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Martin W.

Martin W.

Joined on 06/26/06

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 7
Most Favorable Review

Works with Media Center

VisionTek 900193 TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for PC TV Tuner  "Black Box" w/Remote
VisionTek 900193 TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for PC TV Tuner "Black Box" w/Remote

Pros: The box is very small and compact so it doesn't take up much room at all. I used my box solely with Vista and its Media Center program. Seting it up through Media Center was a breeze...a few simple clicks and I was ready to start recording shows onto the computer. I was scepticle about the USB interface since recording video requires a lot of data transmission, but it holds up very nicely with very smooth live TV. The included remote sensor makes it very nice to control through the program and even shut down or put the computer in standby.

Cons: There are a few cons of this box. The first I will mention is with live TV and channel switching. When you change the channel it does take a few seconds to change, so there is some lag. Also, as I had previously mentioned I used this PVR with Media Center instead of the included ATI software and so the remote included does not have full functionality with Media Center. I wish it had a Media Center button. Otherwise, it has enough functions to still scroll through the program, go back to the main menu, and do any other typical things in Media Center.

Overall Review: This was my first PVR purchase for the desktop and I am very pleased with it. Although there are a few things I wish that this device did as far as working better with Media center, it still works great and I can still use it efficiently. Overall it is a good product, and works very well. I have been a huge supporter of ATi in the past and this once again is another great product from them.

It works

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model VS4GSDSKIT667D2
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model VS4GSDSKIT667D2

Pros: It simply works. Took the modules right out of the package, put them in my notebook, and it worked. They seem to be extremely stable (not a BSOD in sight) and very fast.

Cons: Can't think of one.

Great little device

SYBA High Speed USB 2.0 4x Ports Hub via PCI slot Model SD-PCI-UHUB4
SYBA High Speed USB 2.0 4x Ports Hub via PCI slot Model SD-PCI-UHUB4

Pros: This card is great for what it is designed for. Not only can you not beat the price, but it simply works. Plug in a USB source (either an open USB slot on the motherboard or a motherboard 4 pin plug) give it some power, and bam...you've got 4 more USB ports that all work and will also power USB devices like a Western Digital Passport.

Cons: The only con I can squeeze out of this card is you MUST plug in power for it to work. I had assumed that it would only require power if you wanted to plug in devices that require it, but I was wrong. You do have to plug in a berg connector (floppy power) for it to work.

Overall Review: If you simply want some more USB ports and you don't have an open PCI slot on the motherboard, this is an excellent buy.

Great Board

Intel BOXD975XBX2KR LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel BOXD975XBX2KR LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: One of the greatest boards from intel for many reasons. First and foremost, you have quite a bit of overclocking control. That's right, overclocking on an intel board. Granted, it's nothing like an Asus, but for people just getting into the overclocking game this board is perfect. Also, this board supports Crossfire from ATI. Although nVidia is very popular in the video card world, they simply cannot touch the performace of ATI crossfire setup.

Cons: For the extreme builders out there the board is slowly getting outdated. Unfortunately this board will only support a 1066FSB. For many people out there, this means nothing simply because most intel dual cores out there are using 1066. I just wish it would have supported 1333

Overall Review: Intel makes great STABLE boards. This is the first time I ever used an Intel board in a high end system and I have been very happy with it because of its stability and awesome compatibility with Vista. I highly reccomend this board.

best card you'll ever buy

DIAMOND Viper Radeon HD 2900XT 1GB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card 2900XT1GPE
DIAMOND Viper Radeon HD 2900XT 1GB GDDR4 PCI Express x16 CrossFireX Support Graphics Card 2900XT1GPE

Pros: I have owned this card for almost a year now and haven't had a single complaint about it. Running COD4 at 1680x1050 resolution, 4x anti-aliasing(max COD4 allows), and 16x antisotropic, this card pulls through without a hitch. Many tests have even proven it to be better than many nVidia quadros out there for CAD applications. Purchase two, setup crossfire, and you will have gaming platform nVidia cannot touch. I have tested the waters for many years going back and forth between nVidia and ATI and I have always been surprised with the performace of ATI. They may not been well known for their performance, but I can guarantee this card will change your opinions about ATI

Cons: This card, because of its high clock speeds, does get very hot. ATI did their research and the stock cooler is wonderful for keeping this card running steady. As a precaution, however, I would make sure your system can maintain some cool temps to keep this beast comfortable.

Overall Review: Once again I was just astounded with the performace of this card. I would love to have two, but honestly I haven't needed it yet. Every new game that has come out I can bump the graphics settings to max and run a full resoltion at 1680x1050 and there isn't even a hint of lag.

Amazing

Antec P182SE Silver Mirror-finished stainless steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Antec P182SE Silver Mirror-finished stainless steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Pros: The case is perfectly silent when paired with the antec fans. I replaced all the fans with antec tricool led fans and the case is still perfectly silent. By far the best made case I've ever owned. Very sturdy, triple layer construction, rolled edges, the works. The cable management is very handy. Along with an antec 850w power supply every cable can be run behind the motherboard without any issue.

Cons: Wish they had offered a window so you could see the powder coated paint job inside. No worries though, installed my own plate glass window. Still silent.

Overall Review: If you're looking for a quiet rig, this is a great choice. It will however make your other components, (HD2900XT) seem loud at times. But loud means a very quiet sound of air flow.