Joined on 06/03/03
good stable motherboard
Pros: Good solid board if you use the proper memory. Stick to the QVL. Memory originally recognized as 800Mhz with 12xx BIOS so I flashed BIOS to 1406, and memory recognized correctly, thus no need to set manually. I run my system stock--as stability is my largest concern.
Cons: Audio can product slight background buzzing w/hard drive activity (may be my setup)
Overall Review: P5Q-E, Q9550 E0, 2x2GB PC8500 Corsair DHX, eVGA GTX260 216, 22" LG 227WTG, and a mix of Seagate 7200.xx harddrives and Samsung DVD drives. Newegg shipped everything quickly, as always. thx!
excellent memory - as always
Pros: This memory conforms to JEDEC standards and easy to install.
Cons: For "optimal" settings, you will need to adjust memory timings in your BIOS--although standard settings will work fine.
Overall Review: Installed in P4P800 ASUS. Set to 2-3-2-6 @ 2.65 volts, rock solid. Memory does support CMD rate of 1T. Kingston gives specs. on their website for this memory so you know what number goes where in the BIOS.
Corsair has always been good to me...
Pros: Good build quality, solid rails--stays withing specs. This power supply has about every cable that you would need for a single or dual mid-range GPU configuration while maintaining a low audio profile and low heat output. Check out jonnyguru(dot)com for good information on power supplies.
Cons: I could've spent more money on a modular power supply of similar wattage, but didn't see the need (for me). My friends that have modular power supplies end up plugging in most of the cables anyway.
Overall Review: Antec P182, P5Q-E, Q9550 E0, Zalman 9500AT, 2x2GB PC8500 Corsair DHX, eVGA GTX260 216, 22" LG 227WTG, Corsair 750TX, and a mix of Seagate 7200.xx harddrives and Samsung DVD drives.
stable memory
Pros: Memory originally recognized as 800mhz till i flashed my BIOS in my P5Q-E to 1406. MB then recognized @ 1066Mhz EPP and set to 5-5-5-18. I haven't bothered trying to tighten timings down yet, probably won't. I don't overclock, no need with the speed of today's CPUs and graphic cards.
Cons: didn't see a need for the included fan since I do not overclock, just adds extra noise.
Overall Review: Antec P182, P5Q-E, Q9550 E0, Zalman 9500AT, 2x2GB PC8500 Corsair DHX, eVGA GTX260 216, 22" LG 227WTG, and a mix of Seagate 7200.xx harddrives and Samsung DVD drives.
fins make sounds when you strum them.
Pros: Excellent cooler that is designed well. Keeps my Q9550 cool and fan noise is minimal. I run my 9550 stock and under torture tests have never gone above 40C on any of the four cores. Ambient temperature about 22C.
Cons: if you have shaky hands like mine, get a friend to install it for you so you don't get arctic silver all over the place.. :) Clip shot off like a rocket when i thought i had one side of the clip screw(ed) down enough to begin fastening the other side... apparently it needed another turn.
Overall Review: Antec P182, P5Q-E, Q9550 E0, Zalman 9500AT, 2x2GB PC8500 Corsair DHX, eVGA GTX260 216, 22" LG 227WTG, and a mix of Seagate 7200.xx harddrives and Samsung DVD drives.
sticky icky
Pros: It is a well designed thermal transfer compound for any CPU/GPU heatsink application. The website provides EXCELLENT instructions for application, and I highly recommend downloading and reading the PDFs before you attempt to use the product.
Cons: conductive, but that's the price you pay for good thermal material. a little messy to clean up, but nothing that isopropyl alcohol (high percent) and a lint free cloth can't clean up.
Overall Review: Antec P182, P5Q-E, Q9550 E0, Zalman 9500AT, 2x2GB PC8500 Corsair DHX, eVGA GTX260 216, 22" LG 227WTG, and a mix of Seagate 7200.xx harddrives and Samsung DVD drives.