X-Connect 500W Modular PSU

VL writes "Sure, power supply reviews aren't all that interesting, but we take a look at one nice PSU that delivers power where it counts, and best of all, it is the best modular setup we've seen in this market segment."

Comments

Re:yet SPAM hits us again

[c0dedude]

It's an ad. They run one daily. I mean, really, I don't care how cool your Super-Uber Jesus Power Supply is, it's not news.

Re:noise

[PeterPumpkin]

Over 85 db continuous can cause hearing loss over time :D I have some paperwork I collected here for OSHA compliance...here is a general idea for noise:

Weakest sound audible by ear: 0db
Normal conversation: 60db
Ringing Telephone: 80db
Belt Sander: 90db
Chain Saw: 110db
Jet taking off: 140db
Rocket Launch: 180db
Loudest possible tone the ear can process without drum imploding instantaneously: 194 db

except no mention of things that really count

[ChumpusRex2003]

I'm very concerned about all those extra connections. The connections are the weakest point on current PSUs/motherboards; I have seen a number of PSUs or boards with melted connectors because they were either of substandard quality or not fully pushed home.

Each connector provides additional resistance in the circuit leading to voltage sags and heat build up in the connectors.

I'd be more interested if this PSU offered high efficiency and Active PFC. (Active PFC opens the way for more efficient PSU designs). Current PSUs offer an electrical efficiency of about 68% - on a high-end system, the PSU could be pumping out over 100 W of heat itself, making it even more of a space heater than the CPU - and requiring substantial fans too.

Modern industrial SMPSs can achieve electrical efficiencies which are much higher. I've seen telecoms grade 400W PSUs claim efficiency of over 95% - so the technology exists to mass produce these things today.

Also, this review made no mention of protection systems:

• Any overheat protection?Or will the PSU burn under overload or if a fan fails?
• Over voltage protection? Will the PSU shut off if an overvoltage condition occurs? Is there a 'fail-safe' crowbar system which can guarantee the safety of the rest of your PC (even if it has to sacrifice the PSU?)

Incredibly, the safety features listed above, are not standard on all PC PSUs - only a very few offer crowbar protection.

Similar functionaliy in Antec's NEOPOWER line

[IronChefMorimoto]

I believe this company is offering the same sort of cable modularity as in the Antec NEOPOWER line (looks rather new):

http://www.antec.com/us/pro_details_powerSupply.ph p?ProdID=24480

The Antec version appears to have some interesting features, not the least of which is the fully open-back grill on the back of the unit. The dark brushing alumnium/steel finish is rather cool too. However, the Antec product does not offer the same sort of sleeved cables as the one in the originaly article. They are, instead, bundles of molex connectors -- two to three connectors per bundle.

Here's a flyer PDF link on the Antec product:

http://www.antec.com/pdf/flyers/NeoPower.pdf

Tom's Hardware also review this Antec product on July 20, 2004:

http://www.tomshardware.com/firstlook/20040720/ind ex.html

Also, if you're interested in EXTREME modular PSU options, visit Frozencpu.com and look under the Power Supplies area for a slew of their own customized PSUs with modularity options included. It's almost to a point of overkill, including plexiglass casings, UV wiring, LED fans, laser cut fan grills -- all for a friggin' power supply.

IronChefMorimoto

I have one of these...

[Cyno01]

Recieved it from FrozenCPU last week, its extremly quiet, and probably cut the noise of my PC in half. Also, the chrome and silver/black connectors look very clean. You can get a 500w power supply for a lot less, but it wont look this nice and probably doesn't have the performance (nobody ever reviews cheap PSUs). Its been running an XP3200+, 2 vid cards, 3 SATA hard drives, 2 optical drives and 3 fans without any hickups. Another review here.