The Bottom Line
Pros
- Low Noise
- Very Stable Voltages
- Multi-Connect For Additional Fans
Cons
- No Wire Sheathing
- No PSU Fan RPM Header
Description
- Total Power Output of 400W
- Dimensions - 5.51" x 5.9" x 3.38"
- Single Rear 80mm Double Ball Bearing Temperature Control Fan
- Seven 4-pin Molex, Two Floppy, ATX, ATX12V, 6-pin Auxiliary and Two SATA Power Connectors
- Multi-Connectors 5v and 12v Fan Molex Converter
- ATX 2.03, ATX12V 1.03 and Serial ATA 1.0 Compliant
- Two Velcro Wire Wraps
Guide Review - Zalman ZM400B-APS 400W Power Supply
5/20/04 - Zalman was one of the first companies to promote low noise computing with their wide range of innovative cooling solutions. Zalman has taken this approach as well to the computer's power supply with their noiseless switching line of PC power supplies.
The Zalman ZM400B-APS power supply reduces the amount of noise generated by the power supply by relying on a single 80mm fan instead of the traditional two. The fan is controlled by a temperature sensor inside the power supply that adjusts the fan speed according to the temperature. The fans noise levels will range from around 20dB at the lowest temps up to around 32dB for the highest temperatures. In most cases, the power supply won't be heard at all due to the other cooling fans inside the computer.
The total output of the ZM400B across the +3.3v, +5v and +12v lines is 380W. With the additional -5v, -12v and +5v SB lines, the combined power output totals the 400W rating. The design has the +3.3v and +5v sharing the same power rail which causes a bit more fluctuation across these lines, but it was still very good. Output voltages were consistenly 2 to 4% lower than the optimal voltages which is very good.
The only real disappointment with the ZM400B-APS power supply is in the wire management. Most equally priced and rated units include a sheathing around the primary ATX power lines to help keep things organized. Zalman makes p for this by including two Velcro wire ties.
