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Mark D.

Mark D.

Joined on 02/16/10

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 7
Most Favorable Review

Solid board, great features

MSI X99A GAMING PRO CARBON LGA 2011-v3 Intel X99 USB 3.1 ATX Intel Motherboard
MSI X99A GAMING PRO CARBON LGA 2011-v3 Intel X99 USB 3.1 ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: The past 4 computers I've built have all used MSI boards. I stick with what works and causes me the least headaches. But, I've come to really like a lot of the features of MSI boards too that keep me coming back despite a few hiccups here and there. I upgraded my system from a 3770K on an MSI Z77A-G45 gaming board. That was a rock solid computer and lasted me forever. This new system has the following stats: MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon Intel Core i7-6800K NZXT Kraken X61 32 GB G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 3333 SanDisk M.2 512GB SSD Corsair RM750X WD Black 2TB 7200 RPM Drive MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Thermaltake Core V71 This is the first system that I've liquid cooled, and the first system that I've really utilized the overclocking features built into the boards. What I really like about this board is the physical on-board hardware overclocking feature. It's a little dial that you turn to overclock your computer to various levels. The best part is, MSI does all the work. You want to move it to a setting of 1, it will overclock the CPU, adjust the RAM frequencies for stability, and away you go. Keep turning up that setting for better overclocking. So far, I've had no issues with the overclocking--system is rock solid stable with zero cooling issues.

Cons: Ran into some trouble at first with getting the system to boot. I made certain that everything that I purchased was on the MSI list of compatible hardware, but it wouldn't post. Using past experience with similar issues I removed 3 out of 4 DIMMs and it booted right up. Got Windows 10 installed, then went back into the BIOS to do an upgrade there. Plugged in the remaining DIMM's after flashing the BIOS and had no issues. Had the system not post once after a week without any issues--the code on the MB had something to do with the CMOS, rechecking checksum and all that. Rebooted fine and haven't had an issue since.

Overall Review: Running into one issue, but I'm fairly certain its not the MB that's a problem. On reboot one of my drives disappears. I doesn't disappear when the system is running, but if I reboot its missing when the system comes back. I can shut down and restart and the drive is always there. I've tried everything I can think of--dedicated power line, swapped SATA cable and ports, etc., still an issue. None of my other drives disappear so, I'm fairly certain its not the board. Would I buy this board again, yes, yes I would.

10/13/2016
Most Critical Review

Not worth it.

MSI Cubi-017BUS Intel Broadwell U PCH-LP Black Mini / Booksize Barebone System
MSI Cubi-017BUS Intel Broadwell U PCH-LP Black Mini / Booksize Barebone System

Pros: Other than form factor, there is no value.

Cons: Ok. I'd update my original review, but it doesn't seem possible. I had a case opened with MSI, single one stick of RAM works, and two sticks do not. MSI closed my ticket, and commented I needed to pay attention to the specific, exact models of RAM that are compatible with this device in order to make it work. NONE of those models of RAM are available on newegg. Good luck hunting for them.

Overall Review: Don't bother. It is a joke. It's a nice idea, but if they can't support a wide range of memory and m.2 device, then they shouldn't make this a barebones system. Include the RAM that makes this thing work instead of forcing people to hunt for specific RAM models that are compatible. T

Another Great NZXT Case

NZXT S340 Glossy Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Case
NZXT S340 Glossy Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Case

Pros: There isn't too much not to like about this case. It has thoughtful layouts, accommodating extra fans, water cooler, an out of the way spot for your PSU and hard drives, dust filters, cable management, etc.

Cons: *The screws were a pain to unscrew. Make certain you have a screw driver. *The air filter on the bottom of the case for the PSU could have been implemented better (wrapped in plastic and locked into place with small magnets like the front one, as an example). The thing came out so many times while re-positioning the system and working on my new system.

Overall Review: Would buy again. Sleek, and thoughtful design. Easy to work in, nice options.

Fantastic

MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: Affordable. Lots of great features. Fast, wicked easy set up.

Cons: Used the MSI update tool (from their website) to update my system... then it complained there was no valid driver for the NIC and wouldn't let me install a new one. Removed NIC from device manager, rebooted, redetected card, installed latest driver. Works, but it now has a funky card name (but it did detect it as a generic Qualcomm card during set up).

Overall Review: This is my first MSI board. I typically have used EVGA or ASUS boards. However, this board is beautiful and the set up was the easiest I've ever had when building a new rig. Definitely recommend.

11/18/2013

Great Card

XFX Double D Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card FX-787A-CDFC
XFX Double D Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card FX-787A-CDFC

Pros: This card replaced two HD 5870's that were beginning to die on me. The card is a slight step up, more memory, faster clock speeds, and I think the best feature... its only 9.5" long so installation is a snap.

Cons: None yet.

Overall Review: I think its a good mid-grade card. If I had to do it again I might for one level up and get the 3 GB card instead since its only about another $100 more.

Amazing

ASUS Laptop G74 Series Intel Core i7-2630QM 12GB Memory 1.5TB HDD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M 17.3" Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit G74SX-A1
ASUS Laptop G74 Series Intel Core i7-2630QM 12GB Memory 1.5TB HDD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M 17.3" Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit G74SX-A1

Pros: -Simply beautiful. Bright sharp display and very comfortable keyboard. -Super quiet. Even under full load for hours. -Not just for gaming, this thing runs multiple VM's with ease.

Cons: -Wow this thing is big. Had to have a custom bag made at Timbuk2 to carry it, and even then it just fits in... Yes it comes with a bag, but its fugly. -Some bloatware. Took a little while to go through and get rid of all the junk that was installed by default.

Overall Review: This is the first laptop I have ever personally owned. It was a toss up between MSI and Asus as a brand choice. Every review on the MSI laptops basically said that there were keyboard issues. Asus made me weary with reviews of horrible support issues. Well, I think I made the right choice, I'm loving this system, and its so nice to have a mobile workstation that can meet my needs.