Viewing page 7 of 7 pages.
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made as 24-bit / 88 kHz WAV files with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own anechoic chamber (11 dBA ambient), then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
Each recording starts with 6~10 seconds of room ambient, followed
by 10 seconds of the product's noise. For the most realistic results,
set the volume so that the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then
don't change the volume setting again while comparing all the sound files.
Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives
in the Anechoic Chamber
CONCLUSIONS
The Nexus NX-5000 lived up to its claims of being
"Real Silent" (taken figuratively, not literally, which is a
whole 'nuther discussion) while delivering 530W. It scored very high in
both electrical and noise characteristics, demonstrating low ripple, extremely
good voltage regulation over its entire range of load tests and crossload tests,
good efficiency characteristics over its entire working range, and perhaps most
importantly, managed to stay quiet across its entire operating range, with a
peak of just 25 dBA@1m after thermally stabilizing at its full load of 530W.
Running a PSU continuously at full load is an
extremely demanding test and unlikely to ever happen "naturally" in practice, so it is similarly unlikely
that users of this power supply will ever hear such fan speeds in their own
system. The small, unobtrusive physical aspect adds to the impression of a quiet,
efficient, and professional "demeanour".
It's hard to find fault with this PSU, aside from perhaps the
lack of modular cabling. The NX-5000 is a great addition to Nexustek's midrange
power supplies and a very strong contender in the "silent" computing
enthusiast market. It fully deserves SPCR's Editor's Choice Award.
|
Nexus NX-5000 Balance Sheet
|
|
Likes
* 80 Plus Bronze efficiency
* Almost inaudible @ low-med loads
* Quiet (<25dBA) at max load
* Solid voltage characteristics
* Reliable at high test temperatures
|
Quibbles
* No modular cabling
|
Nexus NX-5000 Power Supply
SPCR Editor's Choice Award
* * *
SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
Recommended Power Supplies
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Enermax Eco80+ 500W PSU
Nexus Value 430 PSU:
Affordable Silence
X-650: Seasonic
hits Gold
* * *
Discuss
this article in the SPCR Forums.
| Help support this site, buy from one of our affiliate retailers! |
|
