Joined on 08/09/03
The best!
Pros: I am pretty sure that I have purchased over 200 different fans in the last 5 years. This is my all time, number one favorite, as it is totally silent.
Cons: nothing
Finicky
Pros: As previous reviewers report, it is very atractive looking and well built physically.
Cons: "Tech support" has very little knowledge and was no help at all on two separate calls (two different people). I was even told the box was just not designed for use with a PS/2 keyboard. The book says it is, and an adapter is supplied. If the person who writes the Manufacturers Response had written the little manual or was available by phone at tech support I might have solved my problems. I hate to RMA but it became my only solution.
Overall Review: It is possible that I made some careless mistake but when 4 computers were hooked up (2 XP and 2 Windows 7) all 8 LEDs were on full bright so the switch would not function. Tech support blamed my keyboard. Switching to a USB keyboard did not help. With just 2 XP boxes attached it worked perfectly except when I switched to a new Microsoft wireless mouse. This is my 4th iogear KVM switch in the past 5 years. The first three work perfectly (2 4-port and 1 8-port) Fortunately I never tried calling tech support until this one.
No Good with KVM
Pros: Inexpensive. Has a cute little LED indicator built in.
Cons: Would not work with my KVM switch. Tried on both a Mac-Mini and a computer running Windows 7. The KVM is an iOGear MiniView 8 port. Most adapters do work with it but this inexpensive one would not.
Overall Review: No sense in an RMA due to price. I will keep it around. It might work on something without going through my KVM but I haven't tried it
Excellent GTS250
Pros: Runs folding@home around 6500 PPD. Windows 7 Performance rating Graphics 6.9 and Gaming Graphics 6.9. Idles silently for non intensive graphic use.
Cons: When running folding@home, CPU=Z says temp reaches 82C. Does not affect performance but that seems hot. When folding, the fan speeds up and the sound is a very pronounced whine. Think fire engine siren. If that kind of noise is offensive you may want to look elsewhere.
Overall Review: This is my second Zotac card. They were both good values. Both have the same style of fan and heat sink. They both tend to whine when running wide open. The other one is a 9800GT. That one is also silent at idle with a much more tolerable whine volume when folding.
nice steel Shuttle
Pros: Very nice looking Shuttle. I found it much more attractive than the pictures show.
Cons: I think the review by "surge" (below) was very helpful and accurately describes most problems. I might add that the CPU socket cover warns "Please do not use a CPU with a power consumption level over 95W." This eliminates the Core 2 Quad Q6600 so it is not on Shuttle's support list here: http://global.shuttle.com/support_list03.jsp?PI=1382
Overall Review: Although this is billed as a Mini-ITX, the actual motherboard measures 7.75" X 10". I had expected to see the more standard 6.7" X 6.7". It looks like the threaded mounting holes are present for the more standard board. The case could actually hold a board about an inch longer and threaded holes are there for that too. The case is heavier than the aluminum Shuttles. The all steel framework and cover is nicely done creating a sturdier, solid feeling box.
great KVM for the price
Pros: Mine has been working perfectly with 8 computers for the last 3 1/2 years. I only use the buttons, not the hot keys.
Cons: Will not work with the newer wireless mice; particularly the Microsoft 5000.
Overall Review: I have called iogear support once. The individual I spoke with had very little product knowledge. I doubt that I would call them again.