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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The High Power 480w ATX12V Power Supply installs just like any regular power supply and I had no problem
getting it into my system. As you can see, there is a cutout in the side graphics on the power supply
that the box art cleverly attempts to hide. There is no display there, not even a hole in the metal of
the power supply. On the High Power website, the power supply possesses vent holes in this spot on all
the real-world models I've seen there are none. Why? Who can say? To continue in the vein of mysteries
there is a red wire I left hanging out that has no use!
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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After disassembling the power supply shell (which did not, in fact, void any warranties, since there are
no warranty stickers on the screws) I traced the mystery wire to the rear fan. As you can see in the
picture there are a pile of wires coming out of that fan. I can only guess, but I think that the front
panel may have been planned to monitor fan speed. As it is, you get a completely useless connector and
wire, absolutely free. The power specs for this model are at best, fair. With 18A of peak power on the
12v rail there is no way to attach an SLI system, and the rating may be insufficient for anything more
than a mid-range computer. For a high end or SLI system, most consumers should plan on 25-35 amps on
the 12v rail.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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After removing the external housing I did note that all the internals were present and accounted. The
airflow and cooling through this unit should be quite good, with a dual fan setup, however the noise
off of two cheap and high speed 80mm fans is deafening. The High Power 480w ATX12V Power Supply is by
far one of the noisiest units I have ever had the misfortune of being near. There is no provision for
slowing the fans or otherwise quieting the system, despite the lofty claims by the manufacturer. The
fan located on the bottom seems to have rubber grommets between it and lid - but again, they might as
well have left them out and given you ear plugs with every purchase. As installed in the above
described system, the voltage rails (as read by MBM 5) are all within ATX specs, as is to be expected.
I do not have the equipment to verify the accuracy of the rated amperage, but the rails all seemed
stable.
I do want to take a minute to look at the moddability of the power supply. At MTB, if it can't be modded,
you're not trying hard enough. If you wanted to, you could vinyl dye the cables all the same colour,
remove the plastic decals on the casing and under volt the fans. There isn't space to mod a 120mm fan
inside the case, but one could be mounted externally on the bottom. You could also remove the wattage
display from its bay cover and mount it nearly anywhere you wanted. Of course, this would depend on just
how much you really want that wattage display.
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Conclusion:
The High Power 480w ATX12V Power Supply aka PW-480-102 DF Power Watcher is not designed with the
overclocker, power system or quiet PC user in mind. The cables are nicely sleeved, and there is a
flashy set of lights with the unit, but that is about it. The focus seems to be entirely on looks and
marketing. The unit is extremely loud, not very powerful and not very good looking, especially
considering the competition at this price point. The adapters provided with the High Power 480w ATX12V
Power Supply are not very good, although the cables are nicely sleeved and Molexed. The cooling is good,
but two bundled 80mm fans are too loud to warrant continuous use. By far the biggest issues with this
product are the lack of a proper user's manual and several noted mystery wires that serve no purpose.
While the Power Watcher wattage module is a great idea the power rating is middle to lower end and the
display doesn't turn off or provide proper screws for installation. Aside from all the issues, I'm rating
the High Power 480w ATX12V Power Supply a final score of 5 out of 10.
After completing my evaluation and testing I would have to recommend that consumers stay away from this
one. If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the
Alpha & Omega Computer Corporation website for more
information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Nicely sleeved cables
- Quick release molexes and sata connectors
- Fairly accurate wattage display
- Case modder friendly
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Cons:
- Unbelievably loud
- Low amperage rating
- Gaudy colours
- No manual
- Mystery wires?
- Wattage display is always on
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