Jonathan E.
Joined on 09/04/06
- 22
Great Compact System

Pros: Small and compact form. Super Quiet (at least second generation). Back Panel CMOS reset. HDMI (includes HDMI to DVI cable for out of the box dual monitor support). Easy overclocking. Built in CPU heatsink (no thermal grease). Great system for both cheap and higher end setups.
Cons: Mostly re-emphasizing previous cons: Flimsy eject button for DVD Tray (takes some time to get it JUST right, but stays firm once it is good). Need to adjust RAM voltage for 2 sticks (Will not bot with 2 sticks, boot with one and change voltage to 2.2 [or whatever the default for your RAM is] and you will be fine). Heat builds up underneath the machine (Best not to use on carpet, but it probably wouldn't hurt it) and the onboard heatsinks get very hot. 1 slot graphics cards (not an issue for me, but be certain your GFX takes up only 1 slot) and slot is very close to outside casing which does not help with air flow.
Overall Review: Some features not mentioned: Back panel CMOS reset. It DOES include an external 3.5" bay hidden by a "tray" that you can press in to lower it. Comes with cables (IDE, SATA, HDMI to DVI adapter, Floppy) PS includes 2 SATA, 3 Molex, 1 floppy) Has built in CPU heatsink that has 3 copper pipes to the back panel fan. I had no other issues with my unit. great purchase and very happy!
Excellent for price!

Pros: Cannot beat the price! Powerline adapters are nowhere near this price right now for just the adapters let alone a built in wireless router. The router firmware is actually somewhat decent. Shows average speeds, CPU and RAM usage, and easy to navigate menus.
Cons: Some manual configuration necessary. You must log into the router and plug in the MAC address and another code from the other powerline adapter. Hardly difficult, but not exactly plug and play.
Overall Review: For those wondering, the powerline adapter works JUST as if it was an ethernet. For example, I have my primary router (not ZyXel) in the back of my house. I have the powerline brick connected to the primary router and have the ZyXel router near the front of my house acting as an access point (no DHCP). So the powerline does not work necessarily JUST for accessing the router. It works connect the router to existing equipment as well. Hope that helps!
Great Online Game!

Pros: Great game with longevity! There basically is no end to the entertainment this game will bring you. People who like Counter Strike will love Shadowrun. On top of just using guns, you have magic that enhances the game even further. You can pick different characters with different abilities. Fragging and winning rounds earns you more cash to buy more enhancements.
Cons: It's outdated. Don't expect a 2 year old game to have graphics of a newly released one. This game has decent graphics, but that's not what the game is trying to accomplish. For those achievement hunters, this is a tough one to get a high score on, demanding over 500+ games (not rounds).
Overall Review: For $10, if you have not played it and enjoy online FPS, you need to pick this up. It is worth the money!
Very Nice

Pros: Very nice for use with My laptop on the road or my Xbox 360 while not needing an extra power connection for the warts of other powered USB hubs.
Cons: I thought there might be a chance you could use it to chrage up phones or MP3 players by just powering it on (while not connected to anything else). This is not the case. It must be plugged into a source USB port in order to be turned on to use the batteries.
Overall Review: I was not expecting it to power on devices by itself, but that would be an awesome feature. Maybe a future release? *hint hint*. To the other reviewer that had such a hard time with the battery case... I don't know what to tell you. Mine was slightly difficult to connect, but I got it in less than 30 seconds. No hack n' slash job needed...
Works great!

Pros: Good solid and cheap!
Cons: None
Overall Review: Passed MemTest from out of packaging. No problems. Solid purchase, doubling the RAM in my laptop for $10!
Minor bulging may occur

Pros: Cheap. Easy to use. Fast through USB 2.0 Faster through eSATA. I love being able to use eSATA and powering through USB, great feature to keep my Surge protectors clean from wire tangle.
Cons: Most hard drives will bulge a little bit. When the screws are in though, you will hardly notice. I would not use this model if you are frequently changing out drives.
Overall Review: It all aesthetics, but it can be a little annoying having the case not close all the way. All other functionality is great though.
