Frank S.
Joined on 07/06/05
- 5
Great small case!

Pros: Great small package case! Makes a great media center case with the covered 3.5" bay -- I stuck a card reader there. Everything fits well though a little tight. I'll probably order another case like this for my living room media PC -- undecided on a case for that yet, but this one fits the bill nicely. Might spend a bit more money for the living room though...
Cons: The 250W power supply doesn't have 24 pin power or SATA drive connectors. I used this case to build a computer for my wife using some older components (Athlon 1200+ and Asus A7V400MX motherboard, 256MB AGP card, 1GB RAM, 129GB IDE HD, DVD/CDRW), so for me it wasn't a problem. That might keep me from buying it for my living room PC though. It's cheap enough, but I may opt for one with a better or no power supply.
Overall Review: Overall I'm pleased with the case. If the power supply meets you needs or you don't mind changing it, it's a bargain!
Great deal

Pros: Great deal on this feature rich computer. i was going to build a computer with similar assets but when you throw in the fact that it comes with Windows 8 you can't build one with similar attributes and buy Win8 for the same price.
Cons: Support. NewEg has always been great with support, but I've run itno a problem that hasn't been resolved in three weeks. See other thoughts.
Overall Review: I accidentally trashed the hard drive while installing some software. I've only dealt with XP installations, this was my first Windows 7/8 foray. I made a "restore" DVD, but was unaware I also needed to copy the restore partition, so, the restore DVD is pretty much useless. This system has an OEM version of Win8, which must be supported by the manufacturer. I found out that you can't even upgrade it to 8.1 using just the product key, only if it is a running Win8 system can you download the free upgrade. After going back and forth a few e-mails with NewEgg customer support I was finally asked for the serial number of the system and for permission to release my contact info to the manufacturer. A week went by and no response. I've sent NewEgg another e-mail and asking to return the system if I can't get support. I understand there may be a charge for restoration media because it's an OEM version, but I have no way of knowing who to even contact. I'm leary of the "made in Mexico" sticker with no contact info on it. I've asked that if another week passes that I get a return authorization. I've never had this much trouble getting restoration media! I do realize it's not all NewEgg's fault, part of it is the way MS licenses to OEMs. You'd think MS would let you install a free upgrade if you have a valid product key!!
Great for HTPC

Pros: Trackball built into keyboard with well placed controls. Holed the keyboard like a big game pad and move the trackball with your right thumb, press mouse buttons with left thumb. Scroll wheel is on left front corner and there is a "trigger" button on the right front corner that also works as the left mouse button. Very convenient! Remote has most functions and a track ball, so keyboard isn't needed much.
Cons: It will lose a character on occasion if you type fast. Hunt-n-peck isn't a problem. If you intend to use this for heavy typing you will be disappointed. For occasional web surfing it's okay. Distance may be the problem -- most desktop wireless keyboards are less than 3' from the receiver, I use this one 10' away. I did move the receiver to the front of the computer, which helped. The layout suggests a big game pad, but I was very frustrated with the slight lag and occasional missed character with a first person shooter game. In NmediaPC's defense, the keyboard is not meant for heavy typing or games, but to control an HTPC. For its intended purpose it's great. I bought a cheap USB keyboard, mouse, and compact hub to use for heavy typing and also a CyberSnipa pad for gaming. Would be nice to have a completely wireless solution, but I don't think the technology is up to gaming or fast typing across a room.
Overall Review: The receiver stopped working just after New Egg's 30 day return policy expired. I've just contacted NmediaPC tech support about exchanging the receiver today. If you don't see another review by me assume NmediaPC made it good.

Pros: Great board with plenty of features for the price
Cons: None really.
Overall Review: There is no digital surround-sound output. I bought it for a media PC and this would have been nice. It wasn't mentioned in the specs. It does have internal SPDIF out for an HDMI video card, but only analog surround output. So I'll have to buy a sound card now. I guess I can't complain for the price of the board. I didn't use the on-board video as i wanted dedicated video memory.

Pros: Nicely built - sturdy and easy to install components. Comes with a fan and "funnel" over CPU. Also comes with all necessary screws and hardware. A very good value!
Cons: Has three 5.25" bays, but with most uATX motherboards the lower 5.25" bay is unuseable for a drive (such as a CD-ROM). I purchased with the thought that I'd have an extra 5.25" bay "just in case". It can be used with an adapter for a 3.5" device or for a shallow 5.25" device, such as a fan controller, temp display, card reader, etc. I have an ASUS A8N-VM CSM motherboard installed.
Overall Review: I'm overall pleased with the case, just disappointed that the third drive bay really isn't useable. If not for that I'd have rated the case as "excellent", especially for the price!
