Unleash the Power: Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX Motherboard Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX Motherboard
3. Power Phases and Clean Power
4. Cooling Options and Water Pump Header
5. USB 3.1 and Connectivity
6. Onboard Power Switch and BIOS Flashback
7. SATA Connections and External Connectors
8. Longevity and Tough Component Tree
9. Design and Aesthetics
10. Speculations on Zen and Future AMD Motherboards
11. Conclusion

🖥️ Overview of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX Motherboard

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX motherboard is the latest offering from Asus in the AMD AM3+ platform. While many were expecting a new Zen motherboard, Asus has instead released an updated version of their popular Saber-Tooth series. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and capabilities of this motherboard.

Power Phases and Clean Power

One of the highlights of the Saber-Tooth 990FX is its robust power delivery system. With ten power phases dedicated to the CPU, this motherboard is built to handle high-end AMD processors, such as the 9590 and other eight-core models. These power phases ensure that the CPU receives clean and stable power, which is essential for overclocking and maximizing performance.

Cooling Options and Water Pump Header

To complement the power delivery system, the Saber-Tooth 990FX offers various cooling options. Alongside the standard CPU and auxiliary CPU headers, there is a dedicated water pump header for users who prefer liquid cooling solutions. This feature allows for efficient cooling of high-performance CPUs and helps maintain low operating temperatures even under heavy loads.

USB 3.1 and Connectivity

The Saber-Tooth 990FX features both USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports, offering high-speed data transfer rates and compatibility with the latest peripherals. Alongside these, there are also USB 2.0 ports for legacy devices. The motherboard's rear panel boasts a wide range of connectivity options, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, Gigabit LAN, and digital audio connections.

Onboard Power Switch and BIOS Flashback

For ease of use and troubleshooting, the Saber-Tooth 990FX includes an onboard power switch. This allows users to turn on their system without connecting an external switch or button. Additionally, the motherboard features a BIOS flashback switch, which enables users to update the BIOS easily and recover from any potential issues during the update process.

SATA Connections and External Connectors

The Saber-Tooth 990FX offers five onboard SATA connections, allowing for ample storage options. These connections provide high-speed data transfer rates and are suitable for traditional hard drives as well as solid-state drives. Unfortunately, the motherboard does not include SATA Express or U.2 connectors, limiting expansion options for users with specific storage requirements.

Longevity and Tough Component Tree

As part of the Saber-Tooth series, this motherboard is designed for longevity and durability. Asus has implemented a tough component tree to ensure reliability under demanding conditions. The main PCI Express slot is shielded for added rigidity, and LED lighting enhances the overall appearance. The Saber-Tooth 990FX is built to withstand heavy use, making it a suitable choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Design and Aesthetics

One aspect of the Saber-Tooth 990FX that some users may not appreciate is the color scheme. The motherboard comes in a distinctive brown and black color combination, which may not appeal to those looking for a more visually appealing build. However, with some creativity, it is still possible to create an aesthetically pleasing rig using this motherboard.

Speculations on Zen and Future AMD Motherboards

While the release of the Saber-Tooth 990FX is exciting for AMD enthusiasts, many are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Zen architecture. Speculations about Zen's performance and compatibility have been circulating for a while, but concrete information is still scarce. It is expected that next year will bring significant developments and new motherboard releases, allowing users to fully harness the power of Zen processors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a viable option for AMD enthusiasts. With its robust power delivery system, cooling options, USB 3.1 connectivity, and tough component tree, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for high-performance systems. While the color scheme may not suit everyone's taste, the Saber-Tooth 990FX delivers on its promise of longevity and durability. As we eagerly await the arrival of Zen, this motherboard provides a reliable option for users in the meantime.

Highlights

• The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX motherboard boasts a robust power delivery system with ten power phases for clean and stable power supply to the CPU.
• The motherboard offers various cooling options, including a dedicated water pump header for liquid cooling enthusiasts.
• With USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports, the Saber-Tooth 990FX ensures high-speed data transfer and compatibility with the latest peripherals.
• Onboard power switch and BIOS flashback feature provide convenience and ease in system operation and troubleshooting.
• The motherboard's tough component tree and longevity-focused design make it suitable for demanding users.
• Speculations on Zen and future AMD motherboards point towards exciting developments in the coming year.

FAQ

Q: Does the Saber-Tooth 990FX support SATA Express or U.2 connectors? A: No, the motherboard does not include SATA Express or U.2 connectors.

Q: Can the Saber-Tooth 990FX handle high-end AMD processors like the 9590? A: Yes, the robust power delivery system of the motherboard is designed to handle high-end AMD processors, including the 9590.

Q: Is the brown color scheme of the Saber-Tooth 990FX popular among users? A: The brown color scheme may not be to everyone's taste, but with some creativity, it is still possible to create an aesthetically pleasing build using this motherboard.

Q: What can we expect from the Zen architecture and future AMD motherboards? A: While concrete information is scarce, the Zen architecture is highly anticipated for its performance and compatibility. Next year is expected to bring significant developments and new motherboard releases to fully harness the power of Zen processors.