Foxconn N15235: Technical characteristics of the motherboard. Features and Key Features of Foxconn N15235 Maternal Foxconn

Foxconn N15235 was aimed at the assembly of personal computers of various levels of complexity within the framework of the LGA775 computing platform. Characteristics this component EUM indicated its versatility and multifunctionality. It is about this device that will be discussed in this material.

Positioning of motherboard

As noted earlier, a high degree of versatility boasts a system board performed by FoxConn N15235. Its specifications indicate that it is perfect for creating both ultimative, high-performance PCs and budget office system blocks. The key factor that contributes to such a unification is the G31 chipset from Intel. It is through the use of such element base And this decision was the most versatile. Also, his value is quite democratic, and this fee is already very important for one reason.

Chipset. List of processors

A set of system logic G31 from Intel company underlies Foxconn N15235. The characteristics of this set indicate that it is made on a 2-microcham layout. The North Bridge is G31 itself. It is responsible for interacting with RAM, peripheral devices and a processor. The south bridge is ICH7 developed by Intel. The zone of responsibility includes expansion slots, various drives and indication and control system on the front panel. This motherboard is equipped with a LGA775 processor connector. These CPU models can be installed in its socket:

  • Budget Celeron to create office systems.
  • Improved Pentium 4 and Penrium D. Such chips were perfect for gaming PCs initial level.
  • Advanced Core 2DUO, which allowed to implement the middle class PC.
  • Premium Core 2Quad. In the latter case, speed personal computer It made it possible to solve all tasks and such computing systems still continue to be relevant to this day.

Memory

By outdated today, the layout was organized by the subsystem random access memory In Foxconn N15235. The characteristics of this component of the computing system indicated that the RAM controller is included in the northern bridge of the system logic set. To date, it is integrated into the central processor device, and this latter layout allows to significantly increase the speed of the PC. On the motherboard there were 4 slots of RAM, in which there were 16GB of fast memory. That is, 4 modules of 4GB. The type of memory in this case is DDR2. Recommended frequencies of the functioning of fast memory - 400, 533, 667 or 800 MHz.

Communication set

In terms of communication set, the Foxconn N15235 fee is practically inferior to modern counterparts. Her characteristics are simply excellent and allow you to connect any modern peripheral devices without any special problems or internal extension controllers. The list of expansion slots in this case includes:

  • PCI EX Rev. 16x - 1 pc., In which the discrete video card is installed. Integrated adapter B. this case It is not provided, and without a discrete graphic accelerator in this case can not do. Taking into account the fact that such a slot is only one, the stock productivity supply must be solid.
  • PCI Express Rev. 16x - 1 pc. This expansion slot is designed to install modern models of built-in extension controllers. It may be a TV tuner, and a network adapter, and even an additional charges with ports.
  • PCI slots - 3pcs. In this case, there are already outdated modifications of controllers.

The list of ports built into the fee consists of:

  • 2 x PS / 2 to implement the connection to the keyboard and manipulator.
  • 4 x USB Rev. 2.0 for switching with different peripheral devices.
  • One RJ-45 network port for connecting to local network.
  • One LPT and Som nest. With their help to the PC you can connect outdated versions peripheral devices.
  • Audio shots - 3pcs for connecting speakers and microphone.

In this list, there is not enough MIDI port. But it is used extremely rare today, and this solution to the manufacturer is quite justified.

Relevance. Reviews. Cost

A truly universal product for creating various personal computers in the framework of the LGA775 is the Foxconn N15235 motherboard. The characteristics of it are appropriate. She has practically no significant drawbacks. But on this moment The LGA775 platform itself is outdated entirely and completely. Therefore, consider it as the basis for assembling a new system Block unacceptable. But for repairing a PC based on such a socket, it is quite possible to apply it. That is how it is now in reviews and characterize experts.

Conclusion

Within the framework of this review material, the FoxConn N15235 model board is considered. Its characteristics are given, recommendations are given regarding use. There are no significant minuses of this solution. Conventional disadvantages can only be attributed to the fact that the computing platform, which underlies it, is outdated. But this is natural for the reason that the LGA775 socket debuted for sale more than 10 years ago.

If for expensive system boards, support for the obsolete interfaces can hardly act as a competitive advantage, then in the "starting" category this argument is not sin to use. It is no secret that corporate users are not at all aspire to update the office equipment from aesthetic considerations at all, so in organizations there is a huge fleet of technology, which is working, but requiring it to connect morally outdated COM, LPT, IDE ports, etc.. There are also components , for example, hardware keys for professional software and specific devices collected by local coolars (without which, nevertheless, the work is impossible), which are almost impossible to USB / FireWire-tires.

The WinFast 6100M2MA-RS2H developers clearly pursued the goal to make a fee with functionality. Let a somewhat conservative, but meet the requests of the mentioned user group. Contrary to the current trend, the IDE connectors are left in the number of two pieces, while the number of space-connected SATA connectors is reduced also to two, and on the board itself there is a connector for connecting the second COM port in addition to the standard COM and LPT installed on the rear panel.

Already at once, considering the fee in Microatx format, we practically do not have the reasons to even find fault to the design. All peripheral connectors and power connectors are located along the edges of the board, the only jumper (for CMOS cleaning) is also easily accessible and provided with "handle". And even the FDD connector is not locked down at the extreme PCI slot, but is placed next to the IDE connectors.

During active work, both bridges of chipset are heated very sensitively, while the power converter, despite the absence of any cooling, is heated only in a series of high-load tests on a processor. It is characteristic that the heating of the southern bridge radiator is higher than the northern, which is especially noticeable in the active network traffic mode. As observations show, check whether the chipset from NVIDIA is well cooled, by organizing copying large files from the local FTP server or loading the maximum built-in network adapter in another way (this is especially true for chipsets from the NForce4 family). In this case, the client-launched client of the file sharing network did not cause instability.

In a three-channel pulsed stabilizer of the processor supply voltage, 3 field transistors on a channel, 5 capacitors of 3300 μF from United Chemi-Con and 4 to 1500 μF from Rubycon, a stabilizer of memory power supply is enhanced by using inductive elements and is also collected exclusively on elite brand condensers ( from the same two episodes). The choice is simply great! Partly even causing surprise because it comes to the most accurate example of all other signs of the model: there is a layout for the FireWire controller installed in a more expensive version with a 6100m2ma-8EKRS2H marking, which also differs as 8-channel HDA-codec and gigabit network adapter. Board size - 245 × 245 mm (standard microatx), mounting to the case 9 screws.

System Monitoring (ITE IT8712F-S, according to BIOS Setup)

  • Voltage of the processor kernel, batteries, +3.3, +5, +12 V and +12 in standby;
  • Rotation frequency 2 fans;
  • Processor temperature (built-in processor sensor) and boards (built-in board sensor);
  • Smart FAN - Fully Automatic Rotation Frequency Control processor Cooler. The control scheme provides for a half-speed operation, while the processor's heating does not exceed 55 degrees, then the turns are jumping up to 75%, and if, nevertheless, the temperature rise will continue and it will reach 65-67 degrees, the momentum increases to the maximum.

Smart Fan has a fairly logical algorithm, especially successful in the case of using an inexpensive or "boxed" cooler, which usually cannot boast a smooth noise spectrum on the entire speed range. And, therefore, several fixed speed of rotation in the desire to maintain the minimum frequency for the most "sought-after" temperature range are optimal option automatic adjustment. However, it is possible and manually set the desired speed of rotation, up to a complete stop, through the Tiger One utility attached to the board.

It is very nice that in Foxconn, at the same time with ECS, they thought about the introduction of Smart Fan modes, before not only younger, but also expensive models These manufacturers.

Ports, Connectors and connectors on the surface of the board

  • Processor socket (Socket AM2, supported support for all aMD processors Athlon 64 / X2 / FX / SEMPRON, released for this connector);
  • 4 connector under DDR2 SDRAM DIMM (up to 4 GB DDR2-400 / 533/667/800, two-channel mode of operation);
  • 1 PCIEX16 slot for a video screen;
  • 1 PCIEX1 slot;
  • 2 PCI slots;
  • Power connectors: Standard ATX 2.2 (24 contacts), 4-pin ATX12V for power processing;
  • FDD connector;
  • 2 IDE connector (Parallel ATA) on 4 devices ATA133 - "chipset";
  • 2 SATA-II connectors (Serial ATA II) on 2 SATA300 devices - "chipset", connected to them discs can be combined into a RAID array of levels 0 or 1;
  • 2 connectors for connecting planks for 4 additional USB ports;
  • Connector for connecting the exit sound signal with CD / DVD drive;
  • Connector for connecting the output of an additional audio signal AUX-IN;
  • Block connectors for connecting analog inputs and audio outputs on the front of the computer;
  • Connector for connecting digital audio output S / PDIF-OUT;
  • Connector for connecting a plank with a COM2 output;
  • Connector for connecting a standard IRDA module;
  • Connector for connecting the housing opening sensor;
  • 2 Connectors for connecting fans with the ability to control the number of revolutions, the processor is also available "Intelligent" rotation frequency control from the BIOS.

Rear panel board (from left to right, blocks)


according to the link - the view of the board in 3/4 on the side of the rear panel

  • PS / 2 connectors for connecting mouse and keyboard;
  • 1 COM, 1 VGA, 1 LPT;
  • 2 USB ports;
  • 2 USB and 1 RJ-45 ports ( Fast Ethernet);
  • 3 analog audio connections (Line-in, Line-Out, MIC-IN).

Contents of delivery

  • Packaging: a small box, a single design for the WinFast series. It is noteworthy that references to the most foxconn companies It was not possible to find on the box, although Leadtek company, co-owner of the WinFast brand (selling a video card under this brand), does not shy its name on the boxes;
  • Documentation: Poster instruction with illustrated board specification and assembly instructions, and detailed guide (English only) is available on the manufacturer's website;
  • Cables: 1 SATA with power adapter to 1 device, 1 ATA66 and loop for connecting a drive;
  • Plug on the backbone of the board for the output of the corresponding connectors;
  • CD with drivers and foxconn branded utilities.

A set of branded utilities includes Tiger One - a utility for monitoring system parameters (with the possibility of signaling about the output of values \u200b\u200boutside the specified ranges), overclocking (in addition to available in the BIOS, there is a setup of the PCI Express bus frequency), manual control The speed of the processor fan. Superlogo provides a replacement of a graphic logo displayed on the screen when the system starts. Fox LiveUpdate - automatic update BIOS with the ability to search for a fresh version on the manufacturer's website. Also included is the Norton Internet Security 2006 anti-virus package.

Integrated controllers

  • Sound, based on the "chipset" support of AC'97 and the REALTEK ALC653 codec, with the ability to connect audio systems 5.1, connectors for connecting front audio inputs / outputs and S / PDIF-OUT;
  • Network, based on the Marvell 88E3016-MNC1 controller, with support for 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) modes.

Quality integrated sound solution We estimated in 16 bits, 44 kHz with a test program and sound card Terratec DMX 6Fire:

The board is provided for testing by the manufacturer

Intel and NVIDIA corporations that have grown to unprecedented scales are gradually displaced from the market of chipsets of other manufacturers. Even before relatively recently, VIA felt almost a monopolist among system logic sets for AMD processors. But faster, reliable and high-quality chipsets of the NForce 2/3/4 series, plus the skillful NVIDIA policy and calculated marketing moves, forced VIA to cut production several times and content only a small part of a delicious cake, such a long-time company in almost entirely.

But today it will be discussed about another manufacturer of chipsets, originally not the conquest of the market or victory in competition. For many years now produces available, functional platforms for office workstations and home-level home computers. Probably, everyone has already guessed that this is Sis Company (Silicon Integrated Systems). Yes, SIS products, as a rule, do not have high performance, but they have a complete set of all necessary functions and always attract their low price. Today's article is devoted to two new companies - Sis649 and Sis661FX, which are based on Foxconn 6497MB-ERS and Foxconn 661FX7MFX motherboard.

I propose to dwell on the characteristics of the SIS649 / 661FX chipsets and the SIS964 / 965L south bridge.

The SIS649 chipset is designed to work with Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron processors. The official site also has information that SIS649 is compatible with dual-core Pentium D. So far it is not known whether the system can work without replacing the power supply with an additional 8-pin connector, but in the case of intel chipset 955X, it is a mandatory point. The North Bridge supports two types of memory - DDR266 / 333/400 and DDR II 400/533. The implementation of a standard remains on the choice of the manufacturer's fee. Unfortunately, there is no support for two-channel architecture. As graphic interface The chipset uses the already familiar PCI Express X16.

A few words about the south bridge SIS965L. In practice, there are several options for configuring the Sis649 chipset, in particular, on the Foxconn 6497MB-ERS motherboard, the manufacturer decided to neglect the SIS recommendations, and instead of the SIS965L siS965L bridge, used more simple SIS964. But since we have already touched the topic of the SIS965L, briefly will cover its advantages, and the SIS964 south bridge will look at the example of the SIS661FX chipset a little later. So, SIS965L allows you to install on the motherboard up to six PCI slots and up to two PCI-Express X1. Of course, you are unlikely to meet a model with so many slots, and in practice, most likely, fees with 3xpci + 2xpci-E combinations will be found. Through a southern bridge, you can implement the support of two SATA devices with support for RAID 0, 1 and JBOD, as well as eight USB ports 2.0 / 1.1. Support for 8-channel audio and a local network with a data transfer rate of 10/100 Mbps. Note that the server and the south bridge are exchanged by data using the Mutiol special interface at 1GB / s.


SIS661FX is a set of system logic of later company development, respectively, the north bridge does not have the support of DDR II and the PCI-Express interface. The orientation in the office sector emphasizes the built-in graphics, which is the name of the SIS Mirage Graphics Engine. The graphical core has hardware support for API DirectX 7.0, as well as software compatibility with Microsoft DirectX 9.0. Frequency of work graphic core equated to 133 MHz. The SIS964 south bridge (as we have already noted using both fees) is the previous version of SIS965L. This means that the SIS964 is devoid of support for the PCI-Express X1 interface, and the sound subsystem is narrowed to six channels. Otherwise, the characteristics of southern bridges are identical. Having considered chipsets, let's move on to the technical characteristics of Foxconn boards.





Specifications Foxconn 6497MB-ERS and FOXCONN 661FX7MF-S.

6497 MB.- ERS

661 FX.7 MF.- S.

North Bridge:

South Bridge:

Supported processors:

Intel Pentium 4, Socket 775; 533 / 800MHz FSB; Support Intel Prescott and Celeron D; Support Intel Hyper-Threading.

Single-channel, non-buffered, 2.5V. DDR266 / 333/400, two 184-pin connectorDIMM, up to 2GB

Discrete

Built-in SIS Controller and AGP 8X Slot

IDE / ATA support:

2 x ATA / 133 + 2 x SATA / 150 (W / RAID) Support RAID 0, 1, JBOD

Built-in, 5.1-channel AC'97 based on the audio codec Realtek ALC655.

Built-in Fast Ethernet Controller (10/100) Realtek RTL8201BL

Built-in Fast Ethernet controller (10/100) Mac + PHY

2; 1 x 6-pin on the rear panel + 1 on the external module.

Up to 8; 4 on the rear panel + 2 to 2 ports on the external module; ver. 2.0

Ports on the rear panel:

1 x keypad PS / 2;

1 x Mouse PS / 2;

1 x RJ45 (LAN);

1 x Line-in / Line-Out / MIC (Audio);

1 x parallel;

1 x S / PDIF (COAX OUT).

1 x VGA (built-in graphics)

1 x keypad PS / 2;

1 x Mouse PS / 2;

1 x Line-in / Line-Out / MIC (Audio)

1 x parallel;

4MB Flash EEPROM W / LAN BOOT, PNP, ACPI, WFM, DMI 2.0,

Special features:

Wake-On-Lan (WOL), Suspend-to-Ram (STR, S3), Suspend-to-Disk (STD, S4), Superutilities - SuperBoot, Superbios-Protect, Superrecovery, SuperSpeed, SuperStep, Superlogo and SuperUpdate

Opponation Opportunities:

The ability to control FSB frequency;

Customizable memory timings.

Form factor

Grade models.



Both Foxconn models are representatives of the lower price range products, however, like most motherboards based on SIS chipsets. That is why manufacturers equip their products only the most necessary. In our case, the fees possessed:


  • A plug on the rear panel of ports;
  • One 80-residenting IDE loop;
  • One SATA cable;
  • One FDD loop;
  • Instructions for use and configuration.
  • Disk with drivers for controllers and branded SuperUTILITIES.
  • One adapter to power SATA hard drives.

Also complete to the Foxconn 6497MB-Ers motherboard, we found a floppy disk with drivers for a RAID controller and a corporate liner with advertising of their products:


Design and layout of elements on the feet Foxconn 6497MB-ERS.

The Foxconn 6497MB-ERS motherboard is made according to the MicroAtx standard, the mounting into the housing is carried out using four bolts.

Small fees inevitably led to certain difficulties. For example, an video card installed in the PCI-Express X16 slot automatically blocks the DIMM slots latches, which prevents the installation of memory modules.


Again due to compact sizes, the motherboard has only two DIMM slots.


A pretty aluminum radiator with a company logo is installed on the North Bridge. When working, he is a little warm, which speaks not about the bad thermal interface, but rather a low heat dissipation of the northern bridge, which has always been characteristic of SIS chipsets.


The southern Cooling Bridge does not have, however, this is not necessary. Although if you compare the temperature of SIS964 with its predecessor SIS962, then the heat dissipation of the latter was significantly lower.


When you install a video card, the cooling system can be closed the first PCI slot.


FDD and IDE connectors are located at the edge of the board, parallel to the memory slots, which is very convenient. The main 24-pin power connector is also located here. It has a universal attachment for all power supplies, both with 20 and 24-pin connectors.


In the lower corner there are SATA connectors and a small system speaker is installed here.


By the way, pay attention to SATA connectors - for easy installation, the manufacturer turned the second "upside down" connector.

Unfortunately, the functional panel has no color coding nor signatures.


There are several jumpers on the board. One is responsible for zeroing the BIOS, two for setting up the audio system and, finally, the last fourth is used to include protection against unauthorized flashing of the BIOS firmware or the effects of the virus. An indisputable advantage is the presence of special "ears" for the convenience of installation.

In the rear panel of ports, minor changes are made, in particular, the second COM port was replaced by a coaxial audio output and the IEEE1394 port.


Design and layout of elements on the FoxConn 661FX7MF-S board.

The FoxConn 661FX7MF-S model also has a MICROATX form factor, the mount is carried out using four bolts.

An uncomfortable location of those or other elements can be written off into small sizes. In particular, the Foxconn 661FX7MF-S motherboard has all the same errors as its predecessor. This includes blocking the latch of the memory slots of the video card, the inaccessibility of the first PCI slot when the video card is installed.

Nevertheless, the board has its own design, which has made a number of changes in the location of the elements.

To begin with, we note the uncomfortable location of the FDD connector under the last PCI slot.


Follow negative Moment is an capacitor installed near the processor connector. With a number of coolers, difficulties may arise in the installation.


But the IDE and the main 20-pin power connector saved their convenient location.


This time, the jumpers do not have comfortable "ears".


F-Panel is devoid of any inscriptions and color coding.


I also want to notice that, despite the use of the built-in graphics core, in the load, the radiator remained slightly warm.


On the rear panel of ports, the second COM port was replaced with a video output in D-Sub format.


From the jumpers on the board the possibility of discharge bIOS settings And setting up the audio subsystem.

Foxconn 6497MB-ERS and FoxConn 661FX7MF-S boards extension capabilities.

Features Expansion of the Foxconn 6497MB-ERS boards.

Consider the Foxconn 6497MB-ERS Disk Subsystems. Built-in IDE and SATA controllers allow you to connect up to four PATA devices and two devices using sATA interface. You can also organize a RAID-array of zero and first level for PATA, as well as RAID 0, 1 and JBOD for SATA hard drives. As a result, Six Winchesters can be connected to the system.

Motherboard allows you to use eight USB ports, four of which are on the rear panel, the rest can be connected using external modulewhich is complete, unfortunately, no.


The sound is implemented using the REALTEK ALC655 controller. There is support for six-channel audio, as well as Auto Jack Sensing technology, with which the motherboard automatically determines which kind of audio device is connected. Sound quality claims does not cause.


On the board installed 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network controller REALTEK RTL8201BL.


The ITE 8705F controller is responsible for monitoring the system, which monitors the rotation of the two fans and the voltage on the branches + 3.3V, + 5V, + 12V, etc.


The rear panel presents the port of IEEE 1934, which is divorced using the Texas Instruments controller. Another one can be connected through a special module.


Foxconn 661FX7MF-S Capacity Expansion Features.

As already noted, both motherboards use the SIIS964 south bridge. Consequently, the possibilities of boards in terms of the implementation of the expansion slots are generally the same. The only one, Foxconn 661FX7MF-S does not support IEEE 1394 (although the place for the controller is reserved on the textolite), as well as the REALTEK RTL8201BL network chip was replaced by less popular IC + IP101.


The transmission of data at a speed of 10/100 Mbps is declared. Otherwise, the capabilities of the boards are the same.

Let us turn to the consideration of the possibilities of BIOS.

BIOS and acceleration.

Both fees are used by the Award BIOS manufactured by Phoenix.

As BIOS BACK There were no differences, except that the foxconn 6497mb-ers missing a built-in graphics core, consider the possibilities of BIOS on the example Foxconn 661FX7MF-S.


So, through the main menu, we can get into the DRAM CLOCK / TIMING CONTROL section, where the user is given the ability to configure memory timings. There are only four parameters - DRAM CAS Latency, which can work in 2, 2.5 and 3 times, Ras Active Time (TRAS) (from 4T to 9T), Ras Precharge Time (TRP) and RAS to Cas Delay (TRCD ).


The Foxconn 661FX7MF-S motherboard allows you to configure the embedded graphics core, in particular, select the amount of memory allocated for storing textures and the necessary data, as well as increase the frequency of the graphics core from the standard 133 MHz to 200 MHz with an intermediate value of 166 MHz. However, the change in this parameter does not affect the performance of the video subsystem, and, if you believe the readings of the Everest program Ultimate EditionThe frequency of graphic chip remains at the mark of 133 MHz.


In the monitoring section, you can trace the system status.


The most important for overclocker Section Frequency / Voltage Control features does not shine and has only two parameters - Auto Detect Dimm / PCI CLOCK, which can receive Disable and Enable values, as well as the ability to reduce electrical interference by using the Spread Spectrum function.

The main functions of overclocking are focused in the Bios Features section, however, they are also not much. The user is given just the ability to increase the frequency of the processor bus and select a divider to set the memory frequency.


The processor power converter is made according to a three-channel scheme, it includes six capacitors with a capacity of 3300mkf, three to 1800mkf and a few more less capacious.


In a practical test, the Foxconn 6497MB-Ers motherboard showed the expected result,

but Foxconn 661FX7MF-S accessed the processor refused, in the form of non-working SATA-Winchester.

Performance and conclusions.

In testing motherboards participated test stand Next configuration:

  • Processor: Intel Pentium 4 515 (LGA775; 2.39GHz; 533 MHz FSB; 1MB L2; PRESCOTT D0)
  • Memory: 2x256MB DDR400 HYNIX (Timings SPD)
  • MP: Foxconn 6497MB-Ers; Foxconn 661FX7MF-S.
  • Video card: Gigabyte Radeon 9600XT AGP 128MB (500/600) and ASUS GeForce 6600 PCI-E 128MB (515/685).
  • Winchester: MAXTOR DIAMONDMAX 10; 200GB; SATA; NCQ.
  • Power supply: PowerMan 300W.
  • NVIDIA FORCEWARE 71.89.
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.

First, we want to demonstrate the performance of the built-in graphics used by the FoxConn 661FX7MF-S board. For comparison, the results obtained on the Gigabyte Radeon 9600XT video card are given. All settings were set by default.

In general, these Foxconn motherboards are deprived of serious shortcomings in the wiring of elements, and a functional set and configuration is enough to create an inexpensive working computer. And what else do you need a good workhorse?

All questions, comments and wishes can be asked in

Today we will get acquainted with motherboards that have not been so long ago appeared on the retail market under the trademark Foxconn. While the Foxconn name itself is not enough about what is the overwhelming majority of ordinary users. Perhaps someone even thought that it was just a new small company that decided to conquer the motherboard market. However, this is not at all. Foxconn, founded in 1974, this moment It is the largest contract supplier of components for leading computers manufacturers, such as HP / COMPAQ, Dell, Gateway, Apple, IBM, etc. In addition, Foxconn leads and on the volume of supply of a number of components for maternal manufacturers, such as slots and connectors. Company turnover is gigantic, supplies are also. Nevertheless, the name Foxconn until recently was poorly known to normal users, since the company was not focused on working with end-users, and all Foxconn products were eventually sold under other names. Now the situation is changing. With the growth of Foxconn's profits, new markets are developing. This year, the company began to send its efforts to capture the retail market of motherboards, so that the products under the trademark Foxconn began to appear on store shelves.

Foxconn intends to position its products as inexpensive, but high-quality solutions for productive computers, and such a category of motherboards is very in demand in the market. We will not make specific claims to some maternal manufacturers, but it is no secret that recently many of the board of the middle and lower price category are sometimes quite high quality and trimmed possibilities. But despite this, they continue to enjoy greatly popular due to a low price and a promoted brand. The appearance of alternative products from Foxconn is capable of a coup in this market sector: this manufacturer's products promise to combine the low cost and good quality. However, these conclusions are based on the assurances of Foxconn itself, we will be able to express their own attitude towards them only after a detailed study of the products of this manufacturer. Therefore, without unnecessary words, we turn to the study of the pair of motherboards granted to us for testing by Foxconn representatives. These fees were two LGA775 products based on i925x express and i915p express: Foxconn 925A01-8EKRS2 and FoxConn 915A01-8EKRS2.

Specifications and delivery package

Since Foxconn 925A01-8EKRS2 and Foxconn 915A01-8EKRS2 motherboards are strongly similar to each other, despite the fact that they are based on various sets of logic, we will consider them together.

Foxconn 925A01-8EKRS2.

advertising

Foxconn 915A01-8EKRS2.

The similarity of the boards is traced not only in the photos. The capabilities of the boards are also different:

Foxconn 925A01-8EKRS2. Foxconn 915A01-8EKRS2.
Processors LGA775 Intel Pentium 4 / Pentium 4 Xe / Celeron (800/533 MHz FSB)
Chipset Intel 925x Express Intel 915p Express
FSB frequencies, MHz 133-350 (with 1 MHz)
Functions for overclocking The ability to change the voltages on the processor, memory and chipset
The ability to independently change frequencies tire pci. Express and PCI
Memory 4 DIMM DDR2 slot for two-channel / single-channel DDR2-533 / 400 SDRAM
Slots PCI Express 1 x PCI Express x16
3 x PCI Express X1
PCI expansion slots 2 3
USB 2.0 ports 8 (4 - on the rear panel)
Ports IEEE1394. 2 (1 - on the rear panel, through the VIA VT6307 controller)
ATA-100/133 1 channel ATA-100 (via ICH6R)
Serial ATA-150 4 channel Serial ATA-150 (via ICh6R, with RAID support)
Support IDE RAID RAID 0, 1, 0 + 1 and MATRIX RAID via ICH6R
Integrated sound Eight Channel AC97 REALTEK ALC880 codec
Integrated network Gigabit Ethernet through the REALTEK RTL8110S-32 controller
Additional features Not
Bios. PHOENIX-AWARDBIOS V6.00PG
Form factor ATX, 305x245 mm

As can be seen from the table, the Foxconn motherboards under consideration are distinguished by comparative simplicity: they do not have a large number of additional controllers who prefer to install many other manufacturers. At the same time, it is impossible to say that 925a01-8ekrs2 and 915a01-8ekrs2 were deprived of any opportunities, there are everything necessary on the board, but no more.

It should be noted that Foxconn has in its arsenal and a number of other modifications of these boards: from 10/100 Mbps with a network controller, without support for IEEE1394 and with six-channel sound. The specific configuration of the board is determined by the literals appearing in the title. The meanings are the following:

  • L - 100Mbps with a network controller;
  • K is a gigabit network controller;
  • 6 - six-channel sound;
  • 8 - eight-channel sound;
  • E - support for IEEE1394;
  • S - Support Serial ATA;
  • R - RAID support.

This review will be devoted entirely to a fully and fully computer component as the motherboard Foxconn model N15235. It is on the example of this component will be strengths and weak sides Products of this manufacturer. This will make recommendations regarding the purchase of its products.

Short certificate of Foxconn

Build various electronic devices Under the order is the main specialization of Foxconn. Motherboards, graphic adapters, smartphones, cell phones - This is not a complete list of equipment that are manufactured at the production facilities of this company. And in the list of clients of Foxconn there is both Apple and Asus, and Gigabytes, and MSI. Having such rich opportunities for the assembly and testing of the equipment produced, this company I decided to expand the scope of their business. So there was a series of motherboards under the Foxconn brand. One of them is N15235.

To create what PC this motherboard is suitable?

At the time of its release, the FoxConn motherboard model N15235 was focused on installing the most productive processors. There was also the possibility of adding such a computer system with a high-performance graphics adapter. All this in the amount allowed to create on the basis this solution The most productive personal computers. It could be work station, and graphics station, and gaming computercapable of running any most demanding toys at that time. The same motherboard could successfully act as a binder in the PC of the middle and elementary level. Only here in this case was not entirely justified using such expensive and functional computer component. Its main purpose is the creation of high-performance computer systems.

Location of system board elements

The FoxConned Maker's motherboard is manufactured in the Michael form factor. Its sizes are 9.6 inches by 8.0 inches. Practically in the middle of the upper part of the product is the processor connector LGA 775. On the left of it is the CPU, which consists of several solid-state capacitors and semiconductor stabilizers. Even further, on the edge of the board, interface wired ports are located. On the right from the socket, 2 slots for the installation of RAM are grouped, followed by the power connectors and the connection of IDE drives. Directly under the processor connector for installing the CPU to be chipset. Just below, expansion slots are displayed. The southern bridge, the BIOS battery and SATA-drives are settled on the right of them. Here, on the very edge, there is a switch connector of the face panel of the personal computer enclosure.

Chipset and its characteristics

The Foxconn N15235 motherboard is based on a set of two microcircuits. The described product indicates that G31 from Intel performs as a northern bridge in this case. The key component is a memory controller. The thermal package of this silicon crystal was equal to 17 W, and the frequency values system Tire In this situation, there could be 800 MHz / 1066 MHz / 1333 MHz. In this case, ICH7 comes in this case. The main task is to connect peripheral devices and boards of controllers in expansion slots.

Socket. What processors can be installed in it?

An impressive list of central processor devices for supports Foxconn N15235 motherboard. The description of this product indicates the presence of all chips-oriented chips in this processor connector. The most productive solutions of this platform are quad-core "Cor 2 Quad". The step below from the position of the speed is located "Cor 2 Duo", in which the number of computing blocks is reduced to two. An even smaller level of productivity was the Pentium Dual Cor Pentium CPU. The number of nuclei they had exactly the same, but the frequencies were reduced and the cache memory was trimmed. The most accessible chips with two computing modules for LGA 775 were "Corloron Dual Cor". They had a cache even less than more older CPU models. Yes, and the frequency was even more reduced. The segment of single-core processors occupied Pentium 4 and Kornelon. Any of the previously models of the chip from "Intel" could be installed in such a system fee. But still, taking into account its positioning and level of functionality, it was preferable to use it in combination with 2 and 4-nuclear CPU models of this platform.

Peripheral set

List of wired interface ports in this system board It was:

    2 PS / 2 format ports for connecting to a PC manipulator (it was green) and the keyboard (for these purposes a purple port was used).

    One COM port (second name is serial) and one LPT port (or, as it is also called, parallel). With their help, it was possible to switch various devices I / O to the computer system (plotter, scanner, printer).

    4 ports of the "YUSB" format, if necessary, could replace the COM port or LPT port to connect to a computer system of similar input / output devices.

    Also, this product was equipped with a single RJ-45 port for connecting PC to the computer network.

Expansion slots

An excellent set of expansion slots was equipped with the FoxConn N15235 motherboard. Its characteristics indicate the presence of such of them:

    PCI EXPRESS 16 X is the only and main slot to install a discrete graphics accelerator that processes the image displayed on the display.

    Also, this motherboard was equipped with one PCI Express Slot 1 x. It should establish the most recent modifications of additional controllers (for example, a TV tuner).

    But to install obsolete controllers modifications, this product has been equipped with 2 PCI expansion slots at once.

Regarding the slots of the expansion of this board, it is necessary to note one important feature: if you use a productive video card as part of such a computer system, which occupies 2 expansion slots at once, then in the PCIExpress slot 1 x will not be able to install additional controller Extensions.

RAM

Just the modules of one type of RAM supported the Foxconn N15235 motherboard. The characteristics indicated support for DDR2. Moreover, it was possible to install only the "DDR2-667" and "DDR2-800" planks. It was preferable to use the latest modification of RAM, which made it possible to obtain a certain increase in speed in practice. The maximum number of RAM, which could be installed in such computer system It was 4 GB. This limitation was primarily imposed on the part of the CPU, which could maximize such a number of RAM. The controller itself was the key component of the northern bridge of the chipset. It was two-channel. Accordingly, the use of two planks of 512 MB instead of 1 module per 1 GB made it possible to obtain an even greater speed of speed, which could reach 15 percent.

Connecting the facial panel of the system unit

As noted earlier, the front panel of the system block of the personal computer is connected in the lower right corner of the system board. All necessary designations are applied next to the corresponding connectors. So something unusual on the background of similar products cannot stand out this Foxconn motherboard. Connection is provided for the following feature panel elements:

    SPEAKER (System System Signal Signaling Events).

    POWER SWITCH (PC switching button).

    POWER LED.

    RESET SWITCH (forced reboot button computer system).

    HDD LED hard disk or solid storage).

Power supply and power supply system board

Connecting the Foxconn N15235K motherboard in the power supply unit is carried out at once with two connectors. One of them is ATX12V, which consists of 24 contacts. The second in this case provides additional food The central processor device consists of only eight contacts. Also, when equipping PC, a high-performance graphics accelerator needed a third power connector to connect to it.