Joined on 12/15/08
Decent basic motherboard
Pros: -HDMI, USB 3.0, friendly BIOS screens
Cons: -On-board HD graphic issue w/ dual extended screen -Not many choices if you're interested to install 16GB memory
Overall Review: As a first timer building my PC, everything went smooth except memory installation & dual screen setup. I ordered G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) but not compatible to this motherboard. So, I ordered Kingston HyperX series 8GB (2x4GB) and worked okay (got 7.8 out of 7.9 rating index). This was my mistake not looking at the compatibility chart on ASUS manual before the purchase. After the OS installation and up-to-date drivers for all components, I setup my Samsung syncmaster LCD monitor (DVI port) & 52" LCD TV (HDMI port) as dual extended view. Worked okay but when I reboot, I hear POST & OS boot but both are black screen! I switched DVI to VGA for my monitor and now okay. Also, every time I turn on or off the 52" LCD TV, my monitor flickers a few times and makes sounds as if I plug-in and out any USB unit. Hopefully, there's a fix to this or I may need to look for a separate video card. I've never had an issue w/ my old PC in same setting
Good budget HDTV
Pros: -Low priced for 50" HDTV -3 HDMI, USB and more
Cons: -Lacks menu, color control (although adjusted per several recommendation setting from many reviewers here) -Back lights visible in dark room -TV stand can't be rotate
Overall Review: Reading from many reviewers, it seems like this HDTV manufacturer has lack of quality control. I was little hesitate to buy but I bought it anyways and mine seems to be okay. Although I had it for 2 months, I didn't used it much as I mounted on the wall in kid's room. Comparing from my other 50+" Samsung & LG HDTVs I have, this one lacks menu, color & overall quality, but the cost is only 1/3 or 1/2 of those TVs. USB port doesn't plays AVI files like some Samsung or LG TVs. Overall, I like it as 2nd to 3rd TV in kid's or guest room. Hopefully, it lasts as long as Samsung or LG TVs.
Works okay
Pros: Huge monthly savings vs. cable
Cons: Very limited, spotty and time consuming to setup. Only basic channels v. cable
Overall Review: It took me some time & effort to set this up. Installation is easy as just one coaxial cable. However, to get digital channel I had to move it several locations around the room to find better reception and then run the auto channel search on HDTV. I had to do this several times to get the most HD channels. I'm getting 20+ HD channels including Spanish channels. You may need an adapter & extension cables depending on reception on your area. I'm in approx. 40 miles NW of Chicago downtown.
Nice product!!!
Pros: -Works well w/o any interruption -Strong wireless signal throughout (basement to 2nd floor with full signal) the single residence -Easy installation -Nice design -2 USB ports for use as NAS or printer
Cons: -Some setting modes could be better (such as port-forwarding: only can be input one line at a time)
Overall Review: Just used the up-to date factory firmware (no 3rd party) and I have no problem. 3 PCs, 1 Server, 1 Laptop, 2 Media players, 1 ipad and 3 android devices attached wired/wirelssly simulataniously. Hopefully it lasts longer than my previous router.
Valued SATA 3 SSD
Pros: -Faster boot time when compared to WD Caviar BLK 7200 HDD (from power on PC to actual window 7 unltimate opens under 40 sec.) I bypass the logon/PW stage. No tweak on win 7 OS. Overall, this SSD cut down 25+ seconds from WD HDD. -Compact, Silent operation -Current Window Experience Index is at 7.6 -Programs (Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.) on SSD opens almost instant to within couple of seconds -$1=1GB with mail in rebate -No installtion problem at all (I fresh installed OS right out of the box w/o any firmware update)
Cons: -Small 60GB drive -Seems like WEI score reduced as filling up the space
Overall Review: Overall speed is much improved when compared to HDD. When installed Win 7 Ultimate, I got WEI at perfect 7.9. However, after installing other stuffs (other programs, drivers, etc.) to SSD I re-check the score and it's down to 7.8 and now (week from purchase) is at 7.6. I lowered the virtual memory on SSD and is 20 GB free of space. Hopefully, no more filling up on SSD. I will try not to test anymore. Seems like each time I run the test, I'm reducing the quality & life span of SSD. Where's my rebate? :)- Intel i7-2600K ASUS P8Z68-V-LE HyperX (2x4) 8GB SDRAM DDR3 1600 OCZ Solid 3 SSD 60GB WD Caviar Blk 7200 RPM 1.5 TB Samsung Blur-ay SATA Drive
Good USB 3.0 panel
Pros: -Single (10) pin connection to USB 3.0 on motherboard -You can either mount this to back or front (2.5" bay) of PC.
Cons: -No LED light on the panel -Too flexible side mount brackets
Overall Review: This will only work if your motherboard has USB 3.0 connection (10-pin).