Akasa AK-P460FG BK & Thermaltake Pure Power-480APD
Akasa AK-P460FG BK
Retail Name (if known) Akasa Pax Power 460W Rated Output Power 460W Specification ATX 2.0 Power Switch Yes Input Voltage 110-220V, 50-60Hz Fan(s) 120mm Cable runs 24-pin EATX with P4+ split
8-pin SSI
2 x SATA
2 x 4-pin Molex
3 x 4-pin Molex, 1 floppy
2 x SATA
3 x 4-pin Molex, 1 floppyMax currents +3.3V = 30A
+12V = 15A + 14A
+5V = 30ACombined power for +3.3V and +5V 210W Passed certification checks Yes (CE, Taiwan, EMC Directive. CB, Taiwan, EN 60950)
The second Pax Power is nickel plated for possibly the shiniest deep black coating ever to grace a range of power supplies. It's server-oriented like the previous 400W model and performed more than admirably. Voltages were fine even under a full 460W output power load (over 600W from the mains). The 120mm fan meant it was quiet and generally cool. Connectivity is fine, although Akasa leave off a PEG connector for the enthusiast considering one. Efficiency was as expected and overall it performed like a champ.
Recommended system: Mid-range to high-end desktop systems based around P4 (including high-speed Prescott), AMD Athlon Socket A and AMD Athlon 64 and Sempron on Socket 754 and Socket 939. Server systems due to SSI connector.
Thermaltake Pure Power-480APD
Retail Name (if known) Thermaltake Pure Power 480W Rated Output Power 460W Specification ATX Power Switch Yes Input Voltage 110-220V, 50-60Hz Fan(s) 2 x 80mm Cable runs 24-pin EATX with 20-pin converter
3 x 4-pin Molex, 1 floppy
3 x 4-pin Molex
3 x 4-pin Molex, 1 floppy
2 x SATAMax currents +3.3V = 30A
+12V = 18A
+5V = 40ACombined power for +3.3V and +5V 250W Passed certification checks No
The Thermaltake 480APD arrived without its fan controller in the box, puzzlingly. The supply performed sub-par compared to most with erratic and high voltages measured under the heavier loads, less-than-average efficiency and very hot ATX connector when testing was complete. The power supply looks fairly good with braided cable runs, but all the braid in the world won't stop the rear-facing exhaust fan from making a racket. That's sample specific I hope. It made the output power for 30 minutes though, which is more than can be said of some.
Recommended system: Mid-range to high-end desktop systems based around P4 (including high-speed Prescott), AMD Athlon Socket A and AMD Athlon 64 and Sempron on Socket 754 and Socket 939. Provided the sample quirks were just that.