ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 - LGA2011 - X79-8x DIMM - PCIe 3.0 Motherboards

This board is amazing, nuf said... lol no it deserves a more in depth review. Been an Asus guy for half a decade now and have no intentions of changing that with this latest helping of awesome sauce. The Sabertooth X79 is the best X79 board that Asus offers at the moment. It out preforms the RIVE but a small amount but has higher quality parts, costs much less, and has a longer warranty. While the board cannot support 4x1 Crossfire/SLI it can do 2x2 Crossfire/SLI. I would not recommend using the third pci-e port as it is half speed. While the board also does not have all of the features that the fully kitted RIVE does it also has some improvements and much of the same technology build into it. I have not attempted to overclock with it yet as I want to break it in first with some stock system usage but I have read it is a very stable OC platform. It supports up to 32 GB of ram and has quad channel ram support. The rear IO and chipset have their own dedicated fans that do their job well (CS is usually 1C). Easy to install and easy to install stuff onto like many of Asus other motherboards (q-connectors = pwn). With military grade parts that are put through heavy testing before being installed you know that this board will last quite a long time and also be able to take the heat, literally, from overclocking.

Components: 1. Intel 3820 CPU; 2. Sabertooth x79; 3. Ram - 16GB ram Corsair Vengeance (2X8GB); 4. Storage: 3GB HD with 240GB Samsung 840 SSD - both in SSD cache ports, 1GB HD, OCZ 120GB SSD (hopefully for operating system boot); 5. (2) Asus DVDs - Blue Ray and DVD player; 6. Cooler Master HAF case with front header ports plugged into the one power connector on motherboard; 7. Roswell Flash Card reader with single power plug with no power connector to connect it to; 8. Corsair TX 750M 9. Evo 110 cooler (single fan) 10. Case has standard 3 fans, Sabertooth has two small fans - on back ports and on e-sata bank, EVO 110 CPU fan, and one on power supply. 11. Gigabyte GTX 660 video; and 12. Asus new standard wireless card. A very smooth installation. No damaged packaging. No incidents during installation. Two ram modules inserted in correct banks for two modules. Sabertooth has a few warning lights on motherboard one of which is for the CPU. Upon powering up - yes, the CPU light went on. I powered down and reset all cards, memory, and the data and power cables on both ends. Memory was swapped and then went with one 8GB module and then the other module alone - in the proper slot for one module. Each change was done while powered down and awaiting the boards own power light to go off. (When I realized that the board had power for some 15 seconds after being turned off, I also unplugged the power cable itself each time). Upon making each change, the computer was rebooted. I also inspected the 3820 but as it has no traditional pins there is not much to inspect. It looked right, whatever "right" is. Nothing appeared to be missing; nothing appeared to be damaged. Even the the small stripe of thermal paste recommended for this particular chip at the particular location for this chip had spread nicely. I reset the CPU three times trying to minimize the touching of the edge of the paste. Yes, the CPU was properly oriented at all times. Then, after powering down, one by one I removed each component's data and power cable and rebooted. Upon each change and reboot, the CPU light went on and remained on. I finally was down to the power supply, the motherboard and the RAM. I then removed the memory but I was still Blinded by the Light. BTW all standoffs were used and each screw was hand tightened lightly. There would be no explanation for a short or damage to the board. (The work was done in a clean, air-conditioned environment). I went to Amazon Customer Service with this situation and asked them to go with the odds - that the motherboard was defected. No problem. If you don't already know, Amazon is just the best. Immediate emailing of UPS postage for return. No questions asked. If you haven't checked them out recently, they have virtually whatever you need. I buy everything there (almost) because even if clothes don't fit, it's no hassel. You go into your Account and print out the return postage. It's just that simple. Sorry for the segue but I feel so strongly about the quality of their service. So, did I take the proper approach at diagnosing the problem? Is there something I should do in the rebuild (once the Asus is back in stock and shipped out)? Should I install a minimum of components in rebuild to power on with, e.g. no DVDs, no HDs, no SSDs, no header ports? Will the power supply, CPU, RAM and motherboard take me past CPU light (if all is well otherwise) and get me into the BIOS for an update? I realize the BIOS would need to be reconfigured once remaining components are installed. My feelings are leaning to going through with a complete build and power it up. There's nothing so unusual about having a fully populated computer that would prevent a diagnostic warning light from coming on! In regard to not having a second USB power connector on the motherboard for my flash memory card, I know I can find another type. I understand, however, from reviewing the specs that the Asus Deluxe has two power connectors but I only see ONE in the limited photos - in the normal Asus location above the e-sata ports. Does anyone have information on this connector? and comments upon the build (hopefully complimentary or constructive, but okay - let me have it if you need to). BTW, one minor complaint. With the Sabertooth and the HAF case I used (922?), the placard supplied by Asus to label their rear ports does not fit in the case. In this regard, the two dimensional size is right but the placard cannot be pushed enough inside the case's recess that Cooler Master provides. Thus, the motherboard is pushed a fraction of an inch off the case's rear and it cannot be lined up with standoff sockets. (The motherboard cannot be installed "flush" against the rear of the case). I installed the board without it; I just double taped the label and hung it next to the ports until I am certain I am familiar with each one's function/spec. Needless to say, assuming the motherboard is defective, it is very disappointing. In building a computer, a defect is generally a problem that is just on a different scale from the TV that doesn't turn on. It requires many hours of assembly, dis assembly, reassembly and testing. And then there's the watching of all the You Tub videos to make sure you haven't made a mistake. You would think a company that has finally come out from behind the scenes and now is actually recognized by end users as a major player for many products, could test their boards before shipment to make sure their new image is not tarnished. Of course, if the motherboard was not the cause of the failure of this build, I will update these comments and apologize to Asus. The five stars is because this thing is beautiful, appears very well designed save the limit of one USB power connector, and should be a monster when it operates. Also, I don't think any other major motherboard manufacturer has a better record re: DOAs. UPDATE: 2/28/2013 Well, as usual, Amazon Customer Service was great. After doing every possible means of troubleshooting available to me, my research showed that the CPU warning light on the board was more likely a board defect rather than the CPU. I so advised Customer Service and they had the replacement to me the next day. Now, instead of doing a complete rebuild, I built the motherboard outside the case. I added back the 16GB Vengeance ram, the Cosair 750w enthusiast level power supply, and the Intel 3820 after lightly removing the thermal cream. I added the EVO cpu cooler back on and connected the power switch from the case to the motherboard. I replaced the power line, and switched it on, which resulted in the motherboard ready light coming on. Then I held my finger over the case's power switch for what seemed like an eternity. I couldn't pull the trigger! Finally, I the pushed the power button down and ... ON went the CPU light!!! What a sickening feeling. The 2011 motherboard is going to be obsoleted in a few months and I still don't have the unit running. I emailed them and a new CPU was received by overnight mail. It hasn't been installed yet. Well, again, it is not Amazon that is the cause of my finishing up the build. They are great and that's why I purchase almost everything there from vitamins to all my computer components, to ... everything that has Prime shipping. I hate the big stores(maybe a touch of claustrophobia?) and I am disabled with a bad back. Regardless, I get great prices, no taxes and no shipping so even no matter what, I look to Amazon first. UPDATE New CPU came overnight mail. Amazon, you are the best. I figured that this time I was NOT going to go through an entire build before knowing I had an operational motherboard/cpu. I had already replaced the motherboard and had a CPU failure again. (Well, the light was on again). I have done a number of builds without a problem. I re-familiarized myself with the different design of the CPU and the 2011 socket. I knew to reject the manual contained with the CPU which in no way matched my setup, and followed Assus' Insert instead. It was an important enough that they produced a multi-page brochure to make certain that you followed their socket design and not Intel's exemplar in their manual. For the nth time I placed a small line of thermal paste on the CPU in the manner and location recommended for this CPU. (In fact, in prior installations the paste spread in seemingly the manner designed. The pressure from the Hyper 212 caused the paste to spread over the surface without leaking out. So this build was done outside the case. The Corsair TX750W Enthusiast Line power supply was plugged into the board. The Vengance RAM was installed in the proper slots for two modules. And, here we go again, I followed the "mandated" order of opening the socket, inserting the CPU and removing the socket cover. I followed the order of locking the CPU in place. (The CPU has an arrow in the corner that matches an arrow on the socket. Further, there is a dot in one other corner of the CPU which, not uncoincidentally, was located in the proper corner of the socket after installing the CPU per the arrow. The CPU goes in easily and settles in obvious place. The two levers, operated in order, locks the CPU in. I hooked one line from the computer case onto the Power Switch on the board. I put the plug into the back and turned on the switch at the back of the case. This provides power to the board but doesn't boot it. I guess it's like a TV that pre-armed to be turned on. The board's power light appropriately goes on. Then I carefully depress the power switch causing the one fan built into the board to activate - and the CPU light to come on again. I waited a few minutes. No change in circumstances. I unplugged the computer and waited for the board's power light to go off. (It really does take about 10-15 seconds to totally de-engergize). I removed one module of RAM and left one module in the single module location. Same process, same failure. I repeated everything with no RAM. Same result. The only component left was the new power supply which ran all the components during the first few installations, when they were all attached. I just cannot believe that the power supply would be the cause of the CPU light, but the alternatives are hard to imagine. A bad batch of CPUS or Asus Motherboards? My incompetence, but how? I figured that enough was enough and returned the big two components. So, I am left with a beautiful Cooler Master case, two SSD drives, a 3TB and 2TB drive, some nice looking RAM, a Gigabyte GTX 660 video card, two optical drives, and a quagmire of power and data cables seemingly entwined when just a short while back they were beautifully managed. (BTW the Asus plastic, labeled USB, Ethernet, etc. cover will not fit this case with this Asus motherboard. When using the set-offs it brings the board too tight against this insert so that the inserts cannot be matched to the screw holes. And, just to save some time on anyone that has an opinion as to the problem - I did not over-tighten the offset screws, I did not over-tighten the Hyper 212, I placed the CPU in without problem and I didn't mishandle the CPU or motherboard. Static electricity is not a big problem in a/c homes and was dealt with anyway. I would appreciate any opinions as to the build AND as to a CPU/Motherboard replacement. I think I already had the best combination - other Ivy CPU's are actually more expensive and not quite as productive and the boards for those chips don't present much of a saving. Also, Haswell seems to be a wattage improvement for mobile with little, if any, increased production for a desktop. Criticism or help would be appreciated. (Please, I love AMD in the right time and place. But this was to be a top of the line build so a Fusion suggestion would not be appreciated). Also, I really would prefer not to move up in the 2011 line with a $500/CPU. The CPU light would probably come on anyway.

As the title states, it's really fast and awesome, when it works. Pros: quad channel ram. I'm not sure if it was that or the cpu that saved my gtx 680 from getting sold, but it runs like a champ now. Either way it was definitely the AMD processors (fx8150 btw) and motherboards that were holding back the graphics capability of a slightly aged gtx 680. Don't get me wrong though, AMD has the best bang for the buck. AMD is fine if you're not nit picky about having the best graphics and fastest everything. The UEFI bios is pretty cool, still confusing for someone like me though. The design is pretty awesome, I like that assistant fan. cons: It took me literally 2 days to get this mobo up and running correctly. Ok, I was actually went to work and slept too. No showers though :p Why did it take me that long? Well firstly I was admiring it for a few hours. After that, I installed it, and it was a perfect fit inside my case. -The 'ez bios' is a pain in the rear since there's no sticker indicating the installed bios ver. You have to actually boot up to figure out what you got, and to do that, you gotta hook it up, not as ez as advertised (or maybe lazy in my case). Okay I didn't wanna hook it up so I just stuck in a cap file. Didn't work, stuck in rom file. That didn't work either. Renamed the cap file, it worked. Didn't bother to check bios version at all :D -This mobo is like a high maintenance woman, very picky and demanding. Took me the whole day to fix the 'cpu fan error' oh my god. other mobos never had that problem. I see the fan is running fine, but still CPU ERROR OMGORZ!! I unplugged everything, and tried 1 fan at a time. Each one is CPU FAN ERROR. now I know all the fans run fine and they can't all go bad at the same time. I plugged every fan into every cpu/cha slot in all the combinations, didn't fix it. I thought it finally fixed itself. But that was only one boot. The next boot, CPU FAN ERROR again. Anyway I don't know what I did, but the problem fixed itself and I hope it stays that way. Maybe it was because it liked me talking dirty to it. There should be a 'ignore cpu fan error, biach' option in the bios. -Now my next challenge is getting that 1866 ram to actually run at 1866 instead of 1600. Probably going to take another day. -only has 6 sata ports, but good thing I got some pcie controllers lying around. Other thoughts: Its working fine now, I hope I won't have any issues. I'm an asus fanboy and I love their products. I got an asus 3d vision 2 monitor, an asus netbook, obviously an asus mobo, asus router, asus headphones, and most of my past computer parts always consisted of asus.

I purchased this board two months ago for my first build in preparation for the Diablo 3 and Max Payne 3 release. Although the memory specifications for the Sabertooth X79 were overkill, no game really requires over 8GB of RAM (not even that much), I wanted to make sure that my first build would not require an upgrade for some time to come. Upon receiving the board I flashed the BIOS and conducted a POST before running installing the OS. After installing Windows 7 Ultimate the board worked perfectly recognizing the 8X4GB of RAM. Everything check out fine; smooth sailing. That is until two months later... Powering on the system I discovered that the system was registering only 16GB of RAM instead of the 32GB I installed the two months earlier (I check at least once a week in "computer properties" to verify everything is running okay). Upon resetting the system to access the BIOS, RAM slots A1, 2 and C1, 2 were giving a status of "abnormal" or DRAM Error. Sections A and C giving duplicate uniform error codes seemed a little too suspicious to be a RAM error. Investigating, I removed Section's A and C in order to check if 16GB of 32GB of RAM failed overnight. Powering up with only Section B and D loaded with 16GB of RAM I than confirmed that the motherboard was only registering 8GB of RAM. To confirm an error of RAM installation on my part I double checked ASUS's instructions in the operational manual to see if I had installed the RAM incorrectly and begin the long arduous process of 1 stick RAM verification. Sometime later everything checked out fine but the system was only registering 8GB which was strange. Again I conducted a reset of the system and accessed the BIOS to check the status of the DRAM. This time Sections A1 and B1 were giving off the "abnormal" error status. In short after some tinkering I was was able to get the system to recognize 16GB or RAM (up from 8GB)at my workstation however once I moved the system back to my office it would not POST and gave the error signal of one long beep followed by three short beeps (VGA failed detection) so I have concluded that the RAM is not the issue but rather the motherboard. The RAM that I am using is Corsair Vengeance which is on the RAM approved list and a Galaxy GTX 680. I fine it highly unlikely that both RAM and Graphics Card are the issue. As of this writing I will be sending this board off to ASUS for RMA. As mentioned in the title of this review, this board has alot of great features for anyone who trying to squeeze every last dollar of longevity from an expensive home built system: 64GB of RAM, temperature/controlled monitoring software, military grade components, lots of ports, and a five year warranty. However, I just wished that it would have lasted a lot longer before my first RMA. At this rate I will go through a ton of boards before the 5 year warranty is up. My Build: i7-3930k H80 Liquid CPU Cooler (Average non work CPU Temp in 75F room is 28C/84F, Average work (Max Payne 3 and Diablo 3 on high settings 1920X1080P)CPU Temp is 40C/104F with H80 on the lowest setting. 32GB Corsair Vengeance RAM Sabertooth X79 Intel Motherboard Average non work motherboard Temp in 75F room is 38C/100F, Average work CPU (Max Payne 3 and Diablo 3 on high settings 1920X1080P) Temp is 47C/116F. GTX 680 1200W Cooler Master Silent PRO Power Supply HT Omega Halo Sound Card Cooler Master HAF 942 Case 4X120MM Fans Samsung Blu-ray Drive 2X128 SSD (total 256) 1TB Hard Drive Note: Plan to overclock in the future once tech comfortable with tech knowledge.

This is likely the very best motherboard in the world for the price. Asus even says it is their coolest setup and keeping things cool is very important for getting the most performance out of your hardware. I have my 3939k running at 4800mhz 24x7 and it will even run up to 5000mhz no problem on this board. This board is incredibly stable and simple to work with and really made with bulletproof reliability and tuff components. I haul my computer around a lot so I wanted something really tuff when being knocked around and this works great. The only thing I don't like about X79 is it seems almost none of the motherboards support more than 2 sata 600 drives in raid. This board has 4 sata 600 ports but you can only use 2 at a time in raid configurations. I didn't figure that out until AFTER ordering 3 ssd drives I planned to run all together in a 3 way raid 0. Very irritating to find it is not possible despite the fact that you have 4 sata 600 ports. You can use the 4 sata 300 but those are only good for normal hhds. If you want the very best board at the very best price I think this is without question the absolute ultimate.

This was my first build in 10 years. The board works great and is everything I had expected when I made the purchase. The technical support was great. Although it occasionally took me about 15 - 20 minutes to reach a person at ASUS, they were very knowledgeable and always resolved the issue. I am using the board as it came out of the box with an i7 3930 CPU. I was a little disappointed that it did not have a 1394 connection for the input for the front panel on the case. I also needed to get an adapter for the 2 USB3 connectors on the front panel to enable them to connect to the board. Although there is an input connector for a system speaker for warning beeps, the attachment did not come with the board or the case. I purchased that for a couple of dollars from a third party. I found the user manual a bit difficult to comprehend regarding the BIOS settings and needed to get assistance from tech support - which was superb. Regarding installation, the user manual was great. I would recommend this motherboard to others.

This board works exactly as it says it does. I built basically a server class rig with this board and run anything and everything that I want at any time. All I can say is after buying this, all I can think is damn, I wish I bought an e-atx board so that I can run 3x's GTX 780ti in SLI with breathing room. But, all things considered, this board will easily support any custom built powerhouse. my rig: i7-4960X 48gb RAM pc3-19200 256gb SSD boot drive SLI: EVGA 780 Superclocked, EVGA 670 FTW+ All my games run off of a USB 3.0 external drive and my page file is on another internal NAS SATA3 drive All games run at Ultimate all of the time, all programs and VMs run in tandem with no issues (I'd rather work at home than at the office). Great warranty, and the recent mobo bios update made everything much nicer!

This motherboard is a beast. Opening it out of the box i kept looking at it for hours analyzing each and every component of the motherboard. The huge socket.. (LGA 2011), 8 DIMM slots, PCIe slots, Heat Sink for I/O panel (dafuq?). Lots of fan header connectors on the motherboard. Lots of USB Front Panel Support, 7.1 HD Surround sound. ASUS did a great job making this motherboard with these many features. After installing the motherboard the first issue I faced was that the motherboard received the power but the computer did not start on turning the power button of the cabinet. But soon I realized the jumper for the CMOS was removed by me and it was the same error. After sometime I started facing the error that each time the clock of the BIOS used to reset on its own. It went good on its own. I still want ASUS to let me know what might be the possible error for that? and will it ever happen again? Also 16 Gigs of RAM is been installed on my motherboard, donno only 12 GB shows. I have came to the conclusion for this that one of the RAM module might have died. Overall the motherboard is fast and good performance. My personal rating 8/10

This motherboard is a best, not the best one out there but for the price it offers so many features. USB 3, Sata 6gb, tons of other ports. I just wish it had more Intel Sata 6bg ports. Takes upto 64 GB DDR ram which is killer. Can't complain too much cause its a few years old but it will last me for atleast 5-8 years. Hopefully Asus makes it very simple to upgrade bios in the future, and by that I mean super simple for people who aren't tech savvy

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Near perfect

All was perfect, but like 2 years later the internal Ethernet connection died so I had to buy an Ethernet PCI Expres to keep the machinne working.

One year later it's still performing well. Love how it resets everything if I misconfigure things while overclocking, saves me a lot of trouble. Only complaint is sometimes it can't seem to find the operating system, happens once a blue moon and is fixed by a simple restart.