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Brian1118
Brian1118's stats
- Review count11
- Helpfulness votes195
- First reviewApril 10, 2014
- Last reviewNovember 4, 2016
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
- Review comment count9
- Helpfulness votes11
- First review commentOctober 27, 2015
- Last review commentNovember 8, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count12
- Helpfulness votes4
- First answerMay 17, 2015
- Last answerJune 14, 2016
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Get effective power and quiet cooling performance with this Antec 450-watt power supply that features heavy-duty circuitry protection on all rails to help prevent damage from a variety of dangers.
Customer Rating
4
Got rid of the buzzing sound in headphone jack
on April 10, 2014
Posted by: Brian1118
from Paramount, CA
Build or modify your own PC:Yes
Level of Expertise:Average
Primary reason for building/modifying PC:Gaming
I got this power supply when I found out that my old, cheap "520W" Orion power supply's dirty and inefficient power caused my headphone jack to emit static / buzzing that wasn't there when the old 300W stock power supply that came with my PC was installed. I figured that it was the fault of my off-brand PS, so went to the store and got this Antec 450W supply and installed it. Sure enough, the buzzing sound in my headphone jack went away, and everything ran smoother and quieter than before.
My only regret is not getting a 500+ W power supply with 2 pci-e rails at the time I bought this. I was impatient and didn't want for mail order, so I got this instead of getting something higher wattage and modular.
Gamers who want to pick and choose what cables they want clogging up their box and/or who want to run higher powered graphics cards or use SLI or Crossfire should probably just save their money and get something better. I want to upgrade my PC with at least an AMD R9 270X, so it looks like I'll have to swap out this PS with a new one.
My Best Buy number: 2030563616
What's great about it: Clean Power, Efficient, Doesn't mess up your PC's internals like cheap/junk power supplies can
What's not so great: Not Modular, only 450 Watts, not 500+
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
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1of 3voted this as helpful.
Brian1118's Review Comments
Microsoft 640 Prepaid Cell Phone for AT&T Prepaid: Stay connected and productive wherever you are with this Prepaid cell phone, which features 4G LTE speed and Wi-Fi for flexible Internet connection options. Easily browse Web sites and flip through features using the 5" touch screen, and snap photos with the 8.0MP rear-facing camera.
Overall
5 out of 5
5 out of 5True successor to the Lumia 520
By KungFubu
Since the release of the successful Lumia 520, currently the most popular Windows Phone ever, Microsoft have released several budget phones advertised as successors to the 520, from the 530 to the 635. But it wasn't until the release of the Lumia 640 that Microsoft finally released a Windows Phone worthy of being considered a true successor to the 520.
Whereas all the previous budget models essentially just copied the specs of the 520 but with cut corners and compromises (TFT instead of IPS screens, missing auto brightness sensors, etc. ), the 640 not only carries over all the features that made the 520 great, but also builds upon them. An updated processor, higher resolution ClearBlack screen with Gorilla Glass, a full GB of RAM, Miracast support, and a larger battery make the Lumia 640 the only budget Windows Phone worth considering.
If you're currently using the 520 and looking to upgrade, skip the other models and go straight to the 640. Not only does it have all the features of the 520 and more, it's also one of the handful of phones first in line for the free Windows 10 Mobile upgrade in December 2015. Even the bigger selling 520 isn't set to receive Windows 10 Mobile until sometime later in 2016. That alone is worth upgrading to.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
I completely agree about the 640
October 27, 2015
Microsoft did cut corners on other phones like the 635, which to me makes the 640 the only budget Windows phone worth considering at the moment, and I also consider it the real successor to the 520 series. When it's on sale (like it is as of the time of this comment), it's definitely worth a purchase if you need a new Windows phone.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Dell Inspiron Desktop: With AMD Radeon graphics and 16GB system memory, this desktop offers smooth, stunning images and gameplay for your virtual challenges. An HDMI output lets you connect to a high-definition monitor or HDTV, and integrated 5.1-channel support provides rich audio performance.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5The Jury Is Still Out!!
By TxFarmboy
from Bedford, TX
I've had this PC for about 2 weeks. I do have a few CONS with it: The case is much smaller than my old HP. The other problem, there is no room for expansion. Only 2 slots for memory. No extra bay or SATA cable for an extra hard drive. I planned on putting my old hard drive in as a slave, but now I must buy a hard drive enclosure for it instead.
**On this past Friday, my wife had trouble with the system lagging. After talking with Geek Squad, she was told to bring it in for an exchange and that the hard drive was probably bad. So now I have to clear the hard drive of my files!**
If not for the hard drive issue or lack of expansion, I would have given 5 stars. Still would recommend.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Thanks for the insightful review!
November 9, 2015
It just goes to show that nothing beats hands-on ownership. Specs alone don't mean anything if everything else isn't good.
+9points
9of 9voted this comment as helpful.
Only at Best BuyInsignia™ Portable Bluetooth Stereo Speaker: Take the music with you with this speaker, which features Bluetooth connectivity for easy music streaming from your compatible device. The built-in power bank charges compatible devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5amazing
By buffalogirl
Got this for free and the sound quality is amazing connects easily and is perfect I would think it is better than beats
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Beats Bluetooth Speakers are Mediocre
December 11, 2015
I agree with you, but to be fair, Beats Bluetooth Speakers tend to be mediocre and can have harsh sound. I feel that their speakers aren't up to the quality of their headphones, and even their headphones tend to be beaten (in sound quality at least) by genuine audiophile brands (Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, etc.) at lower price ranges.
But getting back to the point, I do feel that cheap speakers like these can compete with and surpass Beats bluetooth speakers, and that ones from JBL, Sony, and Bose can give them a sound thrashing at the same price points.
0points
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You watched the original trilogy and the prequels. Now, you're eagerly anticipating the next installment in the epic Star Wars franchise. With this Power A Wired Controller, you'll be able to show off your fandom for the saga while representing the First Order. The officially licensed controller features stunning images of Episode VII, including Kylo Ren. Take down enemy forces with the impulse triggers, and immerse yourself in the action with the dual rumble motors. A 9.8' cord provides a reliable connection, so you can fend off foes without any lag. Get ready to become the latest enlistment for the First Order in Star Wars: The Force Awakens with this controller.
Overall
2 out of 5
2 out of 5goes bad in time - less than a year
By nate
this is my 2nd powera controller i have bought. the first one was for a friend of mine. after less than a year of having them, the analog triggers stop registering correctly. works great and feels great when they work correctly. becomes useless after that. i noticed it when playing some racing games and it seems like my car is lacking power for no reason and the exhaust is barking like i keep letting off the gas. windows confirmed that the triggers were acting like they werent going to 100% and then rapidly going up and down its range without me doing a thing. sad part is i couldnt leave feedback for the other controller but htis one went bad in a lot less time since it was a christmas gift.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
I belive you, my PowerA controllers fail too
April 7, 2016
My Batarang controller quit after about 1 year (mostly the D-pad and triggers) and although it was made by Madcatz (not Power A) my licensed Ghost Recon Future Soldier controller gave up after 1 year as well.
I feel like PDP controllers last longer, but the official stuff tends to be the toughest, imho.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Experience fast boot-up and application load times with this PNY CS1100 solid state drive, which features up to 500MB/sec. sequential read speeds for enhanced performance. Low power consumption helps ensure long battery life on the go.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Pressure to buy
By Tazi74
I took my HP laptop in for a checkup.An since I had the Geek Squad membership I decided to let them check the laptop out it seems like every time you go in there they push for you to buy one of these memories for your computer they did it with my desktop which is a Dre Beats all-in-one and they've done it with this one I think it's their way just to sell this product there's no need for it because I took my old drive to another computer store outside of Best Buy and they said there was no need to even have this product in I recommend getting two or three opinions before you buy this product from Best Buy Geek Squad
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
SSD's are good, but the hard sell is not
May 15, 2016
While SSD's are a huge improvement over old magnetic HDD's, especially for boot up times, it's no good for sales people to pressure you to get them. And this 120gb drive really is only good as a boot drive and probably isn't enough space for the average consumer anyhow. I think it's good for you to be skeptical, because there's no reason to spend money you don't need to if what you have works fine.
If your computer's getting old and slow though, or your hard drive is 5+ years old and needs replacing, or your boot up times are too long for you however, there's nothing wrong with getting a 240gb or higher capacity SSD IF you need it however. (240 to 500gb seems to be the price / performance sweet spot right now, with 1tb SSD's still being expensive) But like you said, there's absolutely no need for hard selling.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Experience fast boot-up and application load times with this PNY CS1100 solid state drive, which features up to 500MB/sec. sequential read speeds for enhanced performance. Low power consumption helps ensure long battery life on the go.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Decent deal
By Predator
This is a good buy for the price. Upgrading to an SSD will greatly improve any computer. But if you are to buy one, get the 256 GB or 512 GB.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Good point
May 15, 2016
The difference in price between 120gb and 240 to 256 gb is so small nowadays, there's almost no need to get a 120gb unless you specifically need that size and/or just want to pay the lowest price possible.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Lenovo Desktop: House your growing collection of movies and music on this desktop's 2TB hard drive, and enjoy high-speed, reliable Internet access with Wireless-AC networking. The 12GB of memory provide the power you need to tend to multiple tasks at once.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Excellent for most things
By Tanner
This tower was very vast and does almost everything I needed it to. Just did not cut it for new games such as the witcher 3.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
The A10 is decent, but more for e-sports gaming
July 2, 2016
The Witcher 3 is one of the most demanding current-gen PC games, you'd need a separate PCI-E GPU to run it. Something like the 750Ti at the very minimum (which will run off of many stock 300w Power Supplies), with the recent RX 480 being a good choice, if you have the Power Supply for it. The EVGA 500w 80 plus one they sell for $30 or slightly more is a good choice for most single graphics cards.
The upcoming 470 and 460 from AMD will probably be good value options, along with the 1060 from Nvidia. The 460 will probably run off a stock PSU without an external power pin too.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
When building on a budget, the EVGA 600W 80 PLUS is a great choice at a low cost. Supporting 49A on a single +12V rail provides more options without having to reduce your component requirements. Save space with the 600W's compact design, wellplaced power switch and fully sleeved cables. The 600W offers the connections and protections needed for basic system builds. With a standard 3 year warranty and ultra quiet fan design the 600W will be a great asset for your next build on a budget.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Not good, might be the faulty unit
By riopower
It was cheap on sale and worked out of the box which was good. But after I got all other parts after a month (which I can't return or exchange) and finished build then I started stress test for stability. my PC was keep shutting down while doing stress test or playing game. First I thought it was over heating issue with CPU so I check and logged temps of CPU. No it was bit high but not near the shut off temp. All the temps were in good range and no over heating found but still pc was shutting in middle of high load. then I realized that the back of the pc near the PSU was gets very hot. so I opened case and check the psu under load. The Fan was not spinning at all! I understand due to silent design fan does not start when there are not much load but even during the stress test it did not start. so now I had to order new PSU for replacement and this will be a 30 bucks junk that can't even used for paper weight...
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Might be covered under warranty?
September 21, 2016
Usually PSU's have 2-3 year warranties that cover faults like this, so you may want to check to see if you could RMA it with EVGA. Even less reputable companies than EVGA can have surprisingly decent warranty coverage (as long as you complain about them in a review that they can see at least) so EVGA may be able to replace this unit if it's defective.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Bash the opposition with this Radeon RX 480 graphics card. It's optimized for virtual reality experiences thanks to the powerful future-ready technologies that include advance architectures for outstanding gameplay. Incredible color, sharp, crystal-clear graphics and rapid frame rates ensure your game runs at the highest quality with this Radeon RX 480 graphics card.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Incredibly Disappointed
By LB1280
I realize I am in the minority on this one, but when I try two of them and they still don't work, I have no choice but to give this card one star.
Built a brand new PC using an MSI 970 G Series Gaming motherboard. I did research and didn't find any compatibility issues between this card and motherboard so maybe it's my bad luck. The video from the card to the monitor would cut out randomly after boot. I could idle at the desktop for as long as I wanted, but as soon as I started to click around the video would cut out. I thought that the original one I purchased was DOA which, hey it happens. I exchanged it for another one and the same exact thing happened. After an entire weekend trouble shooting, I gave it to my buddy who has repaired PCs for 20+ years. After a week he finally gave up. He tried other graphic cards and they worked fine, so it was clearly a GPU issue. He also tried it in other rigs, also no problem. Moral of the story is if you have an MSI 970 Gaming mobo, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CARD. I have no idea why, but it doesn't like it. Incredibly frustrating losing two weeks after a new build to have your only solution be "Try a different brand of graphics cards".
On a side note, five stars to Best Buy for their painless and quick exchange policy. That was the one shining moment out of this entire fiasco.
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Did you try seeing if there was a bios update?
November 8, 2016
The motherboard may have a bios update available, and there's also using DDU (display driver uninstaller) to uninstall all old driver stuff (especially if you had an Nvidia card before) and reinstalling the latest drivers. I have an MSI 970-G46 (which I admit is not the same as the gaming line) and I have no issues with this card, but I have installed all the latest motherboard drivers and flashed the bios to the latest one (I recommend using the global website, as the US MSI Website tends to be behind on driver/bios files and has outdated ones) and didn't need to use DDU, but used DDU anyway just in case.
Note that I had a 270x before, so I wasn't switching from Nvidia to AMD, which can cause problems.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Brian1118's Questions
Brian1118 has not submitted any questions.
Browse for programming, control playback and navigate menus on your Xbox One with ease thanks to this Power A IR Extender. When connected to your Xbox One, the extender allows you to use your Media Remote (not included) without a Kinect sensor. Enjoy reliable operation thanks to the extender's ability to broaden the IR range of your Kinect sensor (not included). With this accessory in your gaming setup, you'll be able to fully realize the Xbox One's potential.
Need to purchase SKU`1598 IR SENSOR. Sales rep said to purchase on lin HELP Please
If you're just looking to get an IR Cable to control your TV or AV Receiver with a media remote, this cable is the same product. I bought it and installed it and can change the volume on my TV right now.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
Brian1118
Handle more data than ever before with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive. Fast operation is assured thanks to the SATA III connection that delivers at data up to 6 Gbps, and a lack of moving parts means reliability is exceptional. Reduce energy use and enjoy quieter operation with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive.
Will this work as an internal HD in a full size PC?
Only if the case has a dedicated 2.5" SSD slot. Older cases do not, but you can buy an adapter to allow 2.5" drives to fit in standard 3.5" desktop HDD slots.
If you can't easily find it here, try searching online in general. Especially if you want the bracket by itself and without extra accessories you may not need.
If you can't easily find it here, try searching online in general. Especially if you want the bracket by itself and without extra accessories you may not need.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Brian1118
Handle more data than ever before with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive. Fast operation is assured thanks to the SATA III connection that delivers at data up to 6 Gbps, and a lack of moving parts means reliability is exceptional. Reduce energy use and enjoy quieter operation with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive.
Does the migration software make the new drive bootable after the transfer (a true clone). Or does the migration only move the data files?
It makes it a bootable drive as long as you select that option. It's Acronic Trueimage (not a knockoff) so it's legit. You do only get a code on the piece of paper (the "manual") they provide you, not a CD, so you have to download the program online and activate it with the code.
Also, it's easier to clone the drive with a desktop, especially if you can just stick the new drive in the desktop as opposed to using an external cable with say a laptop drive, although it's possible to clone a drive to this SSD using an external SATA to USB cable.
If you're going to go that route, you may need an an external SATA power adapter too, although I'm not sure because I've only done it with 2 drives inside a desktop tower.
Also, it's easier to clone the drive with a desktop, especially if you can just stick the new drive in the desktop as opposed to using an external cable with say a laptop drive, although it's possible to clone a drive to this SSD using an external SATA to USB cable.
If you're going to go that route, you may need an an external SATA power adapter too, although I'm not sure because I've only done it with 2 drives inside a desktop tower.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Brian1118
Handle more data than ever before with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive. Fast operation is assured thanks to the SATA III connection that delivers at data up to 6 Gbps, and a lack of moving parts means reliability is exceptional. Reduce energy use and enjoy quieter operation with this PNY 480GB solid-state hard drive.
Can I easily install this myself, if I have never worked on a computer before?
Probably, if you're comfortable with a screwdriver and some cables and wires. If you've ever worked with electronics in a car, it's not all too different (and is probably easier) and if you know how to plug and unplug wires from TV's and game consoles, it's not that much harder.
The thing to remember about SSD's though is that they're smaller than regular 3.5" Hard Drives. If you're installing into a desktop, you may need a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter to fit this 2.5" drive into a 3.5" desktop slot. Newer cases may have 1 or more SSD slots, but older ones generally only have 3.5" ones.
If you're installing into a laptop (provided that your laptop allows you to swap out the drive) PNY includes a spacer in the box that allows you to fit this 7mm drive into 9mm drive spaces.
Still, if you're going to try something like this, I'd lookup some youtube tutorials online or better yet, find someone in real life to help you that knows about computers. Once you're shown the ropes by a mentor even a few times, it becomes easier after that.
The thing to remember about SSD's though is that they're smaller than regular 3.5" Hard Drives. If you're installing into a desktop, you may need a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter to fit this 2.5" drive into a 3.5" desktop slot. Newer cases may have 1 or more SSD slots, but older ones generally only have 3.5" ones.
If you're installing into a laptop (provided that your laptop allows you to swap out the drive) PNY includes a spacer in the box that allows you to fit this 7mm drive into 9mm drive spaces.
Still, if you're going to try something like this, I'd lookup some youtube tutorials online or better yet, find someone in real life to help you that knows about computers. Once you're shown the ropes by a mentor even a few times, it becomes easier after that.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Brian1118
Securely add speakers to your truck with this speaker wire harness.
Does this include one or two per package?
Just curious how many come with each order. Will I need to order two, or four?
It includes 2 cables per package. If you're installing 2 speakers, you only need 1 bag. If you're installing 4 speakers, you need 2 bags.
8 years ago
by
Brian1118
Only at Best BuyInsignia™ Portable Bluetooth Stereo Speaker: Take the music with you with this speaker, which features Bluetooth connectivity for easy music streaming from your compatible device. The built-in power bank charges compatible devices.
Does it have a mic to use as a speakerphone?
If you're looking at the big and heavy one that can charge devices (it has a 30 hr battery life), no, it doesn't have a mic.
8 years, 4 months ago
by
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
This Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70 tablet features a stunning 10.1" LED display and Dolby Atmos soundbar, so you can catch up on your favorite TV shows and listen to music with impressive audio and video clarity. Wi-Fi lets you stay connected on the go.
Usb or micro usb port?
Can conect my flash drive to load pictures? Any port?
MicroUSB, and the same port is used for both charging and data connection.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
This Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70 tablet features a stunning 10.1" LED display and Dolby Atmos soundbar, so you can catch up on your favorite TV shows and listen to music with impressive audio and video clarity. Wi-Fi lets you stay connected on the go.
Anyone have issues with streaming video freezing up while audio continues to play?
I've had it happen with Netflix and WatchEspn apps.
I haven't had that issue. I would make sure that your internet connection is good (that you're close to the wi-fi source) and that your tablet's been updated to the latest OS software version. I believe it stops updating after it hits some form of 4.4 kit kat.
Try seeing if there's new versions of the Netflix and WatchESPN apps, and update them if there are. I would also update anything that Google Play services or Google asks you to as well.
If that doesn't work, after making sure you've updated to the latest available version of Android, back up all your data and do a factory reset. Then try installing your apps again, and see if they work now.
Netflix works fine for me (my tablet's on the latest OS software, which is Kit Kat) but I haven't tried ESPN personally.
Try seeing if there's new versions of the Netflix and WatchESPN apps, and update them if there are. I would also update anything that Google Play services or Google asks you to as well.
If that doesn't work, after making sure you've updated to the latest available version of Android, back up all your data and do a factory reset. Then try installing your apps again, and see if they work now.
Netflix works fine for me (my tablet's on the latest OS software, which is Kit Kat) but I haven't tried ESPN personally.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
This Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70 tablet features a stunning 10.1" LED display and Dolby Atmos soundbar, so you can catch up on your favorite TV shows and listen to music with impressive audio and video clarity. Wi-Fi lets you stay connected on the go.
Can you connect this tablet to a TV?
I want to connect my tablet using the HDMI port, does this tablet support MHL connection.
I don't believe that it has an HDMI port. The one I have doesn't have one, but it does have an option for Miracast (wireless streaming of what's on the screen to a TV, usually only on Smart TV's or with set top boxes like the Roku or similar things).
8 years, 5 months ago
by
Brian1118
Paramount, CA
Make any room the life of the party with this Samsung Level Box Mini EO-SG900DBESTA wireless speaker, which features Bluetooth technology for simple pairing with enabled devices. The built-in speakerphone lets you make and receive hands-free phone calls.
I can't get my level box to work and I have lost the user manual
Make sure it's fully charged, and remember to hold down the power button for a few seconds until the (loud) chime sounds.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
Brian1118
Paramount, CA