Asus SABERTOOTH 55i - Motherboard - ATX User Manual
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Asus SABERTOOTH 55i - Motherboard - ATX User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Asus SABERTOOTH 55i - Motherboard - ATX

  • Page 1 SABERTOOTH...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design............ 1-3 1.3.3 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions .......... 1-3 1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel ..........1-4 1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features............. 1-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information Before you proceed ................... 2-1 Motherboard overview ................2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout ..............2-2 2.2.2...

  • Page 4: Contents

    BIOS setup Knowing BIOS .................... 3-1 Updating BIOS .................... 3-1 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility..............3-2 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ............... 3-4 3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility........... 3-5 3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ..............3-5 BIOS setup program .................. 3-8 3.3.1...
  • Page 5 APM Configuration ..............3-28 3.7.7 Hardware Monitor..............3-29 Boot menu ....................3-30 3.8.1 Boot Device Priority..............3-30 3.8.2 Boot Settings Configuration ............3-31 3.8.3 Security ..................3-32 Tools menu ....................3-34 3.9.1 ASUS O.C. Profile ..............3-34 3.9.2 Drive Xpert Configuration ............3-36...
  • Page 6 Contents 3.9.3 AI NET 2 ..................3-37 3.9.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..............3-37 3.10 Exit menu ....................3-38 Chapter 4: Software support Installing an operating system ..............4-1 Support DVD information ................4-1 4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............4-1 4.2.2...

  • Page 7: Notices

    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://green.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.

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 10: Conventions Used In This Guide

    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.

  • Page 11: Sabertooth 55I Specifications Summary

    ® * 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 (single at x16 or dual at x8 / x8 mode) 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)
  • Page 12 - Drive Xpert - ESD Guards - EMI Eliminator Other special features 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...
  • Page 13 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...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    ® 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.

  • Page 16: Special Features

    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.

  • Page 17: Tuf Engine!" Power Design

    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.

  • Page 18: Safe & Stable!" Guardian Angel

    Refer to page 2-24 for details. ASUS Drive Xpert Without BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive performances without the hassles of complicated configurations.

  • Page 19: Asus Mylogo2

    2-39 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.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction...

  • Page 21: Chapter 2: Hardware Information

    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 55i...

  • Page 22: Motherboard Overview

    Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 23: Layout Contents

    2-22 Reset switch 2-23 Power-on switch 2-23 IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-34 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-36 Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-33 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-36 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 24: Placement Direction

    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.

  • Page 25: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    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.
  • Page 26 Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted. Load plate Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket. PnP cap Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket, and then CPU notches fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU...
  • Page 27 Close the load plate (A), and then push down the load lever (B), ensuring that the front edge of the load plate slides under the retention lock (C). Insert the load lever under the retention tab. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 28: Installing The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel LGA1156 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.

  • Page 29: Uninstalling The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    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. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 30: System Memory

    System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four 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.

  • Page 31: Memory Configurations

    3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-11...
  • Page 32 SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000MHz capability DIMM socket Chip Timing support (Optional) CPU Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage Brand Lable(Bios) Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28(1333-9-9-9-24) 2 • • • G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB (Kit of 3) N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 •...
  • Page 33 9-9-9-24(1600-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • • MFADR401PA0102(XMP) SAMSUNG K4B1G08460 (1066-8-8-8-20) • • • KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GN(EPP) 2GB (Kit of 2) N/A Heat-Sink Package • • • KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GX(XMP) 2GB (Kit of 2) N/A Heat-Sink Package • • • ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-13...
  • Page 34 SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability (continued) DIMM socket Chip Timing support (Optional) CPU Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage Brand Lable(Bios) A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3GB (Kit of 3) N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85 • • • A-DATA AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6GB (Kit of 3) N/A...
  • Page 35 4GB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7 • • Patriot PVT36G1333ELK 6GB (Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • • Silicon SP002GBLTU133S02 DS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • • Power ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-15...
  • Page 36 Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. • According to Intel spec definition, DDR3-1600 is supported for one DIMM per channel only. ASUS exclusively provides two DDR3-1600 DIMM support for each memory channel. • According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3-1333.

  • Page 37: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-17...

  • Page 38: Expansion Slots

    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.

  • Page 39: Interrupt Assignments

    – – – – – 1394 controller – – shared – – – – – HD Audio – – – – – – shared – PCI_1 shared PCI_2 – shared – – – – – – ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-19...

  • Page 40: Pci Slots

    2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support 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 slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s) This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.
  • Page 41 We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode. See page 2-37 for details. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-35 for details. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-21...

  • Page 42: Jumpers

    Jumpers 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.

  • Page 43: Onboard Switches

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on switch. Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-23...

  • Page 44: Memok! Switch

    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...

  • Page 45: Dram Overvoltage Setting Switch (Ov_Dram)

    According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the CPU. • The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling system) to work stably under high voltage settings. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-25...

  • Page 46: Connectors

    Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port (green) USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 LAN (RJ-45) port* IEEE 1394a port PS/2 keyboard port (purple) External SATA port USB 2.0 ports 5–8 USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 Optical S/PDIF Out port 10.

  • Page 47: Audio I/O Connections

    – Subwoofer Subwoofer Subwoofer Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Black – Gray – – – Side Speaker Out Side Speaker Out 2.8.2 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and Mic ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-27...
  • Page 48 Connect to Stereo / 2.1-channel Speakers Connect to 4.1-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers 2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 49 Connect to 7.1-channel Speakers Connect to 9.1-channel Speakers ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-29...

  • Page 50: Internal Connectors

    2.8.3 Internal connectors IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.
  • Page 51 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 55i 2-31...

  • Page 52: Jmicron ® Jmb322 Serial Ata Raid Connectors

    ATAPI devices and hot-plug function are not supported. • Drive Xpert is available only when the hard disk drives connected to SATA_E1 (orange) and SATA_E2 (white) are set as data drives. Refer to 4.3.4 ASUS Drive Xpert for detailed application instructions. 2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 53: Usb Connectors (10-1 Pin Usb910, Usb1112, Usb1314)

    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.

  • Page 54: Ieee 1394A Port Connector (10-1 Pin Ie1394_2)

    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.
  • Page 55 • The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power. • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1 and CHA_FAN 2 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 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment.

  • Page 56: Digital Audio Connector (4-1 Pin Spdif_Out)

    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.
  • Page 57 • 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. • 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.

  • Page 58: System Panel Connector 20-8 Pin Panel

    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.

  • Page 59: Asus Q-Connector (System Panel)

    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: 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.

  • Page 60: Onboard Leds

    Onboard LEDs 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.

  • Page 61: Starting Up For The First Time

    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 55i 2-41...
  • Page 62 2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 63: Chapter 3: Bios Setup

    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.

  • Page 64: Asus Update Utility

    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 •...

  • Page 65: Updating Bios Through Bios File

    Auto Select. Click Next. Next. 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...

  • Page 66: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    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.

  • Page 67: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    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.
  • Page 68 Windows environment ® Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the floppy disk drive. For motherboards without an onboard floppy connector, use a USB floppy disk drive instead. Click Start from the Windows desktop, and then select My Computer (Windows ® ®...
  • Page 69 Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Copy BIOS Updater (BUPDATER.EXE) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk.

  • Page 70: Bios Setup Program

    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.

  • Page 71: Navigation Keys

    <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to Pop-up window display the other items on the screen. 3.3.9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 72: Main Menu

    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.
  • Page 73 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 55i 3-11...

  • Page 74: Storage Configuration

    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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Storage Configuration SATA Configuration [Enhanced] Configure SATA as [IDE] Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]...

  • Page 75: Ahci Configuration

    BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main BIOS Information BIOS Version : 0301 BIOS Build Date : 07/30/09 EC BIOS Version : MBEC-0027 Processor Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.13GHz Speed : 2139MHz System Memory Usable Size : 1016MB ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-13...

  • Page 76: Ai Tweaker Menu

    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.

  • Page 77: Cpu Ratio Setting [Auto]

    D.O.C.P. D.O.C.P. • When using DIMMs with a frequncy higher than the Intel CPU spec, use this ASUS ® exclusive DRAM O.C. Profile function to overclock the DRAM. • Adjust BCLK frequency to obtain a better performance after applying the D.O.C.P function.

  • Page 78: Dram Frequency [Auto]

    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.].
  • Page 79 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] ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-17...

  • Page 80: Cpu Differential Amplitude [Auto]

    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] –...

  • Page 81: Imc Voltage [Auto]

    1.65V. 3.5.16 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.8V to 2.1V with a 0.1V interval. Current CPU PLL Voltage Displays the current CPU PLL voltage. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-19...

  • Page 82: Pch Voltage [Auto]

    3.5.17 PCH Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.15V with a 0.10V interval. Current PCH Voltage Displays the current PCH voltage. The values of the IMC Voltage, DRAM Voltage, and CPU PLL Voltage items are •...

  • Page 83: Advanced Menu

    CPU TM Function [Enabled] Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] Intel(R) HT Technology [Enabled] Active Processor Cores [All] A20M [Disabled] Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled] Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Disabled] v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-21...
  • Page 84 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.

  • Page 85: North Bridge Configuration

    Memory Remap Feature [Enabled] [Disabled] Do not allow remapping of memory. [Enabled] Allows for the segment of system memory that was previously overwritten by PCI devices to be remapped above the total physical memory. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-23...

  • Page 86: Onboard Devices Configuration

    3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Onboard Devices Configuration Options HDA Controller [Enabled] Enabled Front Panel Type [HD Audio] Disabled Realtek LAN1 [Enabled] LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled] J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [IDE Mode] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] HDA Controller [Enabled] [Enabled]...

  • Page 87: Usb Configuration

    [Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). [Disabled] Disables the function. BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-25...

  • Page 88: Pcipnp

    3.6.5 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. BIOS SETUP UTILITY 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]...

  • Page 89: Power Menu

    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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-27...

  • Page 90: Apm Configuration

    3.7.6 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Options Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power Off Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On Power On By External Modems [Disabled] Last State Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]...

  • Page 91: Hardware Monitor

    Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation. [Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-29...

  • Page 92: Boot Menu

    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>...

  • Page 93: Boot Settings Configuration

    Enables the full screen logo display feature. [Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] [Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence.

  • Page 94: Security

    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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings <Enter> to change password. Supervisor Password : Not Installed <Enter>...
  • Page 95 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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-33...

  • Page 96: Tools Menu

    Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ASUS O.C. Profile Drive Xpert Configuration AI NET 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Screen ←→ Select Item ↑↓ Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.
  • Page 97 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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-35...

  • Page 98: Drive Xpert Configuration

    3.9.2 Drive Xpert Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Drive Xpert configuration Update Drive Xpert Mode changes after Drive Xpert Group : saving changes and Current Mode :Normal Mode exiting BIOS setup. Driver Xpert Mode Update: Discard Drive Xpert Update To Super Speed [Press Enter] Mode changes after Update To EZ Backup...

  • Page 99: Ai Net 2

    BIOS checks the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). 3.9.4 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.

  • Page 100: Exit Menu

    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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup...

  • Page 101: Chapter 4: Software Support

    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.

  • Page 102: Obtaining The 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. ® Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide from the manual list on the left. The Manual folder of the support DVD appears. Double-click the folder of your selected software.

  • Page 103: Software Information

    Launching PC Probe II 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.

  • Page 104: Asus Fan Xpert

    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.

  • Page 105: Via ® High Definition Audio Utility

    VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows XP Display panel and volume control Minimize button Configuration options Control settings window Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 106: Asus Drive Xpert

    You may use Drive Xpert function in Express Gate and BIOS setup environments. Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. Chapter 4: Software support...

  • Page 107: Asus T.probe

    Follow the screen instructions to complete installation. Before using ASUS T.Probe You have to configure BIOS settings before using ASUS T.Probe. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Set the T.Probe item in the Advanced menu to [Enabled] Save BIOS settings and restart the computer.

  • Page 108: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Intel P55 chipset that allows you to configure Serial ATA ® hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5. •...

  • Page 109: Installing Serial Ata Hard Disks

    RAID Volumes: None defined. Physical Disks: Port Drive Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID) ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk [↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 110: Creating A Raid Volume

    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.
  • Page 111 WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST. Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N): 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 55i 4-11...
  • Page 112 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: From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears: Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1014 PCH-D wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation.

  • Page 113: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver to create an Intel ® RAID driver disk. Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-13...

  • Page 114: Installing The Raid Driver During Windows ® Os Installation

    4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation ® To install the RAID driver for Windows ® During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third- party SCSI or RAID driver. Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, ensure that you select Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID Controller.
  • Page 115 Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem. Double-click the file. A window appears, allowing you to select the program for opening the oem file. Use Notepad to open the file. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-15...
  • Page 116 Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_PCH] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iastor_8R9R10RDOPCH] sections in the txtsetup.oem file. Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections: id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor” [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_PCH] id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3A22&CC_0106”,”iaStor” id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor” [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_8R9R10RDOPCH] id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3A22&CC_0106”,”iaStor” id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor” Add the same line to both sections. The VID and PID vary with different vendors.

  • Page 117: Chapter 5: Multiple Gpu Technology Support

    For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features. Select your current graphics card driver/s. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove. For Windows Vista, select Uninstall. Turn off your computer. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 118: Installing Two Crossfirex™ Graphics Cards

    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. Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics cards. Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots.

  • Page 119: Installing The Device Drivers

    ATI icon in the Windows notification area and select Cayalist Control Center. 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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...
  • Page 120 Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX > Configure. From the Graphics Adapter list, select the graphics card to act as the display GPU. Select Enable CrossFireX. Click Apply, and then click OK to exit the window.

  • Page 121: Nvidia ® Sli™ Technology

    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. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...

  • Page 122: Installing The Device Drivers

    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...
  • Page 123 If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step (A), select Personalize. From the Personalization window, select Display Settings. From the Display Settings dialog box, click Advanced Settings. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i...
  • Page 124 Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel. 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.

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