ZM460B-APS Power Supply

The Zalman ZM460B-APS power supply is rated for a combined, maximum output power of 460 watts while operating at up to 50°C.  This is an important feature and is an area where some less reputable manufactures mislead their customers by significantly limiting a power supply’s full load output if the internal operating temperature exceeds 25°C.

 

Zalman HD160 HTPC Enclosure and 460W Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 55

 

This is the newest version of Zalman’s popular ZM460 power supply (note the B in the ZM460B-APS model number).  The following table lists the DC voltage results at different loads for the ZM460B-APS PSU while operating on 115 VAC, 60 Hz.

 

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The Zalman 460W PSU produced good voltage regulation on all of the outputs across a broad range of loads.  All of the outputs stayed within the ±5% guidelines and under a typical load (263W), all of the critical outputs were within ±3%.

 

Zalman HD160 HTPC Enclosure and 460W Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 57

 

The overall efficiency of the ZM460B-APS power supply was also good, and slightly exceeded the new ATX design recommendation of 80% under a typical load.

 

To measure temperature, thermocouples were placed at the air inlet and exhaust outlet. The ambient room air temperature was 24ºC (75ºF) +/- 1ºC during testing.

 

T in = temperature of air entering power supply

T out = temperature of air exhausting from power supply

ΔT = T out – T in

 

Sound pressure level readings were taken 3′ in front of the PSU in an otherwise quiet room.  The power supply was placed on a foam rubber mouse pad during testing.  The ambient noise level was ~30 dBA. 

 

Zalman HD160 HTPC Enclosure and 460W Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 58

 

Temperatures were also good, indicating that the above average efficiency was contributing to less heat production even with the cooling fan running at low speeds.  At the same time the ZM460B-APS was very quiet.  Only when operating at full load, did the fan noise become slightly noticeable.

 

Overall the Zalman ZM460B-APS 460W power supply was very quiet and produced solid voltages while operating above 80% efficiency under moderate to heavy loads.  Universal line voltage input with active PFC is a plus and the Zalman PSU comes with sleeved cables and EZ Grip connectors.

 

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