Power supply unit FSP ZEN 400: perfectly noiseless power
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Date: 20.04.2007 |
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The testing procedure
Since the moment of publishing our article, the testing methodology has not undergone any changes – again, the same test bench of PSUs, and equipping it with additional instrumentation is still in progress.
Currently, testing of PSUs at 3DNews test lab is performed with a test bench for testing semi-commercial ATX PSUs for computers. The test bench is aimed at reading cross-load characteristics of computer PSUs in the manual and/or automatic mode; at the same time, it allows analyzing the load-carrying capacity of the PSU in question, checking its power parameters declared by the manufacturer, as well as the PSU compliance to the ATX specifications.
The test bench allows applying load to each of the five lines of the PSU (+3.3V, +5B, +5VS, +12V1, +12V2) to investigate deviations of the output voltages, as well as build graphs of cross-load characteristics in the automatic mode. Besides, the test bench measures the Power_Good (Power_OK) response, is equipped with the feature of emergency outage in case the Power_OK signal fails.
The rated power of the test bench is up to 600 W.
Test Results
The procedure of running tests is well familiar and practiced to almost automation. You can determine the trial characteristics of FSP ZEN 400 right from the table placed on the housing of the device.
Below are the results for automatic measurement of the cross-load characteristics. The principle of load adjustment is this: with the permanent current in 3.3V and 5V lines, the load current of 12V lines is varied within 0V to a specified maximum, then the current of 3.3V and 5V lines is raised by a specified value, and the process recurs. In our case, the raise for 3.3V and 5V lines was set at two points, in ten points increments for 12V lines. The adjustment is performed at a set increment, which in our case is 200 ms.
As you can see, FSP ZEN 400 has successfully passed the test with dynamic cross-load. For reference: the green points on the graphs stand for deviations from the nominal less than 1%.
Measurement of the static load with the modes set manually has also demonstrated superb operability of FSP ZEN 400. The total instantaneous load on the PSU,as you can see on the below screen was set higher than the recommended 400 W limit, but ZEN 400 PSU successfully withstood.
To view the screenshot in full resolution, click on the image below.
Finally, the major test of this PSU is that for noiselessness. Clearly, with neither fans nor movable parts inside – there is no noise (at least in the audible range). However, to make things as convincing as possible, we invited an acoustics expert - the honored Rabbit, a Doctor of Computer Sciences, whose part-time service is simply a rabbit called Mityay, a friend of mine. With ears that huge. The expert carefully explored and smelled the system, listened to it running and uniquely acknowledged it as noiseless.
Of course, that is no more than a joke, but every joke has only a part of joke. It's just the rabbits sensitive ears is one of the reasons I intend to build a powerful and noiseless PC. He doesn't like it at all whenever I work late at night or on very early mornings... :-)
Summing it up
The novelty by FSP, a fan-free FSP ZEN 400 PSU in its retail make is far not unique an offering like that on the market: after all, there are even more powerful offerings with passive cooling. However, FSP ZEN 400 may prove to be an acceptable purchase option for you just for a number of reasons. Above all, it is the universality of power supply due to the active PFC scheme, and well as perfect design and high quality of soldering; finally, it is the output voltages which are without a slightest issue.
Among the other advantages of FSP ZEN 400 is the quite adequate power cable kit, 400W rated power which is sufficient to build a modern efficiently noiseless PC. And of course - almost forgot - those who find it important can enjoy the nice-looking dark blue design with a glamour blue on-off switch with a LED on. Not only for work, but for much fun. If we leave out the jokes, we must admit that FSP ZEN 400 has deserved it honorable prize from 3DNews Editorial Board - the Editor’s Choice award.
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