cover
Brian D.

Brian D.

Joined on 01/08/05

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 10
Most Favorable Review

Vantec IDE to SATA Converter

Vantec IDE to SATA Converter - Model CB-IS100
Vantec IDE to SATA Converter - Model CB-IS100

Pros: Works as intended, allows re-use of old IDE drives that can't be connected to modern motherboards.

Cons: Not a major con, but the adapter must be snugly fit to the IDE drive, else it may not be connected.

Most Critical Review

Incompatible

Thermaltake CLP0556 92mm 1 x Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Thermaltake CLP0556 92mm 1 x Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler

Pros: N/A

Cons: Though the product is stated to be compatible with Socket 1150, the heatsink was too wide and could not be attached to the motherboard (ASROCK Z87 Pro3).

Great Buy

Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model TLD38G2133HC10QDC01
Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model TLD38G2133HC10QDC01

Pros: - Great value for 2133 - Worked flawlessly with default settings from motherboard (ASROCK Z87 Pro 3)

Cons: None

Overall Review: Picked up as a shell-shocker deal.

Intel Core i5-4670 - Core i5 4th Gen Haswell Quad-Core 3.4 GHz LGA 1150 84W Intel HD Graphics Desktop Processor - BX80646I54670
Intel Core i5-4670 - Core i5 4th Gen Haswell Quad-Core 3.4 GHz LGA 1150 84W Intel HD Graphics Desktop Processor - BX80646I54670

Pros: - Processes data tasks quickly - Cool and quiet (<30 C) with stock fan and heatsink. - IntelHD 4600 GPU performance is very good for non-gamers

Cons: - Not designed for overclocking (not my thing, but pay attention to the model)

Overall Review: Very surprised by the power of the IntelHD 4600 GPU power. Plays media flawlessly and somewhat older games great at medium settings. If you're not a gamer this eliminates the need for a graphics card. Using for a home office desktop with some data processing and light gaming. Phenomenal upgrade from a very dated AMD Athlon XP.

Good Wireless Adapter

NETIS WF2113 300Mbps Wireless N PCI-E Adapter with 5 dBi High Gain Antennas and Low Profile Bracket Compatible with Windows MAC Linux OS
NETIS WF2113 300Mbps Wireless N PCI-E Adapter with 5 dBi High Gain Antennas and Low Profile Bracket Compatible with Windows MAC Linux OS

Pros: - Receives b/g/n - Picks up signal very well - Good speeds - Easy installation - Low profile bracket included (if needed)

Cons: - One time after installing new hardware my system failed to recognize the wireless card. It was solved by disconnecting / reconnecting the card from the PCIe slot.

Overall Review: Good purchase for a desktop that doesn't have wi-fi built in.

Good Performance Card

ASUS Radeon HD 7770 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card HD7770-2GD5
ASUS Radeon HD 7770 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card HD7770-2GD5

Pros: - Runs older games at max settings at 1920x1080. I don't game anymore so can't comment on anything new. - Doesn't draw a lot of power. Stable under load with an aged 460W supply and Intel i5,

Cons: - I had to replace the first card I purchased because of screen tearing and eventual system instability under any graphical load. The replacement worked perfectly.

Overall Review: Good budget / performance card.