surfahdude's stats
- Review count146
- Helpfulness votes66
- First reviewJuly 20, 2018
- Last reviewAugust 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.9
- Review comment count2
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentOctober 2, 2019
- Last review commentDecember 5, 2019
- Featured review comments0
- Question count5
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionJanuary 28, 2020
- Last questionNovember 1, 2021
- Featured questions0
- Answer count48
- Helpfulness votes27
- First answerSeptember 28, 2018
- Last answerMarch 29, 2024
- Featured answers0
- Best answers8
Play the latest in AAA titles with this XFX Radeon RX 560 graphics card. Its power-saving CHILL technology automatically adjusts the frame rate based on in-game movements, and the 4GB of GDDR5 RAM with 1024 stream processors smoothly renders 3D images. This XFX Radeon RX 560 graphics card has DisplayPort and HDMI connections, so it's optimized for large, modern displays.
Customer Rating
4
A good cheap GPU
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
This video card is pretty good for the price. You have to realize you get what you pay for, You will not get super fast frame rates, even at 1080P.
Thew only drawback is that the board power draw is a bit high compared to the NVidias...
Length of ownership: 49
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Value
4
Ease of Use
4
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Improve the performance of your desktop computer with this AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core processor. The 64MB L3 cache queues instructions in the processor, increasing throughput speed, while the 4.6GHz Max Boost clock provides ample power for running intensive applications. This AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core processor has a Wraith Prism cooling system, which lets sensitive components run smoothly.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent but over rated CPU...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
There has been a lot of news about the 3900X. I can attest to the fact that the CPU is blazingly fast. When using applications, the CPU kills Intel's i9 9900K. But all is not perfect.
While rated for as much as 4.6 GHz, 90% of users have polled that the CPU never reaches that speed. My sample maxes out at 4.45 GHz. Also note that AMD rates the CPU speed only at one core, i.e. all the other cores may not reach advertised speeds. So while my CPU peaked at 4.45 GHz, most of the cores only averaged 4.35 GHz.
Another issue is that the CPU runs hot, as much as 95-100 degrees, even a 280mm water cooler. Previous CPUs would run as high as 80-85 degrees so the AMD is a lot hotter. This is due to the smaller 7nm die and high clock speed. It is constantly running at 1.485 volts, even at idle. This high voltage is not conducive for long life.
On the other hand, this CPU kills the Intels when running applications that are multi-core friendly since this CPU has 12 cores and Intel's i9 9900K only has eight. I use the AMD for rendering videos, which usually takes about 45 minutes, the same video will take about 60-75 minutes on the fastest Intel CPU, the i9 9900K. The speed difference is a lot higher when compared to Intel's i7 9700K which has eight cores but no hyper-threading (the AMD has 24).
Playing games, the AMD is a tad slower than the Intel, because games run better at higher CPU speeds and are not core dependent, but the differences are usually about 3-7%, negligible when you are looking at 120-150 fps with a good GPU.
Be also aware that the X570 motherboards designs are all over the place. You have to get a board that has a well designed voltage regulator layout. Some boards have only a 4+2 design which means the VRMs hit 125 degrees. The CPU will throttle back its speed until the VRMs cool down and repeats this cycle. Better boards have as much as a 14+2 VRM design which keeps the VRM temps to about 60-70 degrees.
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
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+6points
9of 12voted this as helpful.
Take your gaming performance to the next level with this MSi gaming motherboard. Compatible with up to ninth-generation Intel processors, it supports high-performance features like DDR4 RAM and USB Type-C, and the Gaming I/O cover offers enhanced lighting options. This MSi gaming motherboard includes thermal enhancement features for high-speed M.2 storage to provide optimal performance.
Customer Rating
2
A well designed board with a fatal flaw...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
The MSi Gaming Pro Carbon is a nice looking board with great features with one fatal flaw. The board utilizes a 4+2 voltage regulator design which is insufficient for the latest high (95+) wattage AMD Ryzen CPUs. Better boards have as much asa a 14+2 VRM deisgn (such as MSi's top boards). MSi cut corners here and it shows when the board is pushed under load.
When running under load, the voltage regulators will run a steady 95 degrees, extremely high where some other brands run only 65-75 degrees C. If you are using a 65 watt or lower Ryzen CPU, this should not pose a problem.
If you are looking to use a AMD 3900X or any CPU that draws 95 watts or more, I would look elsewhere, especially if you want to overclock the CPU. The motherboard will cause the CPU to thermal throttle, e.g. slow down until the temps go down.
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
1
Value
3
Ease of Use
5
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-12points
0of 12voted this as helpful.
Make your custom-built computer stand out from the rest with this two-pack of CORSAIR RGB fans. Each unit has sixteen LEDs that create vibrant lighting and visual effects, and individual light loops allow for endless customization. These 140mm CORSAIR RGB fans operate quietly and maximize airflow between 600-1300 rpm to keep components cool.
Customer Rating
4
Nice looking RGB fans...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
These fans are very nice, when running, the colors are brighter and changes colors more smoothly than most other brands. The fans are very quiet using magnetic "levitation" instead of ball bearings or hydraulic bearings which means they should last longer and run quieter than other fans.
Be aware that if you also have a Corsair cooler with RGB fans, you might have to get the Corsair Commander Pro in order to synch everything together.
The only gripe is that they are very expensive for fans. Most fans are half the price.
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
1
Ease of Use
4
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Take your gaming to the next level with this NVIDIA GeForce graphics card. Its 8GB RAM and RTX processing unit keep even the most demanding games running smoothly, while VR support provides a high level of immersion for virtual-reality gaming titles. This NVIDIA GeForce graphics card can handle up to four monitors with a base clock speed of 1410MHz.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent video card
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
I had a AMD Radeon 580 GPU but decided to upgrade to the RTX2070. I use my PC to render videos and some software can utilize the GPU processor to render the video.
Previously, I had an Intel i7 6700K and it would take 120-180 minutes to render a video. I upgraded to an AMD Ryzen 3900X and it dropped the rendering time to 45-60 minutes depending on quality.
Since my software can render using the NVidia GPU, I decided to try it. The rendering times dropped to 30-35 minutes for a 1080P video in SHQ mode. A simple 720P video could be rendered in five minutes.
Length of ownership: 37
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
4
Ease of Use
5
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Experience exceptional performance with this Corsair Hydro Series liquid CPU cooler. The iCUE software lets you control the RGB lighting, track temperatures and regulate fan and pump speeds. This Corsair Hydro Series liquid CPU cooler has two 140mm magnetic levitation fans that run between 400-2000 rpm to enhance airflow to the CPU.
Customer Rating
4
A very good radiator...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
I have a AMD 3900X system which had the stock AMD Wraith Prism air cooler. When under load, the CPU would hit about 100 degrees C and the fan would be roaringly loud.
I bought this to lessen the noise and to see if it would temper the heat. It is very quiet and simple to install. It did not improve the temps too much, dropping it down to 95 degrees.
While simple to install, the wiring is quite complex and the included manual is not that helpful. You will need a USB port and a SATA power port along with two CPU fan ports on the motherboard.
Be aware that if you have additional RGB fans, you will also need the Commander Pro module two wire everything up and synch the lights. Also, in order for everything to work properly, ALL the fans must be of the same type.
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
3
Ease of Use
3
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Mount this CORSAIR Commander PRO module on the outside of your case to closely monitor gaming hardware. It supports up to six fan connectors and four temperature inputs, so you can push your system to its limits and see how it responds. This CORSAIR Commander PRO module lets you manage fan speeds and temperature readings via CORSAIR LINK software.
Customer Rating
4
This is needed if you have a Corsair fan system...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have a Corsair H115i RGB Platinum along with two additional 140mm RGB ML fans. I could not get the RGB lights to synch because I needed an additional USB header on my motherboard. This allowed me to connect and control all four fans speed and RGB lights. This is really needed if you want get everything to work together. My one wish is that it would have a third USB port.
Length of ownership: 18
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
4
Ease of Use
3
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Increase your overclocking performance with this 16GB CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX memory kit. Its DDR4 form factor provides low-voltage operation for lower energy consumption and optimal compatibility with Intel X99 and 100 Series motherboards. This CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX memory kit consists of two 8GB modules, and it stays thermally stable with its pure aluminum heat spreader.
Customer Rating
5
Good RAM for the price
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought this to increase my RAM from 16GB to 32GB. No issues with installation or errors. Didn't need RGB so it fits the bill...
Length of ownership: 18
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Quality
5
Value
5
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Assemble full computer systems with this Corsair Carbide mid-tower chassis. Four hard disk trays support solid-state drives for RAID setups , while two USB 3.0 ports at the front offer quick access to portable hard drives. This Corsair Carbide mid-tower chassis features a flush-mounted side panel for easy troubleshooting and cable routing guides for more professional assemblies.
Customer Rating
4
Well designed except for...
on September 26, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
I needed a case that supported 5.25" drives and this one fit the bill. i also required a case that supported multiple four 3.5" and/or 2.5" drives. It's not that large, has a nice acrylic side panel.
The issue is that the case cannot accommodate dual fan liquid coolers. The interior is pretty tight and there is no clearance for a 240mm radiator in the front or top (the height of the radiator and fans will block the motherboard mounting). This means you will have to get either a large air cooler or a single fan liquid cooler.
This will restrict the case to lower powered CPUs as CPUs such as the AMD 3900X or Intel i7 9700K or i9 9900K will not be cooled properly.
The case has mounts for five 120mm fans (two front, two top and one rear).
I was able to install an Intel i7 6700K with a Gemini S524 air cooler with no issues on a MSi Z170 Gaming Pro board. I generally like the look and design, I just wish that the case was a tad larger to accommodate AIO 240mm radiators.
I also like the fact that the case does not come with a power supply unit. This way you can buy a PSU that fits your needs.
Length of ownership: 51
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Value
5
Ease of Use
4
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-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
![John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum [Includes Digital Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [2019]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/78220d44-b1d0-4eb7-afbf-4aab376b9035.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
More unbelievable action
on September 21, 2019
Posted by: surfahdude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Keanu Reeves's career is getting a resurgence with the John Wick series. This third installment shows Wick getting hammered over and over and he still gets up and keep going, just like the old Timex watches of yore.
Length of ownership: 10
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
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surfahdude's Review Comments
Take your gaming performance to the next level with this MSi gaming motherboard. Compatible with up to ninth-generation Intel processors, it supports high-performance features like DDR4 RAM and USB Type-C, and the Gaming I/O cover offers enhanced lighting options. This MSi gaming motherboard includes thermal enhancement features for high-speed M.2 storage to provide optimal performance.
Overall2 out of 5
2 out of 5A well designed board with a fatal flaw...
By surfahdude
The MSi Gaming Pro Carbon is a nice looking board with great features with one fatal flaw. The board utilizes a 4+2 voltage regulator design which is insufficient for the latest high (95+) wattage AMD Ryzen CPUs. Better boards have as much asa a 14+2 VRM deisgn (such as MSi's top boards). MSi cut corners here and it shows when the board is pushed under load.
When running under load, the voltage regulators will run a steady 95 degrees, extremely high where some other brands run only 65-75 degrees C. If you are using a 65 watt or lower Ryzen CPU, this should not pose a problem.
If you are looking to use a AMD 3900X or any CPU that draws 95 watts or more, I would look elsewhere, especially if you want to overclock the CPU. The motherboard will cause the CPU to thermal throttle, e.g. slow down until the temps go down.
surfahdude
October 2, 2019
Ahh!!! You're right... I wrote the review for the AMD X570 version of the motherboard and submitted it under the Intel version... Sorry for any confusion...
-3points
0of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Build a computer to dominate the competition with this MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus motherboard. The four DDR4 memory slots accommodate up to 128GB of RAM, while the five PCIe expansion slots offer space for additional components. This MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus motherboard works with select AMD Ryzen 9 processors for a powerful computing experience.
Overall2 out of 5
2 out of 5Not for 105-watt AMD CPUs
By surfahdude
If you are planning to buy this mobo for a 65-watt CPU, fine... Avoid this if you are planning to buy this motherboard for any 105-watt AMD CPU (3800x/3900x/3950x). The power supply design cannot supply the current required for those CPUs. The voltage regulators will overheat, hitting 100-120 degrees C. When this happens, t he board will throttle the CPU speed down until the VRs cool down. When the VR temps rise again, the process will repeat itself.
MSi really screwed up the board design on all of the MPG lineup of X570 motherboards. All of them have terrible VR designs causing the to overheat. I have one and it really sucks. Better boards will only hit temps of 60-70 degrees.
surfahdude
Honolulu
as requested...
December 5, 2019
Look at the ASUS X570 boards...
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
surfahdude's Questions
Experience deep black and natural colors of OLED in a more compact size, powered by the Picture Processor X1 Ultimate. Complimented by Acoustic Surface Audio, sound comes from the entire screen to put picture and sound in perfect harmony. Enjoy OLED picture quality and cinematic audio packed into a beautifully compact form with Sony~s 48~ MASTER Series A9S BRAVIA OLED TV.
Is the supplied remote infrared or Bluetooth?
4 years, 7 months ago
by
surfahdude
Play to your full potential with this GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1650 OC graphics card. The WINDFORCE 2X cooling system offers high airflow to keep components at optimal temperatures, while the NVIDIA Turing architecture provides realistic visuals for complete immersion. This GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1650 OC graphics card has 4GB of GDDR5 RAM and 896 CUDA processing cores for fast, responsive performance.
Does this require a power connector from the power supply?
5 years, 1 month ago
by
surfahdude
Bring a cinema-quality experience home with this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The HCX processor maximizes the visual appeal of 4K UHD images to display your favorite films in stunning picture quality. Smart networking technology lets you create your own home streaming network with this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
I understand that this player can access a NAS via DLNA through Wi-Fi... My question is: 1. Does the player recognize chapter stops on MKV files that are on the NAS server 2. Does the player support only 2.4 GHz on Wi-Fi? Thanks in advance...
5 years, 1 month ago
by
surfahdude
Enjoy fast online streaming with this NVIDIA SHIELD TV media player. The 4K HDR capability provides visual quality, while Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound offer an immersive watching and listening experience. This NVIDIA SHIELD TV media player supports unlimited applications for movies, shows, games and music of your choosing, providing endless entertainment. GeForce NOW instantly transforms SHIELD TV into a powerful PC gaming rig. Play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free to play games. The new GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership unlocks GeForce RTX 3080 gaming servers in 4K HDR, with shorter wait times and longer session lengths, with RTX ON including ray tracing and DLSS graphics for supported games.
1. Does this recognize a NAS server on a Wi-Fi network using DLNA? 2. When viewing a MP4 or MKV video from the NAS server, does it recognize chapter stops 3. When fast forwarding or reversing, can you see a preview of what's being seen?
5 years, 1 month ago
by
surfahdude
Enhance your creativity potential with this Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 and Premiere Elements 2020 bundle. The Adobe Sensei AI technology powers automated options to get a starting point for creative exploration, and the Quick Edit mode allows you to easily put clips, transitions, and effects into your movies. The Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 and Premiere Elements 2020 bundle lets you quickly upload your creations to YouTube or Vimeo for versatile use.
Does this program natively support CR3 RAW files? I am planning to buy a new Canon 90D which only supports CR3 RAW files (I understand that CR3 files has been out for nearly two years)
6 years, 4 months ago
by
surfahdude
Get absolute precision with this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. Place it anywhere you like thanks to the long-lasting battery and the efficient Bluetooth connection, and enjoy the feel of a mechanical connection that provides the perfect resistance. The full-size layout ensures this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard makes your games easy to control.
Are the left Windows and Alt keys the same size / can they be swapped easily? Want to use for both Mac and PC with the correct key location. Looks like it, but want to make sure.
They are the same size but you cannot easily swap the key caps or it's function...
7 years, 5 months ago
by
surfahdude
Get absolute precision with this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. Place it anywhere you like thanks to the long-lasting battery and the efficient Bluetooth connection, and enjoy the feel of a mechanical connection that provides the perfect resistance. The full-size layout ensures this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard makes your games easy to control.
is this compatible with pc
Yes, as long as it is not a laptop... You cannot enter a boot password as the keyboard will not be active until the OS is loaded.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
surfahdude
Immerse yourself in room-filling sound with these Sony Core Series SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, which feature 5" woofers and 3/4" and 1" tweeters for precise instrument and vocal reproduction and dynamic acoustic depth.
Is a sub necessary? thanks
I would strongly recommend a sub with this speaker as the bass output is a bit weak.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
surfahdude
Immerse yourself in room-filling sound with these Sony Core Series SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, which feature 5" woofers and 3/4" and 1" tweeters for precise instrument and vocal reproduction and dynamic acoustic depth.
I just hooked up the Sony SS-CS5 to my sony fm stereo fm-am receiver str-de415 and i got audio from my record player - do I still need an amplifier to get better sound?
I don't know if the receiver has a phono input. If it does not (and if the turntable does not have a built-in phono pre-amp), you cannot hear the sound correctly.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
surfahdude
Immerse yourself in room-filling sound with these Sony Core Series SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, which feature 5" woofers and 3/4" and 1" tweeters for precise instrument and vocal reproduction and dynamic acoustic depth.
I have a insignia book shelf stereo system 25 watts a ch. would the sony core ss-cs5 speakers be compatible? thanks Ken
Yes... 25 watts will be fine with the speaker.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
surfahdude
Immerse yourself in room-filling sound with these Sony Core Series SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, which feature 5" woofers and 3/4" and 1" tweeters for precise instrument and vocal reproduction and dynamic acoustic depth.
Are these 100watts rms each? Or 100watts rms for the pair/50watts rms each?
It handles up to 100 watts per speaker...
7 years, 7 months ago
by
surfahdude
Watch movies at home on this Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. It plays video from nearly any type of disc or file format and displays images in crisp detail and vivid color, creating an immersive experience with life-like visuals. This Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player also connects to your Wi-Fi for convenient video streaming.
I have a sony receiver, can i get atmos sound if i do not have a 4 k tv. Would i be able to rent a movie on vudu and get the atmos sound? With this blu ray I know it has just a audio hook up and a video hook up separate. Could i just hook up the audio?
You will need UHD movies as ATMOS is rarely pressed on Blu-Ray discs. Also, to get ATMOS, you will need a sound system that supports it. The TV has nothing to do with it.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
surfahdude
Watch movies at home on this Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. It plays video from nearly any type of disc or file format and displays images in crisp detail and vivid color, creating an immersive experience with life-like visuals. This Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player also connects to your Wi-Fi for convenient video streaming.
Does this support Hulu and Vudu apps in addition to Netflix and Amazon?
It does support VUDU and HULU...
7 years, 8 months ago
by
surfahdude