1 Chapter

1.3Special features

1.3.1Product 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 efficient 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 CrossfireX architectures work flawlessly 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.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction