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Charlie K.

Charlie K.

Joined on 09/01/05

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 5
Most Favorable Review

Slick!

CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9
CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9

Pros: It plugged into my new motherboard without a problem, and both sticks were without fault. Exactly what you want in gaming RAM. Looks cool, too.

Cons: A bit more expensive than I would like, especially considering that I only bought 4 gigs. Get the 8 gigs, folks!

Overall Review: Get the 8 gigs, folks!

Innovation at a Price

DIYPC Alpha-GT3 Black Acrylic and Aluminum ATX Bench Case Bench Computer Case Mining Rig Frame Case for ATX/Micro ATX motherboard - PC components not included
DIYPC Alpha-GT3 Black Acrylic and Aluminum ATX Bench Case Bench Computer Case Mining Rig Frame Case for ATX/Micro ATX motherboard - PC components not included

Pros: After getting a new motherboard and other components, I let them simply sit around for a while before I bought this. The assembly instructions require a good bit of creativity on the part of the assembler, but if you're looking to mount your computer in the open it shouldn't be too advanced for you in the first place. The slide-out trays for laptop HDDs is a really nice touch, and allows for hotswapping at a moment's notice. In my old case, with filters and fans galore, I would average 110+ average temperatures on my motherboard and HDD. With this more open option, temperatures are closer to 80 or 90 degrees most often.The components have room to breathe, which is genius. The kit of screws and nuts used in assembly is comfortably oversized and even contains enough hardware to mount the motherboard on its own, which is a VERY welcome touch. Every single bit of hardware has at least one spare, with some boasting three or more.

Cons: Installation instructions could stand to be improved, especially concerning how to connect certain kinds of motherboards to the main platform. I had to puzzle through how to attach an ATX micro motherboard, which shouldn't really be a problem assemblers face alone. Also, some of the screws/nuts/bolts arrived in the incorrect parts of the kit. There were sufficient numbers of each, but the mislabeling makes accidents possible. The price seems fairly high for some simple pieces of shaped vinyl and mounting hardware. Still, nothing too world-shattering. Oh, and the alan wrench that comes with it is crude. Mine had a crack in it.

ASUS M5A78L-M LX PLUS AM3+ AMD 760G + SB710 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS M5A78L-M LX PLUS AM3+ AMD 760G + SB710 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Pros: Slim, simple, good value for money. It is exactly what it says on the tin, and the one I received hit the POST on a first try.

Cons: Only one PCI slot, which is a bit lacking.

What more do you need?

SIIG IC-510012-S2 5.1 Channels 16-bit PCI Interface SoundWave
SIIG IC-510012-S2 5.1 Channels 16-bit PCI Interface SoundWave

Pros: I bought this to replace the burnt out onboard sound card on my gaming PC. The included CD does not have drivers for Windows 8, but after a two-minute search for SIIG's website I was able to download and install them. The enclosed utilities make it easy to adjust volume level for individual speakers or apply effects to audio output. All in all, it does what it says it should.

Cons: No cons come to mind. I have no idea what the "game midi" is supposed to do, nor can I utilize the EAX 3D audio programs. The included CD does not have drivers for Windows 8.

Overall Review: As a replacement, the price is right.

Exactly what it Says on the Tin

SIIG 4x1 Composite Video & Audio Switch CE-CM0511-S1
SIIG 4x1 Composite Video & Audio Switch CE-CM0511-S1

Pros: It's a solid metal box with RCA connections all over the back. Four in, one out. The buttons are spring-loaded and can be switched with satisfying metallic *click* sounds. The internal mechanisms feel solid and dependable. I feel like I could switch between AV sources up and down on this thing for a year, and it would still function perfectly. There is no jarring static or interference between changes, and the connection is solid enough I could not detect any noise or interference coming from the device itself.

Cons: The only possible con I can think of is that the buttons are ordered 4-3-2-1 rather than their proper numerical order. This is the smallest of nitpicks, showing just how good this product is.

Overall Review: If you need to buy a way to switch between RCA connections, this is exactly the kind of thing you need. If it looks spendy, that's because it's the last one you'll ever need.