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The Official PC building thread - 4th Edition
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AfterDawn Addict
15 product reviews
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2. February 2012 @ 19:22 |
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My current upload speeds are about 4Mbps average and about 5Mbps tops. I have one of the all-in-one(Cable, Phone, Internet) service packages but focused on internet bandwidth so I get a very decent deal. When I got my service the options were 56k, 8Mb, 18Mb, and 60+ business. I believe the lowest high-speed they currently offer in my area is 12Mb. My previous ISP had synced up/down speeds but at 1-1.5Mbps it never really mattered. I think my line is currently rated for 22Mbps, at the same price I paid for 18Mbps. Would have to look at a bill, but I know the price hasn't changed.
Charter was the lesser of several evils in my case. I have phone, fantastic internet, and a reasonably complete TV package for about $130 a month. Also consider I never really have to share my bandwidth, so it's quite nice to have :)
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 2. February 2012 @ 19:30
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AfterDawn Addict
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7. February 2012 @ 19:28 |
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GigaByte 990FXA-UD5 - AMD FX-8320 @4.0GHz @1.312v - Corsair H-60 liquid CPU Cooler - 4x4 GB GSkill RipJaws DDR3/1866 Cas8, 8-9-9-24 - Corsair 400-R Case - OCZ FATAL1TY 550 watt Modular PSU - Intel 330 120GB SATA III SSD - WD Black 500GB SATA III - WD black 1 TB Sata III - WD Black 500GB SATA II - 2 Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD-Burner - Sony 420W 5.1 PL-II Suround Sound - GigaByte GTX550/1GB 970 Mhz Video - Asus VE247H 23.6" HDMI 1080p Monitor
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 01:06 |
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Russ, please be careful with that Coolit Eco. It just leaked on my GPU and fried it. Things could be worse, so I'm thankful for being close to it when it fried. But I may not go water cooling for a while. GPU's are far too expensive!
I bought the GTX 260 in april of 2009. Not even 3yrs old. I suppose that is old in PC terms though ;) But I'm curious what people think of "Lifetime warranty: Parts & Labor? I'm betting that that simply means they'll repair it at my cost. At least at this point. If it were only a couple months old, it'd be a different story. Should I even bother at this point?
And the Coolit eco Was bought June of 2010. It has a 2yr warranty. Should I file a claim? Do you think they'll also see about replacing my GPU? Somehow I doubt that LOL!
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 02:23
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AfterDawn Addict
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9. February 2012 @ 03:36 |
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Originally posted by omegaman7: Russ, please be careful with that Coolit Eco. It just leaked on my GPU and fried it. Things could be worse, so I'm thankful for being close to it when it fried. But I may not go water cooling for a while. GPU's are far too expensive!
Oman7,
Where did it spring a leak? One of the hoses? I'm asking mainly because mine is a few months older than yours, and has been removed and reinstalled at least a dozen times, and the Radiator has been flipped 180 degrees, so the lines attach at the top of the radiator instead of the bottom, because it was too close to the video card, where it could rub against the video cards corner if you weren't real careful. If it was me, I would contact CoolIt about the problem you had, because you are definitely in the minority. I've never heard of a leak with any CoolIt system before yours.
Best Regards,
Russ
GigaByte 990FXA-UD5 - AMD FX-8320 @4.0GHz @1.312v - Corsair H-60 liquid CPU Cooler - 4x4 GB GSkill RipJaws DDR3/1866 Cas8, 8-9-9-24 - Corsair 400-R Case - OCZ FATAL1TY 550 watt Modular PSU - Intel 330 120GB SATA III SSD - WD Black 500GB SATA III - WD black 1 TB Sata III - WD Black 500GB SATA II - 2 Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD-Burner - Sony 420W 5.1 PL-II Suround Sound - GigaByte GTX550/1GB 970 Mhz Video - Asus VE247H 23.6" HDMI 1080p Monitor
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 05:03 |
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I haven't looked at it real closely yet. But it appeared to be leaking from the pump itself. I'll definitely be talking to someone LOL!
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 07:57 |
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You should get a replacement GPU at shipping-only cost if you return it. Just make sure there are no obvious physical signs of damage on it. You won't get any insurance payout from coolIT.
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AfterDawn Addict
15 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 08:46 |
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I understand the CoolIT system is not meant for repeated stress, but they do advertise it on their site being swung around by the pump to demonstrate the strength of the materials. Basically, CoolIT made it a point to make these systems reliable. If it had a problem it was either straight up defective or you did something wrong, treated it roughly, wrenched it accidentally, etc. I've broken a fair few things without realizing it.
I does bear mention that the hoses are very stiff...
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 09:30
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 12:15 |
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It got mounted, and left alone. I never wrenched on it. While I may have neglected blowing out the radiators twice, I hardly think that is what ultimately killed it. I'm wondering if one of the bearings in the pump went, causing the pressure and heat to rise in that area. Introducing a leak ;) I'll be examining it more closely today.
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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Senior Member
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9. February 2012 @ 12:48 |
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It wouldn't get hot enough to cause that kind of pressure increase so I really doubt heat was your issue. Maybe you had it by that d@m# ceiling fan again? LOL
non-conductive water or other fluid should be used just for this reason.
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 12:49 |
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That's just it! I was in awe that the GPU got fried. Surely they use non conductive material...
It smells like antifreeze by the way. Green stuff too...
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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ddp
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9. February 2012 @ 13:04 |
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glycol
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 13:08 |
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So not the same compound, but similar eh ddp?
The local PC shop gave me the stock AM3 cooler for my quad. They're very nice people. They trusted me to try it, and if it works, pay 7.50 later. I asked them about it, when I walked in, and they all but laughed. "Been steering amd fans to intel since 2000" is what one of them said. Intel fanboys! I told them that usually when I'm in the market, AMD seems to have the best price/performance ratio. They didn't say anything. Their comments were based on preference, and nothing more. Honestly, the real world differences between the two manufacturers are nearly negligible, depending on the software.
Russ, I found the leak! It's precisely where the power cable comes out of the pump!
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 13:14
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 13:48 |
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Originally posted by omegaman7: So not the same compound, but similar eh ddp?
The local PC shop gave me the stock AM3 cooler for my quad. They're very nice people. They trusted me to try it, and if it works, pay 7.50 later. I asked them about it, when I walked in, and they all but laughed. "Been steering amd fans to intel since 2000" is what one of them said. Intel fanboys! I told them that usually when I'm in the market, AMD seems to have the best price/performance ratio. They didn't say anything. Their comments were based on preference, and nothing more. Honestly, the real world differences between the two manufacturers are nearly negligible, depending on the software.
Russ, I found the leak! It's precisely where the power cable comes out of the pump!
Missing the point somewhat I think. From massive overclocks on cheap CPUs like the e4300, to the unmatched power of the I7s, there is much that separates Intel from their rivals. My only correction would be that it should be 2006, not 2000.
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 13:57 |
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Indeed. Intel had nothing in 2000! The Athlons were excellent. 2006 is definitely about right. AMD hasn't really released a competitive product for a while. Not REAL competitive anyway. Price/performance is definitely helping them. But they really need to release something special now. Bulldozer reminds me of the first generation phenom. Although not quite as bad. If it were just 25 - 50% better, and not quite as power hungry, we'd really have something.
Federal tax return is in!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 13:59
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Senior Member
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9. February 2012 @ 13:58 |
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I can't say I'm impressed with my new i5 it certainly doesn't hold up to the benchmark garbage or the percentage of improvement claimed by the Intel fanboys. I wish I had gone with an A6/A8 instead of the i5. However I don't hate my Intel it's OK but for trancoding AV I would have been better off with an AMD quad instead of a 2C/4T processor with TurboBoost, TB is a joke in my book.
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AfterDawn Addict
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9. February 2012 @ 14:24 |
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Originally posted by sammorris: You should get a replacement GPU at shipping-only cost if you return it. Just make sure there are no obvious physical signs of damage on it. You won't get any insurance payout from coolIT.
Sam,
Actually, CoolIt has been very good about taking care of problems caused by leakage, because it's such a rare occurrence. They handle it on a Per case basis. Hey, it never hurts to ask!
Russ
GigaByte 990FXA-UD5 - AMD FX-8320 @4.0GHz @1.312v - Corsair H-60 liquid CPU Cooler - 4x4 GB GSkill RipJaws DDR3/1866 Cas8, 8-9-9-24 - Corsair 400-R Case - OCZ FATAL1TY 550 watt Modular PSU - Intel 330 120GB SATA III SSD - WD Black 500GB SATA III - WD black 1 TB Sata III - WD Black 500GB SATA II - 2 Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD-Burner - Sony 420W 5.1 PL-II Suround Sound - GigaByte GTX550/1GB 970 Mhz Video - Asus VE247H 23.6" HDMI 1080p Monitor
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:28 |
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To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 14:38
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:39 |
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Originally posted by omegaman7: Indeed. Intel had nothing in 2000! The Athlons were excellent. 2006 is definitely about right. AMD hasn't really released a competitive product for a while. Not REAL competitive anyway. Price/performance is definitely helping them. But they really need to release something special now. Bulldozer reminds me of the first generation phenom. Although not quite as bad. If it were just 25 - 50% better, and not quite as power hungry, we'd really have something.
Federal tax return is in!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!
Actually, in 2000 AMD held the lead from a technological advancement standpoint, but Intel held it in terms of an actual product quality standpoint. The K7 Thunderbirds were the first to break the 1Ghz barrier, but they were awful CPUs, with poor extension support, and no thermal safety limiters!
The Athlon XP is what turned AMD from cheap Intel rip-offs into a serious big-time player. After the failure that was the first Pentium 4, the Athlon XP, a successful architecture in its own right, got another head start, and was successful right until the last, when it was diverged into the not so successful Sempron range, and the impressive Athlon64, which, combined with further disappointments in the Netburst architecture in the form of Prescott, gave AMD further advantages.
All was going swimmingly for AMD, with vastly superior dual core processors, right up until June/July 2006. Then the Core 2 Duo came out, which left AMD in the dust. From that point on they never really recovered. AMD have never since then been at the forefront of CPU technology.
They enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in the early days of the Phenom II as the low asking price allowed competition with Intel's mainstream quad cores, and high front side bus speeds limited the overclocking prowess of the Core 2 Quad rivals. That all ended with the launch of the i7s though, and from there, three subsequent technological advancements (integrated northbridge, QPI and the 32nm process shrink) have furthered the success of this architecture to such an extent that the four core versions of these CPUs can win more fights against AMD's best 8-core offerings than they lose, and the overclocking ability they post, while not quite to the same ludicrous extent of the early core 2 duo days (100% in some cases), is still very impressive and far surpasses any of AMD's CPUs in that regard.
AMD price their CPUs well, and they will always offer good value for money, but ultimately, you're still buying 8 year old technology with AMD unless you buy Bulldozer, in which case you're buying new technology that's worse than 8 year old technology. AMDs are great for frugal bargain hunters, but to the performance-seeker, or the enthusiast, buying a new AMD CPU is verging on ludditism.
The only exception to all this is Llano, the one successful product to have come out of AMD's CPU division in recent times. Integrating an onboard GPU of some actual worth onto a CPU of moderate performance, all within a 65W or 100W power envelope, for minimal cost, is a fantastic way to build an incredibly cheap system that actually has sufficient performance to do everything but play high-end games, right off the bat. It's a low-end solution, but a very good one.
Mr-Movies: The hype was about the quad cores. Buying a dual core in this day and age and expecting it to perform better than a quad core is pretty laughable, even with a good architecture.
Remember, there is an i5 quad core, and it's this CPU that wins the benchmark praise, not the cheaper dual core versions.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:43 |
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:48 |
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So the card I posted is faster, and it's Nvidia which I require. Money is no object at the moment :p Well, not entirely true. When I can save, I'm all for it. But the 250 - 300 range is where I want to be. Unfortunately, I can't use Ati for the applications I want to work with. I say again, I'm not a fanboy, I simply have no choice but to stick with Nvidia once again. There are similar situations with Intel. A lot of softwares have been coded in intels favor. I'm not stabbing intel here, these are facts. Games are often coded in Nvidias favor. So here is another winning point for an nvidia card. It's unfortunate though.
I updated my last post to include CPU coolers.
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. February 2012 @ 14:49
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:52 |
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Well, you'll always get something faster if you pay more, you can take that right the way up to the $3000 8-core rendering workhorses, how far do you go up the line?
The 'no choice' argument is complete nonsense, it's simply that you've chosen a bit of software that you like, and it in particular uses nvidia. That's fine, but the 'I can't use anything but nvidia' statement simply isn't true if you weren't entirely against looking at any other bit of software. Brand preference is fine, but people shouldn't throw the term 'fanboy' at people when they exhibit some of the same behaviour themselves.
Also, games are coded in nvidia's favour for different reasons to why software is sometimes coded in Intel's favour. Those aren't the same issue, so they shouldn't really be compared like that.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 14:55 |
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 15:01 |
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I like the looks of your recommendations. Thanks. Definitely considering them :)
I like my software. And I hope you don't think I was suggesting you a fanboy. Not it at all. I just like to make clear that I am not one ;) I'm very neutral. I just wish I had more money to try more products. This is a spendy hobby :p
To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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AfterDawn Addict
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9. February 2012 @ 16:08 |
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Originally posted by sammorris: Originally posted by omegaman7: So not the same compound, but similar eh ddp?
The local PC shop gave me the stock AM3 cooler for my quad. They're very nice people. They trusted me to try it, and if it works, pay 7.50 later. I asked them about it, when I walked in, and they all but laughed. "Been steering amd fans to intel since 2000" is what one of them said. Intel fanboys! I told them that usually when I'm in the market, AMD seems to have the best price/performance ratio. They didn't say anything. Their comments were based on preference, and nothing more. Honestly, the real world differences between the two manufacturers are nearly negligible, depending on the software.
Russ, I found the leak! It's precisely where the power cable comes out of the pump!
Missing the point somewhat I think. From massive overclocks on cheap CPUs like the e4300, to the unmatched power of the I7s, there is much that separates Intel from their rivals. My only correction would be that it should be 2006, not 2000.
Sam,
I would never call the E4300 a good overclocker, let alone a great one. As I recall, you struggled to get past 3 GHz with yours. Mine ran out of gas at 3.56 GHz. The E6750 was a much better and faster chip, with more L2 Cache.
Personally I'm more than happy with my 1090T BE @3.6 GHz, with the 990XA motherboard and DDR3 1333 MHz cas 7 memory, in spite of all the bugs in Win7. It has many annoying glitches, and I hate the idea that it try's to outguess you, forcing you to spend more wasted time to do things the way you need them done. They made a bunch of boneheaded errors with Win7, like having to sort the desktop icons twice, because it flips the order from A-Z to Z-A. The windows picture viewer sucks. It's also missing icons for a lot of common file types, and there's no preview for picture files unless you open the Preview program, and there is no Gif support. It also has a nasty habit of not asking you before it installs updates, despite my having it set to ask me before it downloads and installs an update. The only saving grace with the Control Panel, is the search function. Otherwise you can't find a thing! 51 Icons, to do the same work in twice the amount of time as the 23 icons I had in XP! Marvelous! :)
Russ
GigaByte 990FXA-UD5 - AMD FX-8320 @4.0GHz @1.312v - Corsair H-60 liquid CPU Cooler - 4x4 GB GSkill RipJaws DDR3/1866 Cas8, 8-9-9-24 - Corsair 400-R Case - OCZ FATAL1TY 550 watt Modular PSU - Intel 330 120GB SATA III SSD - WD Black 500GB SATA III - WD black 1 TB Sata III - WD Black 500GB SATA II - 2 Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD-Burner - Sony 420W 5.1 PL-II Suround Sound - GigaByte GTX550/1GB 970 Mhz Video - Asus VE247H 23.6" HDMI 1080p Monitor
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AfterDawn Addict
7 product reviews
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9. February 2012 @ 16:40 |
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To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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