User manual

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
2nd Generation Intel
®
Core ™ i7 processor family for the LGA 2011 Socket
This motherboard supports the latest Intel
®
2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Family in
LGA2011 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to quad-channel
(8 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 40 PCI Express 3.0 lanes. This provides great graphics
performance. Intel
®
2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Family is one of the most powerful
and energy efcient CPUs in the world.
Intel
®
X79 Express Chipset
The Intel
®
X79 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design that supports the new
socket 2011 Intel
®
2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme. It improves performance by
utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing for increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally,
the X79 comes with 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 3Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval, doubling
the bandwidth of current bus systems.
3-Way SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
Both SLI and CrossreX architectures work awlessly on new ASUS X79 boards, with PCI
Express slots designed to accommodate the power of up to four current graphics cards.
Whether for professional graphics work, heavy duty multimedia or dedicated gaming, more
than ample graphics power can be applied whenever needed.
Quad-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.
C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of
the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The quad-
channel DDR3 architecture quadruple the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance.
* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600
MHz frequency as default.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 6 USB 3.0
ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster
than USB 2.0. The P9X79 PRO affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support
The Intel
®
X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.