Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Cooler Master HAF 922 - Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow and USB 3.0

Cooler Master HAF 922 - Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow and USB 3.0 - My Personal Recommendation




The BEST!!! case you can have
I saw the previous review and was really shocked that someone gave CoolerMaster a low score. Here's my own take on this.
I was deciding whether or not to build my 2nd custom PC system or get one pre-built online. When I was building the 'dream system', I saw this case as an option. After deciding between 932 and 922 (both are relatively new models) I decided to actually build my system myself (again!!!). I was previously using RaidMax (Sagita series) case and Antec. After I saw the 932 in person I was shocked at how much bigger the case was compared to my Raidmax, so I decided to get a 922 (which looks better by the way), and I'm glad I did! I'm a serious overclocker, having my fans running at 100% speed (sorry no liquid cooling here:)...yet). The salesman mentioned that this case is the quietest he's ever seen, and he was right! After overclocking my Core i7 and jumping the fan speed up to 100% I still couldn't hear the PC. It was much better than my old Antec case, and way-way...


Details about Cooler Master HAF 922 - Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow and USB 3.0


Brand: Cooler Master

Features of this Cooler Master HAF 922 - Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow and USB 3.0


  • Extreme cooling performance that support up to seven cooling fans top to bottom as well as accommodates three 200 x 30mm fans at minimized noise
  • CPU Cooler retaintion hole cutout design for quick CPU Cooler installation.
  • LED ON/OFF switch for front 200x30mm fan. Black interior
  • Patented button design for easy maintenance of 5.25¿ drive devices.
  • I/O panel offers two USB 3.0 ports, one 3.5 mm headphone input, one 3.5 mm microphone input, and one eSATA port

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Cooler Master HAF 922 - Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow and USB 3.0


ASIN : B0026FCI2U

Description : Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN3-GP Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 Ports Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower Chassis Following the overwhelming success of the full tower HAF 932, Cooler Master extends the HAF (High Air Flow) line to a mid tower in the HAF 922. This beastly chassis comes with rugged looks, massive air flow, and Cooler MasterÕs trademark intelligently designed interior. Building the mean, dream machine is now well within reach. EXTREME AIRFLOWSupports up to 3 x 200mm fans to maximize airflow with minimal noise. Top and front 200mm fans are included. PLENTY OF ROOM TO WORK AND INSTALLThoughtfully engineered to provide users with a spacious area to setup and install systems from the low to high-end. S...

Customer review : The BEST!!! case you can have
I saw the previous review and was really shocked that someone gave CoolerMaster a low score. Here's my own take on this.
I was deciding whether or not to build my 2nd custom PC system or get one pre-built online. When I was building the 'dream system', I saw this case as an option. After deciding between 932 and 922 (both are relatively new models) I decided to actually build my system myself (again!!!). I was previously using RaidMax (Sagita series) case and Antec. After I saw the 932 in person I was shocked at how much bigger the case was compared to my Raidmax, so I decided to get a 922 (which looks better by the way), and I'm glad I did! I'm a serious overclocker, having my fans running at 100% speed (sorry no liquid cooling here:)...yet). The salesman mentioned that this case is the quietest he's ever seen, and he was right! After overclocking my Core i7 and jumping the fan speed up to 100% I still couldn't hear the PC. It was much better than my old Antec case, and way-way...


List Price : $113.82

Price : $88.40

Saved Price : $25.42


category: Computer Cases

brand: Cooler Master

Rating : 4.7

Corsair Vengeance Red 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10R)

Corsair Vengeance Red 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10R) - My Personal Recommendation




Rock solid.
I added this memory to a z77 MB and it posted with no problem and has been rock solid after months of use.


Details about Corsair Vengeance Red 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10R)


Brand: Corsair

Features of this Corsair Vengeance Red 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10R)


  • Density: 8GB (2x8GB Module)
  • Speed: 1600MHz
  • Timing: 10-10-10-27
  • Pin Out: 240 Pin
  • Voltage: 1.5V
  • 1600MHz with headroom to allow overclocking
  • 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 for Intel dual channel platforms.
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Corsair Vengeance Red 16GB (2x8GB)  DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10R)


ASIN : B008E3M4QS

Description : Vengeance Performance Memory modules, 18GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL10 Unbuffered DIMM Memory with XMP 1.3 for AMD, Intel Dual Channel 2nd and 3rd Generation Intel Core Processor platforms. Each module is built using carefully selected DRAM to allow excellent overclocking performance.

Customer review : Works just like RAM should
Well it's ram. It doesn't have the lowest latency but I don't run it at 1600 speeds anyway. I do not game on any of my computers so I have no opinion on that usage aspect. I can say that at 1066 speeds I get a much faster program response time since significantly fewer clock cycles are required for operation. This ram allowed me to create a decent size ramdisk where I was able to put my windows temp folders for an increase in speed and the ability/necessity of clearing said folders upon shutdown. I have a ssd and wanted to have enough ram to negate the use of a pagefile and it's constant/unnecessary reads & writes. I run multiple vm's daily and have yet to utilize more than 75% of my available ram even with the aforementioned ramdisk. Although I wouldn't pay the current price of $97 for 16GB of ram from corsair or any other mfg... at $67 for some red corsair vengeance ram I just had to jump on it. With no reviews I was hesitant at first but some homework on my end showed me the light...


List Price : $164.99

Price : $137.68

Saved Price : $27.31


category: Memory

brand: Corsair

Rating : 4.4

Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory (CMV16GX3M2A1333C9)

Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory (CMV16GX3M2A1333C9) - Review




Works great
Works as advertised on my MSI motherboard. Just a note: I found the hard way that Windows 7 Home Premium does not support more than 16 GB, though my system now as 24GB with this upgrade. Not a problem with the memory, but a limitation in Windows Home Premium. Tested thoroughly with Memtest86+. Works great.


Details about Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory (CMV16GX3M2A1333C9)


Brand: Corsair

Features of this Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory (CMV16GX3M2A1333C9)


  • Density: 16GB Kit (2x8GB)
  • Speed: 1333MHz
  • Timing: 9-9-9-24
  • Pin Out: 240 Pin
  • Voltage: 1.5V
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Corsair 16GB (2x8GB)  DDR3 1333 MHz (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory (CMV16GX3M2A1333C9)


ASIN : B007EHKXS6

Description : Corsair desktop 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333MHz Unbuffered CL9 DIMM.  Supports extreme gaming and high-transaction processing environments.

Customer review : Works great
Works as advertised on my MSI motherboard. Just a note: I found the hard way that Windows 7 Home Premium does not support more than 16 GB, though my system now as 24GB with this upgrade. Not a problem with the memory, but a limitation in Windows Home Premium. Tested thoroughly with Memtest86+. Works great.


List Price : $129.99

Price : $123.98

Saved Price : $6.01


category: Memory

brand: Corsair

Rating : 4.8

Intel E3-1230V2 LGA1155 Processor BX80637E31230V2

Intel E3-1230V2 LGA1155 Processor BX80637E31230V2 - My Personal Recommendation




High Speed Performance
Very goog for finite elements simulations. CAD assemblies, Multiobjetive optimization, mechanical design, at the same time that I working with other programs


Details about Intel E3-1230V2 LGA1155 Processor BX80637E31230V2


Brand: Intel

Features of this Intel E3-1230V2 LGA1155 Processor BX80637E31230V2


  • Extended Memory 64 Technology
  • Enhanced SpeedStep Technology
  • Demand Based Switching

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Intel E3-1230V2 LGA1155 Processor BX80637E31230V2


ASIN : B0085MQUTU

Description : Intel Xeon processors are the preferred choice for demanding server and workstation applications. Intel server processors deliver enhanced, energy-efficient performance for data-intensive business applications and enable users to optimize and scale computing environments that maximize server utilization to workload, while providing headroom for growth. Workstation users can design, model, create, and visualize faster on innovation platforms powered by Intel Xeon processors.

Customer review : Great Intel i7/i5 alternative
After doing some research I decided to go with the E3 1230 v2 as it is essentially an Intel Core i7 without integrated graphics (and about $100 cheaper). I could have gotten an i7 3770 from Microcenter for about $305 after taxes, but since I was using a discrete graphics card I didn't really need the integrated graphics so I bought this instead. I am using it in a very small ITX system on a Asus P8Z77-I motherboard with 2x8GB G.SKILL 1600MHz memory. The performance is pretty good, I don't really notice a big difference vs my i5 3450 on my other computer, but they're both quad core Ivy Bridges (i5 doesnt have hyper threading) so I'm guessing it's only certain applications where I'll notice an advantage with the E3 1230 v2. I will say the temps are impressive, in the same build I had been running a Sandy Bridge Pentium G630T (55W TDP) before, and this idles at about the same temp and even peak load temps are about the same (30 C Idle / 55 C under heavy load). This is very...


List Price : $282.53

Price : $234.99

Saved Price : $47.54


category: CPU Processors

brand: Intel

Rating : 4.9

NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB GDDR5 Graphics card (PNY Part #: VCQK5000-PB)

NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB GDDR5 Graphics card (PNY Part #: VCQK5000-PB) - Best Price




Fantastic Rendering Power and Efficient
This card plows through large models and makes hardware-assisted real-time editing a breeze, even with several HD timelines and multiple effects in play. This Kepler adapter is 20 percent faster than the previous Quadro 5000 Fermi card, and it is 20 percent more power efficient. Simply excellent!

I have experienced zero operational issues. This adapter works cleanly in my dual Xeon E5-2670 setup using the ASUS Z9PA-D8 server motherboard with 64GB of Samsung ECC registered server memory. It is totally stable and rendering like crazy.

Here is my hardware configuration that supports the Quadro K5000 perfectly:

ASUS Z9PA-D8 Dual LGA 2011 ATX mainboard with PIKE 2008 daughter RAID adapter
KingWin LZP-1000 80 PLUS Platinum Modular Power Supply
2 x Intel Xeon E5-2670 8-Core 2.6GHz Sandy Bridge-EP Processor, 3.3GHz Turbo Boost, 20MB L3 Cache
8 x Samsung 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz ECC Registered Server Memory M393B1K70DH0-CK0
nVidia Quadro K5000...


Details about NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB GDDR5 Graphics card (PNY Part #: VCQK5000-PB)


Brand: PNY

Features of this NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB GDDR5 Graphics card (PNY Part #: VCQK5000-PB)


  • NVIDIA Quadro K5000
  • Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x16
  • 4GB GDDR5
  • Memory Interface: 256-bit
  • Ports: 2x Display Port, 2x DVI
  • Analog Resolution: 2048 x 1536 at 85Hz

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB GDDR5 Graphics card (PNY Part #: VCQK5000-PB)


ASIN : B009L8E4UO

Description : PNY VCQK5000-PB NVIDIA Quadro K5000 4GB256-bit PCI Express 2.0 x 16 HDCP Ready Workstation video card

Customer review : Fantastic Rendering Power and Efficient
This card plows through large models and makes hardware-assisted real-time editing a breeze, even with several HD timelines and multiple effects in play. This Kepler adapter is 20 percent faster than the previous Quadro 5000 Fermi card, and it is 20 percent more power efficient. Simply excellent!

I have experienced zero operational issues. This adapter works cleanly in my dual Xeon E5-2670 setup using the ASUS Z9PA-D8 server motherboard with 64GB of Samsung ECC registered server memory. It is totally stable and rendering like crazy.

Here is my hardware configuration that supports the Quadro K5000 perfectly:

ASUS Z9PA-D8 Dual LGA 2011 ATX mainboard with PIKE 2008 daughter RAID adapter
KingWin LZP-1000 80 PLUS Platinum Modular Power Supply
2 x Intel Xeon E5-2670 8-Core 2.6GHz Sandy Bridge-EP Processor, 3.3GHz Turbo Boost, 20MB L3 Cache
8 x Samsung 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz ECC Registered Server Memory M393B1K70DH0-CK0
nVidia Quadro K5000...


List Price : $2,499.00

Price : $1,694.99

Saved Price : $804.01


category: Graphics Cards

brand: PNY

Rating : 4.6

Corsair Professional Series  HX 1050 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold (HX1050)

Corsair Professional Series  HX 1050 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold (HX1050) - Best Price




Fine performance, coil whine, odd fan profile
As part of my odyssey to replace a Corsair TX650 that started to make a high-pitched squealing sound at idle, I was sent an HX750 replacement. Power delivery is unimpeachable, but this model has some acoustic quirks.

Let's put it in context first. The five general parameters for a PC power supply are efficiency, wattage, noise, size, and cable modularity. I'm rolling power delivery in with wattage; almost any properly assembled 'name brand' PSU over $50 will delivery consistent, low-ripple current at the correct voltage.

EFFICIENCY:

Fifteen years ago, most power supplies were about 70% efficient. For a 100W load, they would draw about 140W from the wall. Not anymore. We now have five major PSU ratings: 80 Plus and 80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These correspond to half-load efficiencies of 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, and 92%. Efficiencies at 1/5 and 4/5 load are about 4% less than half-load.

This is an 80-Plus Gold unit capable of 90%...


Details about Corsair Professional Series  HX 1050 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold (HX1050)


Brand: Corsair

Features of this Corsair Professional Series  HX 1050 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold (HX1050)


  • 80 PLUS Gold Certified efficiency
  • Multiple GPU ready
  • Fanless operation at low power loads
  • Continuous power output at 50C
  • Low profile, black modular cables
  • 7-Year Warranty
  • Industrial grade components, like 105C high quality capacitors

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Corsair Professional Series  HX 1050 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold (HX1050)


ASIN : B0090I9VVC

Description : The Corsair HX 80PLUS Gold certified modular power supplies offer quiet performance, with a fanless mode at low power loads, and the flexibility of using only the cables needed for a clean system build with optimal airflow. Industrial-grade specs like a 50C power rating and upgraded internal components like high quality 105C capacitors back up legendary HX series quality, and provide you with peace of mind for a full 7 year warranty

Customer review : Fine performance, coil whine, odd fan profile
As part of my odyssey to replace a Corsair TX650 that started to make a high-pitched squealing sound at idle, I was sent an HX750 replacement. Power delivery is unimpeachable, but this model has some acoustic quirks.

Let's put it in context first. The five general parameters for a PC power supply are efficiency, wattage, noise, size, and cable modularity. I'm rolling power delivery in with wattage; almost any properly assembled 'name brand' PSU over $50 will delivery consistent, low-ripple current at the correct voltage.

EFFICIENCY:

Fifteen years ago, most power supplies were about 70% efficient. For a 100W load, they would draw about 140W from the wall. Not anymore. We now have five major PSU ratings: 80 Plus and 80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These correspond to half-load efficiencies of 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, and 92%. Efficiencies at 1/5 and 4/5 load are about 4% less than half-load.

This is an 80-Plus Gold unit capable of 90%...


List Price : $199.99

Price : $199.99



category: Power Supplies

brand: Corsair

Rating : 4.2

Nzxt Technologies Phantom with Green Trim (Green LED) Enthusiast Full Tower Case - Phan-002Gr (Black)

Nzxt Technologies Phantom with Green Trim (Green LED) Enthusiast Full Tower Case - Phan-002Gr (Black) - on Amazon.com




Great case
Pros:
Looks great, i like the design, elegant but not too flashy.
Lots of room for cable management.
Onboard fan controller.

Cons:
DO buy the NZXT 200mm fan is you wish to install the two addition 200mm fans. Other brands(such as CM) will NOT fit in.
Not enough room for the side 200mm fan if a large cpu heatsink is installed (see my pics which i used a Scythe Mugen 2).
You have to keep the intake fans running faster than the exhaust ones to overpressure your case to prevent dust.
calculation here (assuming all 7 fans are installed):
NZXT 120mm fan: 47CFM
NZXT 140mm fan: 62.5CFM
NZXT 200mm fan: 166CFM
intake=47+47+62.5+166=322.5
exhaust=47+166+166=379
you will get a -56.5CFM if all fans are at stock speed.
So save your money and forget about the additional top 200mm exhaust fan.


Details about Nzxt Technologies Phantom with Green Trim (Green LED) Enthusiast Full Tower Case - Phan-002Gr (Black)


Brand: NZXT Technologies

Features of this Nzxt Technologies Phantom with Green Trim (Green LED) Enthusiast Full Tower Case - Phan-002Gr (Black)


  • Model: NZXT Phantom Black Case Type: Full Tower Black Interior Chassis Front Panel
  • Cooling Systems: Front 1x140mm, Side 1x200mm, 2x120mm (included), Rear 1x120mm (included), Top 2x200mm (1xBlue Led 200mm included)
  • Clearance: VGA>350mm, CPU Heatsink support 180mm (without side 200/230mm fan)
  • Immense Performance: 7 fan capability ( Front fan 1x140mm, Top 2x200mm fan, Side 1x200mm and 2x120mm, rear 1x120mm).
  • Large Expandability: Space for 7 hard drives and five 5.25 bays
  • Drive Bays: 5 External 5.25", 7 Internal 3.5" drive bays, 7 Expansion slots
  • Five 20W per Channel fan control totaling 100W
  • Four fans included with case (1x200mm, 3x120mm)Material(s): Steel with coating inside
  • Material: Plastic / Steel Mesh Dimension (W x H x D): 8.75" x 21.32" x 24.56"
  • Maximum Compatibility: Large Heat sinks, Graphics card support 350mm, and E-ATX support
  • Weight: 24.2 Lbs/ 11 Kg (withp Power)Motherboard support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, ITX

Where to get the best price?


We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
Click image to see larger image and other view
Nzxt Technologies Phantom with Green Trim (Green LED) Enthusiast Full Tower Case - Phan-002Gr (Black)


ASIN : B004WO17UC

Description : NZXT presents the cutting edge Phantom Full Tower Chassis. Designed with sleek, pristine contours, the Phantom delivers high performance cooling advantages with 7 fan cooling options, dual radiator support, quad water cooling cutouts, and five 20W per channel fan controls. An innovative 5.25" screwless system vast space to encompass 7 hard drive, and five 5.25" bays enable smooth customization.

Customer review : Great case
Pros:
Looks great, i like the design, elegant but not too flashy.
Lots of room for cable management.
Onboard fan controller.

Cons:
DO buy the NZXT 200mm fan is you wish to install the two addition 200mm fans. Other brands(such as CM) will NOT fit in.
Not enough room for the side 200mm fan if a large cpu heatsink is installed (see my pics which i used a Scythe Mugen 2).
You have to keep the intake fans running faster than the exhaust ones to overpressure your case to prevent dust.
calculation here (assuming all 7 fans are installed):
NZXT 120mm fan: 47CFM
NZXT 140mm fan: 62.5CFM
NZXT 200mm fan: 166CFM
intake=47+47+62.5+166=322.5
exhaust=47+166+166=379
you will get a -56.5CFM if all fans are at stock speed.
So save your money and forget about the additional top 200mm exhaust fan.


List Price : $129.99

Price : $109.99

Saved Price : $20.00


category: Computer Cases

brand: NZXT Technologies

Rating : 4.5