Asus SABERTOOTH 55i User Manual

Asus SABERTOOTH 55i - Motherboard - ATX Manual

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  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 1
    Motherboard SABERTOOTH 55i
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    express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS"). Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL
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    ...viii About this guide...ix SABERTOOTH 55i specifications summary xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!...1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 "TUF ENGINE!" Power Design 1-3 1.3.3 "Ultimate COOL!" Thermal Solutions
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    2.8.2 Audio I/O connections 2-27 2.8.3 Internal connectors 2-30 2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel 2-39 2.9 Onboard LEDs 2-40 2.10 Starting up for the first time 2-41 2.11 Turning off the computer 2-41 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 Updating BIOS 3-1 3.2.1 ASUS Update
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    3.5.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto 3-20 3.6 Advanced menu 3-21 3.6.1 CPU Configuration 3-21 3.6.2 North Bridge Configuration 3-23 3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration 3-24 3.6.4 USB Configuration 3-25 3.6.5 PCIPnP 3-26 3.6.6 Intel VT-d [Disabled 3-26 3.6.7 T.Probe [Enabled 3-26 3.7 Power menu
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    4-3 4.3.2 ASUS Fan Xpert 4-4 4.3.3 VIA® High Definition Audio utility 4-5 4.3.4 ASUS Drive Xpert 4-6 4.3.5 ASUS T.Probe 4-7 4.4 RAID configurations 4-8 4.4.1 RAID definitions 4-8 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-9 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-9 4.4.4 Intel® Matrix
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    . These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause harmful interference to ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard
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    BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. • DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY-RELATED INSTRUCTIONS. 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
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    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
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    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
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    SABERTOOTH 55i specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Multi-GPU support Storage LAN USB IEEE 1394 Audio LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 Processors Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list Intel® P55 Express Chipset 4
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    SABERTOOTH 55i specifications summary ASUS TUF features Other special features Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors "TUF ENGINE!" Power Design - 12-phase CPU Power - 2-phase Memory Power - 2-phase VTT_CPU Power - ESP: Efficient Switching Power Design for 3VSB/1.8V/1.05V - TUF Cap. & MOSFET
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    SABERTOOTH 55i specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Support DVD contents Form factor 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 WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE Drivers ASUS
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    xiv
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    . Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port eSATA module 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x CoolMem! Fan Frame User Manual 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector User guide Support DVD
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    to page 2-20 for details. Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support! SABERTOOTH 55i brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel® P55 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming
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    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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-3
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    four times better protection and ensure the motherboard's lifespan. EMI Eliminator The EMI Eliminator Design provides better EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference) protection and significantly reduces EMI to 30% lower than the industry's standard. 1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features ASUS Crystal Sound
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    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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-5
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    Chapter 1 1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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    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. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-1
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    2.2 Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Chapter 2 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    2.2.2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. LGA1156 CPU Socket 3. DDR3 DIMM slots 4. DRAM overvoltage setting switch (OV_DRAM) 5. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin
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    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 Chapter 2 2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Chapter 2 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), and then move it to the right (B) until it is released from the retention tab. To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i Load
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    plate 4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket. PnP cap Chapter 2 5. 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 keys into the CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT
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    Chapter 2 6. 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 the load plate slides under the retention lock (C). B A C 8. Insert the load lever under the retention tab. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-7
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    that you use only Intel®‑certified multi‑directional heatsink and fan. • Your Intel® LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and does not require any tool to install. • Use an LGA1156-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The LGA1156 socket is incompatible with the
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    the motherboard. 2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. B 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. A B A A B B A 4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
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    2.4 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
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    . To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-11
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    2GB N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 •• • SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz capability CPU Vendor Part No. Size Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Lable(Bios) DIMM socket Voltage support (Optional) A* B* C* CORSAIR BoxP/N:TW3X4G1800C8DF (CM3X2G1800C8D
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    CPU at 2.66GHz Chapter 2 SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability CPU Vendor Part No. Size Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Lable(Bios Package DIMM socket Voltage support (Optional) 2.0 •• 1.65 • • • N/A ••• 1.9 ••• 1.9 ••• ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-13
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    SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability (continued) CPU Vendor Part No. Size Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Lable(Bios) Capability for CPU ELPIDA Apacer ELPIDA Chip NO. Timing Lable(Bios) DIMM socket Voltage support (Optional) A* B* C* AD30908C8D-15IG (
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    SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333MHz capability (continued) Vendor Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO. Timing Lable(Bios -7-7-7-20) 1.65 9(1333-9-9-9-24) N/A DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* •• • •• • •• •• • •• • ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-15
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    SABERTOOTH 55i Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 (Bios) 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
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    remove a DIMM: 1. Simultaneously press the retaining 2 clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 1 Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. 2. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-17
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    Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). 3. BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support
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    IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D USB 2.0 controller 1 - - - - - - - shared USB 2.0 controller 2 shared - - - - - - - 1394 controller - - shared - - - - - HD Audio - - - - - - shared - PCI_1 shared PCI_2 - shared - - - - - - ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
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    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
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    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. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-21
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    down the 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 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
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    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 power-on switch. 2. Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-23
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    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. Chapter 2 • Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for
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    advanced DRAM overvoltage settings in BIOS. Read the following information 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
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    USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 10. Audio I/O ports** *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. • To enable external SATA device hot-plugging, set the J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller item in the BIOS
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    Mbps connection 100 Mbps connection 1 Gbps connection ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port ** Audio 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 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
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    Connect to Stereo / 2.1-channel Speakers Connect to 4.1-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2 2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    Connect to 7.1-channel Speakers Connect to 9.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-29
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    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. Chapter 2 Single device Two devices Drive jumper setting Cable-Select
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    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
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    SATA_E1/E2 connectors. • The SATA_E1 (orange) and SATA_E2 (white) ports are for SATA hard drives only. 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
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    then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports. 5. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-33
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    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. 7. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is for
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    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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
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    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
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    power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx? ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 2-37
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    panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Chapter 2 • 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
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    POWER SW RESET SW 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 55i 2-39
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    2.9 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
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    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 55i 2-41
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    Chapter 2 2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    drive. Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-1
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    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
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    file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process. SABER55I.ROM ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i SABER55I Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu
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    . • 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
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    to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment 1. 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. 2. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press . Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-5
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    write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown. 1. Copy BIOS Updater (BUPDATER.EXE) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk. 2. Boot the system
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    automatically exits to the DOS prompt after updating BIOS. • Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3 of your motherboard user manual for details. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-7
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    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
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    specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot screen. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Suspend Mode ACPI Version Features ACPI APIC support APM Configuration ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-9
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    and how to navigate through them. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot System Time System Date Language SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2 Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5 SMART Monitoring:Supported Select the type of device connected to the system. Type [Auto]
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    are specifically configuring the device supports multi-sector 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 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-11
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    set the SATA Configuration item to [Enhanced] or [Compatible]. [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI] Set to [IDE AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial Protect [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables device write protection. This function will be effective only if the device is accessed through BIOS
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    , and system memory in this menu. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY 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 Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-13
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    this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Configure System Performance Settings Ai Overclock Tuner CPU Ratio Setting Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech Intel(R) TurboMode Tech Xtreme Phase Full
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    • 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. eXtreme Memory Profile [Disabled] This item appears only when you
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    item settings. According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3 1333. To use DIMMs of a higher frequency with a 2.66G CPU, enable the DRAM O.C. Profile feature in BIOS. Refer to section 3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner for details. Selecting
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    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] Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-17
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    setting. Configuration options: [Offset] [Manual] Offset Voltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Mode item to [Offset] and allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to 0.50000V with a 0.00625V interval. Chapter 3 3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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    recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-19
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    22 [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Load-Line Calibration [Auto] BIOS automatically adjusts the voltage. Follows the Intel specifications. Improves the CPU VDroop directly. CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] Automatic configuration. Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability. Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control. PCIE
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    system to malfunction. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot CPU Configuration North Bridge Configuration Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP Intel VT-d T.Probe [Disabled] [Enabled] Tools Exit Configure CPU. ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go
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    the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down. [Disabled] Disables this function. Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology. [Disabled] Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0). Intel(R) HT Technology
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    : Do not allow remapping of memory. 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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-23
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    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. Realtek LAN1 [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 87
    ] 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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-25
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 88
    devices not required for boot. [No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. 3.6.6 [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel VT-d [Disabled] Disables the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O. Enables the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O. 3.6.7 [Disabled
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 89
    ] 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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-27
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 90
    3.7.6 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Restore on AC from S5 by PCI devices. [Enabled] 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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 91
    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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 92
    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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 93
    Disabled] Disables this function. [Enabled] The system displays the message "Press DEL to run Setup" during POST. POST State LEDs [Enabled] [Enabled] Turn on onboard device LEDs in the order of the device POST sequence. [Disabled] Disables this function. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-31
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 94
    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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Installed : Installed Change Supervisor
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    . 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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-33
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 96
    for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot ASUS O.C. Profile Drive Xpert Configuration AI NET 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Tools Exit ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 97
    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. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-35
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 98
    3.9.2 Drive Xpert Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Drive Xpert configuration Drive Xpert Group : Current Mode :Normal Mode Driver Xpert Mode Update: Update To Super Speed Update To EZ Backup Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter] [Press Enter] [Press Enter] Drive Xpert Device(s) List :
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    Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press to confirm your choice. For more details, refer to section 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 3-37
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 100
    for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit 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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 101
    the ASUS contact information. Click an icon to display DVD/ motherboard information Chapter 4 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 55i
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 102
    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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 103
    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 55i 4-3
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 104
    loading. The various fan profiles offer flexible controls of fan speeds to achieve a quiet and cool system environment. Launching Fan Xpert 1. Install Fan Xpert from the motherboard support DVD. 2. Click Start > All Programs > ASUS > Fan Xpert > Fan Xpert v1.xx.xx. Using Fan Xpert Click to open
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 105
    Out support. Follow the installation wizard to install the VIA® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD that came with the motherboard package. If the VIA audio software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 106
    access data simultaneously. The dual channel design largely enhances hard disk transfer rate. • Normal Mode allows you to disable the Drive Xpert function 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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 107
    menu to [Enabled] 3. Save BIOS settings and restart the computer. Refer to Chapter 3 of the motherboard user manual for detailed instructions of BIOS settings Using ASUS T.Probe Click the T.Probe icon number of the phase bars varies depending on motherboard model. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-7
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 108
    4.4 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. • You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 109
    ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk 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 ]-Select Menu ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-9
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 110
    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 The following screen appears: Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1014 PCH-D wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights
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    stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you menu, or to go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-11
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 112
    return to the utility main menu, or press 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 to exit or press to return to the utility main menu. 4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 113
    click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver to create an Intel® 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. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-13
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 114
    floppy disk or USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive or USB port. 2. During the OS installation, select Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID Controller. 3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. 4.5.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 115
    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. 7. Use Notepad to open the file. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 4-15
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 116
    . 9. 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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 117
    support 5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology The motherboard supports fans for better thermal environment. • The ATI Triple CrossFireX technology is currently supported driver/s. 4. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove. For Windows Vista, select Uninstall. 5. Turn off your computer. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 118
    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- or a DVI cable to the graphics card. goldfingers 5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 119
    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 to continue to the Catalyst Control Center Advanced View window. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-3
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 120
    list, select the appropriate GPU 1 combination to apply the CrossFireX technology. 5. Click Apply, and then click OK to exit the window. 2 3 4 5 5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 121
    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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-5
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 122
    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
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 123
    Chapter 5 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. ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 5-7
  • Asus SABERTOOTH 55i | User Manual - Page 124
    window, select Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI and set the display for viewing SLI rendered content. When done, click Apply. 5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
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Motherboard
SABERTOOTH
55i