The Ultimate Guide to Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX Motherboard

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX Motherboard: A Fan Favorite
3. The Tough Components and Ceramic Coating
4. The Thermal Radar and AI Suite
5. The Digi+ VRM Power Delivery System
6. Specifications of the Motherboard
7. SATA and RAID Support
8. Expansion Slots and Connectivity Options
9. Impressions and Performance
10. Version Differences and BIOS Flashing
11. Conclusion

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX Motherboard: A Fan Favorite

When it comes to motherboards, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX has gained quite a following among enthusiasts. Its reputation for durability and performance has made it a fan favorite in the market. In this article, we will explore the key features and specifications of this motherboard, as well as its pros and cons.

Introduction

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is known for its tough components and ceramic coating, designed to improve heat dissipation and maintain lower temperatures. This motherboard also boasts the Thermal Radar and AI Suite, which offer comprehensive monitoring and control options. Additionally, the Digi+ VRM power delivery system ensures stable performance and facilitates overclocking.

The Tough Components and Ceramic Coating

One of the standout features of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is its tough components and ceramic coating. The motherboard comes equipped with a ceramic coating on the heat sinks and the VRM, which enhances heat dissipation and contributes to a 50% better cooling performance compared to other models. This is especially useful for users who require high-performance systems that can handle intense workloads without overheating.

While the ceramic coating undoubtedly improves heat dissipation, it's important to note that optimal cooling is also dependent on the number of fans in the system. With the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX, users have the flexibility of installing up to seven or eight fans, making it a versatile choice for those who prioritize efficient cooling.

The Thermal Radar and AI Suite

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX comes with a unique feature called the Thermal Radar, which utilizes sensors placed all over the motherboard to monitor temperature levels. This allows users to easily check the heat status of various components such as the USB 3, Southbridge, PCI Express, and CPU. The data is displayed on the AI Suite, a software Package that offers a wide range of monitoring and control options.

The AI Suite is a valuable tool that enables users to monitor and optimize their system's performance. It provides real-time information on temperatures, fan speeds, voltages, and more. Additionally, it allows users to adjust settings and customize their system according to their specific needs.

The Digi+ VRM Power Delivery System

One of the key highlights of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is its Digi+ VRM power delivery system. Designed to efficiently deliver power to the CPU, this system ensures stable performance and reliable power delivery. The motherboard features an 8+2 power phase design, which is standard for high-quality motherboards in this category.

The Digi+ VRM power delivery system has been widely praised for its efficiency and reliability. It not only provides stable power during demanding tasks but also facilitates overclocking for users who want to push their system's performance to the limit.

Specifications of the Motherboard

Before diving into the details, let's take a closer look at the specifications of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard. It features an AM3+ CPU socket, which is also compatible with AM2. The motherboard supports a maximum of 32 gigabytes of DDR3 RAM with a frequency of up to 1866 MHz. In terms of connectivity, it offers eight SATA ports running at 6 gigabits per Second.

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is well-equipped with expansion options, including four PCI Express 16 slots for running multiple graphics cards. The first slot operates at 16x, while the subsequent slots run at 4x, 8x, and 8x, respectively. There is also a 1x PCI Express slot and a legacy PCI slot for backward compatibility.

Impressions and Performance

In terms of performance, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX delivers solid results. Its power delivery system, along with the high-quality components and efficient heat dissipation, contributes to stable and reliable performance. While it may not offer the best overclocking capabilities in its class, it does provide respectable results, especially when paired with a compatible CPU.

Users have praised the reliability and stability of the Saber-Tooth line from Asus. Across both AMD and Intel platforms, these motherboards have consistently delivered excellent performance. Although they may not always achieve extreme overclocks, they have proven to be highly reliable options for a wide range of applications.

Pros:

• Durable and tough components
• Efficient ceramic coating for improved heat dissipation
• Comprehensive monitoring and control options with the Thermal Radar and AI Suite
• Stable power delivery with the Digi+ VRM system
• Solid performance and reliability

Cons:

• Limited overclocking potential compared to some competitor motherboards
• Crossfire configuration limited to 16x/8x/8x instead of 16x/16x/16x

Version Differences and BIOS Flashing

It's important to note that there are two versions of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard: version one and version two. The main difference between the two is that version two offers support for the latest AMD 8-core processors on the AM3+ and AM3 sockets. Version one requires a BIOS update to be compatible with these processors.

If you are purchasing the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX, ensure that you check the version and be prepared to flash the BIOS if necessary. However, the process of flashing the BIOS is relatively straightforward, and Asus provides clear instructions for updating it using a USB stick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard offers an excellent Blend of durability, performance, and reliability. Its tough components and efficient heat dissipation make it a suitable choice for users looking to build high-performance systems. The inclusion of the Thermal Radar, AI Suite, and Digi+ VRM power delivery system further enhance the user experience.

While it may not have the highest overclocking potential compared to some competitor motherboards, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX excels in stability and dependability. If you are in the market for a motherboard that offers a strong foundation for your system and a comprehensive set of features, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is definitely worth considering.

Highlights:

• The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard is known for its durable tough components and efficient heat dissipation with ceramic coating.
• The Thermal Radar and AI Suite provide comprehensive monitoring and control options for temperature management.
• The Digi+ VRM power delivery system ensures stable performance and facilitates overclocking.
• Specifications include AM3+ CPU socket, support for up to 32GB DDR3 RAM, and eight SATA ports running at 6Gbps.
• Impressions highlight the motherboard's reliability, stability, and solid performance, despite limited overclocking potential.
• Version differences and the necessity of BIOS flashing are important factors to consider.
• Overall, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX is a highly recommended choice for users seeking a durable and reliable motherboard.

FAQ

Q1: Is the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard suitable for gaming?

• Yes, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard is well-suited for gaming due to its durability and efficient cooling features. It supports multiple graphics cards and delivers stable performance for demanding gaming Sessions.

Q2: Can I use AMD's latest 8-core processors with the version one of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard?

• No, the version one of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard requires a BIOS update to be compatible with AMD's latest 8-core processors. Version two of the motherboard offers native support for these processors.

Q3: How many fans can be installed on the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard?

• The Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard supports up to seven or eight fans, allowing for efficient cooling and temperature management within the system.

Q4: Does the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard support RAID configurations?

• Yes, the motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 configurations, providing users with options for data redundancy and performance optimization.

Q5: Can I overclock my CPU easily with the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard?

• Yes, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX motherboard offers overclocking capabilities, and users can easily adjust settings in the BIOS or with the included AI Suite software for a hassle-free overclocking experience.

Resources:

• Asus Saber-Tooth 990 FX Motherboard - Official Website