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James S.

James S.

Joined on 07/02/04

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 13
Most Favorable Review

Good Mobo, Some Downsides

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: Don't get me wrong, this is a great motherboard. I've been using it for over a year without any major problems. I purchased this for my home PC, which doubles as media, FTP, and IIS server. Some of the best features are 10 SATA2 connections, 4 Gb NIC, good onboard audio, two RAID controllers, SLI display (runs in 8x PCI-e), 45nm CPU support, eSATA adapters, loads of USB, firewire adapter, and fast FSB. I am running Q6600, 4 GB OCZ 1066, nVidia 8800 GT. I really like the 4x NIC. I have one connect setup as crossover directly connected to my Popcorn Hour media device. Two connections are teamed for primary internet use, and the last NIC is setup for my server connections (FTP, remote access, my wireless Popcorn Hour).

Cons: Gigabyte support isn't very useful. I contacted Gigabyte to verify that hardware configuration before purchases more hard drives, but the information they provided was incorrect. Specifically Liu (or Lio) from Gigabyte US support told me that the SiI5723 RAID controller supported standalone SATA drives, and could support the boot volume, but neither statements are true. I ended up investing $500-$600 in hard drives for specific configurations that I could not implement. I wanted my primary volume with Windows on the SiI5723 controller using a 10,000 RPM 74 GB Raptor, and 6x 500 GB drives in RAID 5 as the secondary volume, but I could not. The boot volume must be on the Intel ICH10R controller. Also, the SiI5723 only supports RAID 0/1 configurations. I can't believe Gigabyte gave me incorrect information. The technician obviously did not understand the product fully and made up an answer. Disappointed in some ways.

Overall Review: I was able to get my computer configured in an acceptable way. RAID 5 (5x 500GB) and 10,000 RPM 74 GB Raptor on the Intel ICH10R chipset. The Raptor drive is the primary OS. Very expensive. I wouldn't recommend this motherboard to gamers, unless you want to run RAID configurations, although complex RAIDs aren't meant for gaming, which is why my primary OS is on a separate volume. Very feature rich-board, and I gave a 4/5 for the RAID and support problems I encountered.

Essential

BELKIN WaveRest F8E263-BLK Keyboard Wrist Support, Black
BELKIN WaveRest F8E263-BLK Keyboard Wrist Support, Black

Pros: I've been using keyboard pads at work and home for several years since I noticed soreness in my left wrist (I'm right-handed). This Belkin keyboard wrist pad is extremely soft, and firm enough for good support. It simply get's the job done - no more joint problems.

Cons: This keyboard pad isn't very durable but that's a tradeoff for the softness of the material, both the fabric and pad. There is a plastic-like smell but it goes away. The one I use for my personal PC is a couple years old, and there's currently no smell. I do remember the smell, but I never found it annoying.

Overall Review: I removed a single Egg because of the durability. If you use your computer daily then you will need to replace it within a year or two, but I find the investment worth it. I keep on coming back for more of these. I am on my 3rd or 4th Belkin keyboard wrist pad!

Great Cheap Video Card

BFG Tech GeForce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X Graphics Card BFGR6600GTOC
BFG Tech GeForce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X Graphics Card BFGR6600GTOC

Pros: I actually own BFGR6600GTOCX, the PCI-Express version of the card. I must have purchased the last one they had in stock because I can't write a review. This is the best budget video card available. Under 350W I can this video card with dual screen support at 1600x1200. I don't really play video games with PC, as it's my work machine, but I know it's good enough for games released circa 2005 (BF2, WoW, Doom 3, etc) as I used to personally own a 6600 GT AGP.

Cons: BFG supports stucks. I wanted to verify this card would support dual screen display at 1600x1200, but the technician was a jerk. He wouldn't answer my questions directly and tried to upsell me to the 9xxx series, which was completely outside my budget and required me to upgrade the power supply. Against his advice I purchased this card <-- worked out well for me! I also in the support phone queue for 25 minutes before I speak to the jerk.

Overall Review: Highly recommend this video card for budget computers. Not recommended for gaming, especially this model since it's AGP.

Easy Cheap Good

ADATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD2U800B2G5-DRH
ADATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD2U800B2G5-DRH

Pros: Worked right out of the box. Currently running 4 GB of ram 2/4 slots used. Potential to upgrade to 8 GB.

Cons: Only running at 333 MHz out of box, but I could manually increase the speed. Not a big deal for me.

Overall Review: Thinking about ordering another 2 sticks before the item is discontinued. I recommended my coworker get the same RAM, we have the same mobo (Asus P5WD2).

Best PSU I've Ever Owned

CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620 W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620 W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Pros: I've been using this PSU for over a year without any problems. This is my first modular power supply and won't be my last. The cables snap into place, remain snug, and easy to access. The fan is large, moves a lot of air, and isn't audible. It supports CrossFire and SLI, which I don't use. I have SATA 6 hard drives, and I can power them with SATA cables to spare. This PSU is also energy efficient. Comes with a nice bag to hold the spar cables.

Cons: None.

Overall Review: I am very satisfied with the product. My computer case is organized. The pricetag is high, but this is a quality product, and even comes with a 5-year warranty. I would recommend this power supply to any custom rig, especially if you are constantly modifying your PC like me.

Good Product, Lacks Windows x64 Drivers

D-Link DBT-120 Wireless USB Bluetooth Adapter
D-Link DBT-120 Wireless USB Bluetooth Adapter

Pros: Product works as advertised. I have Bluetooth connectivity for 30ft, which is ample. I have tested it with a few devices without problems. Very small dongle.

Cons: There are no D-Link DBT-120 USB Wireless USB Bluetooth Adapter drivers for x64 platforms. I was able to use Toshiba BT x64 drivers.

Overall Review: Some consumers may not how to use Toshiba's BT x64 drivers, or even know they can be used. I give this product a 4/5 because the x64 drivers are not included, and there is no information about x64 drivers on D-Link's product page.