Joined on 09/09/07
Easy overclock
Pros: Fast and stable
Cons: None
Overall Review: I've written a review a year ago on this processor, but I thought I would just follow up to mention that I recently decided to overclock this cpu. It's currently running at 4.5ghz and rock solid. Couldn't be happier with this processor.
Hope you like red
Pros: Larger than I expected. Lots of coloring options.
Cons: Doesn't memorize previous settings. This thing really, REALLY needs to have some sort of memory preset so that it doesn't default every single time you restart your PC. A little ripply/wavy
Overall Review: This is a neat pad - Even though I approximated the dimensions before purchasing, it actually seems even bigger. It looks good on my desk, works with my laser mouse, and has several lighting mode options. There is one fairly noticeable wavy edge which is caused from weaving the LED light tube into the fabric. This isn't a huge deal to me, but could be a big deal for some perfectionists. The biggest con for me is the fact that it always powers on with solid red lighting. To pick the option you prefer (assuming it's not solid red) you must cycle through until you find the appropriate setting. This thing really, REALLY needs to have some sort of memory preset so that it doesn't default every single time you restart your PC.
Big help to avoid sitting too much
Pros: Solid; easy to use.
Cons: Takes up lot of desk space. Doesn't support (or have room) for two monitors.
Overall Review: I needed this to save my neck pain from working long hours at my desk. Unfortunately I have 2 Asus 3D monitors that are on the heavy side for flatscreens, and so I had to buy a separate swing-arm monitor stand to use in conjunction with this standing desk converter. (The stand isn't big enough for two monitors and they are too heavy to allow you to raise the desk if they are sitting on it). The whole ensemble works together adequately, but not great. Just bear this in mind for your own situation. If you are using one screen only, this stand is a fantastic upgrade. If you have a 2 monitor situation, you will need a separate arm bracket system for your monitors, and then the space that monitor bracket takes up on your desk/table will force this raising stand to stick out past your table-top.
Was it an upgrade? Yes.
Pros: More flexibility with monitor placement. Clears space from your desk. Easy to pivot around as needed.
Cons: Almost not stout enough for my monitors. Difficulty getting them to not pivot downward on their own due to weight.
Overall Review: I bought this to use it in combination with a raising desk. The results are... adequate. Although I carefully examined the measurement specs, I discovered that the arms do not raise the monitors as high as I really need. I'm using 2 Asus 3D monitors, and the arms are not super stable because the monitors are on the high-end of the weight limit of the stand. Due to the nature of my desk, I also had to fabricate my own bracket attachment to get it stable enough. This isn't the fault of the stand itself, - overall it's a good product, but it does bear mentioning that depending on your circumstances, it may either be a fantastic upgrade, or just a 'meh' upgrade. Mine was the latter.
Fan is fine, power cable not long enough
Pros: Blue LED
Cons: The connecting cable was not long enough
Overall Review: I bought this to replace a failing case fan. My original fan had the large 4-pin connector style, where as this new one has the tiny style connector that must be plugged into the motherboard. Although my case is not large (Antec V900) this fan's power cable would barely reach the closest terminal on the MB. There is absolutely no slack and I fear that if I forget about this the next time I remove the face plate for cleaning, I will possibly damage the terminal on the MB.
Fits an Antec 1200 V3.. sort of
Pros: Blue LEDs matched my existing build. It works fine and is just as quiet as the original case fan. Wired for direct connection to MOBO, but comes with a 4-pin auxiliary adapter with lots of length.
Cons: Not crazy about it being all clear plastic. - Bruce Wayne says "Does it come in black?" Wish it had a speed controller (The Antec case fan it is replacing was a 3-speed with switch).
Overall Review: In case you have an Antec 1200 V3 case and are wondering if this fan will work, it will. But it is not pretty. The original Big Boy on the 1200 had a purpose-built fan shroud, which is totally different than this Cooler Master or any other fan out there. As it stands, there is no way to actually screw this fan into any mounting point on the case. The top plate and fan grille must be removed from the case, then this new fan must be gently pressed into the grille, at which point the mounting flanges of the fan will sort of wedge themselves into some of the holes of the grille. One the top plate and grille are reassembled and re-attached to the case, it all just sort of holds itself together and I did not experience any rattles or vibration noises. Because the new fan shroud is so different from the original, there is a .5" gap all the way around it compared to the case opening itself. So, like I said.. it's not pretty, but this case is over 10 years old and the original replacement is no longer available. See the photos I have included for more clarity.