Foxconn R30-i4000 Intel Atom D2500 (1.86GHz, dual core) Intel NM10 Intel GMA 3600 1 x HDMI Barebone

Pros: Fanless CPU

Cons: - Poor Efficiency
- Faulty BIOS (B35F1P06 and B35F1P07)
- Inconvenient Hardware Design to access RAM, HDD and front panel connections

We purchased multiple units by thinking that, due to ATOM processor it will consume less power. But when we placed this unit on Litmus Test, we concluded that, we should not have purchased it. (1) Kill-a-watt result is $25 cost per year for 24x7 working unit. On other side, we tested Intel i3 (3220T) and it takes $27 cost per year , so there is no significant benefit over power consumption (2) Price wise, this Barebones (Atom CPU+ MB+ Power Supply Case) is being sold at $129 with 2 x 512KB L2 Cache. If you setup same for Intel 3220T processor cost is almost same (Approx $119 Processor + MB from Micro-Center/ $19 efficient 80Plus Power Supply from NewEgg / $20 Case from NewEgg). So with similar price range you have more powerful system with 3 Mb L2 Cache and Higher Video Graphics. This Barebones system does not have official 64Bit Drivers. For NM10 Drivers, you need to build and compile package yourself.

As this Barebones uses D250S motherboard, we updated BIOS and found that, latest two BIOS B35F1P06 and B35F1P07 is faulty. Using this two BIOS Version, when you try to install Windows Server 2008 64Bit or Windows 7 64Bit Operating System, Windows Installer complains that, 64Bit Operating system is being installed on the CPU which does not support 64BIT OS. Actually, D2500 Atom Processor is 64Bit but B35F1P06 and B35F1P07 BIOS has bug, which prevents to install 64Bit System. there is no work around or there is no Virtualization Settings in the BIOS. We contacted Foxconn Support to report BIOS Issue with full detail and received a vague and rubber stamp answer that, this board do not have 64Bit Graphics Driver (We never asked for 64Bit Driver), Infact by using pervious version BIOS B35F1P05, we are able to install Windows 2008/7 64Bit OS.

We wanted to use this barebones system as Test systems but accessing RAM slot, Hard Drive and to setup proper air circulation by tieing up power cables, its requires to remove front panels and other metal body cage, and hard drives needs to set facing down (instead of facing up), which is not good for releasing hard drive heat in the air (as hot air needs to flows up, but hot air surface stays down in the case).

We ran Open Hardware Monitor and unit does not have good air circulation, which runs case at 40 C, CPU at 35 C and HDD at 35C temperature.

Any minor processor activity takes; One Core to 100% CPU Load Consumption, for example, Windows Server activation process takes CPU at 100% Load.
One issue, We experienced that, once you shutdown system by pressing power button manually and if you restart system, Case Fan runs, and system will act like it's running but VGA Screen will not have any signal. And it requires removing power cable for 10-15 minutes, and then system restarts with VGA Signal.

Other Thoughts: Foxconn should improve their Technical Support System, and should read customers detailed messages before giving vague answer which does not address original concern.

Overall, I would not buy this System at this price level, instead I will suggest building similar system by spending $20-$30 more with more powerful system and with similar power consumption.

Pros: Very easy to set up. Processor is adequate for this units intended purpose. Small foot print. Low power draw.

Cons: Pretty rough little case. While I had no problems working inside the case, it did present some challenges. This is the first time I've ever cut my fingers on a case, and I cut three of my fingers on this little jewel. And this is the first time I've ever had to use a small hammer to gently tap pieces into place on a case, but, in the end, it all went back together and looks pretty good.
I think I'll have to replace the stock case fan with a quieter model. I can hear this thing over my main AMD Quad Core PC that has 5 case fans.

Other Thoughts: I got this system on sale at a rock bottom price and it's primary purpose will be to serve as my 24/7 PC for my MagicJack. I also plan to set it up as a server for my MP3 collection and some video and pic's for my home network. For this purpose it will work fine. Low power draw will be a plus.
I installed 4 GB of 1333 RAM and Windows 7 Pro 32 bit. The OS installation went smoothly with no problems. I downloaded the latest drivers from the Foxconn site.
I wouldn't pay the current price for this thing, but if you can get it on sale, it'll do for light work.

Pros: Everything you need - (except memory and disk drive).
I liked build quality overall.
I got it up and running in less than 45 mins including Win 7 Installation. Currently used it as a HTPC and I am very satisfied with the performance.

Cons: Win 8 support is not likely.

Pros: 40.00 barebone, the case and psu is worth that alone. Its already assembled just add ram, hard drive and install.

Cons: No windows 8 drivers. Win 7 64 drivers are on Foxconn website.

Other Thoughts: Many people hate this chipset and the gma 3600 because its not heavily supported, but its a cheap little barebone and its can do what its supposed to

Pros: Very small, fairly easy to take apart and put back together. The spaces are very very tight but that's what you want out this kind of chassis.

Cons: Bought 3 and all came DoA. Spent hours trying to diagnose the issue, no beep codes, nothing. Reset Bios, tried a different PSU, GPU..everything short of removing the current CPU.

Manufacturer Response:

The processor is embedded on the board so please don’t remove it. This board supports 2GB or 4GB DDR3 204 pin SO-DIMM memory but if you are using just one stick then you need to install it on bottom DIMM slot first. Don’t install on the top DIMM slot. Also please call our support team at 714-626-6909 for further assistance or submit your email to barebone@foxconn.com. Our hours of operation are (M-F from 830am-530pm, PST, excluding public holidays).

Best regards,
Foxconn support team