• ASUS TUF Sabertooth Z97 Mark S Limited Edition

This post consists of the press release announcing the ASUS TUF Sabertooth Z97 Mark S Limited Edition, followed by an overview and specifications of the ASUS TUF Sabertooth Z97 Mark S Limited Edition.

Technology world-leader marks another company first with release of stunning all-white, arctic-camouflaged Z97 ATX motherboard

2014/11/12

ASUS today announced TUF Sabertooth Z97 Mark S, a Z97 ATX motherboard with a strikingly-white, irresistibly-tough arctic-camouflage design and a limited-edition production run.

The latest ASUS masterpiece features multiple renowned TUF features. These include TUF camouflage-white Thermal Armor with Flow Valve to optimize airflow, Thermal Radar 2 for intuitive fan tuning, a TUF ICe microchip to intelligently monitor and control system temperatures and fan speeds, reinforced camouflage-white TUF Fortifier backplate, high-durability TUF Components and TUF Dust Defenders to prevent airborne particles entering via external ports.

Strikingly white, irresistibly tough and exclusively rare

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S made its first appearance at Computex 2014, where it was exhibited as a concept board bearing the codename ‘Sabranco’ — a portmanteau of saber and ‘branco’, the Portuguese word for ‘white’.

Responding to the hugely-positive visitor feedback, our engineers refined the design to produce the Sabertooth Z97 Mark S, the very first all-white motherboard in the ASUS TUF series with an extra-special dimension that we know enthusiast PC-builders will love. Innovative printing technology means that Sabertooth Z97 Mark S retains its strikingly-white hue for its lifetime, without discoloring.

Adding to the aesthetic appeal are two traditional Chinese characters adorning the rear side of Sabertooth Z97 Mark S. Carrying the meaning ‘tiger spirit’, they signify that Sabertooth Z97 Mark S is made with unwavering endurance to survive the most extreme conditions.

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S also has exclusive limited-edition rarity, and every single board will be individually numbered.

The motherboard that keeps as cool as it looks

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S is equipped to keep as cool as its strikingly-white looks. TUF’s Thermal Armor with Flow Valve technology is an exclusive arctic-camouflage-style cover with dual fans to boost airflow across the system for maximum heat dissipation. The new board comes with TUF’s easy-to-use Thermal Radar 2 software to make quick work of fan tuning for complete system cooling, enabling users to enjoy the perfect balance between quietness, cooling and performance.

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S also has an onboard TUF ICe microchip, which delivers incredibly precise temperature monitoring and fan control whether adjusting settings manually or via Thermal Radar 2’s one-click optimization feature.

TUF by name, tough by nature

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S offers great strength and cooling, with exclusive TUF Fortifier technology. This reinforced backplate ensures that the motherboard doesn't buckle under the weight of heavy graphics cards and CPU coolers, minimizing the risk of damaged circuitry from bowing and bending. TUF Fortifier also includes a thermal pad that efficiently directs heat away from the back of the 8+2-phase Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) and other critical components — an innovation that reduces operating temperatures by up to 7°C.

TUF Components ensure that Sabertooth Z97 Mark S is tough enough for the most demanding situations. Japanese-made 10K black metallic capacitors offer 20%-better temperature endurance for a lifespan that’s up to five times (5X) longer, and TUF’s New alloy chokes are manufactured using high-grade anti-oxidization materials to provide better heat dissipation and unbeatable durability.

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S even includes color-matched white TUF Dust Defenders to cover unused slots, protecting the PC against minuscule particles and environmental contamination — further extending the lifespan of sensitive components.

Server-grade stability that’s guaranteed to endure

Sabertooth Z97 Mark S is an enthusiast-level motherboard that delivers server-grade reliability — and that’s guaranteed. ASUS engineers put the new motherboard through extensive thermal-shock and stability tests, so users are assured that it will endure even the toughest conditions. Sabertooth Z97 Mark S also benefits from TUF ESD Guards that protect various ports, including USB sockets and audio connectors, from sudden electrostatic discharge.

ASUS TUF Sabertooth Z97 Mark S Limited Edition Overview and Specifications

Limited-edition, arctic-camouflaged TUF ATX Intel® Z97 motherboard with strengthened backplate and flexible cooling system for non-stop stability.

• LGA1150 Socket for the 5th, New 4th and 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
• Intel® Z97 Express Chipset
• Arctic Camo Thermal Armor with Flow Valve - Total Airflow-boosting Heat Dissipation
• Arctic Camo TUF Fortifier - Damage Protection and Improved Cooling
• White Dust Defenders - Repel the Dust, Expand the Lifespan
• TUF ICe - Your Total Cooling Commander
• Thermal Radar 2 - Customized Fan Tuning, Complete System Cooling
• TUF Components [TUF 10K Ti-Caps, TUF New Alloy Choke & MOSFETs; Certified by Military-standard] - Certified for Tough Duty

• CPU
  Intel® Socket 1150 for the 5^th/New 4^th/4^th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
  Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU
  Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
  * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
  * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
• Chipset
  Intel® Z97
• Memory
  4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 1866/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
  Dual Channel Memory Architecture
  Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
  * Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
  * Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
• Graphic
  Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support
  Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
  - Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
  - Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
  Maximum shared memory of 512 MB
  Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider™
  DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays
• Multi-GPU Support
  Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
  Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
• Expansion Slots
  2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (Single at x16, dual at x8/x8)
  1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode, black) *¹
  3 x PCIe x1
• Storage
  Intel® Z97 chipset :
  1 x SATA Express port, blackcompatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
  4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), black,
  Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
  Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology *²
  ASMedia® ASM1061 controller :
  2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), beige
• LAN
  Intel® I218V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s), Dual interconnect between the Integrated Media Access Controller (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY)
  Realtek® 8111GR, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
  Dual Gigabit LAN controllers- 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) appliance
• Audio
  Realtek® ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
  - Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
  - High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at rear) and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in)
  Audio Feature :
  - Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
  - Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
  - BD Audio Layer Content Protection
  - Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference
  - Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals
  - Audio amplifier: Provides the highest-quality sound for headphone and speakers
  - Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
• USB Ports
  Intel® Z97 chipset :
  6 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 4 at mid-board)
  ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
  2 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue)
  Intel® Z97 chipset :
  8 x USB 2.0/1.1 port(s) (4 at back panel, black, 4 at mid-board)
• Special Features
  TUF Features:
  TUF ENGINE! Power Design :
  - 8 +2 Digital Phase Power Design
  - TUF Components (New Alloy Choke, Ti-Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)
  - ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility
  Ultimate COOL! Thermal Solution :
  - TUF Thermal Armor with Flow Valve
  - TUF Thermal Radar 2 with Thermistors
  - TUF ICe
  Safe & Stable! Guardian Angel :
  - Dust Defenders
  - TUF Fortifier
  - TUF ESD Guards
  ASUS Exclusive Features :
  - Remote GO!
  - USB BIOS Flashback
  - MemOK!
  - AI Suite 3
  - Ai Charger+
  - USB Charger+
  - Anti-Surge
  - Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
  - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
  - USB 3.0 Boost
  - Disk Unlocker
  - Turbo LAN
  Interactive HomeCloud
  - Media Streamer
  ASUS EZ DIY :
  - Precision Tweaker 2
  - ASUS O.C. Profile
  - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
  - ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - ASUS USB BIOS Flashback
  - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
  - Multi-language BIOS
  - Push Notice
  - Media Streamer
  ASUS Q-Design :
  - ASUS Q-Shield
  - ASUS Q-Cable
  - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
  - ASUS Q-Slot
  - ASUS Q-DIMM
  - ASUS Q-Connector
• Operating System Support
  Windows® 8.1
  Windows® 8
  Windows® 7
• Back I/O Ports
  1 x DisplayPort
  1 x HDMI
  2 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
  4 x USB 3.0 (blue)
  4 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to USB BIOS Flashback)
  1 x Optical S/PDIF out
  5 x Audio jack(s)
  1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button(s)
• Internal I/O Ports
  2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin, moss green)
  2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
  1 x SATA Express connector: black, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
  1 x TPM header
  6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
  1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
  1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
  4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 x 4 -pin)
  3 x Assistant Fan connector(s) (2 x 3 -pin, 1 x 4 -pin, [White])
  1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
  1 x Thunderbolt header(s)
  1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
  1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
  1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
  1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector)
  1 x DRCT header(s)
  1 x MemOK! button(s)
  3 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
  1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
• Accessories
  User's manual
  Accessory Guide
  ASUS Q-Shield
  4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
  1 x SLI bridge(s)
  1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
  2 x Accessory Fan(s) ( 35 /40 mm )
  1 x TUF Certification card(s)
  1 x TUF 5 Year Warranty manual(s) (by region)
  1 x TUF Inside sticker(s)
  1 x Accessory Package(s):
  - 3 x PCIe x16 slot dust cover(s)
  - 2 x DRAM slot dust cover(s)
  - 3 x PCIe x1 slot dust cover(s)
  - 2 x Short fan screw(s)
  - 4 x Long fan screw(s)
  - 3 x Thermistor cable(s)
  - 1 x back I/O dust frame
  - 1 x back I/O dust grid
  - 1 x connector dust cover collection (On board USB 3.0, DVI, HDMI, DP, LAN)
  - 2 x On board USB 2.0 connector dust cover(s)
  - 8 x back I/O USB 2.0 connector dust cover(s)
  - 7 x On board SATA connector dust cover(s)
  - 1 x SATA Express conector dust cover(s)
  - 5 x Audio connector dust cover(s)
• BIOS
  64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.8, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS,
  ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
• Manageability
  WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
• Support Disc
  Drivers
  Anti-virus software (OEM version)
  ASUS/TUF CPU-Z
  ASUS Utilities
  EZ Update
• Form Factor
  ATX Form Factor
  12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
• Note
  *1: The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot and USB3 E1/2 ports at back. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot default setting is in x1 mode.
  *2: These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
  *3: These SATA ports are for data hard drivers only. ATAPI devices are not supported.

Sources:
http://www.asus.com/News/9FgcDaE2ebl7wCyl
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/SABERTOOTH_Z97_MARK_S/

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