Before the world learned of the Intel Sandy Bridge processor, ASUS took basic Intel chipset features we’ve come to expect and improved upon them. They’ve also come up with creative looking motherboards to fit each product series. Take the P8P67 EVO for its elegant heatsinks to the aggressive ROG series with its red and black motif. Now they’ve taken things further by creating a new series of boards for mission critical objectives. This new series offers the highest grade electrical components, a 5 year warranty, and a bullet proof vest. The end result is the ASUS Sabertooth P67 Motherboard which is part of their new TUF series of motherboards.
Features and Specifications
The key features of the ASUS Sabertooth P67 are two fold. Of course, we can see that the board’s TUF Thermal Armor (or TUF Jacket as we’ve come to call it) is extremely unique to this series. It’s very possible this will be around for some time and may possibly show up on new motherboards later. But, the more important features are the ones underneath the jacket.
The TUF jacket’s concept is simple; create an air channel between the motherboard and jacket. With proper air flow, everything gets cooled off nicely. Without it, there’s little to no air flow except from your case and/or CPU cooling fans. This works with the Thermal Radar monitoring sensors that provides temperatures in real time.
Integrated into the motherboard, as well as every ASUS P8P67 motherboard, is ASUS’ high end DIGI+VRM technology. Rather than drown you in the electrical engineering speak, the purpose of this technology is to provide the processor and supporting components with maximum power at the highest possible frequencies by controlling signal oscillation. The steadier the signal, the more reliable the power being provided. With this tuning, the Intel Sandy Bridge processor’s Turbo frequency increases quicker and can be sustained for longer periods of time. This also benefits the CPU when overclocking.
Between the E.S.P Efficient Switching Power Design that benefits the entire platform’s power requirements and TUF Components (Alloy Choke, Capacitors & MOSFETs), it gives ASUS the confidence this board will last you 5 years or more. The components have been used and certified by the military at some level which adds more credibility to the claim. All this is yours for a very fair $219.99 US which isn’t that much of a premium over competing products.
What’s In The Box?
The SaberTUF (Sabertooth) motherboard comes with a very basic accessory bundle, but with a couple extras. Inside you’ll find four black with white connector SATA cables, PCIe bridge, Q-Connectors for the front panel and USB, black matching IO shield, manuals and drivers/software CD.
There is also a Certificate of Reliability validated by the Integrated Service Technology testing laboratory. This is a detailed list of the military grade components tested to military standards that ASUS engineers used to assemble the Sabertooth. The list includes seven capacitor, two Choke, and three MOSFET MIL-STD tests. This certificate speaks volumes about the integrity of the Sabertooth P67.
I’m on the fence about the lack of a theme matching bundle. Like the one found on the P8P67-EVO. On the one hand, the Sabertooth commands a level of value deserving of an impressive bundle. On the other, it does keep the price down despite the platform’s high quality standard.
Testing and Setup Notes
True to our previous P67 round up, we’ll be using the same components except we’ll be swapping out the motherboard of course and using a GTX 560 Ti instead of the GTX 460. We want to make sure you see test results comparable to a mainstream system. Here’s the break down:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge
- Motherboard 1: ASUS Sabertooth P67 (as tested)
- Motherboard 2: MSI P67A-GD65
- Motherboard 3: GIGABYTE P67A-UD4
- Memory: Kingston HyperX Genesis 4GB 2133MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
- Graphics: Single/Dual ZOTAC Geforce GTX 560 Ti (822MHz/2004MHz)
- Power Supply: Antec CP-850 CP Series
- OS Drive: Seagate 500GB SATAII
- SATAII Test Drive: Kingston 128GB SSDNow V+ (Rev 2.0)
- USB 3.0 Test Drive: Rosewill RX-358-U3B w/WD 2TB Black Caviar
- Operating System: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
- CPU Cooling: Zalman CNPS10X Extreme Ultra Quiet Cooler
The Sabertooth was tested using the 1502 BIOS from back in March. The rest of the software and drivers were downloaded directly from ASUS rather than using what was on the DVD. We’ll be using a couple ZOTAC GTX 560 Ti to validate a little NVIDIA SLI performance.
Software and BIOS Overclocking Examined
ASUS AI Suite II provides several options for updating your BIOS by managing the board’s DIGI+VRM, voltage tweaks, monitor temps, fan speeds, and voltages. If you install TurboV, you can play with the BCLK (Bus Clock), multiplier, and other voltage settings. You’ll also be able to access Thermal Radar for monitoring the 12 sensors built in to the various major component areas of the motherboard. We’ll cover that in the Thermal Armor section later.
The UEFI BIOS is present across all of ASUS’ motherboard series. Most of the settings are very similar with the exception of a JPEG capture feature in the upper echelon motherboards. Still, the basic layout is the same with an easy to use entry level screen featuring three settings for quick, instant speed.
If you want more overclocking performance, or BIOS options, you’ll have to access the advanced settings tab. Here, you can manually adjust smaller incremental frequencies and voltages depending on the overclock you want. Those new to overclocking will love the auto tuning option as it will automatically find the best overclock your system can handle. It’ll take about 20 minutes or so, but at least you don’t have to figure it out. New users will find this very handy in saving time and possibly the headache diagnosing an overclock gone wrong.
Once you’re in the OC-Zone, the Sabertooth is eager to push higher. The trick with these platforms is to use the CPU “offset” voltages. At 1.45 volts, with offset voltage, our Core i7-2600K struck 4.84GHz. With more extreme tweaking, it’s very possible the system could hit 5GHz. Personally, the worry free 24-7 sweet spot for this particular system is about 4.74GHz with slightly lower dishes.
Benchmark Suite and Configuration Notes
As per standard operating procedures, the overclocked system has to pass three iterations of Sysmark 2007 or we don’t count it as stable. That said, the suite consists of programs that test the entire platform’s features and sub-systems under real world applications. The benchmarks include: Sysmark 2007, CineBench R11.5, 3DMark11, RightMarkAudio Analyzer, input/output performance, power consumption, and quality control.
Power Consumption was measured using a power meter from the outlet. Quality Control was done utilizing both our senses and a laser thermometer. We’re looking for EMF, or noises, as well as any unusual hot spots compared to previous P67 platforms.
Sysmark 2007
This program benchmarks a computer’s overall performance rating the system in areas such as E-Learning, Video Creation, Office Productivity, and 3D Modeling. E-Learning uses apps like Adobe Flash and Photoshop to execute rich image, video, and audio in web based presentations. Video Creation creates a video rendering uses apps like SONY VEGAS to stress the system in professional video editing using effects and images from multiple sources, content types and formats. Office Productivity uses the real Microsoft Office to assess performance gains using these types of application. Finally, 3D Modeling professional applications to stress the system in real world modelling simulations.
Stock configuration shows both platforms achieving similar scores. But, the slightly more aggressive Sabertooth scores higher throughout the tests when overclocked. We doubt anyone will use an overclocked system for this reason alone. Let’s move on to 3DMark11 and check out 3D performance.
3DMark11 – Performance Settings
Starting off with some 3D testing, it’s apparent that the Sabertooth is perfectly capable of providing a stable and somewhat faster gaming platform. Stock performance is slightly better than the other two boards. It leaves them in the dust when overclocked. Yes, it’s screaming!
CineBench R11.5
Rendering in this benchmark is very CPU intensive and sensitive to things like core frequencies and Intel Turbo Tech (ITT). Because this board is rumored to have better, quicker ITT tuning, we tested both locked and Turbo settings.
Clock for clock, performance is just about identical which is often expected since each P67 platform follows stringent implementation guidelines. However, when ITT is enabled, it’s evident that there’s extra performance gained which is due in part to the DIGI+VRM technology and how it manages resources. It may not seem like a lot, but it’s enough to provide tangible results and would benefit much larger projects that need more time to render like large video projects or 3D Modelling.
RightMarkAudio Analyzer
The objective here is to compare the motherboards’ audio performance a bit more objectively than with the human ear. Using the latest drivers, RMAA is pretty reliable when detecting poorly integrated audio solutions. As a double check, we use a pair of high quality Seinnheiser PC370 headphones to help us confirm our results as well as allow us to detect any noise that is distracting to the human ear.
To explain what you’re looking, rather than just relying on the “good” score that many of the boards have, we’ll use our ears for a double check. What users can expect of the Sabertooth is a crisp audio experience. The quality of audio will start to flatten off as the volume levels increase beyond 60%. Fortunately, there are no squeaks or odd noises in any of the channels of the Sabertooth. As far as integrated audio is concerned, most of the important attributes are up to speed and should satisfy most users in day to day tasks. If you demand better audio quality, then the only way to get it is with a higher end discrete audio solution.
Overall Power Consumption
Motherboards have different features that can consume or conserve power. What we’re looking for here are any unusual spikes in consumption that can point to implementation or design issues. For this test, we left all peripherals connected to the test system. Again, power consumption is measured at the plug. As you can see, power consumption is very similar. Keep in mind that boards with added high performance features will consume more power.
TUF Jacket: Bulletproof?
The Thermal Armor (TA) works hand in hand with ASUS AI Suite II which tracks twelve different sensors around the motherboard which includes the CPU itself. To test the TA’s effectiveness, the system was first left to idle for 60 minutes.
After our 60 minute idle period, the system was then loaded down for 60 minutes without any extra cooling fans. We used just the Zalman CNPS10X Extreme at its highest speed to represent a typical performance system setup.
The process was repeated with a Noctua NH-C14 (horizontal) CPU cooler installed on the system because it sports two massive fans facing down which pushes air inside the TA.
It doesn’t take an engineer to have predicted these results. Obviously, the NH-C14 is the better configuration as it gets the air down inside which caused temperatures to drop across all the sensors. Even the Zalman cooler makes some difference with its wide dispersion around the socket. Some well placed case fans will also benefit the TA’s channeling. Keep in mind that direct air flow is not required at all for the Sabertooth to operate. But, of course, any extra air movement is a bonus, particularly if it is aimed through the Thermal Armor.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a motherboard telling us that it is built with military grade components. What it actually means though is that it uses highly resilient components that are resistant to heat, abuse, substandard power, and extended periods of extreme use. That is what it truly means for something to carry the “military grade” standard. Much of those electronic components are indeed covered by a protective plate as you don’t want them exposed to foreign materials while you defeat the opposing forces in your favorite game. Plus, ASUS is the only company to actually get the blessing of the US military.
With that said, the ASUS Sabertooth P67 is designed and built with many of those key components and features in mind. This is one of the few platforms that I have come across that offers tangible features that reflect innovation and creativity. My only personal gripe is that there could be a bit more military in the color scheme. That would truly seal the deal soldiers.
Overall, the ASUS Sabertooth P67 motherboard is an inspiring product. Its performance and overclocking potential is extremely impressive further solidifying the reasons why the Editor’s Choice Award was given to the P8P67 EVO in which it shares much of the same technology with. But of course, since value is part of the equation when it comes to our highest accolades, the Sabertooth does stand out as a premium priced product.
Based on its $219 US price tag, it does provide a great platform for creative modders and a great performance platform for enthusiasts alike. The Sabertooth achieves it’s mission objective to offer you a never failing motherboard with an industry leading 5 year warranty and is still the only “Military Grade” board with a seal of approval from the US Military. Whether that’s worth the price is up to you, but we do feel compelled to recommend it if your pay grade allows for it.
Pros
- True Military Rated Components
- MemOK! and three separate SATA controllers
- DIGI+VRM: Highly tuned VRM and Turbo Performance
- Thermal Armor: Unique opportunity for modders
- Very attractive design and concept
- Exemplary overclocking and stability
- US Military Approved With Certificate
Cons
- Armor hides the board’s CMOS battery
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
Help Us Improve Our Reviews by Leaving a Comment Below!