New 400 watt PSU from Zalman

Herb W. · Post by **Herb W.** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 11:43 pm

Expected next month (Feb.), Zalman is claiming that this PSU will be "more stable, yet quieter than the previous 300W model". Peak power output is 455W. Can't wait to get my hands on one... especially after reading here that an owner of an Ultra-QuietPC 460 watt unit - my earlier choice - didn't find it very quiet. Definitely a good review candidate...

shunx · Post by **shunx** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 1:26 am

I know most people don't "need" that much power, but it's still nice to see high performance quiet PSUs coming out.

Dru · Post by **Dru** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 7:46 am

Herb W. wrote:"more stable, yet quieter than the previous 300W model".

I wonder what they mean by "more stable"?

jinu117 · Post by **jinu117** » Sat Feb 01, 2003 12:52 pm

Actually, they have problem with EFI circuit or component that causes hi frequency noise. Which they acknoweldged 1/30/03 in Korean and in process of replacing. I don't know how they will deal with it in US market though. (It is on their korean webpage for Korean customers though)
I would logically think they have fixed the problem in 400 series.

CraiginNJ · Post by **CraiginNJ** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 9:43 pm

The ZM400A-APF appears to have been announced:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/news/2003/20030212.htm
and the product page is at:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/product/zm400a-apf.htm
. . . if you speak Korean, that is. There's nothing on the English version of the web site yet.

Craig in NJ

Herb W. · Post by **Herb W.** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:23 pm

Unfortunately, like a few other low-noise 400W PSUs, it has relatively low capacity on the +12v rail for a 400 watt supply, only 15A. Some 350 watt supplies are better than this.... in fact it's no better than their own 300W unit!

Archeon · Post by **Archeon** » Sun Feb 16, 2003 2:03 pm

I sure hope this unit gets reviewed quickly, because I'm very curious about it's performance (and it's noise level).

The price is pretty steep however. On their site it's sold for 154.000 Korea Won, which equals about $120. For that price it'd better deliver.

manalainen · Post by **manalainen** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 4:23 am

Here´s the link to the product page in english:

http://www.zalman.co.kr/english/product/zm400a-apf.htm

manalainen

Badashmods · Post by **Badashmods** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 1:10 am

Anyone tried it or seen it cheaper?

http://www.sharkacorp.com/cgi-bin/TLSst ... zm400a-apf

GamingGod · Post by **GamingGod** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 1:14 am

www.newegg.com has seasonic 400w for $80.

Zilla · Post by **Zilla** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 9:19 pm

here in australia they are going for AUS$169, which would is about US$100.

http://www.lownoisepc.com

Wedge · Post by **Wedge** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 11:16 pm

jinu117 wrote:Actually, they have problem with EFI circuit or component that causes hi frequency noise. Which they acknoweldged 1/30/03 in Korean and in process of replacing. I don't know how they will deal with it in US market though. (It is on their korean webpage for Korean customers though)
I would logically think they have fixed the problem in 400 series.

Hi all, my first post here. Greetings to all.

So, what of the 300 series? Is this a problem that has been dealt with? I'm thinking that I wanted this PSU until I read your statement.

Specs: Gateway Performance 1300
WinXP Home
P4 1.3GHz fsb 400Mhz (don't overclock, don't feel the need to)
386MB RDRAM PC 800
GeForce2 GTW Ultra 64MB
1 - IBM 40Gb hdd
1 - WD 80Gb hdd 8mb/cache
LTR48246S 48x16x48 CDRW
LG 8160B CDRW
2 NECs
SoundblasterLive! sound card
1 - Vantec Stealth 92mm (back exhaust)
1 - Enermax UC-8FAB 80mm (front intake)

I have no idea the brand/model of the PSU but it's a 250W and I wish it were quiet. No instability issues ever (and Waaaay fewer lockups since getting XP).

Tigr · Post by **Tigr** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 11:24 am

Actually, I am a bit surprised that Zalman did not specify the noise levels of the PSU exactly. Or was that done on purpose? It's strange to see a claim for noiseless PSU with fancy charts but no hard tech spec on noise levels. Anyone saw any data anywhere?

jinu117 · Post by **jinu117** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 1:33 pm

Minus the electro-static noise, Zalman PSU is tad quieter than seasonic under load. (on idle, they are same) Currently, I am using Seasonic 350W with fan swap (Vantec stealth rubber grommeted) and I don't think it can get much quieter than this unless

1) 120mm quiet fan blowing with temp/load adaptable circuit.
2) Bigger heat sink with even lower airflow.
3) Water Cooling the PSU!

My bet would be getting Seasonic/Fortron/Verax/True Power and just fan modding it if you are adventurous, or get the Nexus/the silentx if you can.
As for Zalman 300 I would say you get it locally or at place where they won't have problem returning. (PCClub has retail stores) as I am not sure if the stocks available are newer fixed batches or not.

New 400 watt PSU from Zalman

New 400 watt PSU from Zalman

Re: New 400 watt PSU from Zalman

Some Zalman 300 series are "unstable"

It's announced . . . in Korean

Re: Some Zalman 300 series are "unstable"