Joined on 02/01/08
AMD System
Pros: Although designed for Intel systems, my AMD system posted first try with both sticks of ram in and recognized it no problem. MSI 890FXA motherboard and AMD 1100T cpu ran it at 1600 immediately with no trouble. Got it for $75 with a free 2G flash drive.
Cons: None yet, and none expected.
Overall Review: I like to read what systems people have, so hears mine: Mobo: MSI 890XFA-GD70 CPU: AMD 1100T 6 cores @ 3.3, Turbo core set to 4.0 GPU: MSI 6950 Twin Frozr factory speeds RAM: obviously... 8G G-Skill Ripjaws X @1600 PSU: 650W Coolermaster Case: Thermaltake Armor Win 7 64-bit Professional -Hope this helped!
Everything as expected
Pros: Worked right out of the box Tight timings and XMP with no issue
Cons: The edges are a bit sharp, be careful during installation.
Overall Review: Already had a 16GB kit during my initial build paired with a 9900k. Bought a second kit for 32GB, everything works, no issue.
Defender
Pros: Does exactly what it's supposed to do. Setup was easier than expected - obviously you need some knowledge on mounting and wiring if you're putting these outside and drilling holes in a building for power. Connection to the TV was straight forward and the cameras synced automatically, no need to hit the sync button on all 4 cameras. This will be the first New England winter they're going through, as I installed them last spring. All 4 have been outside and have survived the weather perfectly so far. Range is reasonable - placement of the receivers is important. Better signal increases quality. IR night vision works well enough for home security, don't expect to see down a street. The IR lights are visible at night, looks like a red ring on the cameras, probably good for a security system to make itself known.
Cons: One of the cameras fogged up briefly, but I think that may have been a result of morning condensation on the outside. I have not come across any issue so far - nothing to take any eggs away.
Overall Review: I have yet to dig through the recording features, I've only used the system for live feed. Everything has worked perfectly so far, so I expect if I need any of the other listed features (ie. recording, off-site viewing, etc., they'll be there and work as advertised.) Overall solid system.
6ft HDMI
Pros: Does exactly what it's supposed to. Cable isn't too think or stiff - easy to bend or get it to where it needs to go. (no 90 degree bends here folks, that goes for pretty much any cable)
Cons: none
Strix SLI
Pros: NO COIL WHINE on either of them Low power super quiet great temps They SHRED every game I throw at them @ 1440p Fans turn on at lower temps than 60-70C despite other reviews Backplates are wonderful Metal shrouds, not plastic Worked right out of the box with the most current drivers
Cons: Backplate doesn't mitigate card sag as much as would have liked, PSU wires work fine to hold them up if used properly. White LEDs above the power sockets aren't super asthetic, and as far as I can tell, they don't have an option to turn off. Not a big deal as my tower is under my desk. They don't come with an SLI bridge ...No multi-color LEDs? I'm just being picky at this point.
Overall Review: These cards are wonderful for the price if you can find them on sale. I have read multiple reviews about coil whine, took the plunge anyway and it payed off. It may just be the quality of your power supply. I'm running: Intel 4790k MSI Gaming 5 Motherboard 8Gb Corsair Ripjaws 2x Asus Strix GTX 970's (More is better?) OCZ 850W PSU Gold Certified 2560x1440 Qnix 27' IPS @ 110hz 1920x1080 Asus 24' TN @ 60hz
Great Mat
Pros: This is a large mat with a great feel too it, plus it's highly water resistant and easy to clean if you ever spill anything on it. Mice slide around on it effortlessly with no scratchy feeling or audible sound. This is why I find the cloth feel to mouse pads to be superior to rubbery or plastic ones. Comes in a cool tube, rolled the right way so it doesn't fold up on your desk, but folds to your desk when you first get it. I've had it on both glass and wood surfaces, and after hours of use, it barely moves, maybe a half inch in any direction, but for the most part it stays where it is. All of the above for a good sale price of ~$20. Can't beat it, I love this mouse pad.
Cons: The only negative I've found is that the decals on the pad have come off after use. I still have the label at the top of the pad, but everything on the bottom right has come off and now just black. Looks fine without, not enough to take off an egg.