Foxconn WinFast NF4SK8AA-8EKRS

Foxconn hasn't gone for any kind of flashy design on their motherboard.  Instead, what you get is a streamlined Socket 939 NF4 motherboard layout, with an actively cooled chipset. The orange PCB with blue and yellow DIMM slots isn't likely to catch anyone's eye, but it's not completely bland either. The layout is functional, and shouldn't be a problem with most computer cases.

Introducing the Foxconn WinFast NF4SK8AA-8EKRS Plain and simple

As we said, the layout is fairly standard, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The 24-Pin ATX power connector is grouped with both IDE connectors, and the floppy connector is at the top right side of the motherboard, right next to the DIMM slots. There's ample room around the CPU Socket for the stock AMD heatsink, however, you might have trouble fitting in a heatsink bigger than the one provided by AMD, thanks to the capacitors next to the socket. Lower down, Foxconn has included two mechanical PCI Express x16 slots (for SLI of course), one PCI Express x1 slot, and three standard PCI slots. Foxconn has placed four SATA ports to the lower right side of the board. This is a good thing as it allows you to keep your wires clear from the motherboard. Another issue we have with the layout, is the front panel connector is not labeled or color coated as they tend to be with other boards. You'll need the manual to figure out where everything needs to be plugged in.

The back I/O panel contains a PS/2 Mouse Connector, PS/2 Keyboard Connector, Parallel(Printer) Port, Serial Port, S/PDIF Coaxial Out Port, S/PDIF Optical, Four USB 2.0 Ports, Dual Gigabit Ethernet port, and Line In / Line Out / Rear / LFE/CEN / Side / Microphone ports for the 7.1 AC97 sound.

The Package Goodies inside the box

Foxconn has provided everything you need to get the board up and running. You get the a set of two SATA cables, and two ATA133 IDE cables, as well as the needed SLI bridge and the retention bracket. A fairly thick user's manual covers just about everything, except for any kind of troubleshooting help. With four USB 2.0 and two IEEE1394 ports on the board, you should be fine, but it never hurts to have extra. You should consider how you'll be using the computer before deciding if this is going to be a problem. No games or extra software have been included either, to keep costs down Foxconn included only a basic set of accessories.