Joined on 11/12/04
Pros: Really works through 2 walls and a floor. Really. I am using my computer in a main level office for an HTPC in my basement living room. I took a chance on the technology and it works great! Air mouse action took 5 minutes to figure out. Once I learned how, it is really nice. Build quality top notch.
Cons: Hard to get use to hitting the left mouse button with my left hand! My version does not have a media key others have mentioned. Not a big deal since Media Center and Netflix don't know how to get along. I simply use an internet browser for everything. No way to game on this--I have another computer for that purpose but just FYI for anyone who might be wondering.
Overall Review: I setup an HTPC back in 2006 when they first started being used. The tech just wasn't good enough to make it work. I had a poorly designed keyboard and wireless mouse combo that was way too bulky to be practical. The CPU tower was way too loud for everyday use and I didn't want to fork out hundreds to silence it. The case didn't fit into the decore of a living room. Windows XP stunk for HTPC use. Today, tech has evolved to the point where an HTPC is a great option! This device is the H0ly Grail of the HTCP since I don't even have to build a separate box now! My big dollar, super loud, super ventilated gaming rig can be used for movies, DVR, Netflix, etc because it isn't in the same room or even the same floor as my TV room! Great device, excellent implementation.
Not just nForce boards
Pros: Sound is great when not popping!
Cons: IT IS NOT JUST nForce BOARDS THAT HAVE ISSUES!! I used this board in my A8N SLI premium for ~8 months without an issue (minor mic issues with Teamspeak and VOIP in Battlefield 2142). Note: that is an nForce 4 board. Last week, I upgraded to an Intel P35 board and BAM! popping that would cause BSOD if it got too intense. Search forums and you will find this is a known issue on random motherboards (kinda like the lottery, you never know if your board will work or not). There is currently no fix. I had to disable the card and am now using the rotten integrated sound.
Overall Review: Old system: A8N-SLI premium, AMD Opty 165 @ 2.5, 2 GB DDR 400 OCZ EL Platinum, SB X-Fi extreme Gamer. New System: Abit P35 Pro, E6750 @ stock (2.66), 2 GB DDR2 800 Corsair XMS-C4, rotten integrated sound
Good idea, poor implementation
Pros: Small size, looks nice
Cons: Hot components, despite all I could do. Build quality appeared good, however I was fooled.
Overall Review: I've built scores of systems since my first one in 2002. This was my first mini ITX build. The size constraints of this case weren't bad, it just took some extra patience and time compared to other cases. I did my research and was initially pleased with the results. I added two Noctua 120 mm case fans in the GPU bay. I used the Noctua L9a CPU cooler for my Ryzen 3600X. My CPU temps were in the 70s when benchmarking, but I didn't stress-test it. When playing some CPU-intense games (Satisfactory), the heat began to be a severe problem. There were thermal throttles and random shutdowns. The power supply had issues (Silverstone SX650-G) with shutting down and not starting up until it had cooled. To be fair, these may have been related to the individual components. The final offense was when I was opening the case to re-work my cable routing in order to improve what little airflow was possible. Removing the back cover from the case is a little sketchy, but hadn't been a problem during initial assembly. This time, when I was removing the bottom, a clear, plastic piece on the power button snapped off. It broke two tiny plastic connectors. No big deal, I thought since it was cosmetic and on the outside cover. It seemed the internal button component was undamaged. When attempting to turn the computer back on using the internal switch, nothing happened. I ruled out all other issues (mobo starts fine when connected to another case), but it seems the power switch was damaged when the plastic piece broke. I had followed the directions on removing the case bottom; I didn't use any tools other than my hands. The case bottom was obviously designed to be removed occasionally as removing it is necessary to clean the magnetic filters for the air vents in the GPU compartment. So a tiny 5 cent plastic part has ruined the case.
Bummed
Pros: Small. Power switch.
Cons: Won't charge Apple devices. It would be nice if included documentation specifies that it doesn't work for them. -5 eggs for mis-representing the product.
Overall Review: Stupid apple....they always have to make thing difficult. I got this to run a charging station for my kids' ipad and android tablets. The androids charge fine, ipads? Nope. It would be a waste of money to return the thing, so I guess I'll keep it in my desk drawer for 5 years thinking maybe I'll be able to use it for something.
Not so great
Pros: Lots of features for cheap board.
Cons: Two main issues: 1. If you install a video card longer than 6-8 inches, it will block most of the SATA ports. I needed three, could only access two after installing a R6950. 2. Unable to activate AHCI in BIOS. All devices couldn't be found. Stuck with IDE.
Overall Review: Sent it back for refund.
Only Okay
Pros: There is a pin that holds the motherboard in place while fitting it onto the tray that is genius, I have used 10+ cases in personal and friend/family builds and have not come across that feature yet, Brilliant! Power supply (high 12V amps) is decent for cheap internet machine.
Cons: The plastic front is worthless. The first case came broken. I chalked it up to UPS damage. Replacement was not broken but the plastic clips connecting the front facade to the steel case slip out with the slightest pressure. It is falling off constantly. Power supply does not come with SATA power connectors. It is a good thing my mobo came with some adapters.
Overall Review: Overall an unimpressive case. Spend you money elsewhere.
Buyer beware; UPDATED
UPDATE: See below for original review. Clouds Yun contacted me after I posted the review. They are very concerned with their reputation and went above and beyond to resolve my issue. They offered to reimburse me if I had already replaced the fan, which I haven't yet, so they sent me out a new product without having to uninstall the first AIO cooler. They stated that they ONLY sell new products so there was an issue with either the manufacturer having incorrect info or the warehouse accidentally sending a used product as new. I am very appreciative of their efforts and they have won me over. 5 eggs. Recommended seller for their unprecedented customer service. ORIGINAL REVIEW: Bought a NEW AIO CPU cooler. One of the fans didn't work. Because I didn't want to uninstall and return it, I contacted the manufacturer. Based on the serial number, they told me the device was previously sold and returned so the manufacturer wouldn't honor the warranty. So now, I have to buy another fan and hope nothing else happens. I paid for a new product, so I'm not happy at all. Not worth returning so I will just accept this as a learning experience and will never buy anything from the marketplace again.