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Michael K.

Michael K.

Joined on 02/26/06

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 16
Most Favorable Review

Great monitor

MSI Optix MAG27CQ 27" 2560 x 1440 WQHD 2K Resolution 144Hz DisplayPort HDMI DVI AMD FreeSync Adaptive Sync Anti-Flicker Low Blue Light WideScreen LED Backlit Curved Gaming Monitor
MSI Optix MAG27CQ 27" 2560 x 1440 WQHD 2K Resolution 144Hz DisplayPort HDMI DVI AMD FreeSync Adaptive Sync Anti-Flicker Low Blue Light WideScreen LED Backlit Curved Gaming Monitor

Pros: I did a lot of research about this monitor and the higher end MPG version. I ultimately selected this version, because although I do game a lot, I also have a budget and have environmental considerations about power use. This monitor makes my NVIDIA 960 GTX look amazing. Some older games (2015-2016) run very smoothly at 2K with high details. New games run well at 2K with some details reduced, but the frame rate and 2K more than make up for it. + Curved display feels very natural + Colors great out of box - my display did not require additional adjustment + No dead pixels + Viewing angles are quite wide without compromising image

Cons: Nothing yet.

Overall Review: This monitor replaced an ASUS VX238H, which was a fine monitor for a long time (5 years).

Most Critical Review

Not pleased with new BIOS

Intel BOXD945PVSLKR LGA 775 Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel BOXD945PVSLKR LGA 775 Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: 1) nicely labeled board. 2) not terribly expensive. 3) original BIOS with board kept my Pentium D 950 in the 50Cs (decent considering my house has ambient 27C during the day).

Cons: 1) newest BIOS raises CPU temps into the 70Cs. 2) could use more USB connections. 3) useless front 3.5" media port.

Overall Review: As the previous poster noted, the new BIOS is defective. My CPU temps skyrocketed after upgrading. I now run my CPU fan without motherboard control. I don't want to go 3rd party on the HSF because of warranty concerns, but I might because this BIOS is ridiculous!! I would have given it 4 eggs, and might again if the BIOS is fixed. Final thought, my board works with a brand new 7600 GT so I don't know what the other guys was encountering.

Drops signal and flickers

Rosewill RCDC-17006 DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI Active Converter Adapter, Black, Gold Plated, 4K x 2K Ready, Eyefinity Support
Rosewill RCDC-17006 DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI Active Converter Adapter, Black, Gold Plated, 4K x 2K Ready, Eyefinity Support

Pros: Seems rugged

Cons: Signal to monitor drops frequently. When it does transmit signal, there is a flicker.

Failed

Plextor M5S Series 2.5" 256GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) PX-256M5S
Plextor M5S Series 2.5" 256GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) PX-256M5S

Pros: Worked flawlessly for about 19 months. Now, locks up.

Cons: Failed after 19 months. I am probably going to pursue a claim on the warranty and keep as a backup. Changing to another brand for my primary SSD.

Solid

MSI A88X-G43 FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X (Bolton D4) USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI A88X-G43 FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X (Bolton D4) USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

Pros: This inexpensive motherboard comes is feature rich. Most importantly, it just works as promised.

Cons: Doesn't have a lot of LEDs, like my previous 790FX board.

Fast and cheap

AMD Athlon X4 750K - Athlon X4 Trinity Quad-Core 3.4 GHz Socket FM2 100W Desktop Processor - Black Edition - AD750KWOHJBOX
AMD Athlon X4 750K - Athlon X4 Trinity Quad-Core 3.4 GHz Socket FM2 100W Desktop Processor - Black Edition - AD750KWOHJBOX

Pros: This CPU replaces an Athlon II X4 640 propus. The difference is very clear in increased performance - 30 more FPS in Just Cause 2, for example. Here are a couple more advantages. Although the 750k runs a little warmer by 2-4C at load, overall system heat is considerably cooler. My previous board's northbridge ran near 33 C over ambient and the CPU ran near 5C over ambient, in a CPU-only custom water loop. In a very similar water loop, the northbridge is only 2-4C over ambient and the CPU at load is only 10C over ambient resulting in a much cooler overall system. I live in a hot climate, therefore, a cooler system is appreciated. Lastly, this CPU is making much better use of memory than my previous CPU. Overall, I'm very pleased.

Cons: I guess that other chips might be faster, but cost and cool running are getting my vote.