Asus Sabertooth 990fx Motherboard Is Worth It?

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX motherboard remains a widely discussed option among PC enthusiasts, especially those building or upgrading gaming rigs with AMD processors.

Known for its durable construction and extensive feature set, this motherboard brings value to high-performance systems. 

This guide will explore whether the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is worth it by diving into its specifications, benefits, drawbacks, and recommended uses.

Let's get straight to the point

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX motherboard is a durable, high-performance choice ideal for gaming, overclocking, and multi-GPU setups. Made of military-grade materials, it’s built to last and supports AMD FX, Athlon II, and Phenom II processors on the AM3+ socket. 

It offers 32GB of DDR3 RAM capacity, multiple PCIe slots for SLI and CrossFireX setups, and high-speed SATA for robust storage options.

However, it lacks newer tech like DDR4/DDR5 support, USB Type-C, and Wi-Fi. It is best suited for budget-conscious high-performance builds and those prioritising reliability and durability over the latest features.

Specifications Of The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

1. Chipset

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is built around the AMD 990FX chipset with an SB950 South Bridge.

This combination is engineered to provide high-speed data transfer, system stability, and extensive support for multiple high-performance components, ensuring efficient data flow between the CPU, memory, and connected devices.

2. CPU Socket And Processor Support

• Socket: AM3+
• Processor Compatibility: Supports AMD FX series, Athlon II, and Phenom II processors
• Multi-core Processing: Optimised for multi-core AMD processors, delivering high performance for multitasking and intensive applications

The AM3+ socket allows compatibility with various AMD processors, enabling users to choose CPUs from affordable to high-end options based on performance requirements.

3. Memory

• Maximum Capacity: Up to 32GB
• Type: DDR3 RAM
• Supported Speeds: Up to 1866 MHz (overclocked)

The Sabertooth 990FX can accommodate up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, making it ideal for memory-intensive gaming and multimedia production tasks. When overclocked, it supports speeds up to 1866 MHz, delivering high memory performance across workloads.

4. Expansion Slots

• 4 x PCIe 2.0 x16: Supports NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX for multi-GPU configurations
• 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1
• 1 x PCI

With four PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, the Sabertooth 990FX enables robust multi-GPU support for NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX, enhancing graphical performance for gamers and content creators. Additional PCIe and PCI slots allow further expansion options.

5. Storage

• 6 x SATA 6Gbps Ports: Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
• 2 x SATA 3Gbps Ports

For storage, six high-speed SATA 6Gbps ports offer fast data transfer and multiple RAID configurations (0, 1, 5, and 10) for performance and data redundancy. Additionally, two SATA 3Gbps ports provide further expandability.

6. USB Connectivity

• USB 3.0 Ports: 4 total (2 on the rear, two via a mid-board header)
• USB 2.0 Ports: 10 total (6 on the rear, four via internal headers)

With four USB 3.0 ports and ten USB 2.0 ports, the Sabertooth 990FX provides high-speed data transfer and ample ports for peripherals.

7. Network

• LAN: Realtek 8111E Gigabit LAN

The Realtek 8111E Gigabit LAN delivers reliable, high-speed network access for online gaming, streaming, and fast downloads.

8. Audio

• Audio Codec: Realtek 8-channel HD audio codec

Using the Realtek 8-channel HD audio codec, the Sabertooth 990FX provides high-definition audio and supports surround sound setups, which is ideal for gaming and media consumption.

These specifications make the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX an excellent choice for users seeking expandability, connectivity, multi-GPU support, and robust build quality in high-performance systems.

Benefits Of The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX offers several advantages, particularly for gamers and users prioritising durability and performance.

1. High-Quality Construction

The Sabertooth 990FX is built to last, with military-grade components that stand up to intense workloads. Key construction benefits include:

• Military-Grade Materials: Components like chokes, capacitors, and MOSFETs meet stringent military standards, ensuring high durability and stability under heavy loads.
• CeraM!X Coating on Heat Sinks: This advanced coating improves heat dissipation, maintaining cooler temperatures for enhanced performance.
• Five-Year Warranty: ASUS provides a five-year warranty, reflecting confidence in the longevity of this motherboard.

2. Overclocking Capabilities

For users looking to get the most out of their CPU and memory, the Sabertooth 990FX offers extensive overclocking options.

• Digi+ VRM: ASUS’s 10-phase Digi+ VRM provides stable power delivery for overclocking.
• UEFI BIOS: The user-friendly UEFI BIOS allows for easy CPU multipliers and memory settings adjustments.
• Cooling Management: Built-in sensors and ASUS’s TUF Thermal Radar technology help monitor and maintain optimal temperatures while overclocking.

3. Advanced Multi-GPU Support

The motherboard supports both NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX, making it ideal for setting up multi-GPU configurations.

• Quad-GPU Capabilities: Four PCIe 2.0 x16 slots allow users to run multiple graphics cards for enhanced graphics performance in gaming or 3D rendering.
• Flexible PCIe Slot Configuration: This allows different combinations, such as x166/x16 for dual GPUs or x16/x8/x8 for triple GPUs, catering to specific performance needs.

4. Extensive Connectivity Options

This motherboard provides numerous connectivity features, allowing users to connect peripherals and devices.

• USB 3.0 Support: There are two USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel and two additional ports via a mid-board header.
• High-Speed Storage: Six SATA 6Gbps ports with RAID support for faster data transfer and redundancy.
• Flexible Audio and LAN Options: Realtek 8-channel HD audio codec and Gigabit LAN provide high-quality audio and reliable internet connectivity.

These benefits make the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX a robust choice for gamers, overclockers, and multimedia creators.

Drawbacks Of The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

While the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX offers many advantages, some limitations should be considered.

1. Outdated Technology

Since its release, newer technologies and chipsets have emerged, which may limit the appeal of this motherboard for some users.

• DDR3 Memory: The board supports DDR3 RAM, which is now outdated compared to DDR4 and DDR5.
• No Native USB Type-C: The board lacks USB Type-C, which is now common in many modern devices.
• Older CPU Compatibility: Limited to AM3+ socket CPUs, it doesn’t support more recent AMD processors.

2. Limited Customisation In Cooling Options

While sufficient for most users, the fan control options lack some customisation flexibility.

• Numeric Fan Control: In the BIOS, fan adjustments are made numerically, which can be less intuitive than graphical controls.
• CPU Fan Cannot Be Set to 0%: While this may not impact performance for most users, it restricts users seeking full fan customisation.

3. Lack Of Built-In Wi-Fi

This motherboard only supports wired internet connections.

• No Built-In Wi-Fi: Users must install an additional Wi-Fi card or USB adapter for wireless connectivity.

While these drawbacks may impact users seeking the latest technology, they’re relatively minor for gamers and overclockers focused on performance and durability.

Ideal Uses For The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX motherboard is best suited for specific applications, particularly those that value durability and multi-GPU support.

1. High-Performance Gaming

The Sabertooth 990FX’s features make it a good choice for gaming systems that demand high performance and multi-GPU setups.

• It supports multiple GPUs, ideal for gamers wanting NVIDIA SLI or ATI CrossFireX setups.
• Stable Overclocking: Provides stable power and cooling for CPU and memory overclocking.
• Durability Under Load: Military-grade materials ensure stable gaming performance under demanding conditions.

2. 3D Rendering And Graphic Design

This motherboard’s PCIe slots and multi-GPU support are beneficial for users who need powerful graphics capabilities for design or rendering.

• Multi-GPU Configurations: Supports complex graphics tasks with Quad-GPU setups.
• High RAM Capacity: 32GB of DDR3 RAM is sufficient for most design applications.
• Efficient Cooling: CeraM!X coating and Thermal Radar technology keep temperatures low under heavy loads.

3. Budget-Conscious High-Performance Builds

This board provides a good balance of value and performance for users seeking reliable performance without the cost of the latest chipset.

• Affordable Yet Durable: Offers the durability of high-end motherboards at a more affordable price.
• Upgrade Potential: Compatible with a wide range of AMD FX CPUs, providing upgrade options for AM3+ builds.
• Reliable Data Storage: SATA 6Gbps ports with RAID support ensure fast and redundant storage options.

Conclusion

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX motherboard is a solid choice for users who prioritise durability, multi-GPU support, and overclocking capabilities without the need for the latest tech.

It's a military-grade component, and its robustness make it ideal for gamers, content creators, and power users who are focused on performance at a more affordable price. 

Though limited by DDR3 memory and AM3+ CPU compatibility, it still excels in high-performance gaming and budget-friendly builds.

For those seeking reliability and expandability without breaking the bank, the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX remains a worthwhile option.