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Product:
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Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply |
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Price:
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$52 (CAN) / $40 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Vantec
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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September 7th, 2004
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Clare from Vantec
for sending the Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply for review.
Introduction:
With the purchase of any quality computer enclosure consumers are required to provide or purchase their
own separate power supply unit as users have became very selective in terms of design, brand and requirements.
A wide variety of power supplies are readily available ranging from exotic pre-modified, custom designed
and passive cooled to the basic standard yet reliable units. A quality power supply is vital to a successful,
stable machine and often times eliminate any potential hazards or tragedy, which may arise in the future.
Vantec, manufacturer of thermal solutions and accessories has since revised their existing ION offering
in order to reflect current market trends. Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the Vantec ION2 350W
Power Supply.
Specifications:
The Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply is the latest power supply being offered on the Vantec website and is
built upon the previous ION series featured here. At the
time of writing, the ION2 series is limited to a single 350W variety. The ION2 is Vantec's answer for a
budget alternative to the popular Stealth series of power supplies. Key features include a silent operation,
temperature controlled single exhaust, pre-sleeved cables and more. Here are some specifications taken
from the Vantec website:
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Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply - Key Specifications:
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| Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply: Manufactured by Vantec |
| Serial ATA Ready |
| ATX 12V |
| Pre-Sleeved Cables |
| Ultra Quiet Fan |
| EZ-Grip Connectors |
| Electronic-Shock-Free Protection |
| Over Voltage Protection |
| Over Current Protection |
| Short Circuit Protection |
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The Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply arrived in colorful retail cardboard packaging carrying the same theme
as previous Vantec items. The Vantec and product name are boldly printed on the front portion of the
package along with key product features. The rear portion of the packaging lists detailed specifications,
description and a feature diagram. The contents revealed standard accessories in the form of a printed
user manual and AC power cord.
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Out of the box, my initial impressions of the Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply were positive. The exterior
shell of the Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply has been painted a jet black in order to give a welcome change
in appearance. Other visually notable changes in comparison to the previous ION is the transition to a
single 120mm exhaust fan, pre sleeved cables and an overall decrease in the wattage from 400W to 350W.
The Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply is designed for use with both the AMD and Intel platforms and can accommodate
any configuration up to 350 Watts. Several fail-safe features have been integrated which include over
voltage, over current and over circuit protection.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply incorporates a refined amount of power connections in order to promote
a more efficient use of cable and decrease overall system clutter. Logically, this makes sense due to
the total amount of devices to be connected with a 350W power rating. Each cable has been professional
sleeved using Vantec’s own cable sleeving kit and sealed with matching heat shrink. A total of 6 female
Molex power connections are divided amongst two cables. Each connection plug has been swapped out for a
stylish black alternative carrying on the overall color theme. One of the key features is the addition
of the EZ-Grip Molex connections. The premise behind this feature is rather self-explanatory and makes
use of additional plastic on each connection to allow for easier installation and removal. Similar products
are readily available but require a tedious installation procedure. I was pleased to see this option
integrated onto a fully retail solution. Both standard 20-pin ATX connection and additional 12V Pentium 4
connections are present. Two independent Serial ATA power connectors have been integrated and eliminate
the need to use existing converters in order to power a SATA device.
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