Asus TUF SABERTOOTH X79 [3/148] Chapter 1 product introduction

iii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................................... iii

Notices vi

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii

SABERTOOTH X79 specications summary ............................................................ x

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 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions .......................................... 1-3

1.3.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design.................................................... 1-3

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel ................................................. 1-4

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY .............................................................................. 1-4

1.3.6 ASUS Exclusive Features ........................................................... 1-5

1.3.7 Other special features ................................................................. 1-5

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-4

2.2.3 System memory .......................................................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 2-12

2.2.5 Jumper ...................................................................................... 2-14

2.2.6 Onboard switch ......................................................................... 2-15

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 2-16

2.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................2-17

2.3 Building your computer system ............................................................. 2-26

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............ 2-26

2.3.2 CPU installation.........................................................................2-27

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................. 2-29

2.3.4 DIMM installation....................................................................... 2-30

2.3.5 Motherboard installation ............................................................ 2-31

2.3.6 Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 ......................... 2-33

2.3.7 ATX Power connection .............................................................. 2-35

2.3.8 SATA device connection ............................................................ 2-36

2.3.9 Front I/O Connector .................................................................. 2-37

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