When we saw this ultra low-end iMicro PS-IM400WH power supply being sold for only USD 12, we couldn’t help ourselves. We had to buy it and test it using the same standards we use for evaluating more expensive units. So, how will this bargain unit perform? Is it safe to use it? Let’s check it out.

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Figure 1: iMicro PS-IM400WH power supply

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Figure 2: iMicro PS-IM400WH power supply

The iMicro PS-IM400WH follows the traditional ATX design, being 5.5” (140 mm) deep, using an 80 mm sleeve bearing fan on its rear side, and based on the obsolete half-bridge topology.

Being an ultra low-end product, it doesn’t have active PFC circuit, modular cabling system, or sleeves protecting the cables. All wires are 20 AWG, which are thinner than the minimum recommended (18 AWG). The cables available are:

• Main motherboard cable with a 20/24-pin connector, 12” (30 cm) long
• One cable with one ATX12V connector, 13.4” (34 cm) long
• One cable with one SATA power connector, 12” (30 cm) long
• One cable with two standard peripheral power connectors, 12.2” (31 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors
• One cable with two standard peripheral power connectors and one floppy disk drive power connector, 12.2” (31 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors

The number of connectors is ridiculous, with only one SATA connector and no video card power connector. This configuration is not satisfactory even if you are building an ultra entry-level PC, because you will need at least two SATA power connectors, one for your optical drive and one for your hard drive. The cables are also too short.

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Figure 3: Cables

Let’s now take an in-depth look inside this power supply.