I'm following the Dragon 2.0 specification and once again my supplier has let me down, he cannot supply the ZM460B-APS, but he has offered me the 500 W version at the same price.

Is that acceptable, or is the 500 W louder?

What does it say on the Zalman web site? From memory, the brochure that comes with the 460 says the 500W is louder. Why not buy a Nexus instead? It's quieter than anything else and it's available.

Mike

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LinHES 7.4
Australian Dragon
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From the Zalman product page:

ZM460-APS
(http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/vie ... =194&code=)

CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) with Auto Control Cooling Fan
Noise has been greatly reduced with the implementation of the heat-sensor circuitry, which is in control of the cooling fan’s speed (rpm) in relation to the temperature, inside the power supply.
The graph below shows the CNPS characteristics of our product.

※ CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System) refers to a system that reduces a conventional computer’s noise (30dB or more) to an inaudible level (20dB or less). In order to create a true noise-free computer, Zalman’s other noise-free products should be used together with this product.

[The graph above] shows that the ZM460B-APS in “Noiseless� or “Silent� mode can operate when the power supply's internal temperature is kept below 45°C.
This information is in compliance with the 2 Revision of ISO7779, an international standard for noise level measurement. Results may vary for different system configuration and/or the test environment.

ZM500-HP
(http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/vie ... =276&code=)

ZM500-HP is ultra-quiet power supply complies with ATX12V Version 2.2, and supports the lastest dual-core CPUs(Intel Core2 series/AMD Athlon64-X2 series), as well as the lastest dual graphic card systems(SLI).
A heatpipe with ultra-high cooling performance incorporated on the power supply’s main rectifiers enables high load operation even at low RPM for a dramatic reduction in noise levels.

Zalman doesn't state the dB for the ZM500-HP.

I tried different price check search engines in Australia, and I couldn't find the Nexus PSU. Where can I get them?

What's the return policy? If you don't like it can you exchange it? FWIW I'm using a much smaller PSU, the one that came with my Antec NSK2400 is 380 watts, never had a problem with it, you could check into something smaller than 460 watts.

I sell the Nexus (http://www.better-access.com/index.php?dest=components). Think I'm the only one in Australia. PC case gear is listed as a reseller but they don't stock any Nexus stuff at all.

The Zalman 460 creates 18.2db, and the Nexus 16.2db.

The Zalman is very quiet, the Nexus silent. If you want silence, you'll pay about $90 more for it.

The 500W is going to be louder than the 460W, I believe - it generates more power and therefore heat, *and* they don't list the sound level.
You can get the Zalman 460 just about anywhere, so you shouldn't worry about your supplier not having it. Try CPL if you're in Melbourne (www.cpl.net.au): I was recently let down by them, but they sell the Zalmans for only $129 and have plenty in stock.

Cheers

Mike

_________________
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LinHES 7.4
Australian Dragon
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