..:: 955X7AA-8EKRS2 Packaging ::..

           

     Let’s start off by examining the quality of the 955X7AA-8EKRS2‘s. As we have always found with previous offerings from Foxconn, the product manual was excellent. The areas where we felt more information was needed have been addressed, and the manual now covers the hardware installation process in better detail than was seen in earlier manuals. Foxconn also offers detailed pin out diagrams for those users who might choose to utilize built in IEEE1394 and USB 2.0 ports with their case instead of the expansion brackets that are offered, more on those in a minute.

     When it comes to covering the BIOS, it comes without saying that Foxconn has once again provided the end user with all of the necessary information they’ll need. Normally, we’ll see manufacturers skimp out when it comes to covering the BIOS options, but this can’t be said for this board. Foxconn provides excellent coverage of the various tweaking and overclocking adjustments that are allowed, as well as providing detailed explanations covering other BIOS options that are available to the end user.

     Now, as far as the actual package contents go, we have seen some regression from Foxconn with the 955X7AA-8EKRS2 from all that was offered on the 925XE7AA-8EKRS2 platform. The number of additional items has been eased back down to more market norm levels, a fact that while disappointing, was not unexpected.

     Hardware wise, we see that Foxconn has provided two rounded IDE cables, as well as a rounded floppy cable. These were also featured on the 925XE product, although there we saw an additional IDE cable bringing the total to three. Serial ATA wise, we find two power cables, as well as two data cables. Unlike the 925XE product, these cables are the typical red color, not black. The 925XE board also featured four of said cables, whereas the 955X7AA-8EKRS2 has only two.

     Other items that have been included are a rear expansion bracket supporting two additional USB 2.0 capable ports, bringing the system total to six. The 925XE product featured a four port expansion bracket, as well as an additional bracket supporting both IEEE1394a/b connections. One of these has been integrated into the rear I/O panel for the 955X7AA-8EKRS2. Again, Foxconn has regressed back to the mainstream of supporting this primary standard versus both. The black theme was also dropped as this expansion bracket was the typical beige color. I would’ve preferred to see everything black to follow in line with what was seen in the past, and because it’s a top-end product.

     Lastly, we find that Foxconn also offers three separate driver diskettes for the various RAID controllers, as well as for the ICH7-R. Foxconn also includes the typical rear I/O panel, as well as the main driver / software CD. A new addition to the Foxconn product package is a large poster-style installation guide that would come in handy to new system builders. This is an excellent addition to any product package.

     Overall I’d have to say that I was somewhat disappointed by the product package of the 955X7AA-8EKRS2. Considering that the 925XE offering featured what I thought to be the be the best package I’ve dealt with since this time last year, the 955X7AA-8EKRS2 had a big measuring stick to go up against. I’d say that, from the looks of this package, Foxconn has pulled in the reigns a little when it comes to product inclusions. The 955X7AA-8EKRS2 follows the more standard set of included hardware and software you see on most mid-range products.

     Now, it can be argued that most Foxconn customers are likely looking for mid-range performance on a budget, so this regression in packaging isn’t too big of a deal, and to that extent I’d agree. However, given that it is the current high-end product, I’d still prefer to see it feature a more substantial package to compete against similarly priced products with scant hardware inclusions.