Overclocking
Foxconn provides its Fox Intelligent Stepping menu to assist overclocking neophytes, with profiles called Auto, Power Gaming, Data Mining, Office and Energy Saving. A small IC labeled "Fox One" handles dynamic changes, but experienced overclockers will choose manual settings.
As with the Biostar entry, DRAM is limited to a maximum 800 MHz data rate and a minimum 9 cycles RAS.
| BIOS Frequency and Voltage settings (for overclocking) | |
|---|---|
| FSB Frequency | default - 600 MHz (1 MHz) |
| Clock Multiplier Adjustment | No |
| PCIe Clock | N/A (100 MHz only) |
| CPU Vcore | default - +0.3000V (0.0125V) |
| Memory | 1.65 - 2.40V (0.05V) |
| FSB Termination | 1.11 - 1.38V (0.03V) |
| Northbridge (MCH) | 1.13 - 1.48V (0.04V) |
| Southbridge (ICH) | N/A |
| ICH I/O | N/A |
| Available Memory Ratios (DRAM:FSB) | |
| DDR2-533 (1:1) | Yes |
| DDR2-667 (5:4) | Yes |
| DDR2-711 (4:3) | No |
| DDR2-800 (3:2) | Yes |
| DDR2-888 (5:3) | No |
| DDR2-1066 (2:1) | No |
| CAS Latency Range | |
| tCAS: 3-6; tRCD: 3-6; tRP: 3-6; tRAS: 9-15; Command Rate: N/A |
Our Take
Like most of the boards we tested, the Foxconn P9657AA-8KS2H reached 346 MHz FSB using our early-stepping Core 2 Duo E6700 and stock cooling. Getting to this level requiring increasing the bus speed in small steps. Unfortunately, any missed boot caused overclock failure and forced us to repeat the process.
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Documentation & Software | Quick Installation GuideDriver & Tools CD |
| Hardware | 1x Serial ATA cables1x SATA Power Adapter1x 80-conductor ATA cable1x Floppy Cable1x I/O Panel Shield |
Special Features
Foxconn's Fox One / Tiger One automatic overclocking hardware and application should appeal to the less experienced enthusiast, and its Live Update eases driver and firmware updates. Foxconn also includes Norton Internet Security suite.
