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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. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
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...The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that optimizes PCIe allocation in the LGA1150 package. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset is the PCI Express bus standard that supports the LGA1150 socket for Intel® integrated graphics ...Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. ...
...The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that optimizes PCIe allocation in the LGA1150 package. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset is the PCI Express bus standard that supports the LGA1150 socket for Intel® integrated graphics ...Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. ...
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...press a button to patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and dramatically improve the system's bootup. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-3 TUF Components (TUF new Alloy Chokes, TUF 10K Ti-Caps, and TUF MOSFET; The TUF alloy choke is 13.6% cooler ...for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance. The ASUS exclusive AntiStatic chip and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the motherboard's lifespan. certified ...
...press a button to patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and dramatically improve the system's bootup. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-3 TUF Components (TUF new Alloy Chokes, TUF 10K Ti-Caps, and TUF MOSFET; The TUF alloy choke is 13.6% cooler ...for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance. The ASUS exclusive AntiStatic chip and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the motherboard's lifespan. certified ...
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...Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 This all the exclusive ASUS features into one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no need for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals ...without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. With ASUS Remote GO!, you to a more , all your smart device and easily transfer files between different utilities. It automatically accelerates...
...Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 This all the exclusive ASUS features into one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no need for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals ...without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. With ASUS Remote GO!, you to a more , all your smart device and easily transfer files between different utilities. It automatically accelerates...
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Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-7 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded ...
Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-7 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded ...
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..., and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN1-2) 3. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 7. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 13. button 6. LGA1150 ...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 Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 14. Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1.
..., and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN1-2) 3. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 7. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 13. button 6. LGA1150 ...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 Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 14. Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1.
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1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-11 DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot. 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. Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-11 DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module.
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... 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2666 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Timing Voltage Apacer 78.BAGFF.AFC0C(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB ) DS - - 12-13... 2 4 • • DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-13
... 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. Size SS/ DS Chip Chip Brand NO. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2666 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Timing Voltage Apacer 78.BAGFF.AFC0C(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB ) DS - - 12-13... 2 4 • • DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-13
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...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-19 Micron D9QBJ - - MICRON D9PFJ - - DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No.
...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-19 Micron D9QBJ - - MICRON D9PFJ - - DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No.
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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 AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 302G08-DJ1C - 304G08-DJ1B 9-1010-26 304G08-DJ1B 9-9-9-24 J1108BFBG-DJ-F - Size SS/ Chip DS Brand AMD AMD Apacer Asint Asint AE32G1339U1-U AE34G1339U2...
...; 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 AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 302G08-DJ1C - 304G08-DJ1B 9-1010-26 304G08-DJ1B 9-9-9-24 J1108BFBG-DJ-F - Size SS/ Chip DS Brand AMD AMD Apacer Asint Asint AE32G1339U1-U AE34G1339U2...
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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 1.2.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
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 1.2.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
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... DIMMs that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you to fine-tune performance when working on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after turning on the computer. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 1.2.6 Onboard buttons Onboard buttons allow you turn off the computer and...
... DIMMs that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you to fine-tune performance when working on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after turning on the computer. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 1.2.6 Onboard buttons Onboard buttons allow you turn off the computer and...
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To gain more 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 CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 2.
To gain more 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 CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 2.
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...can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the BIOS to ...cables. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set the SATA Mode item in the motherboard support DVD. 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...
...can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the BIOS to ...cables. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set the SATA Mode item in the motherboard support DVD. 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...
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... then install the module to the USB connectors. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the USB connector onboard if your chassis... ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to 48 MBps connection speed.
... then install the module to the USB connectors. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the USB connector onboard if your chassis... ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to 48 MBps connection speed.
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... front panel audio module to this connector to this connector. • We recommend that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-33 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for the thermistor cables that monitor the temperature of the motherboard's high-definition audio...
... front panel audio module to this connector to this connector. • We recommend that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-33 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for the thermistor cables that monitor the temperature of the motherboard's high-definition audio...
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... the HDD Activity LED cable to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is read from or written to this connector. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-35 Chapter 1 The IDE LED lights up when you to this connector. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions...
... the HDD Activity LED cable to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is read from or written to this connector. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-35 Chapter 1 The IDE LED lights up when you to this connector. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions...
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Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-37 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. The add-on Thunderbolt I /O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. 12.
Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-37 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. The add-on Thunderbolt I /O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. 12.
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The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for reference only. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-1 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 for all models. 1.
The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for reference only. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-1 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 for all models. 1.
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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.