OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS Sabertooth 990FX review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£170CPU socket:AM3+Chipset:AMD 990FXForm factor:ATX

ASUS Sabertooth 990FX Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Sabertooth 990FX
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

40%

4.4

Technical score

20%

8.3

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

10%

4.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 77% of motherboards
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

5.0

Ports

8%

4.4

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

â–¼Worse than 87%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 50%
4.4

User score

User score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models

4.4

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

7.8

Rating

30%

8.9

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 92%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asus-sabertooth-990fx
asus-sabertooth-990fx
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

Based on 2 · 3

Reviewers agree the build quality, BIOS and USB ports are excellent, but most criticize its graphics card support.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

Based on 91 owners sharing their experience in online comments

47%positive13%mixed40%negative

Owners praise long-term stability and overclocking, while onboard audio failures and startup problems cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the onboard audio jack going silent, popping, or failing after about a year, with some needing a GPU HDMI or add-in sound card instead.16
  • Owners report the board failing to POST after a BIOS update or memory change, with red CPU LED and boot-device lights, sometimes needing the MemOK button.10
  • Owners report random shutdowns and freezes under load, and one board's power chip overheated and melted on first power-up.8
  • Owners report temperature sensor and fan monitoring faults, with the northbridge and VRM running very hot under heavy load.8
  • Owners report the board detecting only part of installed RAM or running 1866 MHz RAM at 1666 MHz, and BIOS settings that stop booting when the memory speed is raised.8
  • Owners say a large CPU cooler blocks one RAM slot, and the first PCIe slot sits too close to the PCI x1 slot, leaving no room for a network card.5
  • Owners report slow warranty repairs and that the board's warranty service did not fix the fault, which then went unresolved.3
  • Owners say the stock AMD cooler runs hot and loud under load, so many replace it with an aftermarket cooler.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

5.0

Ports

8%

4.4

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

4.4
Reviews score
8.3
User score
4.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
CPU socket
AM3+
This motherboard uses AM3+, which is less up-to-date than 96.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD 990FX
This motherboard uses AMD 990FX, which is less capable than 90.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.5% of Motherboards.
Paired with SB950 southbridge.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
1,866 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,866 MT/s, which is lower than that of 91.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
12
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 92.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111F
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111F LAN controller, which is slower than 62.6% of Motherboards and equal to 0.8% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC892, which is lower-end than 79.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+2
This motherboard has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS Sabertooth 990FX vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    12 vs 8
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 4 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    4 vs 0
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 20.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.5
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    4 vs 0
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    12 vs 8
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111F vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111F vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 990FX vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 40.5% lower user score
    User score
    4.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models

    4.4

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    7.8

    Rating

    30%

    8.9

    Popularity

    4.4 vs 7.4
  • 5.8% worse value for money
    ASUS Sabertooth 990FX has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.27 vs 7.7).
    7.27 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 990FX vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (AM3+ vs LGA 1151).
    AM3+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 60.3% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    1,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 57.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Tek Syndicate
≈ estimated
18/12/2012
Hands-on review · overclocking, cooling and layout tour
Verdict
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is a solid, reliable board the creator fully endorses, though the first version needs a BIOS flash for FX CPUs.
9.0
computertv
≈ estimated
13/09/2011
First look · feature tour and BIOS walkthrough
Verdict
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is solid throughout, and the creator would consider it for Bulldozer.
9.0
Motherboards.org
≈ estimated
16/06/2011
First look · feature tour and board layout
Verdict
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is a solid, feature-rich board the creator recommends for AMD fans.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2011
Lab test · Compact AMD board
Verdict
The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is a sturdy, compact AMD board with a feature-rich BIOS, though it trails rivals in CPU tasks.
6.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
08/06/2015
Comparison test · AMD 990FX
Verdict
The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX shares PCIe lanes better than its ASRock rival, but 3Gbps SATA and a four-lane middle slot limit performance.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

  • High-quality, durable build with military-grade TUF components and a 5-year warranty
  • Excellent thermal management featuring ceramic-coated heatsinks and comprehensive 'Thermal Radar' monitoring
  • Strong overclocking stability supported by an 8+2 phase digital VRM design
  • User-friendly UEFI BIOS with mouse support and specialized features like BIOS Flashback and MemOK!
  • Broad connectivity options including 3-way SLI/CrossFireX support, multiple SATA 6Gbps ports, and front-panel USB 3.0

What customers don't like about ASUS Sabertooth 990FX

  • Large CPU coolers can cause clearance issues with the closest RAM slots
  • Initial versions may require a BIOS update using an older CPU to support newer FX-series processors
  • Reported issues with stability and significant boot delays when using four sticks of RAM simultaneously
  • Platform is considered dated by modern standards, lacking native support for DDR4 and newer high-speed storage interfaces
  • Some users noted a lack of 4-pin RGB headers and no onboard power or reset buttons for open-bench testing

Verdict

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD 990FX/SB950 chipset, designed for the AM3+ socket with support for AMD FX, Phenom II, and Athlon II processors. It features a robust 8+2 phase digital power design and 'TUF' military-grade components for extreme durability, alongside four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of memory and multiple PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for 3-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX. Main pros include its exceptional thermal management via CeraM!X ceramic-coated heatsinks and the TUF Thermal Radar monitoring system, as well as a highly stable platform for overclocking backed by a 5-year warranty. On the downside, the board lacks native PCIe 3.0 support, and some users have noted potential clearance issues between large CPU coolers and the primary RAM slots.

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