Technically speaking, this power supply uses a very old project, using regular BJT transistors on the switching section, secondary rectifiers configured like in old power supplies and +5 V and +3.3 V rectifiers with a far higher current limit than the +12 V rectifier, which was a typical configuration from years ago, where the PC pulled the most of its power from +5 V and +3.3 V and not from +12 V as it is today.
But we were really impressed by the results we could achieve. This power supply could not only deliver its labeled 450 W at 50º C, but we could pull up to 515 W from it, also with a room temperature of 50º C. This is an outstanding performance.
We were also impressed by the low level of ripple and noise produced by this power supply.
Good news is that this power supply has its overload protection up and running and it didn’t explode during our tests. However, during one of our overload tests the fuse blew, so we can say that overload protection circuit (OPP) should be configured with a value a little bit lower to prevent this from happening. The good thing was that after replacing the fuse the power supply continued working just fine. Fuse is a protection, but the problem is most users aren’t able to replace the fuse from this power supply as it is soldered to the printed circuit board.
Efficiency wasn’t bad for a power supply with such old project. With the power supply working between 40% and 60% of its labeled power efficiency was above 80%, dropping below that under other load patterns. So if you buy this power supply to install it on a system that will pull between 180 W and 270 W it will have a decent efficiency. You can calculate how much power your system will pull by using this excellent on-line power supply calculator.
On the down side we have the number of available connectors, only five peripheral connectors and only two SATA connectors. If you have more than two SATA devices (e.g. two hard drives) then you will need to use an adapter to convert the standard peripheral power plugs into SATA power plugs. It also comes with only one video card connector and it doesn’t have an EPS12V connector, but for the audience this power supply is targeted – users building a basic PC –, this isn’t a problem.
Costing between USD 35 and USD 40 this is certainly a good option for users on a tight budget building a basic PC with not so many peripherals. And keep in mind that you are paying for a 450 W product and bringing home a 500 W power supply.
Certainly this is not the best 450 W power supply around, but it does a decent job for its price range, and that is why we are giving it our Bronze Award seal.
