Joined on 04/28/02
Great little board
Pros: *Fits a 750 TI just perfectly *Easy install *Sound in my 6.1 setup is fantastic, no static or interference at all *Great UI for the BIOS, it looks like any application you might use in Windows! *No dropping wireless, and the provided 802.11AC is fast
Cons: *Single channel AC, so fast but not super fast wireless speeds (actual transfer of 10-12 mb/sec) *The illustration of the screws on the manual was too small, but you figure things out well enough
Overall Review: A great board for the money, just know your wireless will connect at 433mbps, not 866. Still, plenty fast enough for streaming mkvs on my NAS. I highly recommend this MB, and it won't break the bank either
Don't cheap out on your PSU
Pros: +Very cheap +Still works after 3 years of use. +Thermaltake has a great reputation
Cons: +Not active PFC +Not 80 plus certified +Low efficiency (65% at most loads!!) +Runs hot +Takes 500 watts to generate make just over 300 watts available to my computer. In comparison, my new 80 plus certified thermaltake takes 400 watts to supply the same computer. Inefficiency = more electricity drawn (bigger bills) = more heat generated = louder fans
Overall Review: I used to cheap out on my case and the PSU because I wanted to invest the money in a better video card, CPU, etc. But really, the PSU is the one place in your build that might SAVE you cash. Go for a unit that is 80 plus certified, you'll save up to 100 watts of power, saving you money in the long run. I bought this 3 years ago when there were only a handful of active PFC units available and 80 plus certification hadn't taken off yet. You don't have that excuse anymore. Buy something better!
Great memory
Pros: Works great, passed tests well, cheap
Cons: Nothing really, does what it's supposed to
Overall Review: If you're looking for affordable RAM that works, this is the way to go
Great PSU
Pros: *Haswell low-power ready means lower electric use, lower bills *Incredibly efficient, 90 plus GOLD rated *(Almost) no noise, dang near silent [edited for language :) ]
Cons: *more expensive
Overall Review: Got this for my mini-itx build, and it's great. I'm glad to be finally decreasing the wattage of my computer after all these years. I used to have a dual SLI setup, but forms the core of my new build. Paired with a Haswell processor and a NVIDIA 750 TI, this is a gaming-friendly PSU that also doesn't require excessive amps. I highly recommend it!
If you have to splurge on one thing, this is it
Pros: *Fast- made the most difference to my gaming/video watching *Stable, working well
Cons: *Going back to watching your free space takes some getting used to, I miss having TBs free on my local drive, but this is mitigated with having a NAS
Overall Review: Faster video card or faster processor can only get you so much of a performance boost. The numbers don't lie: if you're going from a traditional low RPM 3.5 harddrive, you will see an enormous difference with this drive. I use a synology NAS to store all my files, this hold windows, steam and all installed applications.
Great case
Pros: *Solid case, not flimsy *Small as advertised *Fits two smaller PCI-e cards *Great USB 3.0 ports on the side *Good ventilation with supplied 120mm fan
Cons: * Don't bother connecting the blue LED light for the front button unless you're a teenage boy
Overall Review: I had a massive tower, but these days, what's the point? Like many people, I have a NAS where the majority of my files live, no need for a bunch of hard drives. My PC uses a 120gb SSD that makes for less power consumption and better air flow, and my bluray player is external, these days there is no point in having optical drive 24/7. I'm using less electricity, have better temps, save money, all in all mini-itx is the way to go, and this the case to do it in.