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COMPARISON
For some time now, our standard for a quiet power supply has been the Seasonic
S12 series, which combines an excellent fan with an excellent fan controller.
The Zalman is also quite good, so it is worth comparing the two to see just
how they differ. The FSP Green PS was also included in the comparison because
of its similarity to the Zalman. The data in the following table has been taken
from the reviews for the FSP
Green PS, the Seasonic
S12-430 and the Seasonic
S12-500/600. For the S12-430, the data for the most recent revision
was used.
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SPL Comparison (in dBA@1m): Zalman ZM460-APS vs.
Seasonic S12
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|
Target Output Power
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65W
|
90W
|
150W
|
200W
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250W
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300W
|
|
Zalman ZM460-APS
(Ambient 20°C/20 dBA@1m)
|
22
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
31
|
34
|
|
FSP Green PS FSP400-60GLN
(Ambient 20°C/19 dBA@1m)
|
25
|
26
|
29
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
|
Seasonic S12-430 (Rev. A2)
(Ambient 21°C/19 dBA@1m)
|
20
|
20
|
22
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
Seasonic S12-500 (Rev. A2)
(Ambient 21°C/18 dBA@1m)
|
21
|
21
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
34
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It should be noted that the ambient noise level in this comparison puts the
Zalman at a slight disadvantage, but not so much that it changes the result.
Add and subtract appropriately if the specific numbers mean that much to you.
At the lower output levels, the noise levels are pretty close, although the Seasonics
are still a bit better. At 40W output, the Zalman may have been better, but
as the Seasonics were not tested at this level it is impossible to say for sure.
The difference is biggest between 150-200W output, but the Zalman manages to
catch up by the time the output reaches 300W, where the difference is too close
to call. They're all too noisy by this power output level, anyway.
In spite of the almost identical circuit design and fan controller, the Zalman
was clearly quieter than the Green PS. The difference is due almost completely
to the different fan that Zalman has used.
CONCLUSIONS
The ZM460-APS should go a long way towards cementing Zalman's reputation as
one of the most noise-conscious PC component companies. It should also help overturn
the relatively poor reputation of Zalman's past power supplies. Although it
is not quite on the same level as our perennial favorite, the Seasonic S12,
it does do quite well, and has a smoother fan to boot. It also features a couple
of added features over the S12-430, notably sleeved cables and, thanks to the
included adapters, more SATA and PCIe connectors.
Both efficiency and voltage regulation are very good, so there's nothing to
worry about in the electronics department. The only sticking point
is the price. At >$90, the ZM460-APS is among the priciest PSUs in its power category. But the Seasonics are pricey too: The S12-430 sells for a bit less, but the S12-500 sells for >$100 just about everywhere.
If noise is
the main concern, the Seasonic is still a winner, but the differences are small
enough that price and availability may be the deciding factors. Even if Zalman
doesn't have a clear champion, they have a worthy competitor.
* * *
Much thanks to Zalman
for the opportunity to examine this power supply.
Discuss this article in the SPCR Forums.
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