Foxconn debuts $400 Blackops X48 motherboard

Foxconn unveiled a new motherboard for computer enthusiasts, the Blackops is the second motherboard in the firm's Quantum Force series and uses the Intel X48 chipset. The Blackops motherboard supports the latest Intel processors with FSB up to 1600MHz, up to 8GB DDR3 1600/1333/1066/800MHz memory and CrossFireX thanks to three PCI Express x16 slots (two x16, one x4).

The Blackops motherboard features a special BIOS optimized for overclockers and the board features a 4-in-1 Quantum Cooler that supports active air cooling, passive air cooling, watercooling and extreme LN2 or dry ice cooling. The motherboard also features 8-phase digital PWM that can handle a current output of over 200A.

The Foxconn Blackops motherboard is priced at $400 and will be available this month.



Here's a look at the other special features:

New power regulation offers better stability and higher output capability
The 8 phase Digital PWM provides more robust power delivery, standing up to the demands of enthusiasts and overclockers. Quantum Force engineers have spent 3 months finely-tuning and optimizing this digital system so that it operates with better power efficiency, has a faster and more stable response to changes in power consumption, and delivers higher current output capability to support extreme overclocking.

“There is no doubt that the 8-phase Digital PWM found on BLACKOPS can sustain the massive demands which will be placed on it by enthusiasts and extreme overclockers... it can even do this whilst generating less heat switching between different voltage requirements with greater speed and reliability” asserts Peter Tan.

Audio circuits separated for improved audio fidelity
The new SONAR daughter card provides professional quality audio for games, movies and other multi-media content. Separating audio circuitry from the motherboard improves signal quality and eliminates interference from power regulation components. The integrated Realtek ALC885 provides 8 channels of High Definition Audio (HDA) with an impressive 106dB SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio).

Unique accessories for enthusiasts
BLACKOPS includes a range of accessories designed to provide additional convenience and performance enhancements for overclockers. In addition to the 4in1 Quantum Cooler accessories (which include a NB fan, extension tower for LN2 cooling and water cooling block), BLACKOPS owners will also receive variable resistors for volt-modding, the Quantum Lap motherboard tray for convenient workbench access to all parts of the motherboard, and the Quantum Flow kit – which improves airflow around installed VGA cards. The Quantum Flow fan can be installed in a horizontal or vertical position, and lowers temperatures around multi-VGA rigs by around 5ºC.

Safety and convenience for overclocking
Onboard CMOS reset and power on/off buttons, a 2-digit LED debug display and the OC Recover feature all combine to speed up recovery time from unsuccessful overclocking attempts, whilst the new Twin BIOS feature safeguards against BIOS corruption and enables hot-swapping of BIOS chips.

Meanwhile, the Boost Switch header, conveniently located on the motherboard near the CPU socket, enables hardware selection of CPU clock speed without entering the BIOS.