Thoughts, HEXUS.awards and HEXUS.right2reply
We'll get the NorthQ NQ-4800-400 out of the way first. We can't recommend it; it couldn't sustain 350W of output, let alone 400W. If the rating was indeed for peak loads, we don't see that as an excuse, users need to know what a PSU can consistently provide, not give out for a couple of seconds. We weren't able to test the remote for the NorthQ; it was unable to turn on the unit after we'd killed it in our tests.
On to the be quiet! PSUs, what can we say about them? Well, they're both reasonably efficient, can do what they say at the tin and do it without getting too toasty. The difference in power output from the two units doesn't really put them in different classes. They should be able to cope with the vast majority of gaming and enthusiast systems, even SLI. We'd steer users towards something with a bit more grunt if a pair of NVIDIA GeForce 7900GTXs or ATI Radeon X1900 XTXs were going to be involved, or a hefty array of hard drives, and so forth.
Despite the like power deficit to its non-Pro brother, the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 430W's modular connectors make it, in our eyes, a more appealing product. We've found it listed for a around £65. That makes it an expensive 430W PSU. We're not sure how much difference some of the gimmicks, like the PSU's 'special' casing, or the 'VGA protector make to overall performance'. It's hard for us to say that these justify the price, then, leaving the modular connections as the only aspect that could.
FSP's developed a more powerful, silent PSU, something we like the sound of (get it?) That said, we hope FSP can lengthen the cables a bit when it fits the final runs to the unit. The Zen 400W's efficiency is excellent and it delivered its full 400W with good stability, even if there was a little bit of ripple on the 12V rails.
So, can we make a recommendation? If you're a neat freak you'll like the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 430W, providing you're willing to pay for it. For the be quiet Dark Power 470W, coming in at £68 or so, it should do what you ask of it without any fuss. We've also seen the 530W Pro model on sale for £75, too.
We'll certify both of be quiet! Dark Power PSUs as having passed the HEXUS.labs tests (in the gaming category... they support SLI, after all), while the NorthQ wallows in self pity. Retail boxed FSP Group Zen 400W PSUs are, apparently, currently in transit to the UK, and providing it's priced fairly, we reckon it'll be a good seller amongst those who crave silence. We can't give it an innovation award; Zen isn't a new product line, but we can recommend it to sensitive-eared media-type people or in fact anyone who demands a very low-noise PC!
HEXUS Awards
be quiet! Dark Power 470W
HEXUS Where2Buy
At the moment, we cannot recommend the NorthQ PSU and FSP's Zen 400W model is not available to buy. We contacted be quiet! for a list of U.K-based retailers and it appears that only the be quiet! Dark Power 430W SKU is available for purchase at £64 here. We also found the 470W non-Pro model listed for just under £70 and a 530W Pro model for £74 here. be quiet! also offered us an alternative link for a more-expensive and powerful PSU.HEXUS Right2Reply
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