Foxconn left us with the best impressions with their previous tested C51XEM2AA motherboard, aimed at the AMD AM2 platform. The shipment of Core2Duo processors made us curious as to a comparable Foxconn proposal, so we were keen to test out the 945G7AD-8EKRS2H, a product with specific features and properties.

First of all, this motherboard supports all currently sold Intel processors for 775 socket, Intel Core2 Extreme, Core2 Duo, Pentium 4 EE, Pentium D, Pentium 4 and Celeron D. Another special feature is the integrated graphics card, again from Intel, the GMA950. While it doesn't offer much for 3D acceleration, it is a good choice for office users. Some games are supported (for example NBA Live 07!), but it really isn't intended for games. Don't forget, that with this board and a Core2Duo processor, you can install out-of-the-box Mac OSX 10.4.7, since Intel's GMA950 is natively supported. If you need the extra graphics power however, there is a PCI-E slot to further expand your gaming experience.

The motherboard supports 4x SATA2 II HDD drives and 4x IDE devices, since this board has 2x IDE ATA133 connectors. Unfortunately, while expansion connections for USB2.0, 1394b and COM2 are available, the retail package does not include the the cables required.

There are some complaints with the layout, with some components being too close to the CPU socket, making it difficult or impossible to use any of the larger fan cooling solutions. And if you're thinking of installing a PCI-E graphics card, you won't have access to the memory modules, unless you remove it each time.

The Foxconn Live Update software finds the latest BIOS and driver updates for your system and installs them automatically, a nice feature, especially for the more inexperienced users.

Compared with Intel's 975DX motherboard, we found the Foxconn 945G7AD to be not only as fast as the 975DX, but in several tests, even faster! That of course has more to do with the memory timings that each motherboard adopted with the specific processor. But the good news is that your new Core2Duo would be a perfect match for this board.

Lastly, we can't but mention the disappointing overclocking capabilities. While several settings can be set, they are not at the same level of what we would love to have. But don't forget that this is an entry level model, so such minor "problems" can be overlooked.

The price starts at around US$120, making it perfect for your new PC system setup. Another good product from Foxconn.