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Zalman ZM600-HP 600w Modular Power Supply Review

Date Published:
12-01-2006

Written By:
Diceman

Edited By:
Diceman

Provided By:
ZalmanUSA

Where to Buy:
ZalmanUSA

Discuss Article:
VH Forum link

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Features:

Heatpipe Installed for Maximum Cooling Performance and Ultra-Quiet Operation

A heatpipe with ultra-high cooling performance incorporated on the power supply’s main
rectifiers enables high load operation even at low RPM for a dramatic reduction in noise levels.

Improved Power Factor & Reduced Harmonics through Active PFC

By implementing Active PFC(Power Factor Correction), the Power Factor (PF) is improved from 75% (Passive PFC) up to 99% while harmful harmonic frequencies are reduced to meet the line harmonic distortion requirements of IEC61000-3-2 Class D.

High Efficiency Design

This power supply is capable of reaching a maximum of 84% efficiency(230VAC, Full & Typical Load) through its use of high switching frequency and low power-loss circuitry.

ATX20+4 Pin Main Connector

ATX20+4 pin main connector broadens the range of motherboard compatibility.

Supports ATX12V CPU 4-Pin and EPS12V CPU 8-Pin

Two ATX12V CPU 2ⅹ2(4-Pin) power cables can be combined to form an EPS12V CPU
8-Pin power cable.

Dual PCI Express VGA Power 6-Pin Connector

Support Nvidia SLi dual graphic card systems.

Module Cables

Modular cables provide organized cable management and improved air circulation inside the computer case.

Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan

Ultra quiet 2-Ball Bearing 120mm fan maximizes the airflow and minimizes the noise level enabling a noiseless computing environment with optimized cooling.

Four Independent +12VDC Outputs

Four +12VDC rails supply power independently to the CPU, VGA, motherboard, and peripheral
components for the highest level of stability and performance.

EZ Grip Connectors for ODDs & HDDs

EZ Grip Connectors for easy removal of the plugs from ODDs & HDDs.

Gold-Plated Terminals

Gold-plated the terminals minimize power loss by reducing contact resistance.

Sleeved Cables

All power cables are sleeved for easy cable management and improved air circulation inside
the computer case.

Multiple Safety Features

Over-Voltage Protection, Over-Current Protection, Short-Circuit Protection, Under-Voltage Protection, Over-Temperature Protection.

Internal Blue LED

Blue LEDs are installed inside the power supply for cool aesthetics.

Voltage Test Readings:

Idle Results

100% Load Results

The voltages were rock solid although a little high on the +12v, but still within specifications. Even after hours of running my Core 2 Duo at 100% (both cores loaded fully with Prime95), the power supply did not get hot in the least. The large 120mm fan and the heatpipe certainly keep it cool. There's no real way for me to test the heatpipe, but let's just say a good heatpipe is a present heatpipe. I'll take all the heatpipes and I can get. And when it's Zalman adding heatpipes, I tend to trust that it's there for a reason and it's doing it's job.

I'd also like to add that the ZM600-HP was very quiet. Only the slightest hum could be heard and I'm using it in an open air Tech Station rig. I'm sure it would be totally inaudible enclosed in a chassis.

Conclusion:

As you all know, I get a ton of power supplies here in the VH Labs. It really takes that something 'special' to impress me. Although this power supply doesn't make me gush over it, it's an admirable combination of function.

The Zalman ZM600-HP accomplished what it set out to do in delivering a solid combination of power (600w), a nicely done modular cable system, and the uniqueness of the first heatpipe cooled power supply interior. The 120mm fan blowing directly on the large heatpipe will certainly keep it cold as ice.

The only real gripes I can find about this power supply is the lack of blue glow coming from the unit. There's blue LED's in there somewhere but they must be fairly blocked by components because the glow is less than spectacular. Also, the 8pin (4x4) CPU power line was fairly short compared to other units I've reviewed recently. Maybe only a inch or so, but I noticed it and had to run that particular line a different way to get it to reach.

Otherwise I think the Zalman ZM600-HP is a great combination of form and function and should delight most users out there who need the power of 600w and the convenience of a quality modular cable system.

I'd like to thank Zalman on not only creating a quality modular power supply, but also for allowing me to be one of the first to check it out.