Foxconn includes a small overclocking utility called Foxware with its card. While this is a well-meant addition, the tool lacks the ability to automatically determine the optimal clock speeds. The user has to test any changes he makes manually. The tool does have a button to reset the frequencies to their default values, though.

Foxconn bundles its card with an overclocking tool. Clock speeds can be adjusted in 1 MHz increments or set to the desired value using the mouse.

We opted to perform our overclocking tests using the graphics driver instead. First we activated the Nvidia driver's classic control panel through the registry, and then unlocked the overclocking feature using the coolbits registry hack. The driver's optimal clock speed detection feature increased the GPU frequency from 675 to 750 MHz and upped the memory speed from 1008 to 1110 MHz.

The Nvidia driver's built-in overclocking feature determined the optimal clock speeds for our Geforce 8600 GTS and changed the settings accordingly.

Our Geforce 8600 GTS offered very good overclocking potential. In Battlefield 2142 (1920x1200), the frame rate increased from 16.9 fps to 8,7 fps (+10.65 per cent). Oblivion showed an improvement of 16.3 per cent, going from 9.2 fps to 10.7 fps. However, the performance boost came at the price of a much higher noise level. After only 30 seconds, the Foxconn fan began whirring at a very audible 46.6 db(A).