Akasa Pax Power 460 PSU Review (English version)

vaios · Φεβρουάριος 21, 2006

Reviewer: computergate

Supplier: AKASA UK

AKASA a well-known manufacturer, specialized in the field of cooling solutions and modding equipment, is also a strong player in the field of Power Supply Units.

One of the most recent releases is the PaxPower AK-P460FG-BLV2 PSU unit.

It came to us, from AKASA UK, inside an elegant black box.

An impressive photo of the unit is featuring in the front side, while the backside is providing us all the information required, by a consumer.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

According to AKASA, the PSU specifications are as follows:

<table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td width=95> Voltage</td> <td width=95> Regulation</td> <td width=95> Minimum Load</td> <td width=95> Maximum Load</td> <td width=95> Peak Load</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=95> +3.3V</td> <td width=95> ±5%</td> <td width=95> 0.5A</td> <td width=95> 30.0A</td> <td width=95> -</td> </tr>

The main technical features, can be summarized as follows:

Ultra quiet, 12 cm fan, 18 dB (A) at normal load.
Auto thermal fan control.
Hi-bright blue LED fan, 2 ball bearing fan.
Nickel anti-corrosive coating.
Four (4) SATA power connectors.
Easy-fit, quick release 4 pin DC power connectors.
Black cable, tidy sleeve for loom.
Over power protection.
Over current protection.
Over voltage protection.
Short circuit protection on each channel.
High efficiency 75% at full load.
Dual 12 Volt rails.
Dimensions 150 X 140 X 86 mm.
Designed for AMD Athlon XP, Athlon 64, Intel P4.

PACKAGE

After opening the package and removing the protective materials, the unit was revealed, catching the eye by its shiny, black-nickel color (extremely well finishing).

All cables are nicely sleeved in black plastic.

The label in the right side, gives the usual information.

The normal universal power connector and switch equip the backside of the unit, but the common used fan is missing.

AKASA decided to utilize one big (12 cm) fan, instead of the common 8 cm fan, or the combination of two small fans positioned in a 90 degrees angle, and placed it on the bottom of the unit.

The AKASA solution proved to be correct, especially when the noise issue, is coming in front.

We emptied the box and the complete set, power cable, 24 X 20 adapter, 4 pin – to 2 X 3 pin adapter, even the supporting screws were here.

We have to notice also that placing power connectors to the devises is easier than ever, since AKASA utilizes easy-fit, quick release 4 pin DC power connectors.

By opening the unit, we faced a well-designed layout, with enough space for the air circulation. Two large enough passive cooling heatsinks are taking care of thermal release.

All cables are wrapped and positioned at the side of the unit.

Two things that were noticed have to be emphasized. First, AKASA is providing double +12 V rails, one dedicated to the processor and the second for the rest of the devices.

Secondly, AKASA is providing two pots for voltage adjustments; a feature that experienced overclockers will much appreciate.

INSTALLATION - RESULTS

The PaxPower 460 haw been installed and measured in two systems.

Intel platform.

<table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0> <tr> <td width=284> CPU</td> <td width=284> 3.0 GH Intel P4 (Northwood) </td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> Motherboard</td> <td width=284> Gigabyte GA8IK1100</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> RAM</td> <td width=284> Transcend 2 X 512 PC 3200</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> HDD</td> <td width=284> Saegate 160GB (IDE) Seagate 2 X 120GB (SATA, Raid 0) Seagate 2 X 120GB (IDE, Raid 0) Western Digital 120 GB (IDE)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> VGA</td> <td width=284> Asus 9950 (GeForce FX5900)</td> </tr> </table>

AMD Platform

<table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0> <tr> <td width=284> CPU</td> <td width=284> AMD, Athlon 2400+</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> Motherboard</td> <td width=284> Gigabyte GA 7VA</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> RAM</td> <td width=284> Transcend 256 PC 3200</td> </tr> <tr>

<td width=284> HDD</td> <td width=284> Maxtor 40GB (IDE)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=284> VGA</td> <td width=284> Triplex MX400</td> </tr> </table>

In both platforms, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 was installed.

All readings have been measured from the 20-pin ATX connector, in three conditions.

As “idle” condition, we consider the case were the PC’s are running no applications.

For medium load condition, we utilized the Jedi Knight game and for full load condition, we run Super PI for 30 minutes.

The results are presented hereby:

Intel platform.

<table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td width=189> </td> <td width=113> +12V</td> <td width=113> +5V</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Idle</td> <td width=113> 12,10</td> <td width=113> 5,03</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Medium Load</td> <td width=113> 11,98</td> <td width=113> 5,05</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Full</td> <td width=113> 11,92</td> <td width=113> 5,05</td> </tr> </table>

AMD Plarform

<table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td width=189> </td> <td width=113> +12V</td> <td width=113> +5V</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Idle</td> <td width=113> 12,34</td> <td width=113> 5,05</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Medium Load</td> <td width=113> 12,40</td> <td width=113> 5,04</td> </tr> <tr> <td width=189> Full</td> <td width=113> 12,35</td> <td width=113> 5,06</td> </tr> </table>

Since the second 12V is dedicated to the CPU only, we considered not interesting to present the relevant figures. Of course, the Unit is providing maximum 14A, which is more than sufficient for all CPU’s, since (for the moment) there are not many CPU’s that require more than 100W.

CONCLUSION - IMPRESSIONS

The general impression deriving from the PaxPower 460 of AKASA, is more than good.

The double +12V voltage, is considered ideal for overclocking, since the one is dedicated to the processor only, allowing further margins for voltage adjustments and the second is ensuring the smooth operation of the remaining system.

We were satisfied by the stability of voltages, since there were no fluctuations, even under full load.

The level of noise coming from the 12” fan, is to be considered low, therefore an essential demand of those who would like to build a quiet system, is met.

Finally one more positive aspect is the quick release type of molex connectors.

Taking all the aforementioned into consideration and being true to its specifications, the Unit could be considered definitely as a very good product.

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Akasa Pax Power 460 PSU Review (English version)

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