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Zalman ZM400A-APF 400watt PSU |
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Written by Mikhail Ivanenkov
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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Page 1 of 3
Thanks to Zalman for the product sample.
These days there are mainly two power supply categories which separate the horde of various models: cheap and expensive. In most cases, you get what you pay for. Those with multiple fans, lights, what have you, fit in either category. While the two main contenders are still Enermax and Antec, other companies looking to expand their horizons (such as Vantec who once sold nothing but coolers) are finding the PSU market lucrative. Zalman gained recognition through their patended CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) approach to cooling. Their exotic looking heatsinks not only did well but had some eye candy to boot.
So it was only a matter of time before they branched off to pursue other paths. Their fanless heatpipe VGA cooler was a tremendous success, soon to be implemented by manufacturers for equipping their video cards. Another somewhat recent product is the ZM-300/400A-APF line of power supplies. While this isn't their first foray into the market, it's definitely a first (at least for Zalman) on several levels. The one being reviewed today is the 400watt version which arrived in a well decorated shrink-wrapped box. Sure it's just a package, but this is where first impressions are made.
Although you wouldn't expect much with a power supply (aside from a cable and maybe some screws), Zalman added a few goodies which are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Four blue velcro straps are provided for cable management. This is a welcome change from single-use zip ties; the straps look good, are reusable and can be readjusted with ease. Power cable aside, a pretty thorough manual is included, detailing installation as well as explaining the various features.
The final inclusion is the ZM-MC1 connector. This is basically a 4-pin plug that splits up into four 3-pin connectors so you can hook up some 3-pin fans if 1) all your motherboard headers are filled up, 2) they can't reach the headers or 3) they use too much power (over 3-4watts) to be powered by headers. Furthermore, there's some power regulation here. The black plugs provide a full 12v while the white plugs only dish out 5v (good for silencing naturally loud blowers).
Although somewhat stereotypical, the weight of a power supply is generally a good indicator of its quality, as larger/better components tend to weigh more. That said, the Zalman I received is by far one of if not the heaviest PSU I've ever handled. The entire case is brushed black steel/aluminum/alloy (??) and looks far better than unpainted steel. And unlike other "riced" power supplies with lights, decals and up to four fans, the ZM400A is a beast in disguise. This compliments the aforementioned CNPS strategy.
Zalman included nothing more than a single 80mm fan and a very quiet one at that. An internal temperature sensor (attached to a sink or resistor if I'm not mistaken) varies the fan speed. Below the 45C margin it's inaudible at sub-20dBA levels. From there on it climbs up to 25dBA until the internal temperature hits 56C, where it then spins up some more before leveling out at its normal speed; in my case it didn't run hot enough to spin at full blast.
I'm not sure if this is due to the unit's weight, but if you look at the top of the right picture you'll notice an extra bar with mounting holes on it. I'm assuming this is used to further secure the PSU in place, though I haven't seen any cases with these extra holes to match. The intake vent is very spacious and more than adequate for some decent airflow. From this image you'll also notice how cramped the components inside are. The lid comes off with four screws; you need four of your own to attach the PSU to your case.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 18 June 2007 )
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