Joined on 12/28/01
RTF Website
Pros: Easy to apply, works well with a Zerotherm BTF80
Cons: No application instructions in package.
Overall Review: DEFINITELY get on their website and read the instructions before you apply this. The instructions specify that you should NOT spread the compound - just put a dollop on the CPU, then put the heatsink on top and twist it a bit to spread.
SB sent back wrong card on RMA
Pros: When it worked, it supported Vienna.
Cons: Died soon after install - did RMA to SB - SB sent back an Audigy Value which doesn't support Vienna - they refuse to admit their mistake
Overall Review: I have tried calling their REAL tech support number twice ( (405) 742-6622 ) and have been told both times that the card I received back on my RMA was the same thing I sent them. They have their information twisted up, since I got an Audigy Value when I sent an Audigy SE 7.1. They've told me they'd call back, but they never have. NO MORE SB FOR ME until they fix this.
Runs without problems
Pros: Stable, overclocks well, works with Dual Graphics
Cons: The "suggested video pairing" on the side of the box is a bit behind the times. Only 2 cores, despite the A6 name (caveat emptor)
Overall Review: The list of suggested paired video cards on the side of the box is behind the times. I bought the suggested card (a 6450 HD) and got successful dual graphics with it. However, I wonder if I could have used a faster graphics card since it reports back as having more powerful 7xxx HD onboard graphics on an A85 Hudson motherboard. On the other hand, my MB's auto overclock feature boosted it from 3.6 GHz to a stable 4.3 GHz with no problems whatsoever so far.
Picky about RAM
Pros: Lots of features to play with, decent onboard graphics (works even better in Dual Graphics mode), supports 32 GB RAM
Cons: Very picky about what RAM will work with it, very tight fit around SATA plugs once installed in cases without removable HD cages
Overall Review: Make sure you stick to the Qualified Vendor List for RAM unless you want to deal with problems, even with the MemOK! feature. I pulled four perfectly good 4GB sticks of Brand M* (name withheld to protect the innocent) and tried to use all of them, in various combinations. Would not work. Bought four 8GB sticks of Brand K* and instantly had 32GB of RAM working. The only problem is that the QVL doesn't list a whole ton of 8GB sticks that were available when I bought mine, so CHECK AVAILABILITY if you want to run 32GB.
Decent Kit, Bad Adaptor
Pros: It works with 20-pin dual USB 3.0 adapters, as advertised. The main box is a sturdy metal box.
Cons: The 3.5 - 5.25 adapter is a joke. It is made of very flimsy plastic and has holes that are too big for any of the mixed bag of screws that come with it to hold. I had to use my own screws to get it to hold the USB box. Moves back and forth once installed in a sliding "tool-less" 5.25 slot - also vibrates, making a noise louder than any of my fans.
Overall Review: Only get this if you don't need the 3.5-5.25 adapter.
No Problems
Pros: Works as advertised On the QVL for an ASUS FM2A85-V PRO Instantly recognized and works without excess heat
Cons: Pricey
Overall Review: This replaced memory that was not on the ASUS QVL. It solved the problem instantly. If I had the money, I'd by two more.