Foxconn 975X7AA: Fox One debuts

Disk Performance:

The SATA read tests were conducted with a 200GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 (model number: ST3200827AS) using HD Tach 3.0.1.0's 8MB zone test. Both the IDE and USB 2.0 tests were done using an ATA133 160GB Maxtor DiamondMax 10 hard drive (model number: 6L160PO) using the same 8MB zone test. We recorded the average read speeds in all cases.

The ICH7R SATA controller performed as expected, but interestingly, the on-board Silicon Image 3132 controller was a little slower, albeit only 0.8MBps slower in our average read test. That isn't going to make a massive amount of difference in the real world, but it is not the fastest transfer rates we've seen from a Sil3132 controller.


Foxconn's IDE controller isn't quite as optimal as the reference 975X board from Intel, but performs in line with Biostar's TForce4 U 775 disk controller. Again, this isn't going to make much difference in the real world.


All three Intel-based motherboards seemed to perform slower than competing AMD motherboards. They were anywhere between 1 and 2MBps slower overall - DFI's USB controllers have always performed better than others, while the transfer rate on the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe represents a more run-of-the-mill transfer rate. Foxconn's board was ever so slightly faster than the other two Intel boards, though.