Unleash Your Gaming Potential with the ASUS Saber-Tooth 990FX

Article Title:

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX: A High-Performance Motherboard for Gaming and Overclocking

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX
3. Key Features of the Motherboard
4. Performance and Compatibility
5. Design and Layout
6. Fan Headers and Cooling System
7. Expansion Slots and PCIe Support
8. Storage Options and Connectivity
9. Audio Quality and Networking Capabilities
10. BIOS and Overclocking Experience
11. Pros and Cons of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to the in-depth review of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX motherboard. In this article, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall experience offered by this high-performance motherboard designed for gaming and overclocking enthusiasts. The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX is known for its durability, reliability, and robust design, making it a popular choice among PC builders and gamers alike.

Overview of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX takes pride in its high-quality components and is backed by a remarkable five-year warranty. This motherboard supports all AMD FX processors, ensuring smooth compatibility for users. Additionally, it offers support for both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX configurations for enhanced gaming performance. The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX is also fully compatible with the latest operating system, Windows 8.

Key Features of the Motherboard

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX boasts several key features that set it apart from other motherboards in its class. These include:

• Enhanced durability and reliability
• Military-inspired design and heat sinks for efficient cooling
• Extensive expansion capabilities with multiple PCIe slots
• Support for high-speed SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 interfaces
• High-quality audio playback powered by Realtek ALC892 HD audio codec

Performance and Compatibility

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX excels in terms of performance and compatibility. With its AM3+ socket, it supports both Second-generation AMD FX processors and older Phenom II or Athlon II CPUs. This motherboard offers four DIMM slots for a maximum memory capacity of 32GB, supporting frequencies ranging from 1066MHz to 1866MHz. Whether you're a casual gamer or an overclocking enthusiast, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX provides the power and compatibility needed for optimal performance.

Design and Layout

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX boasts a muscular and rugged design, inspired by military aesthetics. While the unique color scheme may not appeal to everyone, the heavy-duty heat sinks effectively dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance even during demanding tasks. The high-end components and layout of the motherboard contribute to its overall durability and strength. However, finding matching components to complement the color scheme may be a challenge for some users.

Fan Headers and Cooling System

Efficient cooling is crucial for maintaining system stability, especially during intense gaming Sessions or overclocking. The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX offers an ample number of fan headers, allowing users to connect and control multiple case fans. Fan headers are conveniently located near the CPU, memory slots, and chassis, ensuring optimal cooling throughout the system. Additionally, the motherboard features a dedicated heatsink for the 990FX chipset and a separate heatsink for the SP950 Southbridge, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

Expansion Slots and PCIe Support

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX provides extensive expansion capabilities with its four PCIe 2.0 x16 slots. The first slot runs at x16, the second at x4/3, and the last at x8. This motherboard supports both 2-way and 3-way SLI or CrossFireX configurations, allowing users to harness the power of multiple graphics cards for enhanced gaming performance. Additionally, a single PCIe 2.0 x1 slot and a standard PCI slot are available for additional expansion cards.

Storage Options and Connectivity

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX offers a total of eight SATA ports, with six operating at 6Gbps and two operated by a third-party SATA controller. These SATA ports provide high-speed data transfer rates for efficient storage performance. The motherboard also features multiple USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, both on the back panel and as internal headers, ensuring seamless connectivity for peripherals and devices.

Audio Quality and Networking Capabilities

The audio playback and Recording on the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX are powered by the Realtek ALC892 HD audio codec. While not as exceptional as a dedicated sound card, the onboard audio delivers satisfactory sound quality for most users. The motherboard also features a Gigabit LAN port for reliable and high-speed networking capabilities.

BIOS and Overclocking Experience

The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX comes with the Asus UEFI BIOS, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options. The BIOS provides extensive control over voltage settings, calibration, and overclocking. Users can easily navigate through the BIOS using either a mouse or keyboard. Overclocking with this motherboard is a seamless experience, with stable performance and responsive voltage settings. The 8+2 phase power design ensures optimal power delivery to the CPU, enhancing system stability during overclocking.

Pros and Cons of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX

Pros:

• Excellent price-performance ratio
• Durable design and high-quality components
• Versatile expansion and connectivity options
• Efficient cooling system and ample fan headers
• User-friendly and responsive UEFI BIOS interface

Cons:

• Unique color scheme may not appeal to everyone
• Limited internal accessories and cables included

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX motherboard is an exceptional choice for gaming enthusiasts and overclockers alike. With its robust design, extensive features, and strong performance, it offers great value for its price. The motherboard's durability, compatibility, and cooling capabilities make it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance motherboard for their gaming rig. Overall, the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX earns a well-deserved rating of nine out of ten and is highly recommended for its reliability and performance.

Highlights:

• Exceptional durability and reliability
• Extensive expansion capabilities and connectivity options
• Efficient cooling system with ample fan headers
• Robust design inspired by military aesthetics
• User-friendly UEFI BIOS interface with versatile customization options

FAQ:

Q: What processors are supported by the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX? A: The Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX supports all AMD FX processors, including both second-generation and older Phenom II or Athlon II CPUs.

Q: How much memory can be installed on the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX? A: This motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 32GB, utilizing four DIMM slots and supporting frequencies from 1066MHz to 1866MHz.

Q: Does the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX support SLI and CrossFireX configurations? A: Yes, the motherboard supports both 2-way and 3-way SLI or CrossFireX configurations, allowing users to harness the power of multiple graphics cards.

Q: What is the warranty period for the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX? A: The motherboard is backed by an impressive five-year warranty, reflecting the high-quality components and durability of the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX.

Q: Can the Asus Saber-Tooth 990FX be overclocked? A: Yes, this motherboard offers extensive overclocking capabilities, with voltage settings, calibration, and stability features that ensure a successful overclocking experience.

Resources:

Official Asus Website