..:: NF4K8MC-ERS Packaging ::..

     

     Before we cover the included items with the NF4K8MC-ERS, we must first examine the market that this product is geared towards. The NF4K8MC-ERS is a low cost, no frills, uATX product aimed at those users looking to upgrade to the nForce4 chipset without having to incur some of the additional costs for the high-end products. The NF4K8MC-ERS is a return to the roots of the Foxconn / Winfast brand in that it offers the consumer what they need for a low price. With that said, the product package for the NF4K8MC-ERS falls right inline with what one would expect from a budget oriented motherboard.

     First off, let’s take a look at the quality of the NF4K8MC-ERS‘s manual. As we 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 USB 2.0 ports with their case instead of the expansion bracket that is offered.

     When it comes to covering the BIOS, once again Foxconn has once a solid job of providing 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 on budget boards, but this can’t be said for the NF4K8MC-ERS. Foxconn provides excellent coverage of the, albeit limited, tweaking and overclocking adjustments that are allowed, as well as providing detailed explanations covering other BIOS options that are available to the end user.

     As far as the hardware inclusions go, we see that Foxconn has supplied enough items for the NF4K8MC-ERS to get by. Cable-wise, Foxconn has chosen to go with the standard two Serial ATA data cable setup, along with a single Molex adapter capable of supplying power to two Serial ATA devices. There are also two regular IDE cables, as well as the Floppy cable. Foxconn has also chosen to include a rear expansion bracket for additional support of two USB 2.0 devices. This is a simple product package, no frills, and still matches some of the packages seen on higher priced products.

     Lastly, we find that Foxconn also offers the required driver diskette for the NVIDIA RAID controller, as well as the CD containing all of the system drivers, and software. I’ve seen some manufacturers dump the floppy, and just tell the end user to make their own floppy and download the file off the CD onto it. Foxconn also includes the typical rear I/O panel.

     Overall, the NF4K8MC-ERS product package wasn’t anything surprising, nor thrilling. For a no frills board, this is what I would expect to find when I opened the box. As I’ve stated before, I’ve seen products that are priced higher than this NF4K8MC-ERS come with the same amount of inclusions, if not less in some cases. Given that the NF4K8MC-ERS is meant for budget buyers looking for some nForce4 love, Foxconn has delivered a capable product package.