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Actual product specifications may vary with different models. xiii Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items User Manual ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 motherboard Technical documentations, certification and warranty card Support DVD 4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector (7 cm) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only.
Actual product specifications may vary with different models. xiii Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items User Manual ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 motherboard Technical documentations, certification and warranty card Support DVD 4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector (7 cm) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only.
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...Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 PCI Express® 3.0 PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is a single chipset that provides twice the performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It utilizes the serial point-to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset ...® processors. Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z97 platform that features data transfer rates of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications. Chapter 1: Product Introduction Product introduction 1.1 Special...
...Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 PCI Express® 3.0 PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is a single chipset that provides twice the performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It utilizes the serial point-to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset ...® processors. Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z97 platform that features data transfer rates of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications. Chapter 1: Product Introduction Product introduction 1.1 Special...
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...provides five times longer lifetime usage while the military grade certified TUF MOSFETs offers lower RDS (on). 1.1.4 "Safe & Stable!" Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-3 TUF Components (TUF new Alloy Chokes, TUF 10K Ti-Caps, and TUF MOSFET; certified by military-standard) The motherboard's TUF...-standard robust TUF new alloy chokes, titanium solid state capacitors, and MOSFETs. 1.1.3 "TUF Engine" Power Design Digital Power Control ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM, and CPU Voltage controllers. MemOK! Guardian Angel TUF ESD ...
...provides five times longer lifetime usage while the military grade certified TUF MOSFETs offers lower RDS (on). 1.1.4 "Safe & Stable!" Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-3 TUF Components (TUF new Alloy Chokes, TUF 10K Ti-Caps, and TUF MOSFET; certified by military-standard) The motherboard's TUF...-standard robust TUF new alloy chokes, titanium solid state capacitors, and MOSFETs. 1.1.3 "TUF Engine" Power Design Digital Power Control ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM, and CPU Voltage controllers. MemOK! Guardian Angel TUF ESD ...
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... Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed up to 170% faster than the already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features Remote GO! USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your computer and smart device.... to a more , all your smart device. • File Transfer: Allows you to -use software package. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 With ASUS Remote GO!, you to DLNA devices, remotely control and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between different...
... Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed up to 170% faster than the already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features Remote GO! USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your computer and smart device.... to a more , all your smart device. • File Transfer: Allows you to -use software package. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 With ASUS Remote GO!, you to DLNA devices, remotely control and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between different...
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... damage to avoid touching the ICs on them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-7 1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power...
... damage to avoid touching the ICs on them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-7 1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power...
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DDR3 DIMM slots 5. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 14. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. MemOK! CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 9. USB 2.0 ...TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1-34 1-32 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-30 1-29 1-27 1-26 1-36 1-35 1-31 1-37 1-33 1-33 1-30 1-36 Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-9 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 11. button 6. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2...
DDR3 DIMM slots 5. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 14. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. MemOK! CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 9. USB 2.0 ...TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1-34 1-32 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-30 1-29 1-27 1-26 1-36 1-35 1-31 1-37 1-33 1-33 1-30 1-36 Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-9 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 11. button 6. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2...
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DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot. Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-11 A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot. Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-11 A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
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SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2666 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2666C11 16GB (4x 4GB ) DS -...2 4 • • DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-13 Apacer 78.CAGFF.AFD0C(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB ) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - AX3U2400W8G11-DMV(XMP) 16GB ( 2x 8GB ) DS - - 78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP...
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2666 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2666C11 16GB (4x 4GB ) DS -...2 4 • • DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-13 Apacer 78.CAGFF.AFD0C(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB ) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - AX3U2400W8G11-DMV(XMP) 16GB ( 2x 8GB ) DS - - 78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP...
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...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-19 Elixir N2CB2G80GN-DG 9-9-9-28 - - - 9-9-9-24 1.25 - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 - - - 1.5 - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 KINGMAX N/A KINGMAX N/A - - 9-9-9-28 9-9-9-28 9-9-9-27 1.65 - - - - 9-9-9-27 1.65 9 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9-9-9-24...
...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-19 Elixir N2CB2G80GN-DG 9-9-9-28 - - - 9-9-9-24 1.25 - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 - - - 1.5 - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 KINGMAX N/A KINGMAX N/A - - 9-9-9-28 9-9-9-28 9-9-9-27 1.65 - - - - 9-9-9-27 1.65 9 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 - - 9 1.65 - - 9-9-9-24...
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...; KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9H/4G 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - 1.5 • • KINGSTON KVR13N9S8H/4 4GB SS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F - 1.5 • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-21 Timing 23EY4587MB3H - 23EY4587MB3H - Size SS/ Chip DS Brand AMD AMD Apacer Asint Asint AE32G1339U1-U AE34G1339U2-U 78.B1GDE.9L10C SLA302G08-EDJ1C SLA304G08-EDJ1B 2GB SS...
...; KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9H/4G 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - 1.5 • • KINGSTON KVR13N9S8H/4 4GB SS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F - 1.5 • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-21 Timing 23EY4587MB3H - 23EY4587MB3H - Size SS/ Chip DS Brand AMD AMD Apacer Asint Asint AE32G1339U1-U AE34G1339U2-U 78.B1GDE.9L10C SLA302G08-EDJ1C SLA304G08-EDJ1B 2GB SS...
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1.2.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Chapter 1 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Slot Description PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-23 Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
1.2.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Chapter 1 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Slot Description PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-23 Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
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... test the next set of the DRAM_LED. • The DRAM_LED also lights up due to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function. Press and hold the...not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after turning on a bare or opencase system. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 button to enhance system performance. 1. MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to ...
... test the next set of the DRAM_LED. • The DRAM_LED also lights up due to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function. Press and hold the...not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after turning on a bare or opencase system. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 button to enhance system performance. 1. MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to ...
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CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to pins 1-2. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-27 To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. 2.
CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to pins 1-2. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-27 To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. 2.
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... connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-29 1.2.9 Internal connectors 1. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set , refer to... in the motherboard support DVD. If you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset.
... connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-29 1.2.9 Internal connectors 1. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set , refer to... in the motherboard support DVD. If you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset.
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... module to 48 MBps connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 4. USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the...
... module to 48 MBps connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 4. USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the...
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... front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Thermal Sensor connectors (2-pin T_SENSOR1; 6. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-33 Connect the thermistor cable and place the sensor on the device or the motherboard's component to [HD] or [AC97]. 7.
... front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Thermal Sensor connectors (2-pin T_SENSOR1; 6. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-33 Connect the thermistor cable and place the sensor on the device or the motherboard's component to [HD] or [AC97]. 7.
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... blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-35 Chapter 1 The speaker allows you turn on the operating system settings. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. System panel connector (20...
... blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-35 Chapter 1 The speaker allows you turn on the operating system settings. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. System panel connector (20...
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12. The add-on Thunderbolt I /O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) This connector is for the add-on Thunderbolt I /O card that supports Intel's Thunderbolt Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain configuration. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-37
12. The add-on Thunderbolt I /O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) This connector is for the add-on Thunderbolt I /O card that supports Intel's Thunderbolt Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain configuration. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-37
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Chapter 2: Basic installation Basic installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are the same for reference only. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-1 Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for all models. 1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2.
Chapter 2: Basic installation Basic installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are the same for reference only. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-1 Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for all models. 1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2.
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Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-3 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only.
Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-3 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only.