Review Item:

Zalman
400W Noise Free PSU

Date:
05 - May - 2003

Manufacturer:
Zalman

Supplier:
Zalman

Cost:
N/A

Reviewer:
Chad

Introduction
Cooling, Power and Noise prevention. Those are perhaps the three most important features when it comes to computers right now. Adequate power may perhaps the single most important component in any PC. For we all know that without sufficient power the damage to your system can become very expensive. An unstable system, fried parts, and the reduction of disposable income are just some of the problems that can be experienced, not to mention the loss of valuable time.

Well Zalman has answered the call for all those who have experienced some of the problems I have just mentioned. This is Zalman's third time manufacturing power supplies, or at least that is what I gather from their site. Zalman is well known for their line of cooling supplies, especially their Noise Prevention products.

Well any way, after talking to our friends over at Zalman they said they would send us their ZM400A-APF Noiseless Switching Power Supply unit. And Yes, I said Noiseless! In other words this is not just a silent power supply unit, it goes past silent. Silent is defined as, "making or accompanied by little or no sound" and, noiseless is like 5 to 6db lower than that!

Finally, it arrived! Upon removing the PSU from the box I was surprised at its weight, it felt quite heavy, unfortunatley I had no scale with which to weigh it.

When I opened the PSU box I was pleased to see how everything was packed together; very tight, so there was not much room for anything to slide around.

Here is what we got:

1) One Power Supply
2) One Multi-connector for Fan (Use this to supply power to extra fan.)
3) One Power Cord for AC Power Source
4) One User Manual
5) 4 - Zalman Cable Tie (Velcro)

There are two main differences that you would come to realize with this PSU from others. For one, the obvious, the color and as I said before the weight. Other than that everything is just about the same.

These are the specs of the PSU, taken from the side panel.

The Zalman Advantage

Realizing a Noise-Free Computing Environment (CNPS) with Auto Control Cooling Fan
By implementing heat-sensor circuitry that controls the cooling fan's speed (rpm) in relation to the temperature within the power supply, emanating noise has been greatly reduced. The graph below shows the CNPS characteristics of our product.

CNPS(Computer Noise Prevention System) refers to a system that reduces a conventional computer's noise (30dB or more) to an inaudible level (20dB or less). In order to create a true noise-free computer, Zalman's NP CPU Cooler and NP Video Card, along with an NP HDD from popular manufacturers should be used together with this product.

Simplifying Source Input - Free Voltage
Unlike products with Passive PFC, where you have to set the operating voltage (115VAC / 230VAC) with a manual switch, this product can be used with any normal AC input source ranging from 100VAC to 240VAC.
Certified with Safety Approval,EMC Standards - UL, C-UL, CE, TUV, CB-NEMKO, FCC
Improving Power Factor & Eliminating Harmonics through Active PFC
By implementing Active PFC, the power factor (PF) is improved from 75% (Passive PFC) to 94% (at full load), while harmful harmonic frequencies are reduced below regulatory requirements.
Supplies Stable Power to Intel Pentium 4
By including a ATX12V 2x2 (4-pin) 12V power connector and an auxiliary 5-pin power connector, this product can provide stable power to Intel Pentium 4 CPUs, which need 6A of current from each power rail.
High Efficiency Power Supply
Designed with a high switching frequency and low power-loss circuitry, the efficiency of this product exceeds 75% (at full load).
CNPS(Computer Noise Prevention System) refers to a system that reduces a conventional computer's noise (30dB or more) to an inaudible level (20dB or less). In order to create a true noise-free computer, Zalman's NP CPU Cooler and NP Video Card, along with an NP HDD from popular manufacturers should be used together with this product.
Strict DC Voltage Regulation & Low Output Ripple / Noise

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