Asus SABERTOOTH 55i - Motherboard - ATX User manual

Motherboard
SABERTOOTH
55i

ii
E4954
First Edition (V1)
August 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF 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 ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

iii
Contents
Contents...................................................................................................................... iii
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
SABERTOOTH 55i specications 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 .......................................... 1-3
1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel................................................. 1-4
1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features............................................................. 1-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Layout contents........................................................................... 2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction..................................................................... 2-4
2.2.4 Screw holes................................................................................. 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-5
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ....................................................................... 2-5
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan............................................ 2-8
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan........................................ 2-9
2.4 System memory ....................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.2 Memory congurations.............................................................. 2-11
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................................... 2-17
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................................... 2-17
2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-18
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-18
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-18
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-19
2.5.4 PCI slots.................................................................................... 2-20
2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)........................................... 2-20
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots......................................................... 2-20
2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................2-22

iv
Contents
2.7 Onboard switches .................................................................................... 2-23
2.8 Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-26
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.............................................................. 2-26
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 rst 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 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
3.3 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-8
3.3.1 BIOS menu screen...................................................................... 3-8
3.3.2 Menu bar ..................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.3 Navigation keys........................................................................... 3-9
3.3.4 Menu items.................................................................................. 3-9
3.3.5 Submenu items ........................................................................... 3-9
3.3.6 Conguration elds ..................................................................... 3-9
3.3.7 Pop-up window............................................................................ 3-9
3.3.8 Scroll bar ..................................................................................... 3-9
3.3.9 General help................................................................................ 3-9
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-10
3.4.1 SATA 1-6 ................................................................................... 3-10
3.4.2 Storage Conguration ............................................................... 3-12
3.4.3 AHCI Conguration ................................................................... 3-13
3.4.4 System Information ................................................................... 3-13
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu...................................................................................... 3-14
3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ......................................................... 3-14
3.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]........................................................... 3-15
3.5.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] ................................... 3-15
3.5.8 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ........................................................... 3-16
3.5.9 QPI Frequency [Auto]................................................................ 3-16
3.5.10 DRAM Timing Control ............................................................... 3-16

v
3.5.4 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled] .......................................... 3-16
3.5.5 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto]..................................... 3-16
3.5.6 BCLK Frequency [XXX]............................................................. 3-16
3.5.7 PCIE Frequency [XXX].............................................................. 3-16
3.5.11 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto] ............................................. 3-18
3.5.12 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ............................................................ 3-18
3.5.13 CPU Voltage Mode [Offset] ...................................................... 3-18
3.5.14 IMC Voltage [Auto] ................................................................... 3-19
3.5.15 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ................................................................3-19
3.5.16 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]............................................................ 3-19
3.5.17 PCH Voltage [Auto] ...................................................................3-20
3.5.18 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto] ............................. 3-20
3.5.19 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]............................. 3-20
3.5.20 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]...................................................... 3-20
3.5.21 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ................................................... 3-20
3.5.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] .................................................. 3-20
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-21
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-21
3.6.2 North Bridge Conguration........................................................ 3-23
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-24
3.6.4 USB Conguration .................................................................... 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.............................................................................................. 3-27
3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]................................................................ 3-27
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ............................................ 3-27
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ..................................................... 3-27
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]................................................... 3-27
3.7.5 EuP Ready [Disabled] ............................................................... 3-27
3.7.6 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-28
3.7.7 Hardware Monitor...................................................................... 3-29
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-30
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-30
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ...................................................... 3-31
3.8.3 Security ..................................................................................... 3-32
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-34
3.9.1 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-34
3.9.2 Drive Xpert Conguration.......................................................... 3-36
Contents

vi
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
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information.......................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-2
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II....................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 ASUS Fan Xpert.......................................................................... 4-4
4.3.3 VIA® High Denition Audio utility ................................................. 4-5
4.3.4 ASUS Drive Xpert ....................................................................... 4-6
4.3.5 ASUS T.Probe ............................................................................. 4-7
4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 4-8
4.4.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 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 Storage Manager option ROM utility....................... 4-9
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk..................................................................... 4-13
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................ 4-13
4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................. 4-13
4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation ...... 4-14
4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive................................................... 4-14
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1 ATI®CrossFireX™ technology .................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 5-1
5.1.2 Before you begin......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 5-2
5.1.4 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 5-3
5.1.5 Enabling the ATI®CrossFireX™ technology ............................... 5-3
5.2 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 5-5
5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 5-5
5.2.3 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 5-6
5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-6
Contents

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
REACH
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. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

viii
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.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure
about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is dened as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
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 connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
• Never dispose of the battery in re. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY-RELATED
INSTRUCTIONS.

ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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 the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and
connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI®CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

x
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italic s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
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 a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

xi
SABERTOOTH 55i specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel®Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 Processors
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Intel®P55 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2000 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,
non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* 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 (Qualied 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)
2 x PCI slots
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports ATI®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Storage Intel®P55 Express Chipset
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel®Matrix Storage Technology supports SATA RAID 0, 1,
5, and 10
JMicron®JMB363 SATA & PATA controller
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
JMicron®JMB322 controller (Drive Xpert Technology)
- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (orange and white)
- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed functions
* Drive Xpert function is available only when the hard disk drives
are set as data drives.
LAN Realtek®8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
USB 14 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back panel)
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at midboard, one at back panel)
Audio VIA® VT2020 10-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Absolute Pitch BD192/24 featuring ENVY HD
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filter

xii
(continued on the next page)
SABERTOOTH 55i specications summary
ASUS TUF features “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design
- 12-phase CPU Power
- 2-phase Memory Power
- 2-phase VTT_CPU Power
- ESP: Efcient Switching Power Design for 3VSB/1.8V/1.05V
- TUF Cap. & MOSFET (certied by military-standard)
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions
- CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology
- CoolMem! Fan Frame
- T.Probe Technology
- ASUS Fan Xpert
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel
- MemOK!
- 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. Prole
Multi-language BIOS
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x External SATA port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
10-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (orange and white)
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x Mem Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch

xiii
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
SABERTOOTH 55i specications summary
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
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xiv

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-1
Chapter 1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard!
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.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
User Manual
User guide Support DVD

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® LGA1156 Lynneld Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynneld processors in LGA1156 package, which
has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3
memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel® Lynneld
processor is one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPU in the world. Refer to page
2-5 for details.
Intel®P55
The Intel®P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156
socket Intel®Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 processors. Intel®P55 provides improved performance by
utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth that
enhances system performance. Refer 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 congurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced
before! Refer to Chapter 5 for details.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2000 / 1800 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2000 / 1800 /
1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,
multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the
bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance. Refer to page 2-10 for
details.
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.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-3
Chapter 1
1.3.2 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design
ASUS 12+2 Phase Power Design
The groundbreaking 12+2 phase VRM design is brought to the ASUS motherboards. 12+2
phase power design, 12-phase for vCore and extra 2-phase for Memory controller inside
CPU can provide the highest power efciency, and hence generates less heat to effectively
enhance the overclocking capability. With the high quality power components such as low
RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and 100% Japan-made
high quality conductive polymer capacitors, ASUS 12+2 phase VRM design also ensure
longer component life and minimum power loss.
ESP – Efcient Switching Power Design
Exclusively for this motherboard, the power switching design is provided not only for the
CPU, but also for other key components such as graphics card, PCI slots, and chipsets.
E.S.P. dramatically improves system efciency and reduces heat generation.
TUF Cap. & MOSFET (certied by military standard)
Get rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions with robust capacitors and
MOSFETs – certied through third-party, military testing.
1.3.3 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions
CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology
Innovative ceramics actively conducts heat away from the system. It replaces traditional
antioxidants to dissipate heat better with its microscopic irregular surface and enlarged area.
Better cooling leads to overall improvement in system stability.
DO NOT uninstall the heatsink module by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
CoolMem! Fan Frame
CoolMem! fan frame provides an effective and easy DIY way to cool the memory. The frame
encloses 40mm or 50mm fans and ts them directly over the memory module. CoolMem! Fan
Frame keeps your memory under a proper operating temperature, helping your system cool
and stable.
T.Probe Technology
The T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in
real-time. This feature optimizes the power phase functions, allowing components to run at
lower temperatures and extending their lifespan.
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 proles offer exible
controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment. Refer to page 4-4 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel
MemOK!
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically
improve your system booting success. 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 congurations. With Drive Xpert’s user-friendly graphical user interface, you can
easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates—ensuring that
data is looked after every moment, every day. Refer to page 2-32, 3-36 and 4-6 for details.
ESD Guards
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic discharges,
which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-Static chip
and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the
motherboard’s lifespan.
EMI Eliminator
The EMI Eliminator Design provides better EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference) protection
and signicantly reduces EMI to 30% lower than the industry’s standard.
1.3.5 ASUS exclusive features
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video
conference and recording.
ASUS Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air
conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio
stream while recording.
DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience
through the most common PC audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or
headphones. In addition to virtual surround, “Bass enhancement” provides stronger low
frequency bass sound, and “Voice clarication” provides clear human dialogue even
with loud background sound. With these technologies, you may experience a better
home-theater audio with ease.

ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i 1-5
Chapter 1
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclocking, the exclusive onboard switches allow gamers
to effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins! Refer to page
2-23 for details.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM
design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard
against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel
cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting
the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. Refer to
page 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 oppy disk or an OS-based utility. Refer to page 3-4 for details.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to conveniently store
or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a
separate le, giving you the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.
Refer to page 3-34 for details.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-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 congure your system easier and faster.

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