Joined on 09/03/05
Confusion from Asus
Pros: Good price. Good case/configuration.
Cons: There is almost no documentation. A User Guide is here http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Desktop/M32BC/E9993_M32BC_manual.pdf but it pretty much tells you how to turn it on and off. Calls to Asus support at 888-678-3688 then 5 then 4 provide NO assistance. Newegg's chat support is prompt and capable but handicapped by the lack of documentation from Asus.
Overall Review: My unit has 4 DIMM slots with 1 8GB DIMM in it. Presumably it will support 32GB of RAM. It has an open bay for a 3.5" drive and an open bay for a 5.25" drive. The motherboard has SATA ports for 4 drives but only cables for 2. There are power whips available for the 2 open bays.
Save Your Energy
Pros: Cheap, cheap, cheap
Cons: Terrible remote, overheats, bright power light
Overall Review: I got the Kworld to replace a Comcast set-top box that I was renting. Read the reviews on newegg.com. Lots of people complain about it. The setup instructions are non-existent but the comment thread helps a lot. I use a cheap programmable remote (GE 24950) instead of the included remote. The Kworld has a bright blue light indicating power. That wouldn't do in the bedroom. I covered it with a 1/2 inch square of black duct tape. Perfect. It has no cooling system system so if you leave it on all the time it overheats and freezes. Kworld replaced it but the replacement still does it. I feed the Comcast cable directly into it and get around 30 digital channels (e.g. 5-1), no cable-ready although I had expected them also. Most of the digital channels that I've checked are HD, some 720p, some 1080i. I use component video to drive my TV. Still for all its shortcomings, it saves me the monthly rental to Comcast.
Pros: Compact. and quiet. Wireless N works nice.
Cons: Would be nice to have instructions on how to open the case!
Overall Review: Works good with VGA monitor. When I hook it up to HDMI TV it works for a second and I see the Win 7 desktop. Then the TV goes black and complains about an unsupported device.