Joined on 10/20/09
This card works overtime
Pros: -Install fits fine on my ATX Board (MSI 990FXA-GD80V2). -Asus quality -3 different hookup options (not including adapter). -Supplied CD has the required drivers & utilities to get you started.
Cons: -Requires additional power hookup. Adapter supplied, but you may require an additional 4 pin power splitter depending on your available power connectors. -Generates an enormous amount of heat.
Overall Review: This card delivers the performance it promises. I'm running Borderlands 2 on all ultra settings with hardly an issue. It has really turned my machine into a budget super computer. (16 GB RAM, 4.1 Ghz AMD, 120GB SSD). The only issue that has developed since I've installed this card is the amount of heat generated. I will no longer be able to keep my tower inside the cabinet. It will have to be set outside so it can breath. Twice I've had the system crash to what I suspect is the card becoming heat soaked and shutting down. I feel like the fan design could have been utilized better. Although the card takes up two expansion slots, the vented case plate is not an exhaust port. A blower style fan may have been better here. But I'm no Vid Card engineer, so who am I to say that would be better. Overall I'm very pleased, and would buy this product again.
Not for gaming
Pros: -Easy Install -Windows automatically finds the correct drivers -Interfaces with windows fine -Works well with desktop applications, (web, video and the like).
Cons: -Poor Gaming performance
Overall Review: As appealing as the specs are on the surface, (1GB, HD 5500, PCI E), this card does not deliver on performance for gaming that requires a good card. Most specifically Borderlands 2, even with all settings at their lowest the game is still barely playable with how slow the frame rate is. Get this card only if you are going to be watching web videos or doing some other task that does require good 3D graphic support. Avoid this card if you're a gamer.
As Advertised
Pros: Everything as described... not really much more to say. I paid for what I got and I'm completely satisfied with it.
Cons: none
Almost Perfect
Pros: Case size is roomy and should fit anything you'd want to put in it. For having such large fans it runs quite and all the cables are properly labeled for the forward connections.
Cons: The power supply this case came with has its limits. The motherboard hookups are a little short for me and may leave the inside of your case messy looking and you're rather limited on your hookup options. so plan on buying some adapters and extensions. I got lucky and had some spare SATA adapters laying around.
Overall Review: Overall a great buy, there isn't a reason to buy anything else other then a preference of looks or a better power supply option.