Pros: Utilizes modern hardware to it's fullest ability, has interesting new features, more secure than XP sp 3, if you have a high end gaming system you'll probably need the 64 bits to recognize all of your ram and vram, as well as load balance your quad core processor. Certain games run much better, Direct X 10.

Cons: XP was simple, and change can be difficult to accept for stubborn people.

Overall Review: I held out for 3 years after it came out, and finally switched over. There are some annoying features, but most of the options and menus can be customized to your taste and make easily accessible like XP, but with the increased stability and performance benefits. Compatibility with X32 based programs and older software is great. I run old telnet apps, and win 98 games, (Red alert) and was able to tweak the system to get it to work. If you are thinking about converting, nows probably a good time, the service packs really helped weed out the annoying aspects of vista. (now at SP 2)

Pros: Fast processor, good at multitasking, games run well, runs cooler than the QX9775 and 9770 extremes, can be air cooled (at low fan speeds) and easily overclocked without cranking up the volts too high. Installs easily into any X58 based motherboard, cooling solutions are easy to install as well. If you have the extra money, and are willing to spend it, it's an easy fast setup.

Cons: Maybe it's just me, but the performance difference between this and the last generation of processors doesn't seem to be that great. I am not a framerate jockey, I currently own 3 systems, one with a QX9770 one with a Phenom II X4 quad core black 3.2 ghz. And I don't really notice that much of a difference in performance running the same graphics cards, (Gtx 295) and RAID 0 configured hard drives. I recently built a system for a customer with an overclocked QX9660 (oc'd to 3.6 GHZ) Ran only a bit slower. With all of the hype I thought it'd be significantly different and better (like the jump from single to dual core) but it isn't.

Overall Review: For the average guy or gal, probably not worth it. I am running it, overclocked to 3.8 GHz, and have yet to really see a substantial performance difference. Running the same games on all of the afforementioned systems at 1920x1200 res, high graphics settings on crysis, Fallout 3, Mass Effect, Oblivion, and Saints row 2, I was still able to achieve 55 fps or better.. Which is all I really care about - a decent gaming experience. I'd either wait for the next thing (my processor is already outdated by the 975) or if you just want the X58 architecture or FX790 just get one of the cheaper processors and overclock it. I saw a few other reviews, and yeah, I agree, it sure isn't 1000 dollars worth of performance. specs of main machine below Aeon - i7 extreme 965 oc'd to 3.8, dual velociraptors in raid 0, 6 matched triple channel dominator corsair 1600mhz DDR3, GTX 295 red edition, toughpower 1200 watt ps X58

Pros: Quiet fast operation. Solid performance, good transfer rates, spins up faster than my cudas, and quieter.

Cons: They don't make it in 1.5 terrabyte yet.

Overall Review: Haven't tried these in a raid config. (Currently running dual 320 gig velociraptors in raid 0) but this works great as a storage drive, I also have an 11th gen seagate barracuda 1.5 terrabyte. the western digital is a lot nicer in terms of silent and seamless operation. Much quieter than the raptors with comprable performance (esp for a non raid 7200 rpm drive). Just make sure you get good drives and test them, WD's customer service can be a pain in the neck to deal with. Neweggs is a lot more quick and pleasant.

Pros: Awesome colors, best response appearance I've seen in an LCD screen, great contrast ratio (probably not what advertised, but still awesome) Bright. Orange kinda looks like Daytona orange, you get used to it. ACER Edisplay manage tool pretty good.

Cons: If you don't like orange, it can be distracting. Really bright factory settings, have to tune em down to your preferences, Edisplay manage updates don't work on X64 vista I bought this apprehensively after reading a lot of the reviews. These things seem to be hit or miss. After the first day of use without incident on dark screens there started to be really bad backlight bleed. At first it didn't affect games, but then when playing games like Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Cryostasis, you note the blacks aren't displaying correctly (night sky, dark caves, dark parts), it almost seems reflective (due to the bleed) it's pretty bad and distracting, trails about 1.5-1.7 inches from the top, about an inch from the bottom.. and gets annoying. I am returning this for a replacement, as I did like the monitor overall.

Overall Review: If you are willing to spin the acer wheel of fortune, and pay the return shipping on a few RMAs to get one without bleed, it's probably worth it. The colors were vivid, I noticed almost no motion blur, sure it is no CRT, but that is to be expected with any LCD screen. I gave it two eggs based on the monitor I received. Neweggs returns and CS have been hassle free on the issue though, so hopefully the next one will work.

Pros: GPU processing power is unmatched in a single card, when you have a game that can run it in quad SLI mode the res. and FPS are unreal.

Cons: Does not run well in Quad SLI mode (barely any games seem to support it, most seem to be confused by it, have had quite a few crashes), hardware enthusiasts should probably wait for the GTX 300 series supposedly coming out later this year. This thing also runs very HOT. 170 Degrees under full load, fan sounds like a vacuum cleaner under full burn. Drivers need to be improved, significantly. Had 2 black cards (PN 1293 with black backplate) die on me. Where the fans literally froze, temps reaching over 190 oF Not sure if it was because of the quad, or what. Went with a single GTX 295. Still rough around the edges. Called EVGA, they acknowledged that there were various issues with the current series and that they were working to release a better card that better supports quad SLI mode, and didn't suffer from the fan problems I had.

Overall Review: I'll agree with some of the other reviewers, this card isn't for every system, and if sound is a concern of yours, this is a definite no go. I'm considering returning this and just going with dual 285 SC's until they can figure out how to make a decent set of drivers for it, and allow most games to recognize and support it. Quad SLI is worthless for anything other than bragging rights, which is admittedly why I got 2 in the first place. PN 1291, their first build seems to run a lot better, and with the aftermarket backplate, colder. Am running a evga X58 classified board, triple channel ram. 1200 W power supply I7 extreme 965 processor. Cards were not overclocked btw. Bottom line, probably should wait if you have a decent setup right now. Not worth all of the tweaking, the heat, or the headaches.