military-standard)  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions  
-
-
CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology  
ASUS Fan Xpert  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
MemOK!  
-
Other special features  
True USB 3.0 support  
True SATA 6.0 Gb/s RAID support  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
ASUS Q-Slot  
ASUS Q-DIMM  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
Multi-language BIOS  
Back panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x IEEE 1394a port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
1 x Power eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (green)  
1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (red)  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
(continued on the next page)  
xiii  
SABERTOOTH X58 specifications summary  
Internal I/O connectors  
3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)  
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (black)  
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)  
1 x NB Fan connector  
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 2 x 3-pin)  
1 x Power Fan connector  
1 x IEEE1394a connector  
1 x COM connector  
Front panel audio connector  
1 x S/PDIF Out header  
24-pin ATX Power connector  
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
System Panel (Q-Connector)  
1 x MemOK! button  
BIOS features  
16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,  
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
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.  
xiv  
Chapter 1  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® SABERTOOTH X58 motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another  
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in  
your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 motherboard  
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
with 6.0 Gb/s label  
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
User Manual  
User guide  
Support DVD  
•
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.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
1-1  
 
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor support  
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processors in LGA1366 package with  
integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory. Supports Intel®  
QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4 GT/s and a max bandwidth of  
up to 25.6 GB/s. Intel® Core™ i7 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient  
CPUs in the world. Refer to page 2-5 for details.  
Intel® X58 Chipset  
The Intel® X58 Express Chipset is one of the most powerful chipset designed to support  
the Intel® Core™ i7 Processors with LGA1366 package and Intel® next generation system  
interconnect interface, Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), providing improved performance  
by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. It also  
supports up to 36 PCI Express 2.0 lanes providing better graphics performance.  
Triple-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support  
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of  
1866 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of  
the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The triple-channel DDR3  
architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.  
Refer to page 2-10 for details.  
2-Way SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support!  
SABERTOOTH X58 brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The  
motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X58 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in  
multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced  
before! Refer to Chapter 5 for details.  
True USB 3.0 Support  
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s with USB 3.0–the latest connectivity standard.  
Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers  
data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components. Refer to page  
2-25 for details.  
True Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s RAID support  
Supporting the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard  
delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data  
retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems. Refer to page 2-30 for details.  
Green ASUS  
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the  
use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating  
environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health  
while minimizing the impact on the environment.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
1.3.2  
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design  
E.S.P. – Efficient Switching Power Design  
Exclusively for this motherboard, the switching power design is provided not only for the  
CPU, but also for other key components such as chipsets. E.S.P. dramatically improves  
system efficiency and reduces heat generation.  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military standard)  
Get rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions with robust chokes,  
capacitors, and MOSFETs – certified through third-party, military-grade testing.  
1.3.3  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions  
CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology  
Innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system. It replaces traditional  
antioxidants to dissipate heat better with its microscopic irregular surface and enlarged area.  
Better cooling leads to overall improvement in system stability.  
DO NOT uninstall the heatsink module by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and  
affect the heat dissipation performance.  
ASUS Fan Xpert  
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds  
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different  
geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible  
controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment. Refer to page 4-4 for details.  
1.3.4  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
MemOK!  
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.  
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool  
requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and  
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically  
improve your system booting success. Refer to page 2-24 for details.  
1.3.5  
ASUS exclusive features  
ASUS Q-Design  
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design  
speed up and simplify the DIY process!  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
1-3  
 
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your  
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against  
static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables  
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system  
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. Refer to page 2-37 for  
details.  
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. Refer to page 3-4 for details.  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows you to conveniently 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 settings. Refer to page 3-35 for  
details.  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more  
colorful and vivid image on your screen.  
ASUS Multi-language BIOS  
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the available  
options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you configure your system easier and faster.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
•
•
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due  
to static electricity.  
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the  
bag that came with the component.  
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is  
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so  
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-1  
 
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
2.2.1  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal  
connectors.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.2.2  
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
2-35  
2-33  
1.  
2.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
CPU, chassis, power, and NB fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin  
CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2–3, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin NB_FAN)  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
LGA1366 CPU Socket  
2-5  
DDR3 DIMM slots  
2-10  
2-23  
2-24  
2-29  
2-30  
CPU / DRAM Bus overvoltage settings (3-pin OV_CPU, OV_DRAM_BUS)  
MemOK! switch  
Intel® ICH10R Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1–6 [black])  
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA_6G_1, 7-pin SATA_6G_2 [gray])  
9.  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
2-36  
2-22  
2-38  
2-31  
2-32  
2-34  
2-32  
2-34  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
16.  
Standby power LED (SB_PWR)  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-3  
 
2.2.3  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct  
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in  
the image below.  
2.2.4  
Screw holes  
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.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1366 socket designed for the Intel®  
Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
•
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and  
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap  
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard  
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/  
transit-related.  
•
•
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise  
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the  
LGA1366 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from  
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP  
cap.  
2.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever  
is on your left.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-5  
 
2.  
Press the load lever with your thumb  
(A), then move it to the left (B) until it is  
released from the retention tab.  
Retention tab  
A
To prevent damage to the socket pins,  
do not remove the PnP cap unless  
you are installing a CPU.  
B
Load lever  
3.  
4.  
Lift the load lever in the direction of the  
arrow to a 135º angle.  
Load plate  
4
Lift the load plate with your thumb and  
forefinger to a 100º angle.  
3
5.  
Remove the PnP cap from the CPU  
socket.  
PnP cap  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
6.  
Position the CPU over the socket,  
ensuring that the gold triangle is on the  
bottom-left corner of the socket, and then  
fit the socket alignment key into the CPU  
notch.  
Gold  
triangle  
mark  
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!  
CPU notch  
Alignment key  
7.  
Apply some Thermal Interface Material  
to the exposed area of the CPU that the  
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring  
that it is spread in an even thin layer.  
Some heatsinks come with pre-applied  
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.  
The Thermal Interface Material is  
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If  
it gets into your eyes or touches your  
skin, wash it off immediately, and seek  
professional medical help.  
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your finger directly.  
8.  
Close the load plate (A), then push  
the load lever (B) until it snaps into the  
retention tab.  
A
B
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-7  
2.3.2  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan  
The Intel® LGA1366 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to  
ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.  
•
•
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and  
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®-certified  
multi-directional heatsink and fan.  
Your Intel® LGA1366 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and  
requires no tool to install.  
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the Thermal  
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the  
heatsink and fan assembly.  
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU  
fan and heatsink assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
A
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the installed  
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners  
match the holes on the motherboard.  
B
B
2.  
Push down two fasteners at a time in  
a diagonal sequence to secure the  
heatsink and fan assembly in place.  
A
A
B
1
B
A
1
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to the CPU fan  
connector.  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
3.  
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.  
DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if  
you fail to plug this connector.  
2.3.3  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan  
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:  
A
1.  
Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the  
connector on the motherboard.  
B
B
2.  
3.  
Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.  
Pull up two fasteners at a time in a  
diagonal sequence to disengage the  
heatsink and fan assembly from the  
motherboard.  
A
A
B
B
A
4.  
Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-9  
 
2.4  
System memory  
2.4.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with six Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched  
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for  
better performance with less power consumption.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:  
Recommended memory configurations  
One DIMM:  
You may install one memory module in slot A1, B1 or C1 as a single-channel operation.  
Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):  
Three DIMMs (triple-channel operation):  
DIMM A1  
DIMM B1  
DIMM C1  
DIMM A1  
DIMM B1  
Four DIMMs (triple-channel operation):  
Six DIMMs (triple-channel operation):  
DIMM A2  
DIMM A1  
DIMM A2  
DIMM A1  
DIMM B2  
DIMM B1  
DIMM C2  
DIMM C1  
DIMM B1  
DIMM C1  
Due to Intel CPU spec definition, the system will not boot if only one DIMM is installed  
in DIMM slot A2, B2, or C2. Follow the illustrations above for recommended memory  
configuration.  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.4.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM  
sockets.  
•
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B and Channel C. The  
system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel or  
triple-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then  
mapped for single-channel operation.  
•
•
•
•
Due to Intel spec definition, X.M.P. DIMMs and DDR3-1600 are supported for one  
DIMM per channel only.  
According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect  
the CPU.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we  
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.  
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB  
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be  
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the  
following:  
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.  
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at  
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.  
•
•
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less  
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).  
The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect  
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.  
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a  
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked  
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory  
frequency adjustment.  
•
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full  
memory load (6 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-11  
 
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1866 MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A*  
V
B*  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
TR3X3G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP)  
TR3X6G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP)  
F3-15000CL9D-4GBRH (XMP)  
F3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
V
G.SKILL  
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP)  
Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1067-9-9-9-24)  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)  
Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ3RPR1866C9LV3GK  
OCZ3P1866LV4GK  
V
V
V
V
V
V
OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK  
OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK  
V
Super Talent W1866UX2GB(XMP)  
Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) N/A  
Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1866-8-8-8-24) 1.9  
Patriot  
Team  
PVS32G1866LLK(XMP)  
V
V
BoxP/N:TXD34096M1866HC7DC-L  
(TXD32048M1866HC7-L)(XMP)  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-21(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
V
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1800 MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A*  
B*  
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1800C8DF  
(CM3X2G1800C8D)Ver4.1(XMP)  
CORSAIR  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24  
1.80  
V
KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.65~1.85  
1.65-1.85  
1.65-1.85  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
OCZ  
Transcend TX1800KLU-2GK(XMP)  
Patriot PVS32G1800LLKN(EPP)  
OCZ3P18002GK  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
8
8
Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1600MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A* B* C* D*  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AD31600G001GMU  
1GB  
SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
9-9-9-24 (1333-8-8-8-24) 1.65~1.85  
9-9-9-24 (1333-8-8-8-24) 1.65~1.85  
8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
9-9-9-24 (1333-8-8-8-24) 1.65~1.85  
8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
9-9-9-24 (1600-9-9-9-24) 1.65~1.85  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.75-1.85  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.75-1.85  
9-9-9-24 (1600-9-9-9-24) 1.65~1.85  
9-9-9-24 (1600-9-9-9-24) 1.65~1.85  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.75-1.85  
8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
AX3U1600GB1G9-AG  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
AX3U1600PB1G8-2P  
AD31600E001GMU  
AX3U1600GB1G9-3G  
V
AX3U1600PB1G8-3P  
AX3U1600GB2G9-AG(XMP)  
AX3U1600XB2G7-EF(XMP)  
AD31600F002GMU(XMP)  
AX3U1600GB2G9-3G(XMP)  
AX3U1600GB2G9-3G(XMP)  
AX3U1600XB2G7-FF(XMP)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D  
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8DVer2.1(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C9Ver1.1(XMP)  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV  
CORSAIR  
Heat-Sink Package  
(1333-9-9--9-24)  
1.80  
V
V
V
(CM3X2G1600C9DHXNV)Ver4.1  
CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP)  
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8DVer2.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9Ver2.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
V
V
Crucial  
BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP)  
BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ  
1GB  
2GB  
SS N/A  
DS N/A  
(1601-8-8-8-24)  
1.8  
Crucial  
8-8-8-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.6  
1.6  
F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL  
F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
7-7-7-24(1333-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
8-8-8-21(1333-8-8-8-21) 1.6-1.65  
8-8-8-21(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.6~1.65  
9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6  
8-8-8-28(1600-8-8-8-28) 1.6  
V
V
F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK(XMP)  
F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ  
GV34GB1600C8DC  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8KG9-NAES  
KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8KG9-NEES  
1GB  
2GB  
SS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28)  
DS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28)  
1.5  
1.5  
V
V
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
N2CB1G80AN-DG  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
(1066-7-7-7-20)  
8(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP)  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
V
V
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ3P1600EB1G  
1GB  
SS N/A  
7-6-6-24(1333-7-7-7-20) N/A  
8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
7-7-6(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.8  
7-7-7(1067-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.9  
7-7-7(1066-9-9-9-24) 1.65  
8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65  
8-8-8(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65  
8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65  
OCZ3G1600LV3GK  
OCZ3P1600LV3GK  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) DS N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
OCZ3P1600EB4GK  
OCZ3P1600LV4GK  
OCZ3X16004GK(XMP)  
OCZ3FXE1600C7LV6GK  
OCZ3G1600LV6GK  
OCZ3G1600LV6GK  
OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP)  
OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Super Talent WB160UX6GB(XMP)  
Cell Shock CS322271  
(1333-8-8-8-24)  
N/A  
7-7-7-14(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7-1.9  
Elixir  
M2F2G64CB8HA4N-DG  
M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) 2GB  
2GB  
DS Elixir  
DS N/A  
9(1333-9-9-9-28)  
(1333-8-8-8-24)  
7-7-7-20  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
Elixir  
Mushkin  
Mushkin  
Patriot  
PATRIOT  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
996657  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
998659(XMP)  
9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
7-7-7-20(1067-7-7-7-20) 1.7  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.8  
7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 2.0  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
9-9-9-24(1600-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
8-8-8-24(1067-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
PVT33G1600ELK  
PGS34G1600LLKA  
PVS34G1600ELK  
PVS34G1600LLKN  
PVT36G1600ELK  
PVT36G1600ELK  
PVT36G1600LLK(XMP)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-13  
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1333MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A* B* C* D*  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AD3133301GOU  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
SS A-DATA  
DS A-DATA  
DS A-DATA  
AD30908C8D-15IG  
AD30908C8D-15IG  
AD30908C8D-15IG  
Heat-Sink Package  
H5TQ2G83AFRH9C  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
AD31333002GOU  
AD3U1333B2G9-2  
AX3U1333PB2G7-2P  
AD3U1333C4G9-B  
AD31333E002G0U  
AX3U1333PB2G7-3P  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB DS Hynix  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
1333-9-9-9-24 N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85  
9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5  
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 (Ver2.1)  
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9DHX  
1GB  
DS N/A  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.1  
V
V
BoxP/N:TWIN3X2048-1333C9  
CORSAIR  
2GB(2 x 1GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.70  
V
V
V
V
(CM3X1024-1333C9)Ver1.1  
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1333C9DHX  
CORSAIR  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.70  
9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5  
V
(CM3X2048-1333C9DHX)Ver3.2  
CORSAIR TR3X6G1333C9 (Ver2.1)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
CT12864BA1339.8FF  
CT12864BA1339.8SFD  
CT12872BA1339.9FF  
1GB  
1GB  
1GB  
SS MICRON D9KPT  
SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 (1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
7-7-7-24  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
Crucial  
BL25664BN1337.16FF(XMP) 2GB  
DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
1.65  
V
V
V
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CT25664BA1339.16FF  
CT25664BA1339.16SFD  
CT25672BA1339.18FF  
BL25664BA1336.16SFB1  
EBJ10UE8BAW0-DJ-E  
EBJ21UE8BAW0-DJ-E  
F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI  
F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS MICRON D9KPT  
DS MICRON D9JNM  
DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS NA  
Heat-Sink Package  
J1108BABG-DJ-E  
J1108BABG-DJ-E  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
GL1L128M88BA12N  
Heat-Sink Package  
H5TQ1G83BFR  
6-6-6-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.8  
1GB  
2GB  
SS ELPIDA  
DS ELPIDA  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1337-7-7-7-18)  
(1337-8-8-8-22)  
N/A  
N/A  
1.65  
1.65  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK(XMP) 2GB  
DS N/A  
7-7-7-18(1333-7-7-7-18) 1.5-1.6  
7-7-7-21(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5  
7-7-7-21(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5  
8-8-8-21(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.5-1.6  
8-8-8-21(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.5-1.6  
F3-10666CL7D-4GBPI(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ  
F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL  
F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ  
GG34GB1333C9DC  
GV34GB1333C7DC  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.65  
1.65  
9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5  
9-9-9-24 (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.3  
7-7-7-24(1333-8-8-8-28) 1.5  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
GEIL  
Hynix  
HMT112U6BFR8C-H9  
HMT125U6BFR8C-H9  
HMT125U6BFR8C-H9  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
4GB  
1GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
SS Hynix  
DS Hynix  
DS Hynix  
SS ELPIDA  
SS Hynix  
SS ELPIDA  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1066-8-7-7-20)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
1.5  
Hynix  
H5TQ1G83BFR  
Hynix  
H5TQ1G83BFRH9C  
J1108BASE-DJ-E  
H5TQ1G83BFR  
KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8EE9  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G  
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G  
J1108BABG-DJ-E  
1.5  
DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H 9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
1.5  
DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9  
SS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT  
SS MICRON D9KPT  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1066-8-8-8-20)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1066-8-8-8-20)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1066-6-5-5-20)  
1.5  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
OCZ  
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1  
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1  
MT9JSF12872AZ-1G4F1  
MT16JF25664AZ-1G4F1  
MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1  
MT18JSF25672AZ-1G4F1  
OCZ3RPX1333EB2GK  
OCZ3G1333LV3GK  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
1.65  
1.65  
SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC)  
DS MICRON D9KPT  
DS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT  
DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC)  
SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
OCZ  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)  
7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-16)  
OCZ  
OCZ3P1333LV3GK  
V
V
V
V
OCZ  
OCZ3P13332GK  
1GB  
DS N/A  
7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) N/A  
OCZ  
OCZ3P13334GK  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
7(1333-7-7-7-20)  
1.8  
V
V
OCZ  
OCZ3P1333LV4GK  
7-7-7(1067-9-9-9-24)  
1.65  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1333MHz capability (continued)  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A* B* C* D*  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ  
OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK  
OCZ3G1333LV6GK  
OCZ3P1333LV6GK  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS NA  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
(1066-6-5-5)  
1.85  
1.65  
1.65  
1.6  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20)  
7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-20)  
8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1066-8-7-7-20)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
OCZX1333LV6GK(XMP)  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9  
SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9  
1GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1066-8-7-7-20)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
Super  
W1333UX2GB(XMP)  
Talent  
2GB(2 x 1GB) SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
8(1333-8-8-8-24)  
1.8  
V
V
V
V
Transcend TS128MLK64V3U  
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U  
1GB  
2GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(9-9-9-24)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Asint  
Asint  
Asint  
Asint  
ASUS  
ATP  
SLY3128M8-EDJ  
SLY3128M8-EDJE  
SLZ3128M8-EDJ  
SLZ3128M8-EDJE  
N/A  
SS Asint  
SS ELPIDA  
DS Asint  
DS ELPIDA  
DS N/A  
DDRIII1208-DJ  
J1108BASE-DJ-E  
DDRIII1208-DJ  
(1066-8-8-8-20)  
(9-9-9-24)  
J1108BASE-DJ-E  
Heat-Sink Package  
(1066-8-8-8-20)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1333-9-9-9-24)  
(1066-7-7-7-20)  
AQ28M64A8BJH9S  
AQ28M72D8BJH9S  
AQ56M64B8BJH9S  
AQ56M72E8BJH9S  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E  
ATP  
SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC)  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D  
DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC)  
ATP  
ATP  
BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-1G  
BUFFALO FSH1333D3G-T3G(XMP)  
BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-2G  
SS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
7-7-7-20(1066-8-7-7-20) N/A  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
DS N/A  
DS N/A  
(1066-7-7-7-20)  
(1333-7-7-7-20)  
7(1337-7-7-7-20)  
N/A  
N/A  
1.7  
V
V
V
Elixir  
M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-CG  
PDC32G1333LLK  
PVT33G1333ELK  
PVS34G1333ELK  
PVS34G1333LLK  
PVT36G1333ELK  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
SS PATRIOT Heat-Sink Package  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS N/A  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7  
9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65  
V
V
V
V
V
Silicon  
Power  
SP001GBLTU133S02  
SP002GBLTU133S02  
1GB  
2GB  
SS S-POWER I0YT3E0  
DS S-POWER I0YT3E0  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
9(1333-9-9-9-24)  
N/A  
N/A  
V
V
V
V
Silicon  
Power  
V
V
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-15  
SABERTOOTH X58 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3-1066MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
SS/ Chip  
DS Brand  
Timing  
Lable(Bios)  
Vendor  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Voltage  
A*  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
B*  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
C*  
V
V
V
V
V
V
D*  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
Hynix  
CM3X1024-1066C7  
1GB DS N/A  
Heat-Sink Package  
D9KPT  
7
1.1  
CT12864BA1067.8FF  
CT12864BA1067.8SFD  
CT12872BA1067.9FF  
CT25664BA1067.16FF  
CT25664BA1067.16SFD  
CT25672BA1067.18FF  
EBJ10UE8BAW0-AE-E  
EBJ11RD8BAFA-AE-E  
EBJ11UD8BAFA-AG-E  
EBJ21UE8BAW0-AE-E  
1GB SS MICRON  
1GB SS MICRON  
1GB SS MICRON  
2GB DS MICRON  
2GB DS MICRON  
2GB DS MICRON  
1GB SS ELPIDA  
1GB DS ELPIDA  
1GB DS ELPIDA  
2GB DS ELPIDA  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7 N/A  
V
V
V
D9JNL  
D9KPT(ECC)  
7(1066-9-9-9-25) N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
D9KPT  
D9JNL  
7
N/A  
V
D9KPT(ECC)  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
J1108BABG-DJ-E  
J5308BASE-AC-E(ECC)  
J5308BASE-AC-E  
J1108BABG-DJ-E  
H5TQ1G83AFPG7C  
HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7  
H5TQ1G83AFPG7C  
HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
7
8
N/A  
N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
V
V
HMT112U6AFP8C-G7N0 1GB SS HYNIX  
HYMT112U64ZNF8-G7 1GB SS HYNIX  
HMT125U6AFP8C-G7N0 2GB DS HYNIX  
HYMT125U64ZNF8-G7 2GB DS HYNIX  
7
7
7
7
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
Hynix  
Hynix  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Hynix  
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/1G  
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/1G  
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G  
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G  
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G  
1GB SS KINGSTON D1288JEKAPA7U  
1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E  
2GB DS KINGSTON D1288JEKAPGA7U  
2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E  
7(1067-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
7(1067-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.5  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8  
7VD22  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MT8JTF12864AY-1G1D1 1GB SS MICRON  
7
N/A  
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON  
8ZF22 D9KPV  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7(1066-9-9-9-25) N/A  
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON  
MT9JSF12872AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON  
MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2GB DS MICRON  
MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2GB DS MICRON  
MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2GB DS MICRON  
MT18JSF25672AZ-1G1F1 2GB DS MICRON  
D9KPT  
D9KPT(ECC)  
7VD22  
8ZF22 D9KPV  
7
N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
D9KPT  
D9KPT(ECC)  
SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8  
Transcend TS256MLK64V1U  
4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8  
8(7-7-7-20)  
1.5  
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
2GB DS ELPIDA  
1GB SS Asint  
2GB DS Asint  
2GB DS N/A  
J1108BABG-AE-E  
DDRIII1208-AE  
7(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
Asint  
SLY3128M8-EAE  
SLZ3128M8-EAE  
M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-BE  
3DU3191A-10  
(7-7-7-20)  
(7-7-7-20)  
N/A  
N/A  
Asint  
DDRIII1208-AE  
Elixir  
Heat-Sink Package  
IDSH51-03A1F1C-10F  
(1066-7-7-7-20) N/A  
7 N/A  
WINTEC  
1GB DS Qimonda  
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided  
DIMM support:  
•
•
•
•
A*: Supports two (2) modules inserted into slot A1 and B1 as one pair of Dual-channel  
memory configuration.  
B*: Supports three (3) modules inserted into the beige slots (A1, B1 and C1) as one  
set of Triple-channel memory configuration.  
C*: Supports four (4) modules inserted into the beige slots (A1, B1 and C1) and the  
brown slot A2 as one set of Triple-channel memory configuration.  
D*: Supports six (6) modules inserted into both the beige slots and the brown slots as  
two sets of Triple-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.  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system  
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the  
components.  
DIMM notch  
1.  
2.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing  
the retaining clip outward.  
Align a DIMM on the socket such that  
1
the notch on the DIMM matches the  
DIMM slot key on the socket.  
2
DIMM slot key  
Unlocked retaining clip  
A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into  
a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
3.  
Hold the DIMM by both of its ends,  
then insert the DIMM vertically into  
the socket. Apply force to both ends  
3
of the DIMM simultaneously until the  
retaining clip snaps back into place,  
and the DIMM cannot be pushed in  
any further to ensure proper sitting of  
the DIMM.  
Locked Retaining Clip  
Always insert the DIMM into the socket VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage.  
2.4.4  
Removing a DIMM  
1.  
Press the retaining clip outward to  
unlock the DIMM.  
2
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
1
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-17  
 
2.5  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the  
slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do  
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.  
2.5.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and  
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
2.  
3.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later  
use.  
4.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely  
seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
2.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 3 for  
information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that  
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI  
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next  
page for details.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.5.3  
Interrupt assignments  
Standard interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
0
Priority Standard function  
1
2
System Timer  
1
Keyboard Controller  
Redirect to IRQ#9  
2
–
4
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
Communications Port (COM1)*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
Reserved  
5
6
7
Reserved  
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
Reserved  
9
4
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
5
6
7
8
Numeric Data Processor  
Primary IDE Channel  
9
* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
IOH  
24  
25  
–
26  
–
27  
–
28  
29  
30  
31  
–
NEC USB 3.0  
Marvell 9128  
PCIE16_1  
–
–
shared  
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIE16_2  
–
–
–
shared  
–
ICH  
A
shared  
–
B
C
–
–
–
–
D
–
E
–
–
–
F
–
–
–
G
–
–
–
H
–
–
–
PCIE16_3  
–
shared  
–
PCIE1_1  
PCIE1_2  
–
shared  
shared  
–
LAN1  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCI_1  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
USB_1  
USB_2  
USB_3  
USB_4  
USB_5  
USB_6  
USB 2.0_1  
USB 2.0_2  
SATA_1  
SATA _2  
Audio  
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
shared  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-19  
 
2.5.4  
PCI slot  
The PCI slot supportd cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that  
comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot.  
2.5.5  
PCI Express x16 / x1 slots  
This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 / x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards  
that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of  
the slots.  
2.5.6  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots  
This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support PCI Express 2.0 x16  
graphics cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for  
the location of the slots.  
PCI Express x16 slot 1 (black, at x4 link)  
PCI Express x1_2 slot  
PCI Express 2.0 x16_2 slot (beige, dual at x16 link)  
PCI slot 1  
PCI Express 2.0 x16_1 slot (beige, dual at x16 link)  
PCI Express x1_1 slot  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
PCI Express operating mode  
VGA configuration  
PCIe 2.0 x16_1  
PCIe 2.0 x16_2  
PCIe x16_3  
x16 (Recommend for  
single VGA)  
x16 (Single VGA)  
x16  
N/A  
Single VGA/PCIe card  
Dual VGA/PCIe card  
x16  
x16  
N/A  
x4 or x1 (when PCI  
Express x1_2 slot is  
occupied)  
x16  
Triple VGA/PCIe card  
•
•
•
•
•
•
In single VGA card mode, use first the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (beige) for a PCI Express  
x16 graphics card to get better performance.  
In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 (beige) and PCIe 2.0 x16_2  
(beige) slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.  
When the PCI Express x1_2 slot is occupied, the PCI Express x16 slot (black) will  
work at x1 link.  
When using the triple VGA card mode, we recommend that you use the PCI Express  
x1_1 slot to install a PCIe x1 device to get better performance.  
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™  
mode. See page 2-35 for details.  
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2/3 when  
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-33 for  
details.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-21  
2.6  
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.  
®
CLRTC  
1
2
2
3
Normal  
Clear RTC  
(Default)  
SABERTOOTH X58 Clear RTC RAM  
To erase the RTC RAM  
1.  
2.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3  
for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
3.  
4.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to  
re-enter data.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default  
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
•
•
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again  
to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.  
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For  
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.  
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter  
settings to default values.  
•
Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You  
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before  
rebooting the system.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.  
CPU / DRAM Bus overvoltage settings  
(3-pin OV_CPU, 3-pin OV_DRAM_BUS)  
These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the advanced CPU and DRAM Bus  
overvoltage settings in BIOS. Read the following information before you change the  
jumper settings.  
OV_CPU  
OV_DRAM_BUS  
up to 2.00V  
Pins 1-2 (Default)  
up to 1.70V  
up to 2.10V  
Pins 2-3 (OV Enabled)  
up to 2.46V  
•
•
Before you change the jumper settings for extra-high overvoltage ability, use the BIOS  
items first to adjust the desired CPU and DRAM performance. Ensure that your system  
functions well under the highest BIOS voltage settings before you change the setting  
of these jumpers.  
DO NOT set the OV_CPU jumper to pins 2–3 when you install a new CPU and have  
not booted for the first time. Doing so may cause the system to halt. For system failure  
due to the wrong setting of the OV_CPU jumper, shut down the computer and move  
the cap back to pins 1–2.  
•
•
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may  
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage  
requirement below 1.65V.  
The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling system)  
to work stably under high voltage settings.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-23  
2.7  
Onboard switch  
The onboard switch allows you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case  
system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance  
system performance.  
MemOK! switch  
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure,  
and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the  
MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility  
tuning for successful boot.  
•
•
Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.  
The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the  
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.  
•
•
Press the MemOK! switch under Windows® OS environment will reboot the computer  
and start memory tuning.  
During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It  
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test  
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed  
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.  
•
Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each  
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning  
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones  
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on  
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.  
•
•
•
If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system  
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn  
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.  
If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot  
and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you  
that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.  
We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.  
2-24  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.8  
Connectors  
2.8.1  
Rear panel connectors  
Rear panel connectors  
1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
2. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4  
3. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2  
4. LAN (RJ-45) port*  
7. IEEE 1394a port  
8. Power External SATA port  
9. External SATA port  
10. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2  
11. Audio I/O ports**  
5. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6  
6. Optical S/PDIF Out port  
*and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions.  
•
•
DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.  
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  
JMB 36x ATA Controller item in the BIOS setting to [Enabled] and install the JMicron  
JMB36X Controller Driver from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to section  
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-25  
 
* LAN port LED indications  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
LED LED  
Activity Link 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  
LAN port  
Data activity  
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Headset  
2-channel  
Port  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
Light Blue  
Lime  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Line In  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
–
–
–
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
–
Gray  
2.8.2  
Audio I/O connections  
Audio I/O ports  
Connect to Headphone and Mic  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
Connect to Stereo Speakers  
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 4.1-channel Speakers  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-27  
Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers  
Connect to 7.1-channel Speakers  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.8.3  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Intel® ICH10R Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1-6 [black])  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk  
drives and optical disc drives.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10  
configuration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®  
ICH10R controller.  
•
These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard IDE mode,  
you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you  
intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the Configure  
SATA as item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for  
details.  
•
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual  
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial  
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using  
Windows® XP SP 2 or later version.  
•
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Configure SATA as in the BIOS to [AHCI].  
See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for details.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-29  
 
2.  
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA_6G_1, 7-pin SATA_6G_2 [gray])  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s  
hard disk drives.  
•
These connectors are set to IDE Mode by default. When using hot-plug and NCQ, set  
the Marvell 9128 Controller item in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.3  
Onboard Devices Configuration for details.  
•
•
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial ATA  
hard disk drives.  
Press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create or delete a  
RAID configuration.  
If you want to install a Windows operating system to a RAID configuration created  
using the Marvell SATA controller, you have to create a RAID driver disk using the  
motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation. For 32/64bit  
Windows XP OS, load first the Marvell shared library driver, and then load Marvell  
91xx SATA Controller Driver. For Windows Vista / Windows 7 OS, load only the  
Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver.  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; 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  
480 Mbps connection speed.  
®
USB78  
USB910  
USB1112  
PIN  
1
PIN  
1
PIN  
1
SABERTOOTH X58 USB2.0 connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!  
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and  
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports  
front panel USB ports.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-31  
4.  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable  
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system  
chassis.  
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.  
5.  
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.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
6.  
CPU, chassis, power, and NB fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1;  
3-pin CHA_FAN2–3; 3-pin PWR_FAN; 3-pin NB_FAN)  
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the  
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
CPU_FAN  
PWR_FAN  
CHA_FAN1  
Rotation  
+12V  
GND  
+5V  
CHA FAN IN  
CHA FAN PWR  
GND  
®
CHA_FAN2  
CHA_FAN3  
NB_FAN  
Rotation  
+12V  
Rotation  
+12V  
Rotation  
+12V  
GND  
GND  
GND  
SABERTOOTH X58 Fan connectors  
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 2A (24 W) fan power.  
Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1 and CHA_FAN2 connectors support the ASUS Fan  
Xpert feature.  
•
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable  
to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2/3 for better thermal environment.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-33  
7.  
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.  
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 front panel audio module to this connector, set  
the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio]; if you want to connect an  
AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default,  
this connector is set to [HD Audio].  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
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 8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will  
not boot.  
We recommend that you use a PSU with 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.  
PSU suggested list:  
Seventeam ST-522HLP  
Seventeam ST550EAJ-05F  
Antec SG-850  
OCZ OCZGXS850  
OCZ OCZ1000PXS  
Seasonic SS-850EM  
Silverstone SST-ST85F  
Tagan TG1100-U33  
Thermaltake W0132RE  
Thermaltake W0133RU  
Aelta GPS-550AB  
Seasonic SS-500HM  
Seasonic SS-550HT  
Seasonic SS-600HT  
Seventeam ST-420BKP  
Snake PSH500V  
ASUS P-50GA  
ASUS U-75HA  
Be quiet P6-PRO-850W  
Be quiet BN077  
Silverstone SST-ST50EF  
Silverstone PSU ST56ZF  
T.C.STAR D420  
CoolerMaster RS-850EMBA  
Corsair CMPSU-620HX  
EnerMAX EGX1000EWL  
HECHUAN ST-ATX330  
HUNTKEY 磐石500  
Be quiet P6-PRO-850W  
Antec EA-380  
Thermaltake TWV500W-AP  
Thermaltake PUREPower-600AP  
Zalman ZM600-HP  
OCZ OCZ780MXS  
Seasonic SS-351HT  
Seasonic SS-460HS  
Seasonic SS-500GB  
Zippy HP2-6500PE (G1)  
Zippy PSL6720P  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-35  
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.  
2-36  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.8.4.  
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)  
Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables.  
To install the ASUS Q-Connector:  
1.  
Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS  
Q-Connector.  
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to  
know the detailed pin definitions, and then  
match them to their respective front panel  
cable labels.  
The labels on the front panel cables  
may vary depending on the chassis  
model.  
2.  
Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system  
panel connector, ensuring the orientation  
matches the labels on the motherboard.  
3.  
The front panel functions are now enabled.  
The figure shows the Q-Connector is properly  
installed on the motherboard.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-37  
 
2.9  
Onboard LEDs  
1.  
Standby Power LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to  
indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder  
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or  
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of  
the onboard LED.  
2.  
POST State LEDs  
POST State LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD) in  
sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to  
the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly  
design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.  
2-38  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.10 Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Be sure that all switches are off.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.  
Turn on the devices in the following order:  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.  
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the  
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a  
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green  
after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the  
BIOS beeps (see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on  
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on  
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and  
connections or call your retailer for assistance.  
BIOS Beep  
Description  
VGA detected  
One short beep  
Quick boot set to disabled  
No keyboard detected  
One continuous beep followed by two short  
beeps then a pause (repeated)  
No memory detected  
No VGA detected  
One continuous beep followed by three short  
beeps  
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.  
2.11 Turning off the computer  
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system  
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch  
for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS  
setting. Refer to section 3.7 Power menu in Chapter 3 for details.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
2-39  
 
2-40  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
Chapter 3  
Chapter 3:  
BIOS setup  
3.1  
Knowing BIOS  
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage  
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device  
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal  
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum  
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in  
the following circumstances:  
•
•
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to  
run the BIOS Setup.  
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or  
update.  
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly  
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service  
personnel.  
3.2  
Updating BIOS  
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system  
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there  
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.  
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the  
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this  
motherboard.  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support  
DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need  
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS  
Update utility.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-1  
 
3.2.1  
ASUS Update utility  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard  
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:  
•
•
•
•
•
Save the current BIOS file  
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet  
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file  
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet  
View the BIOS version information  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.  
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet  
Service Provider (ISP).  
Installing ASUS Update  
To install ASUS Update:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the support DVD in the optical drive.  
From the Main menu, click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.  
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.  
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 Windows® desktop, click  
Start > Programs > ASUS >  
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The  
ASUS Update main window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from the  
Internet from the drop-down menu,  
and then click Next.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.  
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest  
you to avoid network traffic, or click  
Auto Select. Click Next.  
4.  
From the FTP site, select the BIOS  
version that you wish to download. Click  
Next.  
5.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.  
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update  
the utility to avail all its features.  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
Fom the Windows® desktop, click  
Start > Programs > ASUS >  
3.  
Locate the BIOS file from the Open  
window, then click Open.  
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The  
ASUS Update main window appears.  
4.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from a file  
from the dropdown menu, then click  
Next.  
SABTOX58.ROM  
SABTOX58  
Ensure to load the BIOS default  
settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the  
Load Setup Defaults item under  
the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit  
Menu for details.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-3  
3.2.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a  
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.  
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website  
at www.asus.com.  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, and then  
launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:  
•
•
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.  
Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and  
press <Enter> to enable it.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.44  
FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25P/X16  
Current ROM  
BOARD: SABERTOOTH X58  
VER: 0204  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 06/21/2010  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
2.  
Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is found. When  
the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and  
automatically reboots the system when done.  
•
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 Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for  
details.  
3-4  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.2.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the  
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a  
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains  
the BIOS file.  
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published  
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at  
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.  
Recovering the BIOS  
To recover the BIOS:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive  
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility  
reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.  
Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on  
again.  
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure  
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default  
BIOS values.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause  
system boot failure!  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-5  
 
3.3  
BIOS setup program  
A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the  
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>  
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues  
with its test routines.  
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>,  
or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the  
system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the first two failed.  
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven  
program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options  
using the navigation keys.  
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and  
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default  
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults  
item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.  
•
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and  
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.6 Jumpers for information  
on how to erase the RTC RAM.  
3.3.1  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
Exit  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
[15:57:25]  
[Wed 06/30/2010]  
[English]  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system Date.  
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
[HDT722516DLA380]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
←→ Select Screen  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
↑↓  
+-  
Select Item  
Change Field  
Tab Select Field  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Submenu items Navigation keys  
3.3.2  
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  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration  
For changing the system boot configuration  
Tools  
For configuring options for special functions  
Exit  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
3-6  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.3.3  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.  
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.  
The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.  
3.3.4  
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, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have  
their respective menu items.  
3.3.5  
Submenu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To  
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
3.3.6  
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 enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the  
value of a field, select it and press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up  
window.  
3.3.7  
Pop-up window  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced Power Boot  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Tools  
Exit  
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to  
display a pop-up window with the configuration  
options for that item.  
Use [ENTER], [TAB] or  
[SHIFT-TAB] to select  
a field.  
Suspend Mode  
[Auto]  
ACPI Version Features  
ACPI APIC support  
[Disabled]  
[
Disabled  
Enabled  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system Time.  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Field  
Select Field  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
3.3.8  
Scroll bar  
+-  
Tab  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
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.  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll bar  
Pop-up window  
3.3.9  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-7  
 
3.4  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an  
overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the  
submenu.  
Refer to section 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and  
how to navigate through them.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
[15:57:25]  
[Wed 06/30/2010]  
[English]  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system Date.  
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
[HDT722516DLA380]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
←→ Select Screen  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
↑↓  
+-  
Select Item  
Change Field  
Tab Select Field  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.4.1  
SATA 1–6  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There  
is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to  
display the SATA device information.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
SATA 1  
Select the type  
of device connected  
to the system.  
Device  
: Hard Disk  
: HDT722516DLA380  
: 164.7GB  
Vendor  
Size  
LBA Mode  
Block Mode  
PIO Mode  
Async DMA  
Ultra DMA  
: Supported  
: 16Sectors  
: 4  
: MultiWord DMA-2  
: Ultra DMA-6  
SMART Monitoring:Supported  
Type  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
←→ Select Screen  
LBA/Large Mode  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Field  
General Help  
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M[Auto]  
PIO Mode  
DMA Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size,  
LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART Monitoring). These  
values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no SATA device is installed in the  
system.  
3-8  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Type [Auto]  
Allows you to select the type of device installed.  
[Not Installed]  
[Auto]  
Select this option if no device is installed.  
Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.  
[CDROM]  
[ARMD]  
Select this option if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive.  
Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a  
ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.  
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)  
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously  
formatted with LBA mode disabled.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]  
[Auto]  
When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in  
multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.  
[Disabled]  
When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one  
sector at a time.  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,  
which correspond to different data transfer rates.  
[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Sets the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.  
DMA Mode [Auto]  
DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware  
devices installed with much less CPU overhead.  
The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA  
(Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.  
SMART Monitoring [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,  
and Reporting Technology).  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.  
Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.  
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Sets the controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into  
a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes more  
efficient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the  
transfer of a particular amount of data.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-9  
3.4.2  
Storage Configuration  
The Storage Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Storage Configuration  
SATA Configuration  
Configure SATA as  
[Enhanced]  
[IDE]  
Hard Disk Write Protect  
SATA Detect Time Out (Sec)  
[Disabled]  
[35]  
SATA Configuration [Enhanced]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]  
Configure SATA as [IDE]  
Allows you to set the SATA configuration. This item appears only when you set the  
SATA Configuration item to [Enhanced] or [Compatible].  
[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  
(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard  
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases  
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to  
internally optimize the order of commands.  
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables device write protection. This function will be effective only if the  
device is accessed through BIOS.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
SATA Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]  
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices from the following options: [0] [5]  
[10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]  
3-10  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.4.3  
AHCI Configuration  
This menu is the section for AHCI configuration. It appears only when you set the item  
Configure SATA as from the submenu of SATA Configuration to [AHCI].  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
AHCI Settings  
Some SATA CD/DVD in  
AHCI mode need to  
wait ready longer.  
AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out  
[35]  
AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]  
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]  
AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]  
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]  
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]  
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]  
AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]  
Selects the boot time out value for SATA CD/DVD devices in AHCI mode from the following  
options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]  
SATA Port1-6 [XXXX]  
Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.  
SATA Port1-6 [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Allows automatic selection of the device type connected to the  
system.  
[Not Installed]  
Selects this option if no SATA devices are installed.  
SMART Monitoring [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.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the SMART monitoring feature.  
Disables the SMART monitoring feature.  
3.4.4  
System Information  
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically  
detects the BIOS information, CPU specification, and system memory in this menu.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
BIOS Information  
Version  
: 0204  
Build Date: 06/21/10  
Processor  
Type  
: Genuine Intel(R) CPU 000 @ 3.20GHz  
: 3200MHz  
Speed  
System Memory  
Usable Size  
: 2040MB  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-11  
 
3.5  
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 chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you  
installed on the motherboard.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Configure System Performance Settings  
[D.O.C.P]  
It’s designed to  
overclock DRAM  
frequency by adjusting  
BCLK frequency.  
[X.M.P.]  
When X.M.P. is enabled  
BLCK frequency,  
CPU ratio and memory  
parameters will be  
auto optimized.  
Target CPU Frequency: 3192MHz  
Target DRAM Frequency: 1066MHz  
Ai Overclock Tuner  
CPU Ratio Setting  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech  
Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode  
DRAM Frequency  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
UCLK Frequency  
[Auto]  
QPI Link Data Rate  
[Auto]  
←→ Select Screen  
ASUS/3rd Party UI Priority  
[ASUS Utility]  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
DRAM Timing Control  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
******* Please key in numbers directly! *******  
CPU Voltage Control  
CPU Voltage  
[Manual]  
[Auto]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
CPU PLL Voltage  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage  
IOH Voltage  
IOH PCIE Voltage  
ICH Voltage  
ICH PCIE Voltage  
DRAM Bus Voltage  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHC  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHC  
*************************************************  
Load-Line Calibration  
CPU Differential Amplitude  
CPU Clock Skew  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
CPU Spread Spectrum  
IOH Clock Skew  
PCIE Spread Spectrum  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.5.1  
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:  
Manual  
Auto  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
D.O.C.P  
X.M.P.  
Overclocks DRAM frequency by adjusting BCLK frequency.  
If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory  
Profile (X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles  
supported by your memory modules for optimizing the system  
performance.  
3-12  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
The configuration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the DIMMs you  
install on the motherboard.  
DRAM O.C. Profile [DDR3-1805MHz]  
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and allows  
you to select a DRAM O.C. profile, which applies different settings to DRAM frequency,  
DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Configuration options: [DDR3-1805MHz] [DDR3-2006MHz]  
eXtreme Memory Profile [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [X.M.P.] and allows you  
to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.  
[Disabled]  
You are not allowed to select the memory profile.  
Allows your memory to work in high performance.  
Allows your memory to work in high frequency.  
[High Performance]  
[High Frequency]  
To obtain the best performance of the X.M.P. DIMM or 1600MHz DIMM, install only one  
DIMM on each memory channel.  
3.5.2  
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]  
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+>  
and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.  
3.5.3  
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
The CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.  
The CPU runs at its default speed.  
3.5.4  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific  
condition.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
3.5.5  
Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatic configuration.  
[Enabled]  
Enables Full Power Mode to ensure the best CPU overclocking  
performance.  
The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual],  
[D.O.C.P.] or [X.M.P.].  
3.5.6  
BCLK Frequency [XXX]  
Allows you to adjust the CPU operating frequency to enhance the system performance. Use  
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the  
numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 500.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-13  
 
3.5.7  
PCIE Frequency [XXX]  
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 200.  
3.5.8  
DRAM Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the  
BCLK Frequency item settings.  
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default setting.  
3.5.9  
UCLK Frequency [XXX]  
Allows you to set the CPU Uncore frequency to increase the transmission bandwidth between  
the memoy controller and memory modules. The configuration options vary with the DRAM  
Frequency item settings.  
3.5.10  
QPI Link Data Rate [Auto]  
Allows you to set the QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) frequency to enhance the system  
performance. Configuration options: [Auto] [Slow Mode] [4800MT/s] [5866MT/s] [6400MT/s]  
3.5.11  
ASUS/3rd Party UI Priority [ASUS Utility]  
[ASUS Utility]  
Prioritizes the usage of ASUS utilities. Other 3rd party OC utilities may not  
be full-functioned.  
[3rd Party Utility] Prioritizes 3rd party OC utilities. ASUS utilities can’t be launched.  
3.5.12  
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]  
The items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features.  
The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs  
you install on the motherboard.  
1st Information: 9-9-9-24-4-74-11-7-20-0  
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:  
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [10 DRAM Clock]  
[11 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]  
[15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]  
[15 DRAM Clock]  
3-14  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [30 DRAM Clock]  
[31 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [30 DRAM Clock] [36 DRAM Clock]  
[48 DRAM Clock] [60 DRAM Clock] [72 DRAM Clock] [82 DRAM Clock]  
[88 DRAM Clock] [90 DRAM Clock] [100 DRAM Clock] [110 DRAM Clock]  
[124 DRAM Clock] [132 DRAM Clock] [140 DRAM Clock] [150 DRAM Clock]  
[160 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM Back-To-Back CAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [32 DRAM Clock]  
2nd Information: 1N-60-0-0  
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:  
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1N] [2N] [3N]  
DRAM Round Trip Latency on CHA/B/C [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [175 DRAM Clock]  
3rd Information: 5-5-16-10-10-11-7-6-4-7-7-4  
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [10 DRAM Clock] – [22 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(SR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-15  
DRAM READ to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to READ Delay(DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM READ to READ Delay(SR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] [6 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(DD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(DR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]  
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(SR) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] [6 DRAM Clock]  
3.5.13  
CPU Voltage Control [Manual]  
[Manual]  
Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.  
[Offset]  
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.  
The following ten (10) items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric  
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.  
To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.  
3.5.14  
CPU Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage. The values range from 0.85000V to 2.10000V*  
with a 0.00625V interval.  
•
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage. Setting a high  
VCore voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low VCore voltage  
may make the system unstable.  
•
The value [2.10000V] of the CPU Voltage item is supported only if the OV_CPU  
jumper is enabled. Otherwise the maximum voltage supported is [1.70000V].  
See CPU / DRAM Bus overvoltage settings on page 2-23 for details.  
3.5.15  
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.50V with a 0.02V  
interval.  
3.5.16  
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the QPI/DRAM Core voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.60000V  
with a 0.00625V interval.  
3-16  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.17  
IOH Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the I/O Hub (IOH) voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.70V with a  
0.02V interval.  
3.5.18  
IOH PCIE Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the IOH PCIE voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.76V with a 0.02V  
interval.  
3.5.19  
ICH Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the I/O Controller Hub (ICH) voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V  
with a 0.10V interval.  
3.5.20  
ICH PCIE Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the ICH PCIE voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 1.80V with a 0.10V  
interval.  
3.5.21  
DRAM Bus Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.46V* with a 0.01V  
interval.  
•
•
•
The value [2.46V] of the DRAM Bus Voltage item is supported only if the  
OV_DRAM_BUS jumper is enabled, otherwise the maximum voltage supported is [2.0V].  
See CPU / DRAM Bus overvoltage settings on page 2-23 for details.  
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may  
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage  
requirement below 1.65V.  
The values of the CPU Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage, QPI/DRAM Core Voltage, IOH  
Voltage, IOH PCIE Voltage, ICH Voltage, ICH PCIE Voltage, and DRAM Bus  
Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage  
settings. Refer to the table below for details.  
•
The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage  
settings.  
Blue  
Yellow  
Purple  
Red  
0.85000V–  
1.22500V  
1.23125V–  
1.29375V  
1.30000V–  
1.35000V  
1.35625V  
1.70000V  
CPU Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
1.80V–1.90V  
1.92V–2.00V  
2.02V–2.10V  
2.12V–2.50V  
QPI/DRAM Core  
Voltage  
1.20000V–  
1.26875V  
1.27500V–  
1.32500V  
1.33125V–  
1.40000V  
1.40625V–  
1.60000V  
IOH Voltage  
1.10V–1.18V  
1.50V–1.58V  
1.10V–1.20V  
1.50V–1.60V  
1.50V–1.64V  
1.20V–1.24V  
1.60V–1.66V  
1.30V–1.40V  
1.70V–1.80V  
N/A  
1.26V–1.30V  
1.68V–1.74V  
N/A  
1.32V–1.70V  
1.76V–2.76V  
N/A  
IOH PCIE Voltage  
ICH Voltage  
ICH PCIE Voltage  
DRAM Bus Voltage  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
1.66V–2.46V  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-17  
 
3.5.22  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B/C [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B/C. The values  
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM  
overclocking ability.  
3.5.23  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B/C [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel A/B/C. The values  
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM  
overclocking ability.  
3.5.24  
Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
[Auto]  
BIOS automatically adjusts the voltage.  
Follows the Intel specifications.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Improves the CPU VDroop directly.  
3.5.25  
CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto]  
Different AMP might enhance BCLK overclocking ability.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [700mV] [800mV] [900mV] [1000mV]  
3.5.26  
CPU Clock Skew [Auto]  
Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability. You may need to adjust  
the IOH Clock Skew item at the same time.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] – [Delay 1400ps]  
[Delay 1500ps]  
3.5.27  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
Set to [Disabled] to enhance BCLK overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3.5.28  
IOH Clock Skew [Auto]  
Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability. You may need to adjust  
the CPU Clock Skew item at the same time.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] – [Delay 1400ps]  
[Delay 1500ps]  
3.5.29  
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-18  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.6  
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.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Configure CPU.  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
USB Configuration  
PCIPnP  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.6.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically  
detects.  
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
Configure advanced CPU settings  
Sets the ratio between  
CPU Core Clock and the  
FSB Frequency.  
NOTE: If an invalid  
ratio is set in CMOS  
then actual and  
setpoint values may  
differ.  
Manufacturer:Intel  
Brand String:Genuine Intel(R) CPU 000 @ 3.20GHz  
Frequency  
:3.20GHz  
BCLK Speed :133MHz  
Cache L1  
Cache L2  
Cache L3  
:256 KB  
:1024 KB  
:8192 KB  
Ratio Status:(Min:12, Max:63)  
Ratio Actual Value:24  
NOTE: Please key in  
ratio numbers directly  
CPUID  
:106A4  
←→  
↑↓  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
CPU Ratio Setting  
[Auto]  
C1E Support  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Hardware Prefetcher  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch  
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech  
CPU TM Function  
Execute-Disable Bit  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
Intel(R) HT Technology  
Active Processor Cores  
A20M  
[Enabled]  
[All]  
[Disabled]  
Intel PPM Configuration  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-19  
 
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]  
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+>  
and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.  
C1E Support [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to  
enable the Enhanced Halt Sate.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
The processor fetches data and instructions from the memory into the  
cache that are likely to be required in the near future. This reduces the  
latency associated with memory reads.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
The processor fetches the currently requested cache line, as well as the  
subsequent cache line. This reduces the cache latency by making the next  
cache line immediately available if the processor requires it as well.  
[Disabled]  
The processor fetches only the currently requested cache line.  
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately  
and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several  
systems.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
CPU TM function [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.  
Disables this function.  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.  
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).  
[Disabled]  
Intel(R) HT Technology [Enabled]  
The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two  
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two  
threads or processes simultaneously.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Two threads per activated core are enabled.  
Only one thread per activated core is enabled.  
Active Processor Cores [All]  
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.  
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2]  
A20M [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Allows Legacy OSes to be compatible with APs.  
Disables this function.  
3-20  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Intel PPM Configuration  
Configure CPU EIST and C-state function.  
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]  
[Enabled] The CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.  
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you enable the Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech item.  
[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific  
condition.  
[Disabled] Disables this function.  
Intel® Turbo Mode function support depends on CPU types.  
Turbo Ratio Limit Program [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you enable the Intel(R) TurboMode Tech item.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the turbo mode ration programing function.  
Disables this function.  
1/2/3/4-Core Ratio Limit [XX]  
These items appear only when you enable the Intel(R) Turbo Ratio Limit Program item and  
allow you to set the ratio limit for the individual CPU core. The valid value ranges vary according  
to your CPU model. The selected value will be programmed into the Turbo Ratio Limit register.  
TDC Limit Override [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the TDC Limit Override function that allows the motherboard to provide  
the current higher than the factory default Thermal Design Current (TDC) to the  
CPU while using Intel TurboMode.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
TDC Limit value [XXX]  
This item appear only when you enable the TDC Limit Override item and allows you to set the  
TDC threshold while using Intel TurboMode. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU  
model.  
TDP Limit Override [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the TDP Limit Override function that allows the motherboard to provide  
the power higher than the factory default Thermal Design Power (TDP) to the  
CPU while using Intel TurboMode.  
[Disabled]  
Disables this function.  
TDP Limit value [XXX]  
This item appear only when you enable the TDP Limit Override item and allows you to set the  
TDP threshold while using Intel TurboMode. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU  
model.  
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Disabled]  
The Intel® C-State Technology allows the CPU to save more power under idle mode.  
[Enabled] Enable this item only when you install a C-State Technology-supported  
CPU.  
[Disabled] Disables this function.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-21  
C State package limit setting [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech item to [Enabled]. We  
recommend that you set this item to [Auto] for BIOS to automatically detect the C-State  
mode supported by your CPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [C1] [C3] [C6]  
C1 Auto Demotion [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech item to [Enabled].  
[Enabled] When enabled, CPU will conditionally demote C3/C6/C7 requests to C1  
based on uncore auto-demote information.  
[Disabled] Disables this function.  
C3 Auto Demotion [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech item to [Enabled].  
[Enabled] When enabled, CPU will conditionally demote C6/C7 requests to C3 based  
on uncore auto-demote information.  
[Disabled] Disables this function.  
3.6.2  
Chipset  
The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item and  
press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
Configure North Bridge  
features.  
Advanced Chipset Settings  
WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
North Bridge Configuration  
Intel VT-d Configuration  
NorthBridge Chipset Configuration  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
NorthBridge Chipset Configuration  
Revision  
:B3  
Intel VT-d Configuration  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
[Disabled]  
Advanced  
Intel Virtualization  
Technology for  
Directed I/O.  
Intel VT-d Configuration  
Intel VT-d  
Intel VT-d [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-22  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.6.3  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Options  
High Definition Audio  
[Enabled]  
[HD Audio]  
[SPDIF]  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Front Panel Type  
SPDIF OUT Mode Setting  
RTL8110SC LAN  
LAN Boot ROM  
Onboard 1394 Controller  
Marvell 9128 Controller  
JMB 36x ATA Controller  
JMB 36x OptionRom  
OptionRom Display in POST  
OptionRom Detect Time Out  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[IDE Mode]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
Serial Port1 Address  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
High Definition Audio [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the controller.  
The following item appears only when you set the High Definition Audio item to [Enabled].  
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]  
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 Audio] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.  
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF]  
[SPDIF]  
[HDMI]  
Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.  
Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.  
RTL8110SC LAN [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the Realtek LAN controller.  
Disables the controller.  
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].  
[Enabled] Enables the LAN Boot ROM.  
[Disabled] Disables the LAN Boot ROM.  
Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-23  
 
Marvell 9128 Controller [IDE Mode]  
Allows you to select the Marvell 9128 controller operating mode.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the controller.  
[IDE Mode]  
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as  
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.  
[AHCI Mode]  
Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the  
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard  
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases  
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to  
internally optimize the order of commands.  
JMB 36x ATA Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the JMB 36x ATA controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
If you want to use the full functin of the JMB 36x ATA contorller (ex. AHCI), we recommend  
that you set this item to [Enabled] and install the JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver from  
the motherboard support DVD.  
JMB 36x OptionRom [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to  
enable or disable the OptionRom of the JMB 36x ATA controller.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
OptionRom Display in POST [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the JMB 36x OptionRom item to [Enabled] and  
allows you to display or hide the OptionRom of the JMB 36x ATA controller during  
POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
OptionRom Detect Time Out [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the JMB 36x OptionRom item to [Enabled] and  
allows you to select the time out value for detecting the OptionRom.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 Sec] [2 Sec] [6 Sec]  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]  
3-24  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.6.4  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and  
press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Options  
USB Devices Enabled:  
Disabled  
Enabled  
1 Mouse  
USB Functions  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[HiSpeed]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
NEC USB 3.0 Controller  
USB 2.0 Controller  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode  
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off  
Legacy USB Support  
The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is  
detected, the item shows None.  
USB Functions [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the USB Host Controllers.  
Disables the controllers.  
NEC USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the USB 3.0 controller.  
Disables the controller.  
The following two items appear only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the USB 2.0 controller.  
Disables the controller.  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]  
[FullSpeed]  
[HiSpeed]  
Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).  
Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).  
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the function.  
The following item appears only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-25  
 
Legacy USB Support [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If  
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is  
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).  
Disables the function.  
3.6.5  
PCIPnP  
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Advanced  
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
Plug And Play O/S  
[No]  
Plug And Play O/S [No]  
[Yes]  
When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the  
operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for  
boot.  
[No]  
When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.  
3-26  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.7  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power  
Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select the ACPI state  
used for System  
Suspend.  
Suspend Mode  
[Auto]  
[No]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Repost Video on S3 Resume  
ACPI 2.0 Support  
ACPI APIC Support  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
EuP Ready  
[Disabled]  
←→  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.7.1  
Suspend Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used  
for system suspend.  
[S1 (POS) only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).  
[S3 only]  
Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).  
[Auto]  
The system automatically configures the ACPI suspend mode.  
3.7.2  
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]  
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.  
[No]  
The system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.  
The system invokes VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.  
[Yes]  
3.7.3  
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
The system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.  
The system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.  
3.7.4  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
The system disables the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC).  
[Enabled]  
The ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-27  
 
3.7.5  
APM Configuration  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Power  
APM Configuration  
Options  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
[Power Off]  
Power Off  
Power On  
Power On By RTC Alarm  
Power On By PCI Devices  
Power On By PCIE Devices  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Last State  
Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
[Power Off]  
[Power On]  
[Last State]  
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was  
before the AC power loss.  
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.  
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and System  
Time will become user-configurable with set values.  
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.  
Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This  
feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the  
+5VSB lead.  
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Space Bar]  
[Ctrl-Esc]  
Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.  
Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.  
Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.  
[Power Key]  
Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature  
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse.  
Enables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX  
power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
3-28  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.7.6  
Hardware Monitor  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Power  
Hardware Monitor  
CPU Temperature  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
MCH Temperature  
[44ºC/111ºF]  
[35ºC/95ºF]  
[84ºC/183ºF]  
CPU Fan Speed  
CPU Q-Fan Control  
[1534RPM]  
[Disabled]  
Chassis Fan 1 Speed  
Chassis Fan 2 Speed  
Chassis Q-Fan Control  
[N/A]  
[N/A]  
[Disabled]  
Power Fan Speed  
NB Fan Speed  
[N/A]  
[N/A]  
←→  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
CPU  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
Voltage  
[ 1.120V]  
[ 3.200V]  
[ 5.214V]  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
12V  
Voltage  
[13.092V]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
CPU/MB/MCH Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU/motherboard/  
MCH temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.  
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
NB Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, power,  
and northbridge fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the  
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected  
speed.  
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.  
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 items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Profile item to [Manual].  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-29  
 
CPU Upper Temperature [70ºC/158ºF]  
Sets the upper limit of the CPU temperature.  
Configuration options: [40ºC/104ºF] [50ºC/122ºF] [60ºC/140ºF] [70ºC/158ºF] [80ºC/176ºF]  
[90ºC/194ºF]  
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle [100%]  
Sets the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the  
CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
Configuration options: [20%] [30%] [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]  
CPU Lower Temperature [40ºC/104ºF]  
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.  
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle [20%]  
Sets the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC/104ºF, the  
CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
Configuration options: [00%] [10%] [20%] [30%] [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]  
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]  
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and  
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.  
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending  
on the chassis temperature.  
[Silent]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.  
[Turbo]  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.  
CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard  
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.  
3.7.7  
EuP Ready [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Energy Using Products (EuP) Ready function.  
Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for  
the EuP requirement. When set to [Enabled], power for WOL, WO_USB,  
audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at S5 state.  
3-30  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.8  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press  
<Enter> to display the submenu.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Specifies the Boot  
Device Priority  
sequence.  
Boot Settings  
Boot Device Priority  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
A virtual floppy disk  
drive (Floppy Drive B:  
) may appear when you  
set the CD-ROM drive  
as the first boot  
device.  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.8.1  
Boot Device Priority  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Boot  
Boot Device Priority  
1st Boot Device  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
[Removable Dev.]  
[Hard Drive]  
[ATAPI DVD-ROM]  
1st – xxth Boot Device [Removable Dev.]  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The  
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices  
installed in the system.  
Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]  
•
•
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo  
appears.  
To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:  
•
•
Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears  
Press <F8> after POST.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-31  
 
3.8.2  
Boot Settings Configuration  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Allows BIOS to skip  
certain tests while  
booting. This will  
decrease the time  
needed to boot the  
system.  
Quick Boot  
Full Screen Logo  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Force BIOS]  
[On]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
AddOn ROM Display Mode  
Bootup Num-Lock  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.  
When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while  
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the full screen logo display feature.  
Disables the full screen logo display feature.  
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.  
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]  
[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot  
sequence.  
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party  
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
[Off]  
[On]  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables this function.  
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables this function.  
The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.  
3-32  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.8.3  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item  
and press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Boot  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disable password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Not Installed  
: Not Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
Change User Passward  
Change Supervisor Password  
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item  
on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item  
shows Installed.  
To set a Supervisor Password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the password box, key in a password composed of at least six letters and/or  
numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.  
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.  
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press  
<Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.  
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real  
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC  
RAM.  
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change  
other security settings.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-33  
 
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Boot  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Installed  
: Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
User Access Level  
Change User Password  
Clear User Password  
Password Check  
[Full Access]  
[Setup]  
User Access Level [Full Access]  
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.  
[No Access]  
[View Only]  
[Limited]  
Prevents user access to the Setup utility.  
Allows access but does not allow change to any field.  
Allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.  
Allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.  
[Full Access]  
Change User Password  
Select this item to set or change the user password. 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.  
Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.  
On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters  
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.  
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.  
Clear User Password  
Select this item to clear the user password.  
Password Check [Setup]  
[Setup]  
BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.  
[Always]  
BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting  
the system.  
3-34  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.9  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Press ENTER to run  
the utility to select  
and update BIOS.  
This utility supports:  
1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)  
2.NTFS (read only)  
3.CD-DISC (read only)  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
AI NET 2  
Drive Xpert Configuration  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
3.9.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
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 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.  
3.9.2  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Tools  
O.C. PROFILE Configuration  
Typing your profile  
name, [0-9][a-z][A-Z]  
are acceptable.  
O.C. Profile 1 Status : Not Installed  
O.C. Profile 2 Status : Not Installed  
O.C. Profile 3 Status : Not Installed  
Status:  
Add Your CMOS Profile.  
Name:  
[Default-Profile]  
Save To:  
Load CMOS Profiles.  
Load From:  
[Uninstalled]  
[Blank]  
←→  
↑↓  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
Start O.C. Profile  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-35  
 
Add Your CMOS Profile  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, key in  
your profile name and press <Enter>, and then choose a profile number to save your CMOS  
settings in the Save to sub-item.  
Load CMOS Profiles.  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to  
load the file.  
Start O.C. Profile  
Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.  
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility V1.44  
Current CMOS  
BOARD: SABERTOOTH X58  
VER: 0103  
Restore CMOS  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 03/09/2010  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
•
•
•
•
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 the  
system boot failure!  
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU  
configuration and BIOS version.  
Only the CMO file can be loaded.  
3-36  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.9.3  
AI NET 2  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Tools  
Check Marvell LAN  
AI NET 2  
Pair Status Length  
cable during POST.  
Check Realtek LAN cable  
[Disabled]  
Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test  
(POST).  
[Enabled]  
BIOS checks the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test  
(POST).  
3.9.4  
Drive Xpert Configuration  
Drive Xpert Setup Utility  
Tools  
Drive Xpert configuration  
Update Drive Xpert  
Mode changes after  
saving changes and  
exiting BIOS setup.  
Drive Xpert Group :  
Current Mode  
:Normal Mode  
Driver Xpert Mode Update:  
Update To Super Speed  
Update To EZ Backup  
Discard Drive Xpert  
Mode changes after  
exiting BIOS setup  
without saving any  
changes.  
[Press Enter]  
[Press Enter]  
[Press Enter]  
Update To Normal Mode  
Drive Xpert Device(s) List :  
Port 0  
Port 1  
: [ST380817AS]  
: [ST380817AS]  
•
•
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA  
signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA_6G_1 and SATA_6G_2  
connectors.  
You can only make one Drive Xpert change a time before you save BIOS settings and  
restart the computer.  
Drive Xpert Group:  
Current Mode  
Displays the current Drive Xpert mode.  
Changed Mode  
This item appears only when you select a Drive Xpert mode to update and displays the  
Drive Xpert mode that you have changed.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-37  
 
Drive Xpert Mode Update:  
Update To Super Speed [Press Enter]  
Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives as one  
single drive partition.  
All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed setup.  
Update To EZ Backup [Press Enter]  
Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an identical  
image of data from the SATA_6G_1 drive to the SATA_6G_2 drive.  
All original data of the SATA_6G_2 hard disk will be erased for EZ Backup setup.  
Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter]  
Allows you to use the SATA_6G_1 and SATA_6G_2 connectors as normal SATA  
connectors.  
When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the SATA_6G_1  
connector on the motherboard.  
Drive Xpert Device(s) List:  
Port 0 / Port 1  
Press <Enter> to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the  
SATA_6G_1 and SATA_6G_2 connectors on the motherboard.  
3-38  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.10 Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS  
items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
SABERTOOTH X58 BIOS Setup  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Exit system setup  
after saving the  
changes.  
Exit Options  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Discard Changes  
F10 key can be used  
for this operation.  
Load Setup Defaults  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this  
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to  
ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery  
sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this  
option, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.  
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts  
you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter>  
to save the changes while exiting.  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the  
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and  
Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.  
Discard Changes  
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved  
values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any changes  
and load the previously saved values.  
Load Setup 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 Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before  
saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
3-39  
 
3-40  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chapter 4  
Chapter 4:  
Software support  
4.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 7  
operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to  
maximize the features of your hardware.  
•
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented  
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed  
information.  
•
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before  
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.  
4.2  
Support DVD information  
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software  
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.  
4.2.1  
Running the support DVD  
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if  
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.  
The 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 the ASSETUP.EXE to run  
the DVD.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-1  
 
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 the 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  
ASUS PC Probe II  
PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and  
alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU  
temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based,  
you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are  
assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.  
Launching PC Probe II  
1.  
2.  
Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD.  
Launch PC Probe II by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC  
Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.  
3.  
The PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click this icon to close  
or restore the application.  
PC Probe II main window  
Button  
Function  
Opens the Configuration window  
Opens the Report window  
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window  
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window  
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window  
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window  
Shows/Hides the Preference section  
Minimizes the application  
Closes the application  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-3  
 
4.3.2  
ASUS Fan Xpert  
Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to  
different ambient temperatures and your PC’s system loading. The various fan profiles offer  
flexible controls of fan speeds to achieve a quiet and cool system environment.  
Launching Fan Xpert  
1.  
2.  
Install Fan Xpert from the motherboard support DVD.  
Click Start > All Programs > ASUS > Fan Xpert > Fan Xpert v1.xx.xx.  
Using Fan Xpert  
Click to open the  
Calibration window  
Click to select a fan  
Click to select a  
Click to display  
the current CPU  
temperature and the fan  
speed ratio  
fan profile  
Click to cancel  
the settings  
Click to apply  
the settings  
Fan profiles  
•
•
•
•
•
•
Disable: disables the Fan Xpert function.  
Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.  
Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.  
Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.  
Intelligent: automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient temperature.  
Stable: fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation. The  
fan will speed up when the temperature exceeds 70ºC.  
•
User: allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
4-4  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.3  
Audio configurations  
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio  
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection function, S/PDIF Out  
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®  
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and  
giving users plug and play convenience.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that  
came with the motherboard package.  
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find  
the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-  
click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager  
A.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® Vista™ / Windows® 7™  
Set default device  
button  
Minimize  
button  
Exit button  
Device  
advanced  
settings  
Configuration  
option tabs  
Connector  
settings  
Analog  
and digital  
connector  
status  
Control  
settings  
window  
Information  
button  
B.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP  
Exit button  
Configuration  
options  
Minimize button  
Control settings  
window  
Information button  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-5  
 
4.4  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the Intel® ICH10R Southbridge controller 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 2 or later versions before using Serial  
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using  
Windows® XP SP2 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 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
4.4.1  
RAID definitions  
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in  
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a  
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access  
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to  
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications  
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID  
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use  
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be  
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among  
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and  
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,  
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.  
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having  
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both  
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive  
and three new drives for this setup.  
Intel® Matrix Storage. The Intel® Matrix Storage technology supported by the ICH10R chip  
allows you to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 functions to improve both  
system performance and data safety. You can also combine two RAID sets to get higher  
performance, capacity, or fault tolerance provided by the difference RAID function. For  
example, RAID 0 and RAID 1 set can be created by using only two identical hard disk drives.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.4.2  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install  
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
4.4.3  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using  
SATA HDDs. To do this:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.  
Go to the Main menu > Storage Configuration, and then press <Enter>.  
Set the Configure SATA as item to [RAID].  
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.  
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.  
Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at  
RAID mode together.  
4.4.4  
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility  
To enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system.  
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.0.0.1038 ICH10R wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-08 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ MAIN MENU ]  
1. Create RAID Volume  
2. Delete RAID Volume  
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID  
4. Exit  
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]  
RAID Volumes:  
None defined.  
Physical Disks:  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size  
Type/Status(Vol ID)  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Exit  
[ENTER]-Select Menu  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-7  
 
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus  
and select the menu options.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not  
exactly match the items on your screen.  
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.  
Creating a RAID set  
To create a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.0.0.1038 ICH10R wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-08 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name: Volume0  
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)  
Disks: Select Disks  
Strip Size:  
128KB  
GB  
Capacity: 0.0  
Create Volume  
[ HELP ]  
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is  
16 characters or less.  
[↑↓]Change  
[TAB]-Next  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[ENTER]-Select  
2.  
3.  
Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.  
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID  
level to create, and then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want  
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:  
[ SELECT DISKS ]  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size  
Status  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.  
]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done  
[
↑↓  
4-8  
Chapter 4: Software support  
5.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small  
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.  
6.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10  
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB  
to 128KB. The following are typical values:  
RAID 0: 128KB  
RAID 10: 64KB  
RAID 5: 64KB  
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for  
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.  
7.  
8.  
When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want  
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.  
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning  
message appears:  
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.  
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):  
9.  
Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back  
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-9  
Deleting a RAID set  
Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when  
you delete a RAID set.  
To delete a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.0.0.1038 ICH10R wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-08 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name  
Volume0  
Level  
RAID0(Stripe)  
Drives  
2
Capacity  
298.0GB  
Status  
Normal  
Bootable  
Yes  
[ HELP ]  
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.  
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[DEL]-Delete Volume  
2.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press  
<Del>. The following warning message appears:  
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]  
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!  
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to  
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.  
Exiting the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager  
To exit the utility:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 4. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following  
warning message appears:  
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]  
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):  
2.  
Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.4.5  
Marvell RAID utility  
The onboard Marvell 9128 SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller allows you to create a RAID 0 or  
RAID 1 array using two SATA hard disk drives. Refer to Chapter 2 of your motherboard user  
manual for the exact location of the Marvell 9128 SATA 6.0 Gb/s connector.  
To enter the Marvell utility, press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST.  
All exisiting data on the hard disk drives will be erased when creating or deleting a RAID  
array. Ensure that you have back up all your data in your hard disk drives before making  
any change to the drive status.  
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.  
Topology  
Information  
HBA 0: Marvell 0  
Vendor ID  
:
:
:
:
1B4B  
├ Virtual Disks  
Device ID  
91A3  
└ Free Physical Disks  
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS  
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS  
Revision ID  
BIOS Version  
Firmware Version:  
PCIe Speed Rate :  
Configure SATA as:  
B1  
0.0.0000  
2.1.0.1410  
5.0Gbps  
IDE Mode  
▶
▶
Help  
Marvell RAID on chip controller.  
ENTER: Operation  
F10: Exit/Save  
ESC: Return  
Create a RAID Array  
1.  
2.  
Move the selection bar to HBA 0: Marvell 0 and press <Enter>.  
Select Configuration Wizard and press <Enter>.  
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.  
Configure->Select free disks  
HBA 0: Marvell 0  
├ Virtual Disks  
Port ID  
PD ID  
Type  
:
:
:
:
:
0
0
└ Free Physical Disks  
SATA PD  
Unconfigured  
152626MB  
MCQ 3G 48Bits  
3G  
ST3160812AS  
9LS0F4HL  
3.AAE  
*
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS  
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS  
Status  
Size  
Feature Support :  
Current Speed  
Model  
:
:
:
:
Serial  
FW Version  
▶
▶
Help  
Use space bar to select the free disks to be used in the array.  
ENTER: Operation SPACE: Select F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return  
3.  
Press <Space> to select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array.  
An asterisk (*) appears in front of the selected hard drive. After selecting all the drives  
needed for the RAID array, press <Enter> to continue.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-11  
 
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.  
Configure->Select free disksCreate Virtual Disk  
HBA 0: Marvell 0  
├ Virtual Disks  
RAID Level  
Max Size(MB)  
Stripe Size  
: RAID 0  
: 305253  
: 64KB  
└ Free Physical Disks  
*
*
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS  
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS  
Gigabyte Rounding : 1G  
Quick Init  
VD Name  
Disks ID  
Next  
: Yes  
: Default  
: 0 B  
▶
▶
Help  
Virtual disk configurations.  
ENTER: Select F10: Exit/Save  
ESC: Return  
4.  
Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press <Enter> to  
configure further RAID settings.  
RAID Level: Select a RAID Level. Configuration options: [RAID 0] [RAID 1]  
Stripe Size: Specifies the size of single data block on the virtual disk. In general, a  
larger stripe size is recommended for applications requiring large data transfers such  
as audio, video, and graphics. A smaller stripe size is better for applications with  
content in much smaller size, such as e-mails and documents.  
Configuration options: [32K] [64K]  
Gigabyte Rounding: In the event of a single physical disk failure in a RAID 1 virtual  
disk, Gigabyte Rounding allows the replacement physical disk to be of a size slightly  
smaller than the existing physical disk. The capacity of the rebuilt virtual disk equals  
to the size of the smaller physical disk included in the RAID 1 array. The configuration  
options represent the tolerance value of drive capacity difference.  
Configuration options: [None] [1G] [10G]  
Quick Init: Enables or disables quick initialization of the virtual disk.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
VD Name: Enter a name with 1–10 letters (no special characters) for the RAID array.  
5.  
Move the selection bar to Next and press <Enter>. The following warning message  
appears:  
Create Virtual Disk  
Do you want to create this virtual disk ?  
Yes  
No  
Press <Y> to create the RAID array, or press <N> to cancel. The new RAID array  
appears under Virtual Disks, as shown in the image below.  
4-12  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.  
Topology  
Information  
HBA 0: Marvell 0  
├ Virtual Disks  
│ └ VD 0: New_VD  
Vendor ID  
Device ID  
Revision ID  
:
:
:
:
1B4B  
91A3  
B1  
│
│
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS BIOS Version  
0.0.0000  
2.1.0.1410  
5.0Gbps  
IDE Mode  
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS Firmware Version:  
└ Free Physical Disks  
PCIe Speed Rate :  
Configure SATA as:  
▶
▶
Help  
Marvell RAID on chip controller.  
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save  
ESC: Return  
6.  
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:  
Exit  
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?  
Yes  
No  
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.  
Delete an existing RAID Array  
1.  
Select the RAID array to delete and press <Enter>. Select Delete and press <Enter>.  
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.  
Topology  
Information  
HBA 0: Marvell 0  
├ Virtual Disks  
│ └ VD 0: New_VD  
ID  
: 0  
Name  
: New_VD  
: Functional  
: 64K  
tatus  
│
│
├ PD 0: ST316[Delete]tripte Size  
└ PD 8: ST316AID Mode  
└ Free Physical Disks  
: RAID0  
: 304128MB  
: N/A  
: 2  
: 0 8  
Size  
BGA Status  
Number of PDs  
Members  
▶
▶
Help  
Delete the selected virtual disk.  
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save  
ESC: Return  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-13  
2.  
The following warning message appears:  
Delete Virtual Disk  
Do you want to delete this virtual disk ?  
Yes  
No  
Press <Y> to delete the selected RAID array. The following warning message appears:  
Delete MBR  
Do you want to delete MBR from this virtual disk ?  
Yes  
No  
Press <Y> to delete the Master Boot Record (MBR) from the selected RAID array.  
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:  
3.  
Exit  
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?  
Yes  
No  
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.  
4-14  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system  
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
•
•
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a  
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.  
Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP  
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.5.4 Using a USB  
floppy disk drive.  
4.5.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
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 <a> or <b> to create a 32/64bit  
Intel ICH10R RAID driver disk.  
7.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.  
8.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
4.5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Start Windows®.  
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make disk menu, and then click Intel ICH10R 32/64 bit RAID Driver Disk to  
create an Intel® ICH10R RAID driver disk.  
5.  
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.  
6.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-15  
 
4.5.3  
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP  
1.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-  
party SCSI or RAID driver.  
2.  
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.  
3.  
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the  
corresponding OS version.  
4.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista 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.  
4-16  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.5.4  
Using a USB floppy disk drive  
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you  
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.  
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to  
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:  
1.  
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk  
containing the RAID driver.  
2.  
Right-click My Computer on the  
Windows® desktop or start menu,  
and then select Manage from the  
pop-up window.  
or  
3.  
Select Device Manager. From the  
Universal Serial Bus controllers,  
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and  
then select Properties from the pop-up  
window.  
The name of the USB floppy disk  
drive varies with different vendors.  
4.  
Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)  
and Product ID (PID) are displayed.  
5.  
Browse the contents of the RAID driver  
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.  
6.  
Double-click the file. A window appears,  
allowing you to select the program for  
opening the oem file.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
4-17  
 
7.  
Use Notepad to open the file.  
8.  
9.  
Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_ICH10R] and  
[HardwareIds.scsi.iastor_ICH8RICH9RICH10RDO] sections in the txtsetup.oem file.  
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:  
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”  
Add the same line to both sections.  
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.  
10. Save and exit the file.  
4-18  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Chapter 5  
Chapter 5:  
Multiple GPU technology support  
5.1  
ATI® CrossFireX™ technology  
The motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install  
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in  
this section.  
5.1.1  
Requirements  
•
In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are ATI® certified.  
•
•
•
In Triple CrossFireX mode, you should have three identical CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards that are ATI® certified.  
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology.  
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.  
•
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
The ATI Triple CrossFireX technology is currently supported by Windows® Vista  
operating system only.  
•
Visit the ATI Game website (http://game.amd.com) for the latest certified graphics card  
and the supported 3D application list.  
5.1.2  
Before you begin  
For ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers  
before installing ATI 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 Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.  
3.  
4.  
Select your current graphics card driver/s.  
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.  
For Windows Vista, select Uninstall.  
5.  
Turn off your computer.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
5-1  
 
5.1.3  
Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards  
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard  
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual  
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots  
recommended for multi-graphics card  
installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly  
seated on the slots.  
4.  
Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX  
bridge connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Ensure that the  
connector is firmly in place.  
goldfingers  
CrossFireX bridge  
(bundled with  
graphics cards)  
5.  
6.  
Connect two independent auxiliary power  
sources from the power supply to the two  
graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
5-2  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
5.1.4  
Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards  
1.  
2.  
Prepare three CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.  
Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more  
than three PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the  
PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.  
4.  
Align and firmly insert the two CrossFireX  
bridge connectors to the goldfingers  
on each graphics card. Ensure that the  
connectors are firmly in place.  
5.  
6.  
Connect three independent auxiliary  
power sources from the power supply to  
the three graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
5-3  
 
5.1.5  
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 ATI® CrossFireX™  
technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
If you are using a Triple CrossFireX system, ensure to install the ATI Catalyst® driver  
under Windows® Vista™ OS. The ATI Triple CrossFireX technology is currently  
supported by Windows® Vista™ only.  
5.1.6  
Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature  
through the ATI Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.  
Launching the ATI Catalyst Control Center  
To launch the ATI Catalyst Control Center:  
1.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select  
Catalyst(TM) Control Center. You can also  
right-click the ATI icon in the Windows notification  
area and select Cayalist Control Center.  
2.  
The Catalyst Control Center Setup  
Assistant appears when the system  
detects the existance of multi-graphics  
cards. Click Go to continue to the  
Catalyst Control Center Advanced  
View window.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology  
1.  
In the Catalyst Control Center window,  
click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX >  
Configure.  
2.  
From the Graphics Adapter list, select  
the graphics card to act as the display  
GPU.  
2
3.  
4.  
Select Enable CrossFireX.  
3
1
Click Apply, and then click OK to exit  
the window.  
4
Enabling Triple CrossFireX technology  
1.  
In the Catalyst Control Center window,  
click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX >  
Configure.  
2.  
From the Graphics Adapter list, select  
the graphics card to act as the display  
GPU.  
2
3.  
4.  
Select Enable CrossFireX.  
3
4
1
From the list, select the appropriate GPU  
combination to apply the CrossFireX  
technology.  
5.  
Click Apply, and then click OK to exit  
the window.  
5
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
5-5  
5.2  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology  
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that  
allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the  
installation procedures in this section.  
5.2.1  
Requirements  
•
In SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®  
certified.  
•
•
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download  
the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.  
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
•
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics  
card and supported 3D application list.  
5.2.2  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards  
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard  
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual  
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots  
recommended for multi-graphics card  
installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly seated  
on the slots.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
 
4.  
5.  
6.  
Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics  
card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.  
Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two  
graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.  
SLI bridge  
Goldfingers  
5.2.3  
Installing the device drivers  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device  
drivers.  
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.  
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
5.2.4  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA®  
Control Panel under the Windows® Vista™ operating system.  
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel  
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.  
A.  
Right click on the empty space of the Windows® desktop  
and select NVIDIA Control Panel.  
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step B5).  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
5-7  
 
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step  
(A), select Personalize.  
B2. From the Personalization window,  
select Display Settings.  
B3. From the Display Settings dialog box,  
click Advanced Settings.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and  
then click Start the NVIDIA Control  
Panel.  
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window  
appears.  
Enabling SLI settings  
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select  
Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI  
and set the display for viewing SLI rendered  
content. When done, click Apply.  
ASUS SABERTOOTH X58  
5-9  
5-10  
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support  
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  
info@asus.com.tw  
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.  

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