Silver Power Blue Lightning 600W
by Christoph Katzer on August 27, 2007 6:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Packaging and Appearance
In order to keep costs down, MaxPoint has cut a lot of goodies and extras from the package relative to high-end power supplies. Everything is packed in a colorful box, which provides basic information about the power supply within. The PSU itself has almost no protection within the box and could potentially be damaged during transport - like most users, we've encountered our fair share of DOA power supplies that were very likely damaged during shipping. A small user manual is included that contains very little information, but then again there's not a lot to say.
In terms of the power supply itself, the casing is quite unusual. Small rectangles have been punched out of the back of the unit to serve as an exhaust for the airflow. This type of perforation used to be more common in the past, but most manufacturers these days use hexagonal punch outs. The theory is that the hexagon shapes improve airflow without creating turbulence, compromising structural integrity, or creating unacceptable EMI. The approach that Silver Power has taken might be adequate, but we can see that the top portion of the perforations appear to be of little use as the 120mm fan blocks most of these holes. In fact, much of the space on the rear of the power supply seems like it could be used for ventilation. Of course, whether this is actually necessary is something we'll uncover in the course of this review.
MaxPoint doesn't state the input voltage range on the power supply itself, but this information is indicated on the packaging. The range is listed as 110-240VAC. We tested at our usual 100/115/230VAC however and encountered no problems with a 100VAC input.
In order to keep costs down, MaxPoint has cut a lot of goodies and extras from the package relative to high-end power supplies. Everything is packed in a colorful box, which provides basic information about the power supply within. The PSU itself has almost no protection within the box and could potentially be damaged during transport - like most users, we've encountered our fair share of DOA power supplies that were very likely damaged during shipping. A small user manual is included that contains very little information, but then again there's not a lot to say.
In terms of the power supply itself, the casing is quite unusual. Small rectangles have been punched out of the back of the unit to serve as an exhaust for the airflow. This type of perforation used to be more common in the past, but most manufacturers these days use hexagonal punch outs. The theory is that the hexagon shapes improve airflow without creating turbulence, compromising structural integrity, or creating unacceptable EMI. The approach that Silver Power has taken might be adequate, but we can see that the top portion of the perforations appear to be of little use as the 120mm fan blocks most of these holes. In fact, much of the space on the rear of the power supply seems like it could be used for ventilation. Of course, whether this is actually necessary is something we'll uncover in the course of this review.
MaxPoint doesn't state the input voltage range on the power supply itself, but this information is indicated on the packaging. The range is listed as 110-240VAC. We tested at our usual 100/115/230VAC however and encountered no problems with a 100VAC input.
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Samus - Monday, August 27, 2007 - link
It appears that a log of people on newegg have this PSU fail after a few months. Now before we get into newegg consumer feedback 'reliability' :) there are a few people who've had these fail, not just one or two.I'm ganna give it a shot anyway. Should work well with my DFI Infinity 975 board, being EPS12v and all.
Slaimus - Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - link
Knowing it is an Apex-built power supply took most of the wind out of its sails. Apex, also known as L&C and Deer, has made some of the most unreliable power supplies ever.This seems to be one of their better efforts, but reliability will always be a concern with this company.
mindless1 - Thursday, August 30, 2007 - link
SMPS tech is reasonably mature beyond present tweaking a bit for higher efficiency, more 12V current, and these without cost rising out of control.Point being, Apex (actually better known as Foxconn or Hon Hai) can easily build quality PSU, it is not inability it is the choice of product placement and construction cost that results in some of the junk we've all seen.
As for reliability, there is a problem as always that you hear of someone with a failed PSU but no autopsy most of the time. No disrespect meant to reviewers, but over the years I can't could how many times a product seemed good at first glance, and second glance (a review period), but later a fault compromised the lifespan. A review of one unit can't take forever, it is going to be inherantly limited in scope, but still must be seen as a way to disqualify products more than qualify them for long term use.