DIGI+ Power Control for the CPU, VCCSA and DRAM
The Digital revolution continues in the X79 platform with the expansion of the DIGI+ Power Control beyond the CPU VCore. In the latest ASUS X79 motherboards, the CPU VCCSA and DRAM Voltage get precise power control as well through a new inclusive Digital Power Design. With DIGI+ Power control over the DRAM, the overclocking adjustment possibilities increase exponentially and configurations that were once impossible are now achievable. Extra control on the VCCSA allows for extreme DRAM tuning, adjustable through the UEFI BIOS or through the AI Suite.
ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features
Best performance for 4-Way SLI and quad CrossFireX
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 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.
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.
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.
Dual Intelligent Processors Technology 3 (DIP3)
EPU
ASUS P9X79 WS has an embedded energy-optimization microprocessor that works in conjunction with the DIGI+ VRM to achieve high energy efficiency. The EPU can be enabled or disabled via an onboard switch or through software, giving the user flexible options for adjusting the power saving features when necessary. With the capability to detect the accurate CPU load in real time, by interpreting the current consumption of the CPU, EPU intelligently manages the balance between performance and power consumption, delivering an unbeatable performance per watt ratio, as compared to competing solutions. The EPU is connected directly to the CPU to detect the exact CPU loading, and control active power phase, voltage and multiplier in real time.
TPU
A second microprocessor, dedicated for automatic system tuning, is embedded in the ASUS P9X79 WS called TPU. With a flick of a switch, the system automatically adjusts settings to an overclocked and stable state. This feature is also accessible in software mode through ASUS TurboV EVO easy overclocking tool for a single-click auto-system level up. The TPU not only allows a finer configuration of voltage control beyond the ability of any existing controllers, the real-time detection of the exact voltage reading are also made available through it. This is especially essential for overclocking purposes, ensuring the added on voltage can be minimized, whether it is for manual or automatic overclocking purposes. The TPU is connected to both the SMBUS and the CPU directly, to control the behavior of the rest of the system.
Extra SATA 6Gb/s with ASUS SSD Caching
ASUS provides two extra SATA 6Gb/s ports on the ASUS P9X79 WS through a dedicated Marvell 9128 chipset, providing high bandwidth transfer rates without bottlenecking PCI Express performance. Combined with the SATA 6Gb/s natively supported in Intel Sandy Bridge, the ASUS P9X79 WS offers unparalleled connectivity options for users who want maximum performance out of their drives.
Unlike the Z68 chipset, there is no native support for SSD caching in the X79 platform. ASUS engineers however, have crafted a solution that not only delivers SSD-like performance to ASUS X79 motherboards but is also easy to setup. Simply plug in the HDD and SSD into the Marvell onboard SATA controllers then initiate the automated setup sequence in AI Suite. Since the ASUS SSD Caching uses a separate controller chip, there is no CPU resource consumption and unlike Intel’s Smart Response Technology, there is no limit to the size of SSD that can be used as a caching device.
Dual (Front & Rear) USB 3.0 with ASUS USB Boost
USB has always been a very convenient interface for portable data transfer. However, due to the fast growth of the quantity of data stored in modern PCs, the performance of USB 2.0 is no longer sufficient to fulfill the need of users. This is where USB 3.0 comes in. Thanks to its new architecture of being able to achieve up to 10 times faster theoretical performance, compared with USB 2.0, it offers convenience, yet great performance to the general public. With the introduction of providing both the front and rear USB 3.0 ports, users can enjoy ultra-fast external storage experience. All ASUS X79 motherboards also feature an onboard UASP USB3 controller to boost performance further when a UASP device is plugged in. The driver automatically boosts the performance of any device plugged in whether it detects a UASP compatible device or even any regular USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 device.
Mem OK!
In case a memory error occurs during overclocking, the Mem OK! Button allows the adjustment of memory settings to a more acceptable state, whether the error was because of a voltage or memory timing issue. This ensures maximum working compatibility for the memory when overclocking without resorting to a CMOS reset. The ASUS P9X79 WS supports memory speeds up to 1866 (OC) for blazing fast performance.
BIOS Flashback
To further simplify BIOS updates, ASUS implemented the new BIOS Flashback functionality in the X79 motherboards which allows for a quick and single button BIOS update. The BIOS flashback utility does not even require any processor or memory module to be installed. All that is needed is for the 24-pin and 8-pin CPU power to be plugged in from the power supply. Users can just place a FAT16 or FAT32 formatted USB thumb drive with a UEFI BIOS file into the special shared USB slot (colored white) then simply hold the rear BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds.
