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Product:
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Nikao ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W Power Supply |
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Price:
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ALIEN P4-520W $79 (CAN) / $64 (U.S)
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Price:
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ICE P4-450W $69 (CAN) / $56 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Nikao/Tradex
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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April 6th, 2005
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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On the bottom portion of each unit is the product specification guide, which indicates that both PSU's
are rated for 520 and 450 watts respectively. The product specification guide provides detailed
information on the rated amperage and voltage across each of the wired PSU lines.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to access the Nikao ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W all that is required is to remove 4 screws
to see the design of each model. Each component is neatly packaged together with two big aluminum
heatsinks running in parallel with the airflow between the fans. Amperage ratings for the +3.3, +5
and +12 lines are sufficient to handle any type of complex computer configuration.
Testing:
The installation procedure for the Nikao ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W power supplies follows the same
method for any standard PSU unit. For this installation I will be testing this unit one on my main
workstations which is assembled with the following system components:
- ABIT IC7-G P4 Socket 478 Motherboard
- Pentium 4 2.8C CPU
- Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card
- 1 x Maxtor Diamond Max Plus 8 60 GB Hard Drive
- 1 x Western Digital WD800JB 80 GB Hard Drive
- 2 x OCZ PC3200 DDR400 256MBx2 CAS2.5
- LG 52x32x52 CD-RW w/ SuperLink
- SB Audigy Sound Card
- Thermaltake Silent PurePower 480W Black PSU
- Custom Water Cooling configuration
I will be running a series of tests using the same methodology used in our heatsink testing where the
CPU will be put under load scenarios. The "Burn-In Wizard" from SiSoft Sandra Pro 2004 is used to put
the CPU under concentrated load for a pre-determined amount of time. The options selected in "Burn-In
Wizard" run the CPU and CPU Multimedia benchmarks for approximately 30 minutes. The system is left
alone for approximate 15 minutes before the burn-in test is performed. The emphasis for monitoring will
also be placed on the +5 and +12V lines to determine how much of a load these lines can handle since
they are responsible for the most crucial voltages when its comes to overall system stability. Additionally,
I will be using Motherboard Monitor 5.3.7.0 and ABIT's Windbond Hardware Doctor 2.7.1 for recording
test results.
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ALIEN P4-520W - Click image for larger view
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ICE P4-450W - Click image for larger view
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In testing both units for approximately 24 hours, I did note some fluctuations on the +12 volt lines
when the system was run in idle and load modes. The 12+ volt lines were slightly higher than normal at
+12.11 and +12.17 respectively. The 5+ volt lines were normal at +5.08/+5.06 and the +3 volt line steady
at +3.30. A majority of the power supplies currently on the market allow for a 5%-10% tolerance level in terms of
operation and stability, which means that this rating is still respectable in terms of performance.
For the most part the -5 volt, and -12 volt lines were steady with minor differences between readings.
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Conclusion:
The Nikao ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W Power Supplies are budget oriented products that offer good construction
balanced with an assortment of unique features. Both units come with a highly reflective finishes combined with
two 80mm and one 120mm LED fans that add several benefits in terms of aesthetics and maximizing cooling levels.
The ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W builds upon the foundation of second generation units currently on the market by
supplementing useful functions for Short Circuit, Over Voltage and Over Current Protection. Users concerned with
noise levels will appreciate the built-in rheostats knob which offers silent performance and control over fan
speed modes. One of the big selling points for both units is built-in 20-pin/24-pin adapter and the inclusion of
professionally sleeved cables as well as the "EZ Grip" Female Molex connectors. While the Nikao ALIEN P4-520W &
ICE P4-450W do have positive features, I can't help but feel that these units are a little dated compared to the newer units
that have been currently released to the consumer market. Power users are currently gravitating towards "SLI"
based rigs which limits PCIe support for these units. One of the biggest features to be marketed this
year is the inclusion of a modular cable system as seen in the Antec NeoPower, OCZ Mod Stream and Ultra Connect-X.
It would be nice of the next generation of Nikao branded power supply units supported this new type of system.
Finally, the rear of both units has enough room to add in an additional AC plug for those consumers who wish to
power external devices. Overall, I’m rating the Nikao ALIEN P4-520W & ICE P4-450W Power Supplies an
8 out of 10. If you have any questions regarding this
review be sure to visit the Tradex Information Technology
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Stylish design for case modders
- 80mm and 120mm LED exhaust fans
- Adjustable rheostats fan control switch
- Certified for the AMD and Intel platform
- Built-in functionality (Short Circuit, Over Voltage and Over Current Protection)
- Professionally sleeved cables & "EZ Grip" Female Molex connectors
- Price
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Cons:
- No manual included
- No mounting screws included
- No additional AC outlet
- Limited SLI/PCIe support
- Modular cables would enhance these units to compete with rival units currently on the market
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