Joined on 05/14/01
Thanks ASRock for some good value X570 options
Pros: - installed this motherboard with a Ryzen 3600 + 650w gold psu + 32GB ram + RX5700 + 2x nvme - started up the first time with no issues - has been running without issue for a week...everything solid - good amount of options in uefi/bios. you can let "auto" control most options, or, there is a good amount of tweaking options available - X570 chipset and new features that come with (mainly, PCIE 4.0) -USB-C connector (not all boards have it..)
Cons: - FOR THE PRICE, really not thinking of anything to complain about - this is not necessarily a con, but I'm not convinced the m.2 heat shield is really that useful (for now, chose to leave it off)
Overall Review: ok, I see that reviews out there on ASRock boards in general are somewhat mixed. I will just say that this is my 3rd ASRock board, my 2 prior ASRock boards each lasted me about 5years before decommissioning them (was nothing wrong with them, just upgraded), so, I had no qualms about going with ASRock again for my latest build. In my opinion ASRock presents some really great value options, including this X570 PRO4. Sure, there are likely better boards out there for going all-out-overclocking on the faster CPUs, maxing other settings, etc, and of course folks are welcome to pay extra for that. For someone like me, who just doesn't get that much into tweaking these days, I really appreciate ASRock's lower-priced offerings that really don't sacrifice much at all in the way of features and quality. please do note: This review for ASRock review rebate program.
decent card, had hardware issues
Pros: when it's working, good card for the price (got it sub 100)
Cons: within 6 months, card failed. video corruption, lost signal, etc. received a replacement card, which, to my disbelief and a hundred trouble shooting attempts later, also ended up being faulty (some type of issues).
Overall Review: to the manufacturer's credit, they did swap the card a second time with little hassle. the 3rd card works fine. ok i won't say this is a bad brand over my bad luck, faulty hardware happens, but it was still a pretty big hassle and will be wary of the brand in the future.
very solid, high quality vid card, good stuff. and BIG.
Pros: My first nVidia based card in a really long time...running with a 4770k and 16gb ram @ 1440p. I don't have all kinds of benchmark numbers, as I'm definitely more of a "casual" gamer these days... at 1440p I don't have crazy high expectations but I am getting 50-60fps min with vsync enabled and all settings on "ultra" in games like Fallout 4 and Witcher 3. It's a nice improvement vs. my previous card (R9 380 4GB), which was playable but frames would dip into the 20's on that previous card. this card runs nice and quiet and just oozes "quality" - the build quality is excellent and I like that it has a backplate. haven't tried to overclock yet
Cons: none...
Overall Review: I did want to underline what others have already stated: this card *is* BIG!! I have a pretty big case so I said to myself "meh it'll fit" but got a little worried when I went to install. It did go in but I only have about 0.5" clearance between the back of the card and my hdd cage. Highly suggest to measure and make sure this thing will fit before ordering...might save you a little grief.
good for the price
Pros: lots of room inside, easy installation of components. I like how there is a cutout behind the CPU so you can install an aftermarket mounting bracket/HS fan easily without taking out the motherboard. good options for cable management. installed a long vid card (HD5830) with no problem.
Cons: material a little too flimsy in some areas, in specific, the holes for the front fan wouldn't line up fore me, have it installed with 3/4 screws...not worth fussing too much over.
Overall Review: used to build the wife's pc, was actually a little jealous how easy it was to work inside this case compared to my bigger, bulkier, more expensive Antec case. FOR THE PRICE a very nice case.
pleasantly surprised
Pros: I was on the fence for about a month before I finally bought this after seeing some positive reviews pop up. From my research it is basically a refurb HP 2509b, which in general has good reviews out there. Win7 detected it as a HP 2509 series. I upgraded from a 21.5" HP of the same style... It does have a glossy screen. Some folks like this, some don't. I've always been drawn to them and love the look. I am not doing anything professional on the monitor...so I'm probably not going to be quite as discerning as some might be. To me the colors are nice, even in the photos I've viewed. Text is nice and crisp. The screen can get as bright as you'd want. Color/light levels seem to remain consistent across the screen. No dead pixels. I do some "casual" gaming...have tried Skyrim, D3 beta, SC2, and BF3...they all look amazing on this screen, I don't have any issues with ghosting or input lag.
Cons: I haven't measured yet to be sure, but mine could be standing just a hair off a horizontally perfect line. unknown brand, questionable that support will be available if something goes wrong with it.. Some minor backlight bleed through along all edges, but the amount is consistent and only noticeable against a black background...not enough to be annoying to me.
Overall Review: *For the price* I am really pleased with this purchase...and the bigger screen is sure nice on my eyes that aren't quite what they used to be. If I get at least a couple years out of it I'll be happy. Was also glad to see that the backlight only had 39 hours on it. I think with a refurb you are always "rolling the dice" so of course you have to decide if you can live with that slightly extra risk over buying factory new. I was burned once before on a refurb but this one turned out good for me.
running well
Pros: is powering everything just fine, no problems, i like this PSU. my system components, yeah, getting old but still enough for me: Q9300 @ 3ghz, E45-UD3R, 8gb ddr2, 2x 1TB, 1x 500GB, 2x optical, ATI HD 5850
Cons: that it turns out i replaced a psu that didn't need to be replaced :P
Overall Review: antec products have, in general, worked well for me