Choosing between 2 PSUs: Zalman ZM300A-APF and Nexus NX-3000

[Wedge1]

My first post, greetings to all.

I was hoping for some input from owners of either of these 2 power supplies. I am seeking something a bit more quiet than my 250 Watt ATX that I have in a P4 fsb 400MHz. I'm assuming that a 300 watt would be sufficient since my current 250 watt has always been rock-stable. If I am mistaken, please correct me.

Also, I am reading in forums that SilenX is competitive in the "quiet PSU" market as well. However, I am having a hard time finding any relevant reviews or retailors.

 

[DaveSimmons]

www.silentpcreview.com says the Nexus is best -- I have one sitting in a box but I won't have time to put together my HTPC with it until this weekend.

 

[Wedge1]

Please report back Dave, as I am trying to make a decision about this.

In fact, I've raised the stakes a bit: I'm either getting the 400 watt Zalman or the 300 watt Nexus. I simply don't know which way to go as I think Zalman has the solid, reliable reputation, and the 400 watt is *probably* an improvement over the 300 watt, though I would like for somebody to back that up if they can.

On the other hand, I have read that the same as you. The Nexus is apparently *the* silent PSU. So if silence is the ultimate goal here, then I suppose the Nexus is the way to go.

I've read the reviews. I just wish I could hear more from the people who actually are using them in practice.

 

[Auric]

Both are manufactured by Fortron Source / Sparkle Electronic. They differ from the FSP/SPI branded ones by the fans that are supplied. Zalman also includes a little adapter to run other fans at a reduced voltage but it is also available seperately and in any case is of limited value as the same thing can be cobbled together fer nuthin'.

The Zalman 300 is the FSP300-60PLN and the 400 is likely the FSP400-60PFN. A Google search on those models would likely turn up some reviews. The Nexus is an older and/or lower model -I'm not sure which but it clearly lacks Active PFC due to the telltale input voltage selector. So given the choices you are asking about I recommend either of the Zalman brand.

However, with a little effort you could save some scratch by getting an FSP/SPI and installing the fan of your choice. Panaflo Hydrowave bearing ones are good, either a low or medium speed 80mm would do depending on how quiet you want it. As good as the 300W models are, the 400 are even heavier duty in their construction so if it is within your budget and especially if you plan on running higher performance CPU's and GPU's in the future then that would be the best choice. zalmanusa.com and www.fortron-source.com both list dealers.

 

[Wedge1]

Cheers Auric! You just educated me a bit. I'll do some googling on the FSP/SPI models you listed. I did not realize that the Zalman and Nexus were the same, save for the coolings fans.

Nexus question: Why are people unhappy with the fan grill of the 300 watt model? It has been changed in the 400 watt due to cumstomer feedback, but I know too little about this to understand the difference.

Here is my system. Not sure how high-end it is compared to the newer high-end models these days.
Gateway Performance 1300:
=P4 1.3GHz fsb 400Mhz (not overclocked)
=386mb RDRAM PC 800
=1 IBM hd 40GB
=1 WD hd 80GB w/8mb cache
=GeForce 2 GTS Ultra 64mb
=LTR 48246S 48x cdrw drive
=LG 8160B 16x cdrw drive
=Floppy drive
=2 Linksys NICs
=1 Vantec Stealth 90mm fan
=1 Enermax UC-8FAB 80mm fan
=250 watt PSU: Newton Power Ltd. NPS-250CD A (not sure who this is but it's "made in Thailand")

 

[Auric]

Stamped grills usually impede airflow more than the wire grill type and are often a reflection of cheap components.

BTW, a belated welcome to the forum!

 

[Wedge1]

Thank you Auric (both for the info and the welcome).

Is there a good reason to buy the 400 watt Zalman over the 300 watt, assuming that my setup could run fine with either of the 2?

 

[Auric]

Nope. Since they otherwise have the same features and as you say the current 250 is fine so the 300 will be overkill as it is. The 400 should only be considered with regard to any future upgrades.