Foxconn X38A (Intel X38)
Author:
Date: 04.12.2007
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Performance tests
While determining the starting FSB speed, the board overstated it by 0.7 MHz.
In our test setup, we used the following hardware:
We have tested Foxconn X38A with both DDR2 and DDR3 memory. We note it straight that we were unable to set the DDR3-1333 frequency (although officially the board supports that). Quite possibly, because of the BIOS flaws we have a conflict with specific Qimonda modules (although these modules were running absolutely stably at 1400 MHz on the ASUS motherboard):
First, let's look at the results of synthetic tests (other motherboards are based on the following chipsets: Gigabyte X38-DQ6 (DDR2) - on Intel X38, and ASUS Blitz Extreme (DDR3) - on Intel P35).
Now on to the gaming benchmarks.
Final Words
We attribute all the found flaws to the "raw" state of the engineering sample. However, we note that at the end of the year we'll publish a roundup review of motherboards based on P35 and X38, and we'll come back to testing the Foxconn X38A again. And that will be the final version.
We should admit, the flaws were related mostly to the overclocking tools, shortcomings in the BIOS and the software. At all the other parameters, we had nothing to complain about Foxconn X38A. We add that the three PCI Express x16 slots, as well as support for both DDR2 and DDR3 memory makes this product stand out among some other motherboards based on X38. Anyway, we had questions regarding the small number of USB 2.0 ports: why are they only eight?
Among the other traits of the board, we should point out the powerful system for cooling the main components, soldered-in buttons, a 7-stage indicator, and a good package bundle. We also liked the LiveUpdate and Logo utilities (the latter one is best in its class).
Conclusion
Pros:
- high stability and good performance level;
- three PCI Express v2.0 x16 slots (16+16+4);
- support for SerialATA II/RAID ( 8 lines; ICH9R + JMB363);
- support for one P-ATA link (JMB363);
- Integrated 8-channel audio and two LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) controllers;
- support for IEEE-1394 (Firewire; 2 ports);
- passive/active system for cooling the chipset and the power supply module;
- support for DDR2 and DDR3;
- good enough package bundle;
- Power, Reset, and Clear CMOS buttons;
- 7-stage POST indicator.
Cons:
- small number of USB 2.0 ports (merely eight).
The board's specific features:
- Discuss the material in a conference
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