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Edward C.

Edward C.

Joined on 10/18/05

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 32
Most Favorable Review

This is one of the better cases from this company

GAMEMAX Contac COC BR Black / Red Steel / Tempered Glass ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
GAMEMAX Contac COC BR Black / Red Steel / Tempered Glass ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Pros: -Actually had readable/usable instructions included! -Airflow is exceptional on this case -The area where graphics and other cards attach to the case rear with screws is well thought out/designed. -The case controls are well placed and convenient to use. -MOST of the installation in this case is good/easy (see exception in Cons section) -Cable management features are above average on this case. -Case comes with an RBG controller built in...if you like that sort of thing

Cons: -Holes for side panel screws are punched out, and are not large enough to accomodate the screws. I had to drill out ALL through holes in order to get the screws to work/hold down the parts correctly. -The way the glass side fits/attaches is very odd, and has a single screw and a tension ball holding the glass in place. -The Cable management in this case could be laid out and executed better. -Comes with a built in RGB controller that requires an available SATA power plug from your power supply. -This Case comes with 1-120mm fan, and 1-140mm fan.... which is somewhat odd size (the 140mm). I would rather see multiple 120mm fans which move more air than a single 140mm fan. -The area for the power supply is VERY small and tight, particularly IF you use the included 3.5" hard drive mounts. If you install ANY 3.5" drives, there is simply not enough room for them and the power supply cables. I removed the HD carriers, and still had some difficulties fitting all the power supply cables.....and that was with a modular power supply!

Overall Review: -This is one of the better cases this company offers. I have had others cases from this company, and was very disappointed in all of them. I would have never purchased this particular case, had I not seen it in person before buying. So far I am very pleased with this case, although the overall build quality could use improvement, it reminds me very much of Cougar brand cases...... very good value for the money.

Most Critical Review

A Hassle to setup, below par preformance

MSI A88XM-E45 FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X (Bolton D4) USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI A88XM-E45 FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X (Bolton D4) USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Pros: Typical MSI board....I've used a number of different brands over the years, but have found that MSI usually makes building/using a better experience.....

Cons: Except for this one. I was midly excited when the new AMD cpu came out. I decided to go with a Micro build, and so far, compared to my MSI base Trinity build, have been really dissappointed. Yet to be able to make MSI LiveUpdate work with this board, VERY unstable until you get an updated BIOS installed, and just an average performer. I'm actually considering going back to the AMD trinity build....because it's faster, cleaner, and MUCH less hassle.

Overall Review: My dislikes/issue may be from "early adoption" but I'm yet to see any reason to leave my old board. I built this system looking forward to a faster/smoother experience....and got neither. If your computer run fine....wait until this platform matures a while....right now it's just not ready for prime time.

Most reliable RAM

CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3600 (PC4 28800) Desktop Memory Model CMK32GX4M2D3600C18
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3600 (PC4 28800) Desktop Memory Model CMK32GX4M2D3600C18

Pros: -Fair priced and great performance -I have mine OCed to 3800 on X570 TUF board and 5800X -Unlike others, I've NEVER had a bad stick of this RAM

Cons: -NONE! If you want stable overclocking ability, and reliability....BUY THIS

Overall Review: In my experience, this is the most cost effective, overclockable, stable RAM I have owned. I build a lot of PCs, and always choose this variety of RAM modules when I want a trouble free build. Long story short, it's simply the best RAM out there for cost/overclocking/reliability.

Doesn't live up to it's hype

Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770 M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 16GT/s, up to 4 Lanes Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) WDS100T3X0E
Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770 M.2 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 16GT/s, up to 4 Lanes Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) WDS100T3X0E

Pros: -Easy Install -Got on sale, but even then it's more expensive than it should be.

Cons: -Certainly DOES NOT live up to it's claimed speeds. (see pic) -Even on sale I don't feel it's worth the money

Overall Review: Real Disappointment. I wish storage makers would just be honest with us instead of using hypothetical numbers to hype up their product(s). I replaced an old P1 drive with this one... and the speed numbers are nearly the same. So much for "blazing fast". From now on I'm just gona bypass all the hype, and buy Samsung drives. They seem to be the ONLY ones that come close to their advertised numbers.

Love Courgar cases!

Cougar Duoface RGB Black Mid Tower Computer Cases with Glass and Mesh Front Panels included
Cougar Duoface RGB Black Mid Tower Computer Cases with Glass and Mesh Front Panels included

Pros: -Very roomy for the price -Does provide for SIGNIFICANTLY lower temps then my previous case. -ARBG controller is included, if you want bling... I didn't even hook up the RGB wires from the fans.

Cons: -So far, the fans are cheap/cheesy 3 pin fans as is typical with any fans that come with a case. I would HIGHLY recommend ordering good 4 pin fans when you order the case. -As I pulled off the front glass panel, to replace it with the perforated front cover, one of the lower retainer clips broke as I pulled the glass out! Might have been the way I did it, not knowing where the connectors were? -I do not like the "use EITHER 3 120mm fans, or two 140mm fans: Why? Because case is setup more for the 120mm fans.... it seems like the 140 were an after thought. -It makes no sense to buy this case with the two fronts. You're going to use one or the other, and very likely will never use "the other." So if you're not all about the bling, just by the "AirFace" model and save some $.

Overall Review: Over the years I have come to be a BIG fan of Cougar PC cases. While they do offer some outlandish and very expensive designs, overall I've found that Cougar PC cases offer a lot for the price. I have no idea why this particular case has not received more press/advertisement, IMO it is one of the best bang for the buck cases out there! -Case is very "roomy". -My old case had an internal fan positioned on the back/bottom of the MB/CPU area. I pulled it from the old case, modified it slightly to be used in this case. I also had to cut air intakes on the side panel of this case. When I did that, the temps were SIGNIFICANTLY (10-12 degrees C) lower then the previous case. - Unless you want "bling", buy the "AirFace" model. You're going to use one or the other front panels....and you won't be changing them back and forth. I purchased this case on sale, and at the time it was actually cheaper then the "Airface". -I have personally always like "Cougar" cases. They have always offered a good level of features/quality for the price. I find it odd that this case is not listed when you look up "cougar case" in any sales sites. I stumbled upon it through the cougar website. COUGAR: You need to advertise this case and the "AirFace" more/better. There is no reason they cannot be yoru best sellers! Yes.... they are that good! ;)

A "Case" of contradicitions

Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 ATX Mid-Tower with Front Mesh Ventilation, Front Side Red Accent Mesh Intake & Transparent Acrylic Side Panel
Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 ATX Mid-Tower with Front Mesh Ventilation, Front Side Red Accent Mesh Intake & Transparent Acrylic Side Panel

Pros: -Very roomy interior -Very good air flow with caveats (see cons) -The air vents/holes in the front of the power supply "tunnel" are nice.

Cons: -In general, materials are cheap and thin. -Very poor instructions (many screws and parts are not identified), (must assemble in a particular order, or be forced to back track, disassemble, then reassemble...I had to do this several times) -FRONT FAN MOUNT(s): Why in the world would you give the option of 140mm fans when there are only 120mm holes in the case? With 140mm fans installed those blockages create a lot of unnecessary noise from the turbulence they cause. Makes ZERO sense! -SSD TRAY is horribly positioned! With SSD installed on the tray, it blocks the front panel USB header/plug, the the RGB header?? They could have provided TWO SSD trays, one fore, and one aft...leaving the center open so as not to blocks MB/cable connections. VERY POORLY THOUGHT OUT! - CABLE MGT: NONE! And if you're not VERY careful, anything other then flat or very thin power supply cables WILL block the "back" side panel from fitting into place. -The included 120mm fan on the case I received was DOA. -The drive trays in the power supply "tunnel" are pretty much worthless. Mount a 3.5" drive in there, and the SATA power and data plugs press against the side panel, keeping it from closing property. Mount a 2.5" drive and it's nearly impossible to get the power and data cables attached. -One of the BIGGEST annoyances for me is that the plastic/smoke side panel has no ledge to catch on, making putting the panel on a job requiring THREE hands... totally fixable with a small "ledge" on the case. Another poorly thought out design element.

Overall Review: This case is a constant contradiction. As you can see, IMO there are more "cons" then "pros". Something good/nice, then something else that makes no sense at all. Roomy on the MB side, yet very cramped/tight power supply location. The option for 120 or 140mm fans....yet there are only 120mm holes. 140mm fans MUST be mounting on the inside...otherwise the front cover will not fit, yet the metal "webbing" for the 120mm fan mounts blocks airflow if 140mm fans are use. Overall, it's a usable case with decent airflow, provided you choose/use THREE 120mm fans...and are willing to accept the noise increase over two 140mm fans. Personally, I would advise looking into the Cougar AirFace cases. They are better in every way, and about the same money as this case.