cover
Vernon A.

Vernon A.

Joined on 05/08/06

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 6
Most Favorable Review

What's there to say?

Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT25664BN1608
Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT25664BN1608

Pros: Just another instance where Crucial memory performs as advertised with no problems. I recently installed a 2x2gb kit into an Asus M4A89GTD Pro/USB motherboard with a new AMD 965. The machine booted up just fine and it works well after I set the timings to 8-8-8-24-36-2T 1600. I haven't had any problems at all and really don't anticipate any.

Cons: None.

Overall Review: I've used Crucial for years and have never had a bad stick. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I'm not complaining. I sometimes think maybe I'll try another brand, but after reading horror stories about a bad stick, running hot, or other complaints I always come home to Crucial when it's time to buy. I highly recommend this particular memory in particular and Crucial in general.

Problem free

TRENDnet TEW-684UB Dual Band Wireless N900 Adapter IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0 Up to 900Mbps Wireless Data Rates
TRENDnet TEW-684UB Dual Band Wireless N900 Adapter IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0 Up to 900Mbps Wireless Data Rates

Pros: I've had this set up on a desktop in a back bedroom for a few weeks now. Installation was a breeze and it has worked flawlessly. I don't know what else to say. It just works.

Cons: None that I can think of.

Nice Keyboard

Logitech K400 2.4GHz Wireless Touch Keyboard
Logitech K400 2.4GHz Wireless Touch Keyboard

Pros: Everthing works as advertised. Setup for Win 7 was nothing more than plugging in the receiver, turning the keboard on, and waiting for the drivers to update.

Cons: Nothing so far.

Overall Review: The track pad seems a bit sensitive but that could just be me being heavy-handed. It might require a softer touch than I'm used to. I'm sure I'll get used to it. This keyboard is great for my HTPC.

So simple a cave man could do it

CoolIT SYSTEMS ECO-R120 Advanced Liquid Cooling (ALC)
CoolIT SYSTEMS ECO-R120 Advanced Liquid Cooling (ALC)

Pros: I just finished a new AM3 build and decided at the last minute to try out a water cooling solution. So, after a bit of research, I bought this one from newegg when it was on sale recently. I'm glad I did. It's very quiet. Mounting couldn't have been easier. I mean seriously. I don't have anything to compare it with but my Phenom II x4 965 idles at around 30-32C. At load is when this cooler really shines. With a slight CPU overclock the temps got as high as 57C at one point when I ran a Prime95 torture test for a couple of hours as a quick test. I'm well satisfied.

Cons: None so far.

Overall Review: At this point, and if this solution continues to work well, I see no reason to return to air cooling. Because it replaces the rear exhaust fan and plugs into the cpu fan header, there is one less fan to add to your system right away. Or you could mount your original rear exhaust fan somewhere else. Just make sure the pump isn't plugged into anything where the speed is variable. Overall I am quite please with this product.

Another quality Asus board

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

Pros: The board I received is outstanding. It felt heavy and solid, and looked quite elegant. Installation in my new case was a breeze. Working with the board itself was even easier, especially with the Q connector for the front panel hookups. In no time at all I booted up, installed Win 7 and some drivers and I was off to the races. I've been so busy migrating from my old system to this one that I didn't realize that it was working flawlessly. I highly recommend this board.

Cons: I haven't found anything worth mentioning as a con.

Overall Review: I haven't had time to do any overclocking but the BIOS is quite feature packed, yet easy to navigate. I did spent about 5 minutes setting my memory timings (Crucial Ballistix 8-8-8 24 1600) but that's about all I have had time for until the migration from the old system is complete. Everything seems pretty straightforward and the manual is quite extensive and helpful.

Superb Case

Cooler Master HAF 922 - High Air Flow Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and All-Black Interior
Cooler Master HAF 922 - High Air Flow Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and All-Black Interior

Pros: * Spacious * Well laid out * Great air flow * Mostly tool-less * Bottom-mount PSU * Backplate hole behind motherboard * Bulges in the side panels for cabling and extra interior room * Plenty of room for longer video cards

Cons: About the only con I can think of is lack of dust filters, but that's just nitpicking to be adding a con.

Overall Review: The case arrived in pristine condition, with nary a scratch on it. It looks less severe in person that it does in photos. I love the look of it but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this case to anyone looking for a solid mid-tower with a great airflow.