cover
Justin C.

Justin C.

Joined on 03/29/06

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 24
Most Favorable Review

Hello? Is this thing on?

Antec New Solution NSK3300 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel construction Micro ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 300W Power Supply
Antec New Solution NSK3300 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel construction Micro ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 300W Power Supply

Pros: Small (14" tall), quiet (so very quiet), minimalistic, power supply included, sound dampening silicone grommets included.

Cons: The dual chamber thing is an awesome idea, but with a case this compact the wire routing is definitely a task. Trying to slide the panel closed around all the wires and cables took some serious finesse. If you're going to be using round IDE cables for the CD-ROM then beware that a 12" was _barely_ long enough to reach the motherboard. If you plan on using round IDE cables for both the hard drive (if you're using the upper chamber for the hard drive) and CD-ROM, or two CD-ROMs then be prepared to struggle with that sliding chamber dividing panel.

Overall Review: This case is so cool incredibly quiet. I have the exhaust fan on the low setting and my MB and CPU temps are in the mid-30s. There's space for two front-mount intake fans, but they're really not necessary. To put things in perspective (since I know Intel's typically run hotter) I am using an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 2.0Ghz with an ASUS A8N-VM CSM motherboard.

Most Critical Review

First impression

COOLER MASTER RR-LCH-P9E1 92mm UFO CPU Cooler
COOLER MASTER RR-LCH-P9E1 92mm UFO CPU Cooler

Pros: Big, but not too big (if that makes sense). More quiet than stock Intel 651 3.4Ghz heatsink/fan.

Cons: Thus far, this unit is actually keeping my CPU _less_ cool. I went from idle temps of ~54-60 degrees to high 60s, low 70s.

Overall Review: I used the thermal pad with this unit. I heard that it's a sort of wax compound that can take several days to completely do its thing and start consisently keeping the CPU cool. I'll review again if my temps drop, but for now I'm a little disappointed. Relevant information-- CPU: Intel Pentium 651 Cedar Mill 3.4Ghz, Motherboard: ASUS P5WD2-Premium

Direction is not ambiguous

Thermaltake V1 Max-Performance CPU Cooler with Massive 110mm Blue LED Full-Range Variable Speed Fan CL-P0401
Thermaltake V1 Max-Performance CPU Cooler with Massive 110mm Blue LED Full-Range Variable Speed Fan CL-P0401

Pros: All copper, easy install, keeps temps 15c cooler than stock or ASUS V-Nardo on a Pentium D 940.

Cons: While the base had a mirror finish, there was an imperfection about the size of a raspberry seed on it.

Overall Review: Excellent cooler. To those confused about which way to mount it for airflow, there is enough space between the two sets of copper fins to see the fan itself. You want the concave side of the blades to be facing the direction you want air to be flowing.

Not good enough

ASUS V-Nardo 80mm 2 Ball Unique Fan Duct for VRM Care
ASUS V-Nardo 80mm 2 Ball Unique Fan Duct for VRM Care

Pros: Unique design, copper base and heatpipes.

Cons: The orientation of this unit is no good if you have an rear-to-front airflow (like a Lian Li A05, for example). You have to mount it backwards and one of the tabs interferes with the northbridge heatsink. Copper base not smooth, visible marks and flaws.

Overall Review: Had a Pentium D 940 idling at 60c with no overclocking. Might cool the Core 2 Duos better. Fan was also a little loud for my tastes.

Impressed.

CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-520HX 520 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-520HX 520 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: Super stable, plenty of connectors, quiet, nice bag for extra cables.

Cons: Ribbon style cables are STIFF--hard to maneuver

Overall Review: This replaced a Zalman ZM600-HP that died on me. The wattage is rated lower, but all reviews of this PSU that I've found proclaim that it's a "true" 520W for whatever that's worth. I've noticed to difference in system performance.

Fine while it lasted

ZALMAN ZM600-HP 600W Continuous @ 45°C ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Modular Active PFC Modular LED Heatpipe-Cooled SLI Power Supply
ZALMAN ZM600-HP 600W Continuous @ 45°C ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Modular Active PFC Modular LED Heatpipe-Cooled SLI Power Supply

Pros: Sleeved cables, quiet, uninstrusive blue LEDs

Cons: Lasted just over a month. It started clicking (the way it clicks when it shuts down) randomly, but system showed no signs of instability or lack of power. I powered off my system and it would not power up again--totally dead

Overall Review: I was iffy about this purchase in the first place. I replaced it with a Corsair HX520.