X-bit labs

Foxconn Unveils “Mars” Mainboard for Overclockers.

Category: Mainboards

by Anton Shilov

[ 08/30/2007 | 10:14 PM ]

In an attempt to solidify it success on the channel market, Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, has unveiled a new product family called Quantum Force, which is aimed specifically at computer enthusiasts and overclockers, the first breed of components for the aforementioned groups created by Foxconn. The first product in the lineup is a mainboard called Mars after the Roman god of war.

“Quantum Force is not just about a new product line, it is also a complete philosophy about how we develop our products” said Quantum Force product manager Greta Kuo.

Ms. Kuo explained that Quantum Force products will come with specially developed “Gladiator” BIOS versions and will use advanced print-circuit boards (PCBs), robust cooling systems, high-quality components, e.g. solid-state capacitors and so on. The company calls its new design philosophy as “Sword” and emphasizes that the products for enthusiasts and gamers will have improved stability.

The first mainboard from Foxconn’s Quantum Force family is Mars, which is based on Intel P35 core logic and which supports all LGA775 form-factor processors with up to 1333MHz processor system bus including the forthcoming chips made using 45nm process technology. The motherboard comes with 4 slots for DDR2 memory modules (up to PC2-8500 or 1066MHz), 2 slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards, 3 PCI slots and 3 PCI Express x1 slots. Like all similar mainboards, Foxconn’s Mars features 7.1-channel integrated high-definition audio, Serial ATA hard disk drive controller with RAID capabilities and so on.

Foxconn promises that Gladiator BIOS will feature a broad set of parameters to tweak, something, which is important for those seeking to squeeze all the juices out of their hardware when overclocking. The company said that with an early BIOS edition and standard air cooling, Mars was able to overclock processor system bus to 2300MHz (575MHz quad pumped bus).

Foxconn will also establish a special quantum-force.net web-site to support end-users who own Quantum Force series products. The web-site includes a product registration function, access to Beta BIOS downloads, forums, tutorials, competitions and a range of video and interactive content for enthusiasts.

“Quantum-force.net is going to be a great home for our products on the Internet, and a really interesting place for enthusiasts to visit and learn more about our products and philosophy. Whether you are looking for overclocking advice, Beta BIOS downloads, help solving technical problems or you want to show off your own overclocking talents on our Power Wall, I would recommend all enthusiasts to visit this website” claims Greta Kuo.