Joined on 12/04/08
Perfect
Pros: BluRays look outstanding. This drive is SILENT!!!
Cons: Cyberlink is horrible. PowerDVD 8 came with this drive and it's without a doubt the WORST player software I've ever used.
Overall Review: This drive matches my NZXT Lexa tower perfectly, which was a nice unexpected bonus. Waiting patiently for a better BluRay software to become available.
DOA; RMA; DOA again..
Pros: Flexible socket type, good bang for buck.
Cons: DOA. Ran through several bread board tests, all parts confirmed good, but board wouldn't post. RMA, got the replacement board, it's also DOA, won't post. Wish I would've written down the SN before RMA, as it's possible (I feel likely) that they just repackaged the mobo and sent the same one back, but regardless, two DOA boards. I'll never buy ASRock again.
DOA
Pros: NA
Cons: Dead on arrival
Overall Review: MoBo DOA. Installed an AMD 3200 and machine wouldn't post, tried a 2700x after reading about the BIOS issues, and still wouldn't post. Tried a breadboard build in min config to rule out any shorts in the case, still no post. I wish I would've read all of these 1egg reviews before buying, seems like this board model is a dud pretty often.
Just what I needed
Pros: Pretty low price, HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports, not too large, runs quiet and cool.
Cons: None considering the price
Overall Review: Bought this to replace my 9500GT on my HTPC. Not sure how well the HDMI works because I use DVI (same resolution, cheaper cable). Running W7 64-bit and have noticed that my Blu-Rays look a little more crisp and smooth and Aero is more responsive as well. I don't play games on PC, so I can't comment on that aspect of this card, but this card is prefect for an HTPC and it won't break the bank.
Great CPU
Pros: Cheap for an Intel Dual-Core of any kind
Cons: None so far
Overall Review: I have this in a Gigabyte mobo with Gskill Sniper DDR3 and overclocked this little guy up to 3.3GHz; that's right, 3.3. It's been running extremely stable and the temps are running up to mid 30'C under pretty heavy load, high teens low 20s under normal use. This thing's running so smooth even at this high of an overclock that I can hardly hear the CPU fan running. Used PCWiz to benchmark and monitor with no problems what so ever yet. Highly recommend this CPU if you're looking for a lotta bang for your buck!
Impressed
Pros: Cheap, DDR2 OR DDR3 compatible, low profile north bridge heat sink, uses many different CPUs, extremely versatile and easy to install due to its micro ATX form factor.
Cons: Only one case fan header, and it's only a three pin so if you want a fan control, you'll have to add one to your case.
Overall Review: I was leery about this board because of the price, but man was I wrong to have doubted Gigabyte. I used this to upgrade an outdated 775 P4 system; installed a Celeron dual-core and kept everything else from the old system. The BIOS is very easy to navigate and made overclocking very simple. Got the Celeron dual-core up from 2.5 to 3.3GHz with just a few keystrokes and it's running in mid 30'C on pretty heavy load on both cores. It was running so well that I bought 8GB of Gskill Sniper DDR3 and an ASUS 1GBDDR5 graphics card and turned my old P4 pc into a very capable gaming rig for less than $250. I HIGHLY recommend this board for a budget gaming rig or for updating an older 775 system. Very flexible board here, great job Gigabyte!