Joined on 07/28/05
GTX 260 Review
Pros: This card has been running very well, I have thought I was not going to be able to run my gaming applications at high settings, but I was mistaken. I am playing on it, Titan Quest, Hellgate London, CryoStasis, Painkiller Black Edition, & S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky. I have been impressed thus far and plan to pck up Crysis and most likely utilize another GTX 260 in SLI despite the performance when running Crysis.
Cons: This is not a con against the hardware, but I would recomend anyone to use a full tower case instead of a mid tower. I bought a Rosewill Destroyer mid tower and it is great, but this card is a big one and is meant for big cases and at least a standard size ATX motherboard (no micros). Also, the Superclocked edition is kind of pointless because the overclocking utility that eVGA includes with both versions lets you over clock it very nicely. So, before you spend the extra 10 or so dollars, compare the specs and raise them on the non-Superclocked edition. There is not a difference in heat output from what I monitored. Just an FYI.
Overall Review: By the way, I am running a Corsair 750Watt PSU, with an ASUS 750i motherboard and a Wolfdale Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0Ghz in the Rosewill Destroyer mid-tower case. It works but I like to keep the side of the case off as I have a lot of hardware in it along with a watercooled heatsink for the CPU which is also big.
Used for Inexpensive PS4 HDD Upgrade
Pros: - Compared to stock PS4 HDD, performance was not lower based on load times, etc. Can't say if it was definitively better as I have not done any benchmark tests before switching out stock HDD and after. - Easy install and config. Problem was with something in the "Apps" directory of my PS4 back-up that would cause it to fail so that is something with the App data, not the HDD. - I was able to get this on sale and with an additional promo code to knock it down to $80. - Still functional and I use my PS4 everyday for a variety of purposes besides gaming.
Cons: - If you want to go with full SSD, that would be your best bet for something higher than 2TB and being able to fit in the PS4 without breaching 9.5mm in thickness. Don't expect much in performance change with that as I've read nothing substantial in bench-mark differences for the PS4 compared to a mechanical HDD or hybrid SSD / mechanical HDD. - Mechanical HDDs in the 2.5 in form factor are tough to get high in storage space but still keep the thickness low and RPMs high. Make sure you know this going in like I did. There may be some you can get higher than 2TB if you're looking to get more out of the PS4's 4TB max - This is not a "Con" for the HDD but for Sony if you plan on replacing your HDD. Their instructions are lacking with details on getting the proper firmware version when updating the HDD. There is a roughly 900MB firmware file and one between 200-300MB (same FM Ver # file). When you click the one of the two links provided by Sony, make sure you check the file size before starting the download. See the below URL but go to the bottom of the webpage under "Perform a new install of the system software", the DOWNLOAD NOW hyperlink in the steps is the file you are looking for (800+MB) https://www.playstation.com/en-nz/get-help/ps4-system-software/
Overall Review: - Yes, for an inexpensive option depending on what else is available in comparison.
Just Purchased for Router Replacement
Pros: I read the reviews on this router and I honestly have to disagree with those about the manual setup and wireless connectivity issues. The build is nice, antennas don't feel cheap, not lots of lights just linksys logo and link lights on ports but that can also be configured. My firmware version I kept stock, 1.2.x.xxxx. My setup was like this: 1. Plugged my cable modem to the router and powered on. 2. Connected my laptop to the router and logged into it via default IP address and PW. You DO NOT have to sign in or sign up with a linksys account to do this. Just read the webpage 100%. 3. At the screen where the EULA agreement checkbox is, there is also one for manual setup instead of the quick setup. Yeah, it's that easy. 4. The GUI is very clean and easy to navigate with each section broken down. 5. Changing default gateway (router) address is simple as well as setting up guest access, wireless access times, changing SSID (also hiding it) and PW, security encryption, setting up MAC address filtering, DMZ config, etc. 6. Connectivity has been solid, connected desktop and laptops (wired/wireless), android smartphone, 4th gen iPad, PS4, etc. without issue. My speeds have all been as expected with my ISP providing 150mbps downstream / 10+mbps upstream
Cons: None as of yet.
Replacement Microwave
Pros: Manageable Size / Weight, Great Features, Quiet Operation, Easy Controls, Price. This one is 50 watts less than my last mic and about 1 inch smaller in diameter in regard to the glass tray. Weight was noticably less and everything heats fine and fits without an issue. I paid around the same listed price except there was no refund code , so get it for $100 because it's worth it.
Cons: Nothing so far.