Thursday, August 27th 2015

ASUS Announces the TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 Motherboard

ASUS today announced TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1, an enduringly-tough new ATX motherboard with many exclusive TUF features, including trailblazing TUF Thermal Armor and TUF Fortifier technologies, TUF ICe, TUF Thermal Radar 2 and TUF Detective 2 for ultimate cooling, strength and easy monitoring and control.

The new Intel Z170 Express-based motherboard for 6th-generation Intel Core processors also boasts bang-up-to-date connectivity with both USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and reversible Type-C on board, and delivers 24/7 durability with military-grade TUF Components, upgraded TUF ESD Guards 2 to fend off electrostatic discharge and a five-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Designed tough, built to last: Thermal Armor, TUF Fortifier and Dust Defenders
TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 heralds a completely new design language for the ASUS TUF motherboard line, with the sleek, stealthy Thermal Armor reimagined in black and gunmetal grey. Thermal Armor employs dual fans to provide maximum airflow and rapid cooling board-wide, reducing temperatures in the area around the voltage-regulator module (VRM) by up to 20°C. It even includes a new interior shunt design to boost air cooling to the M.2 slot. The innovative design beneath the armor strengthens the PCI Express (PCIe) slots to minimize the risk of damage.

TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 also has TUF Fortifier to improve rigidity and endure heavy loads. The 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 up to weights of 10kg. TUF Fortifier even reduces internal temperatures by up to 13°C - an 18% improvement on the previous design.

TUF Dust Defenders protect Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1's rear input/output (I/O) ports, expansion and memory slots, preventing dust and other airborne particles from entering these critical connectors.

As part of its outstanding new design, Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 even has a detachable metal badge bearing the iconic TUF emblem to use as a unique TUF key chain or necklace, and Q-LED illumination to give users the power to see and act on the alerts, with a clear indication of the available actions.

Total cooling solution: TUF ICe, Thermal Radar 2 and TUF Detective 2
TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 combines three thermal-management technologies to ensure the ultimate cooling for any build - TUF ICe, TUF Thermal Radar 2 and TUF Detective 2.

TUF ICe is a dedicated onboard processor that monitors onboard temperature sensors and fan speeds for ultra-accurate cooling.

TUF Thermal Radar 2 offers 12 fan connectors. The multiple onboard sensors and the bundled thermistor cable hand users the power to monitor graphics-card temperatures and other key components in real time, as well as the ability to adjust manually or optimize cooling automatically with one click.

The free TUF Detective 2 companion app has been upgraded, putting detailed system information and a user-friendly interface one a smartphone or tablet display - right at users' fingertips. With TUF Detective 2, users are able to have fan control and monitor system information wirelessly, while key parameters can be monitored and errors detected and diagnosed errors with a cable connection.

24/7 durability, latest connectivity: TUF Components, ESD Guards 2, 5-year warranty and USB 3.1
TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 is engineered with TUF Components so it's tough enough for the most demanding conditions, even under heavy loading. Japanese-made 10K black metallic capacitors offer 20%-better temperature endurance for a lifespan that's up to ten times (10X) longer, and TUF alloy chokes are manufactured using high-grade anti-oxidization materials to provide heat dissipation that's 13% better than before for unbeatable durability.

It's also constructed with upgraded TUF ESD Guards 2 to defend numerous ports against sudden electrostatic discharge. Engineered to be two times (2X) stronger than before, TUF ESD Guards 2 covers all USB sockets and audio connectors - and exclusive pin-level testing on specific rear I/O connectors is 30% higher than the previous TUF standard.

Every TUF motherboard undergoes the industry's most-punishing tests to ensure they're ready for permanent duty in all scenarios. In our development labs we heat them, chill them, bend them, shock them and drop them - so TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 is certified for 24/7 durability, and backed by a five-year warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS
ASUS TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
  • Processor/CPU socket
    LGA1151 socket for 6th-generation Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium/ Celeron processors
  • Chipset
    Intel Z170 Express
  • Memory
    4 x DIMMs, up to a maximum of 64 GB DDR4 2400/2133 MHz
  • Expansion slots
    2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 (at x16 or x8/x8)
    1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16
    3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1
  • Graphics (VGA)
    Integrated Intel HD Graphics processor
    DisplayPort 1.2 with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 (4K x 2K) at 24Hz and 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz
    HDMI with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 (4K x 2K) at 24Hz / 2560 x 1600 at 60Hz
    Intel InTru 3D / Quick Sync Video / Clear Video HD Technology / Insider
  • Multi-GPU support
    Quad-GPU NVIDIA SLI and quad-GPU AMD CrossFireX
  • Audio
    Realtek ALC1150 eight-channel high-definition audio codec
  • Storage
    2 x SATA Express (10Gbit/s)
    6 x SATA (6Gbit/s, four from SATA Express)
  • Networking/LAN
    Intel I218-V Gigabit Ethernet
  • USB
    1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 Gen 2 Type-C port
    1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 Gen 2 Type-A port
    6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
    8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
  • ASUS TUF-exclusive features
    Thermal Armor with Flow Valve, Thermal Radar 2, TUF ICe, TUF Fortifier, TUF Engine power design, TUF Components, ASUS Digi+ power-control utility, TUF ESD Guards 2,TUF Detective 2, Dust Defenders, MemOK!
  • Dimensions / form factor
    ATX 12-inch x 9.6-inch (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
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27 Comments on ASUS Announces the TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1 Motherboard

#1
RejZoR
I never cared much about TUF models, but now they are my favorite ones. The extra durability features are really nice.
Posted on Reply
#2
natr0n
I cant make out what those 2 switches say or are for.
Posted on Reply
#3
AsRock
TPU addict
RejZoRI never cared much about TUF models, but now they are my favorite ones. The extra durability features are really nice.
Same here not in to the plastic kiddy looking stuff, i think MSI are on to some thing with their latest with that red circuit, now if only they did it to the whole board in colors other than red.

Be aswesome if ASRock would do it with gold which would go with most of their boards.
Posted on Reply
#4
RejZoR
At first I really liked AsRock Extreme 7+ model, but then I found out they don't offer ANY BIOS fan control for the motherboard 3pin connectors. I've checked the BIOS photos from some review and there was none. Unlike ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI etc which offer PWM/DC control with few predefined profiles and option to create your own fan curve based on onboard temperature sensors. That's why I stopped looking for AsRock. A bit disappointing to see such expensive board lack something so basic (I had this fan control stuff on P5Q Deluxe years ago).
Posted on Reply
#5
RejZoR
natr0nI cant make out what those 2 switches say or are for.
You mean the ones on the shroud around the CPU socket (on top of VRM elements? I think they are quick release buttons to take off that protective shroud and clean the heatsinks below. Can't see any other use of having "buttons" there...
Posted on Reply
#6
AsRock
TPU addict
WOW stone age 3 pin :p. Good fans should come as for pin these days.

When did they stop that just after Z77 ?, would be no loss to me personally as i prefer 4 pin fans over 3.
Posted on Reply
#8
RejZoR
Erm, all power ports are 4-pin PWM enabled. Look at the photo of the board again. 4 pin! You can also hook up 3 pin fans and control them in DC mode. Or PWM and do the same.
Posted on Reply
#9
stoney101
RejZoRYou mean the ones on the shroud around the CPU socket (on top of VRM elements? I think they are quick release buttons to take off that protective shroud and clean the heatsinks below. Can't see any other use of having "buttons" there...
Nope. Those are used to control the airflow from the optional fans you can install into the 'armour'. When you change the position of the switch it either opens or closes different vents.
Posted on Reply
#10
Overclocker_2001


if haven't huge expenses for the car i'll buy instantly this mobo and make a whole new system!
ASUS take my heart with this mobo
Posted on Reply
#12
64K
RejZoRYou mean the ones on the shroud around the CPU socket (on top of VRM elements? I think they are quick release buttons to take off that protective shroud and clean the heatsinks below. Can't see any other use of having "buttons" there...
Those are Flow Valves. There's a tiny fan that goes in where you see those two screws to the left to blow air for cooling and you can set the valves to vent the warm air from one side or the other or both.
Posted on Reply
#14
Pgcmoore
RejZoRYou mean the ones on the shroud around the CPU socket (on top of VRM elements? I think they are quick release buttons to take off that protective shroud and clean the heatsinks below. Can't see any other use of having "buttons" there...
possibly to make a little more room for cpu cooler installation? and fan installation under the shrouds?

I like it!
Posted on Reply
#15
peche
Thermaltake fanboy
that armor .... i wish gigabyte do armor for their motherboards.... looks insane :D
Posted on Reply
#16
INSTG8R
Vanguard Beta Tester
Gorgeous!(This coming from someone who has the very first TUF Sabertooth with the Armor)
Posted on Reply
#17
InhaleOblivion
As a current Asus Sabertooth user. I approve of this post. This is a very lovely board indeed.
Posted on Reply
#18
RejZoR
This board totally ruined my selection. Had 5820K + Sabertooth X99 in my sight and then Sabertooth Z170 comes out. 6700k would be better since it runs cooler than 5820K. Aarrgh. Would just want to skip all this, but Zen and Skylake-E are still sooooooo far away.
Posted on Reply
#19
Ruru
S.T.A.R.S.
Truly an Armor since it keeps the board warm.. And to fix that, you'll need tiny fans. Not like that Asus, not like that.

Somehow reminds me of those Abit boards with OTES exhaust on the I/O.
Posted on Reply
#20
Pgcmoore
Cristian_25HThermal Armor employs dual fans to provide maximum airflow and rapid cooling board-wide, reducing temperatures in the area around the voltage-regulator module (VRM) by up to 20°C. It even includes a new interior shunt design to boost air cooling to the M.2 slot. The innovative design beneath the armor strengthens the PCI Express (PCIe) slots to minimize the risk of damage.
Posted on Reply
#21
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
What exactly, in thid case, does "military grade TUF components" mean?
Posted on Reply
#22
RejZoR
It means they are the kind of components you'd find on military equipment. The one that has to work flawlessly at extreme desert temperatures for extended periods of time. To put it a bit into perspective at least...

In terms of home users, they are just motherboard components that are designed to have very long life expectancy in less than ideal conditions. If you're a silence freak like I am, this is the kind of board you want to have if you're planning on using it for lets say 5+ years in low airflow, overclocking conditions...
Posted on Reply
#23
RejZoR
Are there no problems with the mounting in the case because of the fortifier backplate? I mean, that thing is raised quite a bit from the motherboard.
Posted on Reply
#24
Xzibit
AsRockWOW stone age 3 pin :p. Good fans should come as for pin these days.

When did they stop that just after Z77 ?, would be no loss to me personally as i prefer 4 pin fans over 3.
Z77 had 7 total (1) 3-pin (6) 4-pin and I use all of them.
64KThose are Flow Valves. There's a tiny fan that goes in where you see those two screws to the left to blow air for cooling and you can set the valves to vent the warm air from one side or the other or both.

If you owned any of the recent sabertooth boards your familiar with the optional mini fans.

Run them on silent or don't install them. On normal they make a pitch that's annoying to me. stay away from high or making a fan curve that makes them spin too fast.
Posted on Reply
#25
R-T-B
Meh, just order the mark 2 without the armor. Is cheaper too.
Posted on Reply
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