Joined on 09/16/07
Decent Headset
Pros: Comfy, simple plug and play, sound quality is sharp (see below in Cons for the "but"...).
Cons: Worried about the "cheap" plastic that was used for the extender part. I was hoping it was a metal piece, but it most certainly is plastic. Though I dont plan on doing anything that would endanger the integrity of the strap, it is something to be aware of. Sound quality is SHARP, but there is a sever lack of bass coming from the speakers. I wonder, though, if it has something to do with my computer settings and not the headset. I will adjust and update as needed.
Overall Review: Not that it matters, but the "microphone" silencer switch on the inline pad does not work when using the headset with Ventrillo. Not that I would ever use it, but during my testing and setup, I wanted to know about all the features. It DOES work, however, with all other applications.
Good Card Until....
Pros: Easy install, easy driver update, simple usage, and simple accesibility. In terms of use, was able to play WoW for 1 full year at Medium Settings (21FPS) with 4GB of Motherboard Memory. Did well when using just 1 monitor on the VGA port. However....
Cons: Decided to upgrade my motherboard memory from 4GB to 16GB to increase the FPS (shot up to 44FPS on High inworld, 12FPS on Ultra inworld. 25-30FPS on ultra in dungeon or raid). Also utilized the additional DVI port for a second monitor. Noticed a significant difference in the heat output from the card immediately (which was to be expected), as well a difference in sharpness of quality between monitor on VGA port vs. DVI. Not too long (appx. 2-3 days) after install of new components, onboard fan started to make a very akward, irregular sound. Opened up case, listened and watched the fan for appx 2-3 min while off load and under load (test was running WoW on ultra vs. Just desktop w/ no programs open). Under load, fan speed was irregular and labored (simply put, it looked like it was trying to do a 20kilometer run after training for only a 3). Immediate reaction was shut off PC, spray and clean with compressed air, allow cooldown. Appx. 1week after new component install, started to get random black screens (the card stopped video output) and a complete computer restart immediately following the black out. Labored fan spinning continued after incident.
Overall Review: It was a decent card for the price that lasted as long as it could considering the lack of challenge the card ever really faced. Once the new components were installed, it was evident it was not up to the challenge any more. Honestly, I felt bad for the card. Im now investing in a GIGABYTE GV-N560OC-1GI GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit, just hope not all the reviews on this new card are justified.
An update
Pros: Considering everything, this is by far one of the easier installs ive had to contend with! Unfortunately the drivers on the OEM CD were out of date (to be expected). The plug and play feature installed the correct and most recent drivers before I had even put the cd in the tower. After figuring out what had happened, I proceeded to the NVIDIA Website to get the correct drivers, and it was simple as breathing. Now I am running WoW on ultra at 60-70FPS without lag, inworld and in dunegon/raid.
Cons: So far none!
Overall Review: A few things to mention: I downloaded and started using coretemp application so i could monitor my CPU core temps to make sure I wasnt getting any overheating (see earlier post). After 10 hours under load (WoW on ultra, running 2 screens, and a movie on the other screen), the temp never got above 34C*. I am highly impressed. I still ordered 2 new fans to be on the safer side, but otherwise I am pleased. Also, should note (idiot move alert!) I removed my tower side panel to look inside WHILE the computer was on (i know, idiot move). Everything checked out while I was checking around, however when i went to put the side panel back on, I created a static shock INTO THE CASE. Now, for the 10 sec's i wasnt breathing and no heart beat, the computer only restarted. Ran a diagnostic and everything is running well. Just wanted to point out that this card seems to be pretty strong and resilient. Same Specs from earlier post apply.
Great RAM for Buck
Pros: Easy install, even better performance.
Cons: No problems at all!
Overall Review: Most def sticks worth buying. Helps with graphic and system performance.
Great Laptop
Pros: Love this laptop. Great speed, great sound, great graphics. Play WoW at medium 6-8 hours at a time and have NO problems at all. Works well with Chrome and Google applications and programs.
Cons: None that I can see so far!
To Easy
Pros: Easy to install, incredibly easy to setup with powered components
Cons: It was a 1/4 too long for the bracket in my case. Not at all a big con, but I thought it would fit. Still fits in there and stays with the 4 screws!
Overall Review: So far so good! Will update in 30 days :)