All posts by Seth

Reasonable Power for a $250 video card budget. (MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X)

Video Card Reviews
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Video Cards are one of the most important components when it comes to a computer. There is a lot of information about it. However you need to think about what you are using it for. Are you just going to surf the web? Are you going to game with constant stress on your PC? What about video editing or audio processing? Think about choosing the right graphics card for the activity you are using it for. When it comes to buying a card, look for which manufacturer it is (either AMD or NVidia) and overall performance. 

For $249.99 on Newegg, The MSI Geforce GTX 1660 Gaming X is a great video card for the mid range gaming. Passmark give this card a score of 10985. Which is above average.

  • 1408 Cuda Cores
  • Core Clocks: 1860 MHz
  • Memory Speed of 8 Gbps
  • 6GB GDDR5 Memory
  • 192-bit Memory Bus
  • 3 DisplayPort v1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.0b outputs
  • Supports GDCP 2.2
  • Power Consumption of 130 Watts
  • 1 8-pin power connectors
  • Dimensions of 247 x 127 x 46 mm
  • 2 Cooling fans
  • Does not support Sli (not needed for a beginner)
  • Weight of 845 grams
  • Supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5
  • Max Resolution of 7680 x 4320

This Card really shows the power when it comes to the price. Sure it might put a tiny dent in your wallet, but the outcome is worth it. 

 Note: This review is part of a classroom project. 

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Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB 2400 Desktop Memory Review

Memory Reviews
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The 4 Colors the LPX Series comes in.

This isn’t your standerd boring memory. With Corsair Vengeance LPX series, you can pick from multiple colors to suit your needs for your desktop. These sticks never disappoint me and with support for XMP 2.0, I can have worry-free auto overclocking. This is steered towards people who want a good looking stick without the issue of CPU heatsink clearance. 

  • 16GB Kit (2×8 GB)
  • DDR4 2400 Speed
  • CAS Latancy of 16
  • Timing of 16-16-16-39
  • Non ECC
  • Aluminum Heatspreader
  • Calculated access time of 6.66 nanoseconds
  • Calculated Bandwith of 76.8 GB/s
  • Height of 1.03″

This series is one of the best of its kind and these reviews about this exact kit would support my claim. Check out Toms Hardware’s review on the LPX Series.

Pros: – Works in ASRock X470 Master SLI/AC w/ Ryzen 5 2600
– Works as advertised at 2400Mhz w/ 16GB (2 of 4 slots) @1.2v (w/ XMP profile)
– Was stable at 3200Mhz overclock w/ 16GB (2 of 4 slots) @1.35v (16-18-18-36-54-1T)
– Was stable at 2933Mhz overclock w/ 32GB (4 of 4 slots) @1.35v (20-20-20-48-68-1T)
– This model is not necessarily for AMD systems but according to Corsair website it should work and it does.
Cons: None that I can find.

~Raymond A.

Pros: -Low profile, allows more room for other components.
-Overclockeable, works flawlessly with XMP.
-Overclocked from 2400mhz to 2800mhz.
-Only had to bump up voltage from 1.2V to 1.23V (stable 24/7).
-Corsair as always didn’t disappoint with their RAM.
-Fairly priced (purshased my kit for $90 at the time).
Cons: No complaints.

Ronald V.

Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.

Newegg, Toms Hardware 

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Intel Core i7-8086K Coffee Lake Hexacore CPU Review

CPU reviews
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A photo of the Intel 8086k processor packaging( Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intel released their 8086 CPU back in 1978 that became the rise of the x86 architecture that CPU manufacturers based their current architecture off of. Now, 40 years later, Intel decided to celebrate their success by making an 8th Gen CPU that would be like no other. The CPU was a disappointing tribute to the 8086 that made Intel what they are today. That is the i7 Coffee Lake 8086K.  

A photo of the original Intel 8086 processor from 1978 next to the new Intel Core i7-8086K limited edition processor. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

This CPU has impressive specs when it comes to clock speed and that is about it. However it wasn’t what I expected for a limited edition CPU.

  • 8th Gen Coffee Lake
  • 6 Cores and 12 Threads
  • Base Frequency of 4.00 GHz (5.00 GHz Turbo)
  • 12 MB of SmartCache
  • TDP of 95 Watts

It is one of the first to hit the 5 GHz clock speed. However, it does not run 5 GHz on all cores, it matches benchmark scores with the 8700K, and its basically a glorified 8700K. With the $463.54 price tag from Newegg, it sees no use. It doesn’t even have stock cooling with the CPU. The 8700K comes at a price of $369.99 from Newegg.

These reviews from AnandTech and Techradar support the fact that the 8086K is very underwhelming. I would recommend the 8700K over the 8086K because it’s cheaper, it has the same benchmark scores, and the only difference between the two is a mere 300 MHz.

Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.

References: Newegg, AnandTech, Techradar, and Intel.

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ASRock Z370 Gaming K6 Motherboard Review

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ASRock Fatal1ty Z370 Gaming K6 Motherboard

When it comes to performance from a gaming motherboard, the Z370 Gaming K6 Motherboard from ASRock is the way to go. This motherboard has a lot of room when it comes to choosing memory speed and storage. It also comes with these specifications.

  • Supports 8th Generation Intel Core Processors (Socket 1151)
  • Digital PWM, 12 Power Phase
  • Supports DDR4 4333+(OC)
  • 3 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 3.0 x2, 1 M.2 (Key E)
  • Nvidia Quad SLI, AMD 3-Way CrossFireX
  • Graphics Outputs: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub (VGA)
  • 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec)
  • Supports Purity Sound 4 and Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 3
  • 8 SATA3, 2 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3)
  • 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 10Gb/s (1 Type-A and 1 Type-C), 9 USB 3.1 Gen1 (1 Front Type-C, 4 Front Type-A, 3 Rear, 1 Fatal1ty Mouse Port)
  • Dual Intel Gigabit LAN
  • ASRock RGB LED
  • Intel Optane Memory Ready

This motherboard is very solid when it comes to overclocking and it is easy to set up. Since my voice is not enough support, take a look at all of these reviews (via Amazon).

“One of the best Z370 MoBos available for overclocking (12 phase V-regs, what more can you ask for?) Tons of features, easy to set up BIOS, good stock cooling/heat sinks, nice to look at, just a great motherboard.”

~Jarred V.

“I upgraded from a Asus Gene V. Paired this with an 8700k. Overclocked to 4.8 with a Noctua heat sinks. Voltages running about 1.3. The 12 phase VRM is a nice feature. I could probably get to 5 with an AIO water cooler. Only complaint is that it doesn’t offer as much flexibility as the Asus board in offset mode.”

~John H.

It also comes with all the necessities straight out of the box.

What’s included with the motherboard

Even though the Z370 Socket 1151 does not support previous generation Intels, I highly recommend this because of its overclocking potential, memory support when overclocked, and overall storage.

Check out these reviews from Eteknixs and Hardware Secrets for more information about the Gaming K6 from ASRock.

Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.

https://www.amazon.com/ASRock-motherboard-Motherboards-Z370-GAMING/dp/B07638HG43
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty%20Z370%20Gaming%20K6/
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