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Cooke
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Product
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Zalman ZM460-APS
460W ATX12V 2.01 Power Supply |
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Manufacturer
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Zalman |
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Market Price
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US$90~110 |
Zalman has made a reputation
for itself as a noise-friendly company, so we're always interested when they
release a new product. The ZM460-APS marks Zalman's latest power supply offering.
Zalman's previous power supplies have not been as quiet
as some of its competitors. Compared to the
ZM400B-APS model that we reviewed almost two years ago, the ZM460-APS is
based on a newer, more efficient circuit design and has a 120mm fan.
It is also compliant with the newer ATX12V 2.01 and sports connectors for all
the latest devices.
As usual, packaging is slick and lists the specifications and features
on the side of the box.
Lots of extra goodies.
You pay a bit of a premium for the Zalman name, but there's
some compensation in the number of extras included. In addition
to the AC cable, mounting screws, and the power supply itself, there are several
other items:
- a well-illustrated manual with more technical information than usual (including
cable lengths!)
- some velcro ties for cable management
- a Y-adaptor for the PCIe connector, allowing SLI systems to be used
- a Y-adaptor from Molex to 2 x SATA connectors to increase the number of
SATA drives that can be powered
- a Y-adaptor from Molex to 2 x 12V fan headers and 2 x 5V fan headers to
power (or undervolt) system fans
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
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Feature Highlights of the Zalman ZM460-APS (from Zalman's
web site)
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| FEATURE & BRIEF |
COMMENT |
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CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) with Auto Control Cooling
Fan |
Fancy talk for a thermally
controlled fan controller. |
| Improving Power Factor
& Eliminating Harmonics through Active PFC: By implementing Active
PFC, the power factor (PF) is improved from 75% (Passive PFC) to 96% (230VAC,
Full load), while harmful harmonic frequencies are reduced below regulatory
requirements. |
Power factor correction
reduces the AC amperage required and can reduce power costs for people billed
by VA instead of wattage. |
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High Efficiency Design: Designed with a high switching frequency
and low power-loss circuitry, the efficiency of this product exceeds 80%
(230VAC, Full load). |
Most high-end power supplies
can hit 80%, though not all can do it at full load. Note the 230VAC input; it's usually 2~3% less efficient at 110~115VAC. |
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ATX ?20+4?-Pin Main Connector: ATX ?20+4?-Pin
main connector broadens mainboard compatibility. |
Compatibility with older
motherboards. |
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ATX12V CPU (4-Pin) & EPS12V CPU (8-Pin) Connectors: Use two
ATX12V 2x2(4-pin) connectors together to form an EPS12V CPU connector(8-pin).
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EPS12V is a standard
for server and workstation computers, which often have multiple processor
chips and require more power. |
| PCI Express Graphic Card
Power Connector(6-Pin): PCI-Express graphics card power connector is
provided to high-end graphics card support. |
Almost a standard feature
now. |
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EZ Grip Connectors for ODD & HDD: EZ Grip Connectors for ODD
& HDD for easy connecting and disconnecting of the plugs. |
Much easier to unplug
than standard connectors... |
| Dual +12VDC Output: Two
+12VDC rails output up to 30A combined, providing more stable power to high-end
systems. |
Required by ATX12V 2.01 |
| Sleeved Cables: All
power cables are sleeved for easy cable management and improved air circulation
in the computer?s case. |
Good for cable management,
but mainly for aesthetic purposes. |
| Certified
with International Safety Approvals & EMC Standards: CE, CB, RU,
MIC, FCC |
The more
the better... |
| Strict DC Voltage Regulation
& Low Output Ripple / Noise |
The basic electrical
goal of any power supply: Voltage regulation and Low ripple. |
OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
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SPECIFICATIONS: Zalman ZM460-APS (from Zalman's
web site)
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AC Input
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110~240 VAC ±10% / 47~63 Hz
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AC Input Current
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7.5 @ 115VAC / 3.5A @ 230VAC
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DC Output
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+3.3V
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+5V
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+12V1
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+12V2
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-12V
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+5VSB
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Maximum Output Current
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28A
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30A
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16A
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18A
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0.8A
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2.0A
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Maximum Combined
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180W
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360W
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9.6W
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10W
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460W
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460W of capacity is a lot of power to play with. The ZM460-APS should have
no problem keeping up with the big boys. Most of the current is available where
it's needed ? the +12V rails ? so getting enough power should not
be a problem. It shouldn't have any problem sustaining it either: Its maximum
operating temperature for rated power output is 50°C.
| Help support this site, buy the Zalman ZM460-APS Power Supply from one of our affiliate retailers! |
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