Foxconn C51XEM2AA Motherboard Review

[Capper]

Today HardwareLogic takes a look at the new flagship motherboard from Foxxconn, the C51XEM2AA. Built around NVIDIA's nForce 590 SLI chipset, this AM2 beauty looks to further establish Foxconn as a serious player in the enthusiast market

http://hardwarelogic.com/news/129/AR...006-07-19.html

[gvblake22]

Very comprehensive, nicely done. Intresting to see a board that isn't able to change the CPU multi. Looking forward to the update from Foxconn about the issue.
Thanks for the review! :thup:

[Capper]

well, it isn't the processor...I can change the multiplier on two other boards just fine. I'll post an update as soon as I hear back from Foxconn

[stinger608]

Hey Cap, that was a real good review. A couple of items that I have to agree with you on, one being the pci-e retention clips! That would work just fine for a mid grade card, but as you pointed out, would be a real pain in the butt for some of the upper end cards. The other being the position of the 4pin molex connector clear at the bottom of the board.....geez that could be a nightmare trying to come up with good cable managment. All in all though, it is a pretty nice board, and it is nice to see someone like Foxxconn jumping in the game!!!


Not being able to adjust the multiplier is very odd :shock:

[Jokerswild]

Great review!!! I appreciate the effort it takes to write such a comprehensive review. I can only imagine the time it takes to put one together with all the pictures and attention to detail. This sounds like a board that could use some improvements and I'm sure as the new designs come out we'll see better ones.

[RangerXLT8]

Such a well written article.

That board has 16 MOSFETS around the CPU socket! The board looks to be a well built board. I do think for any high-end board, they should have enough 3-pin fan headers. The black SATA II cables are also really enticing to myself.

[Capper]

Great review!!! I appreciate the effort it takes to write such a comprehensive review. I can only imagine the time it takes to put one together with all the pictures and attention to detail. This sounds like a board that could use some improvements and I'm sure as the new designs come out we'll see better ones.

thanks guys. I felt this was one of my worst reviews, just couldn't get a good flow going.....and that damn CS:S server is constatly calling my name.
As to the design.... I should mention that Foxconn was chosen as the release partner, and that this board is exactly what NVIDIA wanted to see as far as layout and features. I know that other companies will release modified versions.

I've talked with Foxconn, and the multiplier issue appears to be an issue with my board, gonna have to try a couple troubleshooting steps to see if it can be affressed.

Lastly, last year I said that Foxconn and ECS were two companies that people should definitely keep an eye on, both have taken serious steps toward establishing themselves in the enthusiast market.

[Jokerswild]

Hey capper how come they don't put more fan connections at the back of the mobo's for exhaust fans in the rear? Seem like I always have to run extensions from the front of the mobo to the back.

[Capper]

I think most companies have gone away from the additional fan headers because they don't want people plugging 120mm fans into their boards (which happens a lot. On top of that, these boards and peripherrals are drawing so much power that they need everything the rails can give them...which is why you are seeing extra power connectors on the boards

[Jokerswild]

I guess I need to strap a second PS to the outside of the case to run fans.