Benchmarks (continued):
3DMark03:
3DMark03 is the next generation of video benchmarks from FutureMark featuring "full DirectX9.0a support with completely new tests and graphics, 3DMark03 Pro continues the legacy of being the industry standard benchmark.” The results are reported as unitless “Marks”, and the following are based on the graphics cards being set to a resolution of 1024x768, 32 Bit, 4x anisotropic filtering. Slight edge to the 875P.
3DMark2001SE:
FutureMark's 3DMark2001SE is a benchmark for DirectX8 video performance that will "empower you to make informed hardware assessments. The game tests, texturing tests, filtering tests, image quality tests, and others give you an overview of your system’s current performance and show you what kind of performance you could expect if you were to upgrade your PC." Also available in one form as a free download, anyone can test their system and use the online results browser to analyze their score. The results graphed below use the same unitless "Marks" as 3DMark03, and were obtained running at a resolution of 1024x768, 32 Bit, D3D, with anti-aliasing turned off. This time the edge goes to the 875P.
Conclusion:
Sorry if the benchmarks took on the look of a comparison between the FoxConn 865M01 and the FoxConn 875A02, but it seemed like a somewhat fair battle on paper! The final tally on this battery of tests ends up with 8 points going to the 875P and 3 points going to the 865G (each gets credit for 1 tie).
While I did not do any overclocking, this board just “feels” quick! Moving from task to task, working in Photoshop or just playing a game, everything just has a “snap” to it. As was seen in the recent review of the FoxConn 865G motherboard, overclocking is capped in the BIOS at 233 MHz frontside bus, which is a major restriction for the serious overclocker. A "performance" BIOS is in the works for the 865G, and hopefully the same can be said for this board, as well.
But, all is not Peaches & Cream! We still have the disappearing LAN connection. Unfortunately I do not have this documented, but this Intel P4 2.8E Prescott chip runs extremely warm on the FoxConn 875A02 motherboard. When installed on the FoxConn 865M01 motherboard, the same processor with the same heatsink runs an average 6 to 8 Celsius cooler. The Intel P4 2.8E Prescott CPU runs so hot while running Folding@Home, that with the warm weather upon us the FoxConn 875A02 motherboard has shut down twice due to temperature issues. I commend FoxConn for looking out for the little guy and insuring that the shut down feature in Super Step does indeed shut the system down to protect the processor.
With the versatility of running RAID 0/1, on board Gigabit LAN, on board AC ’97 sound, Firewire, USB 2.0, Hyperthreading support, SSE3 and the newer Prescott instructions... this FoxConn 875A02 motherboard is prepared to take you to the next level.
The build quality, features, and solid performance tell me FoxConn has a chance to make a name for itself in the motherboard market. This FoxConn 875A02 Canterwood motherboard can be had for $96.00 at NewEgg (with free shipping). When you add up all the features, that’s a good deal, and compares very well to other brands of comparable motherboards!
Overall I’d rate this FoxConn 875A02-6EKRS motherboard 4 out of 5 stars... "Recommended". I think FoxConn has an opportunity to become a “name brand” player in the motherboard market.
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars): 
Pros:
• Supports the new P4 Prescott CPU (O.K.,it accepts the Northwood processor too)
• Supports Hyperthreading and the new SSE3 instructions
• On board AC’97 sound
• On board Gigabit LAN
• On board S-ATA RAID 0/1
• Well priced
Cons:
• Disappearing LAN
• Hot running board
Special thanks to FoxConn for providing the 875A02-6EKRS 875P motherboard to BigBruin.Com for review!
Please drop by the BigBruin.Com forum and feel free to discuss this review!
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