cover
Jeremy C.

Jeremy C.

Joined on 06/09/05

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 27
Most Favorable Review

OK so far

AllComponents 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel kit Desktop Memory Model AC2/800X64/2048-kit
AllComponents 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel kit Desktop Memory Model AC2/800X64/2048-kit

Pros: Works well so far, no obvious problems to report.

Cons: Lack of stated RAM specs, timing, voltage, etc.

Overall Review: Having done a bit of research online, I've figured out some things about this RAM. It is re-branded SpecTek (a value brand division of Micron). It is spec'd for 1.8v, with nominal timings of 5-5-5-xx. I'm still trying to figure out how low the CMD will go.

Most Critical Review
SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black IDE Model SH-S202J
SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black IDE Model SH-S202J

Pros: It works... More or less.

Cons: This drive is very noisy, and has had trouble reading and seeking various media I've tried. I get long read times and disc "clicking" with most media. I have updated the drives firmware, but have seen no change in behaviour.

Works great on my glass desk

Triple Monitor Mount Stand for up to 32 inch Monitors. Also ideal for 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 32 inch monitors.
Triple Monitor Mount Stand for up to 32 inch Monitors. Also ideal for 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 32 inch monitors.

Pros: I needed a triple monitor stand that would fit two criteria: first, I needed a surface-mount unit with feet rather than a desk-mount with clamp; and second the stand needed to be able to accommodate three 27"+ monitors. The pickings are surprisingly sparse for a stand that meets both of those requirements. This stand does exactly what I need it to do at a reasonable price. The monitor mounts can all swivel for landscape and portrait mode, and can all articulate for horizontal viewing angle, including the center mount. The outer two mounts can also articulate for vertical tilt, whereas the center mount is fixed for tilt. The outer mounts have a broad range of horizontal positioning adjustment, and with my 27" monitors still have about 3.5" of usable horizontal adjustment available. All three mounts have a great range of vertical (height) adjustment, and I like the quick-release clamps and easily-handled clamp wheels for positioning. I have my monitors mounted at a height of 8" above my desk; minimum height is about 3" and maximum about 10.5". The slightly textured matte-black powdercoat finish is nicer than I had expected, and the hardware and fittings in general are of very nice quality. It should be noted that you'll need a desk/mounting surface with a minimum 39" width to accommodate the stand's feet.

Cons: There is slight sag on the outer mounting arms, but this is to be expected - I've not seen any large monitor mount that doesn't sag to some degree. The arms, clamps and bushings are good quality and not flimsy and with some adjustment I'm sure that I could compensate, but I have not been bothered enough to expend the effort.

Overall Review: This stand is available under different names and by other sellers on other websites, but as usual the best deal to be had is right here on NewEgg. I give good marks to this seller partner and I received the product quickly.

Good PSU, with caveats

CORSAIR CS-M Series CS550M 550W 80 PLUS GOLD Active PFC Haswell Ready ATX12V & EPS12V Semi-Modular Power Supply
CORSAIR CS-M Series CS550M 550W 80 PLUS GOLD Active PFC Haswell Ready ATX12V & EPS12V Semi-Modular Power Supply

Pros: In general you won't go wrong with Corsair PSUs so long as you do your homework. I've fried or overtaxed several power supplies in my time but Corsair PSUs have never let me down, and this keeps me coming back. The advertised feature set is exactly what I needed for my current project, a mini-ITX small form-factor htpc box with gaming cred. This PSU is solid and quiet, but there are some very minor quibbles.

Cons: The modular cable options are a bit limited. I needed to use two separate SATA power cables to accommodate three drives in my mini-ITX case, which would not have been a factor if the connectors had an additional inch of separation between them. It also would have been nice to have a molex adapter present so that the dedicated molex lead could have been omitted, but this is a very case-sensitive circumstance. Bad pun, sorry. No serious knocks here, but do be sure to check the diagram in the product photos to ensure that the cable and connector options are going to play nice in your system - mine required all of the modular connections to be used, where in a perfect world I could have deleted two cables.

Good no-frills memory

Team Zeus Yellow 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model TZYD38G1600HC9DC01
Team Zeus Yellow 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model TZYD38G1600HC9DC01

Pros: Decent timings and decent hardware at the price. i wasn't familiar with the particular branding on the dimms, but they do not disappoint. Good value for money. Heat spreaders qualify as "low-profile" and gave me no problems in a mini-ITX build.

Cons: None

Nifty

Intel Core i5-4590 - Core i5 4th Gen Haswell Quad-Core 3.3 GHz LGA 1150 84W Intel HD Graphics 4600 Desktop Processor - BX80646I54590
Intel Core i5-4590 - Core i5 4th Gen Haswell Quad-Core 3.3 GHz LGA 1150 84W Intel HD Graphics 4600 Desktop Processor - BX80646I54590

Pros: Marginally faster stock than the Sandy Bridge i5 2500K that I have in my main desktop system, at marginally lower wattage. A good buy on this basis alone.

Cons: None

Overall Review: Using in mini-ITX htpc / steambox build. Very satisfied with it.