Roundup tests of motherboards aimed at Intel Core 2 Duo processors
Foxconn 975X7AB
The distinguishing feature of Foxconn 975X7AB is the digital power supply module. In all the remaining aspects, that is an ordinary motherboard based on i975X with standard expansion options, functionality and overclocking tools. We put a special emphasis on the package bundle which includes all the required components to assemble a system.
We should also note the two PCI Express x16 slots, which allows using two video cards merged following the Crossfire technology.
Also, there are two PCI and two PCI Express x1 slots onboard.
Among the remaining expansion options are 5 Serial ATA II links, 4 of which are supported by the south bridge ICH7R, and one more - by the additional chip JMB361 made by JMicron. The same chip provides support for one ParallelATA link. In the end, as many as 9 hard disks (5 SATA II + 4 PATA) can be plugged in to the motherboard. The board also uses two Gigabit LAN controllers, 2 Firewire ports, 8 USB 2.0 ports, and integrated 8-channel audio.
The rear panel features in that it lacks any COM ports (there is only one port implemented with a bracket).
Besides, there is an additional FoxOne chip which is meant for doing such tasks like dynamic overclocking, system monitoring, power management, and control over the fans' rotational speeds. At the same time, it closely interacts with the utility of the same name that allows the user to control the mentioned features from within Windows.
Another feature of the motherboard - there is a Power-On button.
The BIOS is based on the Award BIOS Phoenix version.
The memory settings are standard. At the same time, it should be noted that there is no reducing memory frequency multiplier for use with Core 2 Duo processors. But that is a key advantage of the i975X chipset over P965!
The system monitoring section does not feature in rich functionality: the board keeps track of the current temperatures for the CPU and the system, rotational speeds of the three (of four) fans , as well as the voltage levels. Besides, the cooler plugged in to the CPU_FAN is able adjusting the rotational speed depending on the CPU temperature.
The overclocking features have been implemented just as "tick off": FSB adjustable within 266(133) to 600 MHz, adjustable voltage on the CPU within -21% to +24%, on the memory - within -0.15 V to +0.6V, on the chipset - within -0.12 V to +0.24 V (0.04 V), on the FSB - within -0.09 V to +0.18 V (0.03 V).
In practice, the board demonstrated a stable operation at FSB = 366 MHz. That is a low result which invalidates all the advantages of the digital power supply module.
Interim conclusion: with the retail price $230, Foxconn 975X7AB will be rather hard to compete against other products based on the i975X chipset.
Pros:
- High stability and excellent performance level;
- Support for SerialATA II /RAID ( 5 links; ICH7R + JMB361);
- Support for 2 P-ATA links (ICH7R + JMB361);
- Integrated 8-channel audio and two LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) controllers;
- Support for USB2.0 (8 ports) and IEEE-1394 (Firewire; 2 ports);
- Additional FoxOne chip + FoxOne utility;
- Perfect package bundle;
- Digital power converter.
Cons:
- Price a bit too high;
- Flaws in the BIOS.
The board's specific features:
- Middling overclocking results;
- SerialATA II port on the rear panel;
- Power button.
Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H
Another middle-end motherboard based on the P965 chipset. This is Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H which features in good expansion options and an additional FoxOne chip.
The motherboard has one PCI Express x16, one PCI Express x1, one PCI Express x4, and three "regular" PCI slots.
Among the remaining expansion options are 6 Serial ATA II (ICH8R) links, a Gigabit LAN controller, 10 USB 2.0 ports, two Firewire ports, and integrated 8-channel audio.
Besides, this motherboard supports one ParallelATA link with an additional JMB361 controller. This chip also supports one SerialATA II link - the respective ports is brought over to the rear panel.
The motherboard features in an additional FoxOne chip:
the BIOS is in many ways similar to the BIOS of Foxconn 975X7AB. In particular, the section of memory latency timings and system monitoring are fully identical.
As regards the overclocking tools, the FSB is adjustable within 133 to 600 MHz, the CPU voltage can be raised by +0.3 V, on the memory - within -0.15 V to +0.6 V, on the chipset - within -0.12 V to +0.24 V (0.04 V), and on the FSB within -0.09 V to +0.18 V (0.03 V).
During practical experiments, the board showed very poor results: stable FSB speed = 320 MHz.
Interim conclusion: the board is a good framework for a mid-end computer. Anyway, there are some shortcomings to note: somehow overstated price, scarce package bundle, and a really weak overclocking capability.
Pros:
- High stability and excellent performance level;
- Support for SerialATA II /RAID ( 7 links; ICH8R + JMB361);
- Support for one P-ATA link (JMB363);
- Integrated 8-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller;
- Support for USB2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (Firewire; 2 ports);
- Additional FoxOne chip + FoxOne utility.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- Middling overclocking results;
- SerialATA II port on the rear panel;
- PCI Express x4 slot;
- Additional 8-pin power connector.
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Content: |
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Page 1 - Chipsets
Page 2 - Roundup table of motherboards
Page 3 - abit AW9D-MAX, abit AB9 Pro
Page 4 - ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe, ASUS P5W64-WS Pro
Page 5 - ASUS Commando, ASUS P5B Premium Vista Edition
Page - ASUS P5B Deluxe Wi-Fi, ASUS P5B-E
Page 7 - P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe, Striker, P5N32-E SLI, and P5N32-E SLI PLUS
Page 8 - ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium, ASUS P5N-E SLI
Page 9 - Gigabyte 965P-DQ6, Gigabyte 965P-DS4
Page 10 - Gigabyte 965P-DS3, Gigabyte 965G-DS3
Page 11 - Foxconn 975X7AB, Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H
Page 12 - MSI P6N SLI Platinum, MSI P965 Platinum
Page 13 - MSI P965 Neo, MSI P965 Neo2
Page 14 - Intel D975XBX2 (i975X), Intel DG965RYCK
Page 15 - ECS NF650SLIT-A, ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A
Page 16 - ECS PN2 SLI2+, ECS P965T-A
Page 17 - Performance, conclusions
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