Joined on 04/16/12
Stunning Performance
Pros: - Absolutely zero noise. PWM fans are exceptionally great at lowering fan RPM when there is barely any cpu usage. - Aesthetic. Simple the best looking cpu cooler there is. From the darken nickel plating to the coal black aluminium top. Completely destroys any Noctua product in the color design. - Performance. Drastically lower temps on my 4770K from 70c in my old Noctua D14 to around 59-60c.
Cons: - Installation. I was a bit skeptical on some reviews that pointed out the ridiculous installation process, but they were spot on. if there is anything negative about the Dark Rock Pro 3 is the installation. The manual is very vague about installation the mounting kit so you sort of have to look very close at the tiny picture provided on the manual. Backwards as it sounds, you have to install the mobo on the cooler, not the cooler on the mobo, and screw from behind the mobo. The wrench provided is only to hold the screw while you tighten it from the back. It took me 3 times to get it right, but managed to get it together.
Overall Review: Watch installation videos while you wait so you can plan ahead. Other than that, I am super happy about this cooler. it exceed it all my expectations minus the installation part.
Update- After 3 of ownership
Pros: Case is well designed. All metal with copy and side holes for ventilation and fan connection. Front USB 3.0 is included as well as audio jack. Fans are very silent.
Cons: My biggest announce with the case the hard drive bays made of out plaster and are directly connected to the case frame. My WD Black vibration is transferred tot he case so the noise is becomes 5x greater. Obviously this doesnt affect users with SSDs, but this case is not designed for spinning drivers.
Good
Pros: Excellent build quality it feels like a mini tank holding it. Platinum rating, long cables,
Cons: Fan. Corsair (or Flextronics) uses a fan that has a tendency to make a whusss noise. For example, if I am playing a game that puts moderate load on the power supply, it will start to spin every now and then. When it spins, it goes all the way up then back down to silent. You can easily tell by the sound of the wind inside the case.
Seesonic X650 Review
Pros: Absolutely fantastic power supply. The clean black look makes this power supply look totally awesome in a windowed case. Flat cables are pretty flexible and there is plenty connections for all your devices
Cons: Not a con, but the main 24pin mobo was a bit too short on my case. It is obvious this power supply is aimed at mid towers max.
Overall Review: The hybrid fan feature is pretty interesting. You can have the fan running all times or in hybrid mode which is based on load %. Currently, I am using it in hybrid mode and the fan has not come on at all. I have a 4770K and a GTX 770 doing BOINC and Folding@Home at full speed. Basically this is a fanless PSU.
WD Black 1TB Review
Pros: Excellent drive for a every day PC all the way to a workstation. It is currently my boot drive and speeds through everything. Very low noise (more below) and overall a great performance drive
Cons: None!
Overall Review: Like all mechanical drivers, the WD Black vibrates consistently. Now, some users have complained that this drive is noisy. I personally dont find it noisy at all. Make sure your hard drive mount has rubber spacers between the metal and the hard drive. This way, all the vibration will be absorbed by the rubber.
Great!
Pros: Fan works as intended. No problems whatsoever. I used this fan to replace the stock fan on my CM 212 EVO. Keeps my 4770K cool at 60-65c MAX.
Cons: None!
Overall Review: Just buy it!