Overclocking

To look at the limits of the Foxconn 6150K8MA board we gave our new test chip, an Athlon 64 4000 Clawhammer, a kick and were able to find a stable ceiling on the Foxconn 6150K8MA of 232MHz.  To ensure our ceiling was that of the mainboard and not the processor, we also overclocked our new test chip on our well used Albatron board and walked away from there with an overclock of 225MHz on the Albatron board.  This was surprising because we had hit 240MHz + in the past on the Albatron but not with this chip.  Irregardless, while 232MHz isn't earth shattering it does draw credit to Foxconn for producing a micro ATX media focused board that can take some heat.  Below are some screen shots from CPU-Z and SiSoft Sandra 2005 Pro.

Conclusion

The Foxconn 6150K8MA can be summed up in one word; solid.  Solid in its onboard features that include 7.1 Dolby sound, onboard video, Gigabit LAN, up to eight USB ports, four SATA ports and an S-Video out bracket.  Solid in its being right there in the performance game and able to hold its own.  Solid in its being a perfect choice to build a HTPC around given its micro ATX size and micro price of $79.  The only thing you can say negatively about the 6150K8MA is a point that is mitigated almost into neutrality; that of video output.  Yes, the Foxconn 6150K8MA lacks the current high definition outputs to feed a HDTV however, how many HTPC systems don't sport at least a moderate range VGA card and TV card such as the Hauppauge TVR?  Not many.

When you get down to it, I think the Foxconn 6150K8MA can make a very nice base for a HTPC system for the Athlon 64 follower.  There are few choices that would allow you a better bang for your buck and I can't see anyone really having issue with the features you get.  As for this unit that we reviewed... this baby is going in my bedroom with a Firefly remote!