OCZ ModXstream Pro 500w
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Published: 27th January 2009 | Source: OCZ | Price: £49.42 |
Up Close
As with a lot of things, it's what's inside that counts. This is where the PSU performs its magic, transforming the unfriendly AC into computer friendly DC current: breaking down the 240VAC into the various low voltage rails. After removing four screws from the top of our unit, we were in...
The fan is manufactured by Globe Fan, and is rated at 0.33A @ 12v. Unfortunately we couldn't find any specs for the fan on Globe Fans website at the time of writing. Interestingly, OCZ have covered off part of the fan with a bit of perspex. This may have been done so that air can escape at the back of the unit, rather than constantly being pushed down.
The internals of the ModXstream Pro are split into three sections, with MOSFET heatsinks dividing each section up. In the top section, we have a single large capacitor. It is preferred to have multiple smaller capacitors as this reduces power ripple, but it shouldn't be too big a problem. The capacitor appears to be made by EPCOS, a German manufacturer and features the following markings: 330uF / 400v / 85c. In the middle section we have two transformers, one for the 12v and the other most likely for 3.3v/5v.
Cabling
Being a modular cables not all the cables are attached to the PSU. Instead only a few of them are left attached to the PSU and the rest are detachable. This way only the cables you need are attached, minimising excess cable mess within your case.
Here we have the dual PCI-e Connectors and molex leads. The 8-pin PCI-e can be converted to a 6-pin lead by removing the two extra pins. The Molex connectors have two standard molex connectors, then a floppy connector on the end. It would have been far more useful to have three molex connectors, with a floppy adaptor in the box for those that still need them.
As with a lot of things, it's what's inside that counts. This is where the PSU performs its magic, transforming the unfriendly AC into computer friendly DC current: breaking down the 240VAC into the various low voltage rails. After removing four screws from the top of our unit, we were in...
The internals of the ModXstream Pro are split into three sections, with MOSFET heatsinks dividing each section up. In the top section, we have a single large capacitor. It is preferred to have multiple smaller capacitors as this reduces power ripple, but it shouldn't be too big a problem. The capacitor appears to be made by EPCOS, a German manufacturer and features the following markings: 330uF / 400v / 85c. In the middle section we have two transformers, one for the 12v and the other most likely for 3.3v/5v.
Cabling
Being a modular cables not all the cables are attached to the PSU. Instead only a few of them are left attached to the PSU and the rest are detachable. This way only the cables you need are attached, minimising excess cable mess within your case.
The cables already attached to the PSU are as follows: 4-Pin P4 Connector, 8-Pin EPS connector, 20+4-Pin ATX power cable. These are pretty much the bare minimum for any PC. It would have been nice to have the 4-Pin and 8-Pin connectors being modular, as one of these is guaranteed not to be in use.
There is a nice selection of cables included in the box. In the top left we have the PCI-e 6-pin and 8-pin leads. In the middle we have the UK mains power lead. Then, around the edges we have the molex and SATA power leads. In total you can connect 6 SATA devices, 4 Molex devices and 2 Floppy devices. The SATA's come in a group of three, which is handy as most case caddies take 3 drives - Well thought out OCZ.
Here we have the dual PCI-e Connectors and molex leads. The 8-pin PCI-e can be converted to a 6-pin lead by removing the two extra pins. The Molex connectors have two standard molex connectors, then a floppy connector on the end. It would have been far more useful to have three molex connectors, with a floppy adaptor in the box for those that still need them.
Most Recent Comments
Nice review 
It's certainly interesting to see another of the OCZ lower budget series, the StealthXstream were already very interesting.
I don't think it can compete with the cooler master m520 when it's about price though. The ModXstream retails for â¬65.- in the Netherlands while me m520 is about â¬7-8 cheaper. May not sound like a lot but most of the time these psu's are used in low budget builds where every penny counts.
I think it would be a good idea to make three PSU roundups. For low (400w-), mid (400-700w) and high (700w+) units. That way it's easy to compare the reviewed supplies
To be continued, have to eat now
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It's certainly interesting to see another of the OCZ lower budget series, the StealthXstream were already very interesting.I don't think it can compete with the cooler master m520 when it's about price though. The ModXstream retails for â¬65.- in the Netherlands while me m520 is about â¬7-8 cheaper. May not sound like a lot but most of the time these psu's are used in low budget builds where every penny counts.
I think it would be a good idea to make three PSU roundups. For low (400w-), mid (400-700w) and high (700w+) units. That way it's easy to compare the reviewed supplies
To be continued, have to eat now
QuoteThis looks really decent, been toying with the idea of going modular when I upgrade my backup rig at easter, and the price had put me off but £50 is a small price to pay for something that performs well and could replace my Corsair in the event of an emergency. Good review, with a nice decisive conclusion Quote
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Originally Posted by name='soapsupah'
first, thanks for the review Jim, and now, coments: it looks pretty good for a 500w psu, the temps of it aren't bad, it does it job well, its silent, and isnt expensive at all, maybe this is another one for me to chose? im still having trouble at choosing 500w modular psu's. i think i still have the corsair as my top.
Anyways, great review man  Soap. |
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Originally Posted by name='monkey7'
I think it would be a good idea to make three PSU roundups. For low (400w-), mid (400-700w) and high (700w+) units. That way it's easy to compare the reviewed supplies
To be continued, have to eat now |
Once again, nice review and good so see some midrange products
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Anyways, great review man
Soap.Quote