The PC hardware industry are getting competitive nowadays,manufacturers are trying their best to design their products with top node quality, unique & eyes candy look & of course to keep the BOM low as possible. Over weeks ago, I've been handed with a product where I think it fits the 3 criteria that i mentioned above, it's the Asus® Sabertooth X58(Click for product specification)


Meet The Sabertooth X58

Asus® Sabertooth X58, TUF(The Ultimate Force) Series Motherboard , claimed been forged for ultimate reliability.


Accessories inspection - We see 4 SATA cables, a Nvidia SLI bridge, Easy jumper connectors(Q connectors), CD & Manual and.... a certificate of reliability?


It's a certificate issued by IST (Integrated Service Technology) for passing a series of vibration, shock, ESD & thermal testing at military standard.
The toughness of Sabertooth X58 is lab proven.


Peep the box - Some unique feature explanation. What've catched my attention here are the CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Tech & TUF components.


Peep the box again - followed by the rest of the feature explanation.


Deng deng! The physical body of Sabertooth X58. Comes with an impressive 5 years warranty.


The board is themed with army green, brown & black colours. A stunning military look.


8 phase CPU PWM design , with the mosfet cooled by the CeraM!X heatsink. It supports even the latest Intel® Core™ i7 980x 6 cores CPU.


6 DIMM slots, support triple channel memory & max can pair up to 24GB.
Note that there is a tiny MemOK button at the bottom of DIMM slots,
Quick press on it initials memory diagnose & solves memory compatibility issue in blink.


2 Phase PWM design for memory.

This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 10:24 AM

2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (dual at x16/x16 mode) & 1 x PCIe x16 (at x4 mode).
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology & ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology.


rear I/O panel peep.
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical)
1 x IEEE 1394a
1 x LAN(RJ45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1
8 -Channel Audio I/O
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
1 x Power eSATA 3Gb/s port (green)
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port (red)


2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (white) & 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (black)


6 layers PCB design, hehe


OV_CPU jumper, switching it from 1-2 to 2-3 position enables wilder range of CPU voltage in bios (Max 2.1v)
Recommended to leave it unchanged all time unless you're into extreme overclocking.


OV_DRAM_BUS jumper, switching it enables max 2.45v memory voltage in bios.
Recommended to leave it unchanged all time.


Heatsink contact check. One of the mosfet heatsink contact is not so good. hehe


CPU PWM design clear view. 2 inlet mosfet & 2 outlet mosfet for each phase.


The EPU, equipped with efficient switching power design .


Winbond W83667HG Super I/O Controller, used to detect/monitor CPU thermal condition as well as execute CPU over-voltage setting dynamically.

This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 10:16 AM

VIA® VT6308P controller, supports 2 x 1394a port(s) (one at midboard; one at back panel)


NEC® USB 3.0 controller IC, a commonly deployed solution for USB 3.0 before it will be supported natively.


Realtek® 8110SC Gigabit LAN controller IC, featuring AI NET2


Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC, Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound, Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming & Front Panel Jack-Retasking.









Test Bed


* CPU: Intel® Core™ i7 980x@3.3GHz, cooled by Prolimatech Megashadow Deluxe edition.
* Motherboard: Asus® TUF Saberbertooth X58
* RAM: Adata Extreme series 2000 CL9 6GB Kit & Gskill F3-17600CL7D-4GBPIS 4GB kit
* VGA: Asus ENG 480 GTX
* HDD: Kingston V+ 128GB SSD.
* PSU: Antec CP850 Watt Modular PSU
* OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit

This is how the platform looks like. Overclocking Stress test, benchmark test as well as extreme overclocking test will be carried out to find out the system stability, performance as well as durability/ reliability respectively.
Before that, let's check on Bios setup


Bios Setup


The Ai Tweaker sub-menu in bios, full range of parameter adjustment options though the board is build for toughness & long lasting, hehe.


Scroll down further, it's the voltage settings. Load-line Calibration is recommended to turn on all time.


Minimum voltage settings, CPU voltage can go low as 0.85v. Good news for underclocker & power saving lovers.


Max voltage settings (With OV jumpers switched), the board is ready for extreme overclocking by default. (no Vmod needed)


Memory timings / sub-timings setup.

This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 11:11 AM

O.C. Profile Configuration, users can easily recall their previously saved OC settings.



Overclocking Stability Test
Since the Sabertooth X58 is build for reliability, one of the way to challenge reliability is to overclock the system & run stress test to check on the system stability. The stability test will be conducted seperately (CPU frequency, Uncore, Memory, Bclk) at first then followed by an overall stress testing at last.

CPU Frequency: 4GHz ( 133 bclk x 30 ) @ 1.32v

By adjusting CPU multiplier & CPU voltage only, the CPU frequency pushed to 4GHz with ease.
Running LinX to check on system stability.


20 loops LinX completed without error.

Memory: 2200MHz CL7 @ 1.65v, Uncore: 4000MHz @ 1.45v


Next, let's overclock the memory.
However, my only triple channel memory kit didn't pass memtest even at default speed.
I have no choice but to perform this test with another 4GB kit.
For 6GB kit lover, sorry to disappoint you here.


Slot in the Gskill 4GB kit, Memory frequency pushed to 2200MHz @ CL7 with 1.65v only.
Running 12 threads of memtest to test the stability.


12 threads of memtest passed 1100% coverage with no error.

Memory: 2400MHz CL9 @ 1.60v, Uncore: 4000MHz @ 1.45v


While memory tested stable at 2200MHz, we tend to find out how much further it can go.
Memory frequency overclocked to 2400MHz now, running 12 threads of memtest.


12 threads of memtest passed 500% coverage with no error! Impressive!

CPU Frequency:3.95GHz( 220 bclk x 18 ) @ 1.32v, Memory: 2200MHz CL7 @ 1.65v, Uncore: 4000MHz @ 1.45v


Now, we pushed the bclk to 220MHz, while remaining other oc settings at above.
Running LinX to check on the overall system stability.


20 Loops of LinX passed with no error!

This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 10:17 AM

Benchmark test
The system is tested stable at 4GHz now, let's push the CPU frequency to 4.4GHz for a few quick benchmark test.


Start with the popular Super Pi 1M, test completed at 9.313s.


Followed by Super Pi 32M, test completed at 8m23.188s


Finished single threaded benchmark, let's try the multithread CPU benchmark Wprime.
32M test & 1024M test completed at 3.884s and 118.62s respectively.


Done with 2D benchmark, let's start with 3D benchmark.
Scored 30008 3DMarks in 3DMark06 (DX9 benchmark)


Followed by DX10 benchmark - 3DMark Vantage
Scored P25287 3dmark, that's all for benchmark test.




Extreme Overclocking
Basically we're done, but there's a devil in my heart saying this:
*Why not throw voltages kaw-kaw to see whether the board can stand with it*
So, let's start the extreme fun!


Of course, we can't use air cooler anymore in this case.
Liquid Nitrogen is used to cool down the CPU.


Somebody call 911 999 !!!!


Just in case, you wonder what's the temperature.

CPU Frequency: 6GHz ( 20 bclk x 30 ) @ 1.9v, Memory: 1600MHz CL6@ 1.65v , Uncore: 4800MHz @ 1.55v

Due to limited LN2 left, I've enabled two cores only with Hyper Threading off to avoid wasting time & LN2 battling with OCP (If there's any, i assume there is).
Many apologies to those 6 cores 12 threads lovers.
Super Pi 1M completed below 7 sec.


Follow by Super Pi 32M , obtained 6m 15.218s!

This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 10:18 AM

Pi Fast completed at 14.16s


Obtained 111157 3dMarks for 3DMark03.


Obtained 49647 3dMarks for 3DMark05.

Final Thought


By solely looking at the spec, Sabertooth X58 is actually targeting budget or mainstream crowd.
Accessories & features wise, Sabertooth X58 offers simple box accessories & it lacks of some features such as onboard power & reset buttons, hardware level overclocking access etc where those are my frequently used features . But then at the price of RM8xx , I think we just can't complain much as Sabertooth X58 is offering five years warranty,stunning military design, good reliability (Survived through evil hands of mine, hehe ), undisputed good overclocking performance, feature-rich & well-written BIOS , and not to forget the integrated USB 3.0 as well as SATA 6G where combining them all make Sabertooth X58 a very decent & nice motherboard.
In short, the TUF Sabertooth X58 is ready at reasonable price & it comes with many great offerings.

Note: Thanks a million to Asustek Malaysia for the sample.


This post has been edited by dblooi: Dec 1 2010, 10:23 AM

reserved

Ah awesome board. It's a pity it doesn't have the power and reset buttons on the board itself. :S

wow good board at good price ..5 years warranty is hard to resist
should i sell my asus p6t to get this ?

indeed for me, but I doubt that many people will be utilising the onboard buttons as they're build for naked pc usage.

Came across the www & found this,



Source

Might be useful for you to make up your mind

Nice review and nice mobo here.

just setup new rig with i7 950 with this mobo.

After done setup. Direct in bios set BCLK and Multiplier to 20x200 try OC to 4ghz
haha success in window no problem at all. ( I UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT STABLE OC, just for testing purpose la)

Check with core temp. idle 48 43 43 42. one core is higher well not bad the temp FYI i am using hyper 212+ only.

vccore is auto in bios. check with cpuz vcore is 1.416 ....haha terkejut~ ok la for testing only

my rig spec
I7 950
x58 sabertooth
CM GX 550
GTX 460 1GB
2gbx2 KVR ram at dual channel.
hyper 212+ with CM ori fan

my point is. with this spec...lousy ram and mid Air cooler...
i can easily hit 4ghz and get nice temp( i assume)
if really sit down tweak the bios detail sure can get a decent OC ,
i try use X58A UD3R to do same thing with i7 930,and 3 stick 2gb XMS 1600mhz ,megahalem shadow,RESULT--> cant boot in at all

Bravo SABERTOOTH

The ONLY ASUS motherboard for the time being with 5 Years Warranty. Good buy for X58 "kaki"

AAAHHH..KENA POISON

Kaki OC here,this is GOOD MANG!,Thumbs up!

my motherboard for next year build

x58 review:
Asus does it again with the Sabertooth X58 motherboard!

Forged for ultimate reliability, the Asus Sabertooth X58 delivers a "tough" image. It is based on Intel's X58 Express and ICH10R chipsets to host the newest LGA1366 Core i7 processors for ultimate powerful performance. An array of unique design and quality components makes it a great choice for the enthusiasts that pursue the preeminent stability, all-round compatibility, and extreme durability. An innovative ceramics coating with larger area delivers better cooling for increased system stability. The E.S.P technology offers optimal power efficiency for key components. TUF components including Alloy Choke, Cap. & MOSFET ensure solid performance even in the most challenging condition.

Sabertooth..

Its a value (perhaps) mobo with a high end stuff.. its an OC ability mobo for tight bajet OCer out there..

NIce review by the way TS, i could get this mobo if wait a couple of month later.. but then again, cant wait any longer (afraid my bajet going for some other things.. huhu)

LOLOLOLOL
nice mobo & nice review
kena poison ad

This post has been edited by Sadrax: Dec 20 2010, 02:49 PM

Very nice review...glad i own one of this..
but i only oc my i7 930..is it a shame?? >.<