30% graphics performance boost
with 4-way GeForce® SLI™ and
CrossFireX™
Intel® LGA 2011 platform/Intel® X79 chipset
Quad Channel-8 DIMM
Best Graphics Performance with 4-Way Geforce SLI™ and Quad CrossFireX™
Dual Intel® Gigabit LAN Lower 71% CPU Utilization
Server level capability with RAID cards, Lan cards and Capture cards
3X Faster Performance with one-click ASUS SSD Caching
USB BIOS Flashback - Easy, worry-free USB BIOS Flashback
Windows 8 Ready – Assured Compatibility
Support Intel® Xeon Phi™ 3100 series (active fan SKU only) and NVIDIA Tesla K20C cards.
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Fast Boot
Instant OS Login
ASUS has released new hardware and software designs to
shorten system boot-up time to 2-seconds* for a smoother user
experience that removes annoying delays under Windows 8, and
even previous versions of Windows. Faster system boot and
restart means Windows starts quicker and higher efficiency - No
more waiting around.
Best performance for 4-Way SLI™ and quadCrossFireX™
The Best Graphics Performance You've Ever Experienced
Based on extensive
benchmarking, the 4-
Way SLI™ offered by
the P9X79 WS works
up to 30% faster than
standard 3-way SLI™
and up to 100% faster
compared to 2-way
SLI™, giving professional and power users more graphics
Workstation Essentials for Your BusinessThe ASUS Workstation Series is the ideal foundation for a powerful PC. It delivers awesome power, dependable
performance and unmatched multiple I/O scalability for the most demanding tasks and future upgrades. The ASUS
Workstation Series intelligently reduces operating noise and dissipates heat through advanced and environmentally friendly
methods to accommodate user needs. ASUS Workstation Series motherboards also bring you ultimate reliability and
quality through our 24x24 initiative, which means 24-hour non-stop operation and a 24-month life cycle supply guarantee so
you don´t change computers so often.Instead, let the ASUS Workstation Series improve the quality of your work and life.
Windows 8 Exclusive Features
ASUS Boot Setting
Multi-startup Options
Thanks to ASUS Windows 8 hardware optimization, ASUS Boot Setting provides better flexibility in
customizing your PCs startup process. You can enter the BIOS directly with one click through a user-friendly
interface, and quickly select your preferred system boot up method: either get to the OS in seconds or opt for
regular boot up. Whatever your choice, settings are saved and persistent, with no need to choose every time
you power on.
ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features
performance on demand. Using PCI Express 3.0 x16 links,
the four GPUs can reach their full potential, perfect for both
intense gaming and commercial uses such as mechanical
and architectural design, interior design, aeronautics, plus
audio and video production.
3-color LED
Instant O.C Status Checking with 3-color
LED
At a glance workstation overclocking status
with easy to understand color coding. Red
means overclocked, blue means normal,
while green denotes power saving mode.
This is an essential and convenient tool to let users know
more about overclocking conditions without entering the
BIOS.
Built-in Dual Intel Server-Class Gigabit LAN
Dual Intel® hardware-
accelerated LAN
For more reliable networking, the
P9X79 WS features built-in dual
Intel® Gigabit LAN. This leads to
lower 71% CPU utilization ,
increasing throughput to achieve
outstanding performance as well
as better support for diverse
operating systems.
Server-level Compatibility
Server-level Compatibility with RAID card
and Lan card
The P9X79 WS provides complete
compatibility with RAID and LAN
cards.Users enjoy a wider selection of
devices and higher reliability. As a
workstation motherboard that puts an emphasis on system
integration, the P9X79 WS offers the benefit of greater
confidence and convenience.
New DIGI+ Power Control
New DIGI+ Power Control
All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
ASUS X79 motherboards include New DIGI+ Power Control with three digital voltage controllers, including all-new DRAM
controllers that offers ultra-precise memory tuning in addition to ultra-precise CPU voltage control. This evolution of
innovative, industry-leading ASUS technology provides the
best in class control for better efficiency, stability and
performance.
Best in class power efficiency and stability
Two critical components work perfectly together to match
digital power signal (SVID) requests from the CPU, with
ultra-fast sensing and response to efficiently deliver the
right level of power on demand. Accurate power reduces
wasteful voltage imprecision, and provides more a stable
CPU and memory setup.
Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range
With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can
adjust CPU and DRAM voltage and VRM switching
frequencies for various overclocking scenarios. New DRAM
tuning possibilities make the most of DDR3 memory for
better performance with VCCSA load line calibration and
30% more DRAM current capacity. Dual digital voltage
controllers provide two separate outputs for AB and CD
memory channels respectively. Thanks to a slew of power
options teamed with an extensive and intuitive UEFI BIOS,
overclocking very large memory setups is no more difficult than mainstream motherboards.
* VCCSA (system agent voltage) relates to the CPU DRAM controller. ASUS power control now provides more VCCSA options to facil itate
extreme DRAM overclocking.
Support for up to 64GB of system memory with an 8-DIMM design on ASUS X79 motherboards provides the
capacity for users to make full use of modern 64-bit software, ideal for rendering detailed images or
manipulating large files without the bottlenecks of conventional storage. It also allows users to set up big
RAM disks and speed up frequently accessed programs, minimizing the impact of storage transfer delays
while maximizing user benefit.
ASUS Exclusive Features
ASUS SSD Caching
3X faster performance at a click
SSD Caching from ASUS is easier than ever. At 3X faster, this feature boosts system
performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cache for
frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like performance and
response and hard drive capacity with just one click, no rebooting needed and instant
activation for complete ease of use, and even prevent data loss with included backup
functionality.
UEFI BIOS
ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes, providing a user-
friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only controls. It also natively supports fully-utilized hard drives larger
than 2.2TB in 64-bit operating systems.
ASUS exclusive interface
USB BIOS Flashback
Easy, worry-free USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to
flash the BIOS ever! It allows overclockers to try new UEFI
BIOS versions easily, without even entering their existing
BIOS or operating system. It even works without key
components such as the CPU and memory installed. Just
plug in any USB storage and push the dedicated button for
3 seconds. The UEFI BIOS is automatically flashed using
ATX standby power. Worry-free updating for the ultimate
convenience! > Learn More
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed
info. Users can choose system
performance settings and drag and drop
boot priorities. Advanced Mode for
performance enthusiasts includes
detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated
memory info page for complete insight.
New upgrade! Quick and easy info for
enhanced system control
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI setup info and troubleshooting
New F3 Shortcut for most accessed info
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) Information for accessing memory info, detecting faulty DIMMs and helping
with difficult POST situations
Fan Xpert+
Customizable speeds with independent fan control
USB 3.0 Boost
Faster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASP
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB
Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With
USB 3.0 Boost, USB device transmission speed is
significantly increased by up to 170%, adding to already
impressively fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds. USB 3.0 Boost
provides a user-friendly graphical interface, which instantly
accelerates transfer speeds for USB 3.0 peripherals with
exclusive ASUS device auto-detect settings.
Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert+ allows users to
independently adjust both CPU and case fan speeds with
multiple dedicated controllers based on different ambient
temperatures, climate conditions and system loads. Built-in
profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed
controls to achieve a quiet and cool computing environment.
AI Suite II
One-stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates
all exclusive ASUS features into one simple-to-use package
with an elegant design theme. It allows users to supervise
overclocking, energy management, fan speeds, voltage,
DTS Connect
Expand Your PC Audio Experience
To get the most out of your audio
entertainment across all formats and
quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling
technologies. DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources
(CDs, MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1
channels of incredible surround sound. Consumers can
then connect their PC to a home theater system.DTS
Interactive is capable of performing multi-channel encoding
of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such
as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external
decoder.
and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse
and easy to use functions, with no need to switch back and
forth between different utilities.
Latest Transfer Technology
PCIe 3.0 Ready
The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance of current
PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe
2.0 (in x16 mode). PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the
convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. It’s a
must-have feature for PC users aiming to improve and optimize graphics performance, as well as have the latest, most
future-proof technology.
*This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will be available when using PCIe 3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to
www.asus.com for updated details.
> Get the latest BIOS version for optimal support of PCI Express 3.0.
ASUS Crystal Sound
DTS UltraPC II
Intel® X79 Express Chipset
The Intel® X79 Express Chipset is the
latest single-chipset design that supports
the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7
Processor family for the LGA 2011 Socket.
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.
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through
the most popular PC audio setups -
your existing stereo speakers or
headphones. In addition to virtual
surround, it upgrades original sound to new levels with
Audio Restoration, recreating the dynamic range of audio
files. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived
loudness across different input sources and Enhance
boosts audio quality through high and low frequency
equalization. With these technologies, users experience
better home theater audio with ease.
CPU, Chipset and Graphics features
2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor family for the LGA 2011 Socket
This motherboard supports the latest 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor family for the LGA 2011
Socket, 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. 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
family for the LGA 2011 Socket is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.
4-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.
Diverse coprocessors and GPU accelerators support
The P9X79 WS supports up to six PCI-E Gen3 x16 slots for high expandability, compatible with versatile expansion cards,
especially in supporting up-to-date Intel® Xeon Phi™ 3100 Coprocessor series(active fan SKU only) and NVIDIA Tesla
K20C of GPU accelerators.
CPU
Intel® Socket 2011 Core™ i7 Processors
Intel® Socket 2011 for Xeon® E5-1600/E5-1600 v2 processors
Intel® Socket 2011 for Xeon® E5-2600/E5-2600 v2 processors
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
Chipset
Intel® X79
Memory
8 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz ECC, Non-ECC, Un-
buffered Memory *
Quad 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).
Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Expansion Slots
4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (dual x16 or x16/x8/x8 or quad x8, black+blue) *
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x4 mode, white) *
Storage
Intel® X79 chipset :
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), blue
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Marvell® PCIe 9128 controller :
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), navy blue
Support Raid 0, 1
LAN
1
2
2
Intel® 82579V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
Intel® 82574L, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
Audio
Realtek® ALC898 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
- DTS Ultra PC II
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
IEEE 1394
1 x IEEE 1394a port(s)
USB Ports
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® X79 chipset :
13 x USB 2.0 port(s) (8 at back panel, black, 5 at mid-board)
Workstation Feature
6 x PCIe x 16 slot(s)
Quick Gate: 1 x vertical USB 2.0 on board
ASUS SASsaby series Cards support
ASUS WS Diag. LED
ASUS WS 3-color LED
Special Features
ASUS TPU :
- Auto Tuning
- TurboV
- TPU switch
ASUS EPU :
- EPU
- EPU switch
ASUS Digital Power Design :
- Industry leading Digital 8 + 2 Phase CPU Power Design
- Industry leading Digital 2 + 2 Phase DRAM Power Design
- CPU Power Utility
- DRAM Power Utility
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- MemOK!
- AI Suite II
- Ai Charger
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- ASUS SSD Caching
- USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
- Stylish Fanless Design Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert+
ASUS EZ DIY :
- USB BIOS Flashback
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
Back I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse (green)
1 x IEEE 1394a
2 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.0
8 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to USB BIOS Flashback)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
6 x Audio jack(s)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button(s)
Internal I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x Vertical USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x TPM connector(s)
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x Optional Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button(s)
1 x TPU switch(es)
1 x EPU switch(es)
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Reset button(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
Accessories
User's manual
I/O Shield
2 x SATA 3Gb/s cable(s)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x 3-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x 4-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x SLI bridge(s)
1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
BIOS
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS
EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Support Disc
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating System
Fedora 15
Windows® 8 32/64-bit
Windows® 7 32/64-bit
Windows® Vista 32/64-bit
Windows® XP 32/64-bit
RedHat® Enterprise Linux WS 6.1 32/64-bit
Open SUSE 11.4
Ubuntu Desktop 11.04
*
Form Factor
CEB Form Factor
12 inch x 10.5 inch ( 30.48 cm x 26.67 cm )
Note
*1: DDR3 1866 MHz is only supported with Intel® Core™ i7 Processors for LGA 2011 Socket and Intel®
Xeon® processor E5-2600 v2/ E5-1600 v2 product family.
*2-1: This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will be available when using PCIe
3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.com for updated details.
3
*2-2: Blue slot can run x16 or x8 link, black slot only can run x8 link.
*3: Linux OS only conduct installation test OK.