ASUS Announces TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0

2016/07/14

Taipei, Taiwan (14th July, 2016) — ASUS today announced TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0, a new ATX motherboard with an exclusive digital-camouflage design — and the first TUF model with ASUS Aura LED illumination built in.

Based on the AMD® 990FX/SB950 chipset and compatible with processors for the AMD AM3+ socket, TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 features SafeSlot, the patent-pending reinforced PCI Express® (PCIe®) slot from ASUS, and the easy-view Q-LED indicator light for simple boot analysis.

TUF’s latest motherboard also includes the latest connectivity with three USB 3.1 Type-A and one reversible Type-C ports on board, and delivers 24/7 durability with military-grade TUF Components, TUF ESD Guards 2 to fend off electrostatic discharge, TUF LANGuard for reliable networking, and a five-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

Aura RGB lighting: First TUF motherboard with LED illumination, plus customizable effects

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 is the first TUF motherboard to integrate Aura, the ASUS-exclusive LED-illumination technology invented by ASUS. Aura makes it easy to light up any TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 build with an endless spectrum of color combinations, as well as enabling loads of fascinating and fun effects — all of which can be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura-capable ASUS hardware. Three distinct lighting areas across the motherboard enable TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 to cast a bright, multicolor glow.

Aura includes simple software controls for customizing the LED lighting. The intuitive interface lets gamers cast a stunning multi-color glow across builds, including a breathing effect and color-strobing, plus the ability to change shades to indicate CPU temperature, or pulsate in time to the beat of favorite music.

Designed tough, built to last: Commanding digital camouflage and quick-view Q-LED indicator

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 drives ASUS TUF’s direct-etched-aesthetics concept forward by stenciling the military-inspired digital pattern directly onto the board in commanding gun-metal grey.

This concept of commanding strength is embodied by SafeSlot, the PCIe slot reinvented by ASUS and engineered to provide superior retention and shearing resistance. It is manufactured in a single step using a new injection-molding process that integrates the slot with the fortifying metal for an inherently stronger slot, which is then firmly anchored to the motherboard through additional solder points.

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 also has Q-LED, a bright light that is visible externally, giving users the power to act on boot alerts, with a clear indication of five vital boot actions.

24/7 durability, latest connectivity: TUF Components, ESD Guards 2, 5-year warranty, and USB 3.1

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 includes Thermal Radar 2, which now includes the ability to directly control fans on ASUS graphics cards, as well as case fans. Multiple onboard sensors enable the real-time monitoring of both the motherboard temperature and the temperatures of other key components, with simple controls that allow one-click optimization

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 is also engineered with TUF Components so it is tough enough for the most demanding conditions, even under heavy loading. TUF alloy chokes are manufactured using high-grade anti-oxidization materials to provide heat dissipation that’s 13% better than before for unbeatable durability, and black metallic capacitors offer 20%-better temperature endurance and have twice (2X) the lifespan of standard solid capacitors.

It is also constructed with upgraded TUF ESD Guards 2 to defend numerous ports against sudden electrostatic discharge. Engineered to be two times (2X) stronger than before, TUF ESD Guards 2 covers all USB sockets and rear I/O connectors — and exclusive pin-level testing on specific rear I/O connectors is 30% higher than the previous TUF standard.

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 also has LANGuard on board. This hardware-level networking protection, certified for military use, employs signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted capacitors to ensure a more reliable connection and better throughput. It also has electrostatically-guarded and surge-protected components for greater tolerance to static electricity and 2.5X-greater surge tolerance.

Every TUF motherboard undergoes the industry’s most-punishing tests to ensure they are ready for permanent duty in all scenarios. In our development labs we expose them to extreme thermal shock tests, heating them to 95°C and freezing them all the way down to -45°C. We also bend them, shock them and drop them — meaning TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 is certified for 24/7 durability. This is why we have the confidence to back every TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 board with a five-year warranty.

TUF Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 has the newest, fastest and most convenient connectivity built in, with three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and one reversible Type-C sockets for data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps — or twice (2X) as fast USB 3.0. USB 3.1 is completely backward-compatible with existing USB devices. The new motherboard also has PCI Express 3.0 x4 M.2 connector for internal SSD drives, with devices of up to 110mm (type 22110) supported.