INTRODUCTION
The new series of power supplies recently discharged by Zalman ha a "RS" postfix in its name which stands for "Resonant Switching". Compared to Two-Forward Switching, the more advanced Resonant Switching minimizes "switching loss" reduces heat generation, and operates more efficiently by eliminating the need for an output inductance leading to outstanding stability and reliability.
With the use of "Resonant Switching" it is possible to use small components which don't generate as much heat. Thus, it's possible to use o less noisy cooling solution. As the RS technology minimizes the loss of power in the conversion, this can be considered a very "green" and energy saving product.
OK, so let's get a load at the specifications:
Zalman ZM500-RS
Power 500W
Efficiency 87% maximum. "80+BRONZE"
Fixed wiring ATX 20+4 pin connective
6 PCI-E pin connective
6+2 PCI-E pin connective
4+4 ATX 12V pin connective
4 SATA connectives
4 molex connectives
1 FDD connective
PFC 99% maximum
Cooling solution 120mm fan
Electrical protections OVP, OCP, SCP, OTP, UVP
Dimensions 140 x 150 x 86 mm
Power in 100V/240V
8A/4A
50/60Hz
Power out +3.3V 24A (tip of 30A)
+5V 24A (tip of 30A)
+12V1 18A (tip of 22A)
+12V2 18A (tip of 22A)
-12V 0,5A
+5VSB 3A (tip of 3,5A)
Combined power maximum +3.3V, +5V 130W
+12V 432W
-12V, +5VSB 21W
+3.3V, +5V, +12V, +5VSB 500W
The RS-series also includes a 600W model perchance more altered to high end components. The RS-series will without a doubt be very appreciated by builders of compact systems, the only affair I miss is a standard design for the wiring.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The unit comes in a nice looking cardboard box with a mass of printing on that which emphasizes the most important characteristics of the power supply.
In the back side of the box, Zalman has put some images of details such as the wiring and used components. They have also placed summaries in different languages of the most important specifications.
In the box I found the power supply (absolutely protected); a power cable; some plastic bridles; screws and the manual.
ZALMAN ZM500-RS IN DETAIL
One of the first affairs that I detected about the Zalman ZM500-RS is that it's small than normal PSUs. Of course it still follows the ATX standard in terms of where the screws are placed and everyaffair else. It's just not as big as what I am used to, which makes it ideal for small dimensions cases.
The side with the power cord connective and the on-off switch has a argentiferous grid to increase the air flow. The right side has the Zalman logo carved in it. The opposite side holds a big tag with all the specifications of the power supply.
The cooling solution consists of a 120mm fan which runs at a constant speed (not heat regulated). Of course I had to take the top cover off and take a look. I found out that this PSU is actually assembled by POWER LOGIC which is a well know builder of PSUs, used by other players like Xigmatek and Asus.
The wiring of the Zalman ZM500-RS is contained by strong acrylic plastic which holds it firmly in place. The length of the wiring is enough for an average tower case but I wouldn't recommend using it with full tower cases.
TESTS OF ZALMAN ZM500-RS
This will be one of the last reviews I do with my usual test system setup, ne'er the less, here are the specifications:
Test equipment
Processor AMD Phenom II 920
Fan Cooler Master Hyper N520
Motherboard Sapphire PC-AM2RD790 - CrossFireX PUREE
Graphics card Sapphire Radeon HD 2900XT
Soundcard Auzen X-Fi Forte 7.1
Memory Kingston HyperX DDR2 1066 2×2GB T1 Series
Hard disk Samsung SP2504C (SATA II, 7200rmp, 8MB)
Power supply Zalman ZM500-RS
Case Antec Skeleton
To realize the test I used OCCT 3.1 to load the system to the max. In order to measure the voltages I used an ordinary digital multimeter and the power usage was measured with the ZM-MFC3 which I reviewed last week. The results can be viewed in the graph below:
As you can see from the graphs, the numbers the Zalman ZM500-RS produced are excellent. The voltages are hugely stable; the PSU clay altogether capable of delivering the power as it should even at full system load. The total consumption at full system load is the last I have measured with my system, which for certain is a result of the Resonant Switching technology.
The noise emitted by this PSU is well-nigh not possible to hear, that is just how quiet the fan is and because the fan turns at a constant speed the load doesn't affect the noise emission.
CONCLUSIONS
Doubtless the Zalman ZM500-RS is a superiority power supply with many intriguing characteristics. I love that it's small which makes it perfect to put in a small HTPC case or any other small PC case. However, the wiring is rather short so if you are building a PC system in a full tower case you will probably not be able to use this PSU without any extension cables.
The performance is absolutely fantastic, it is in fact the most energy efficient PSU I have tested so far. The energy efficiency is of ever increasing grandness and it's nice to know that your system is using up the minimum amount of power, which will in the end mean nominal cost. The PSU is radical quiet and the voltages are stable disregardless what you throw at it.
Zalman has done a great work with this product; the RS technology is a smart innovation that will save you money in the long run. The price of the ZM500-RS goes up to around 90EUR which is a mass of money for a PSU. It is clearly aimed towards PC builders with a large budget or anyone interested in its power saving or low noise features.
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