SysOpt.com - System Optimization and PC PerformanceSystem Optimization and PC Performance
  Earthweb
SysOpt Registered Users: 8812 | Online: 82
Events Premium Services Media Kit Network Map E-mail Offers Whitepapers Vendor Showcases
 subjects:
EarthWeb Hardware
subjects:

Search EarthWeb Network

internet.commerce
Partners & Affiliates















Tutorials and Tools
FREE TECH Newsletters

SysOpt > Features > Cases & Power > Intelligent Protection: Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W Review

Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Intelligent Protection: Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W Review- Page 6/6
May 3, 2006
By Thomas Soderstrom



Conclusion
 

The Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W impresses with similar performance to a previously reviewed 600W unit and high advertised efficiency. It also produced similar noise levels to our Thermaltake PurePower 600W, and even comes in a similar color. What buyers gain in the iGreen is improved efficiency and greater value pricing.

We're a little disappointed in Cooler Master's bold claim of 17dB fan noise when our testing revealed noise levels in the mid-20dB range for systems in its target market. Yes, most other companies use similar marketing tactics, but previous experience with Cooler Master had lead us not to expect this sort of playing fast-and-loose with noise numbers.

A suggested price of $120 makes the iGreen Power 500W a reasonable value, but discount vender prices should fall quickly as availability increases. Further consideration for its high efficiency increases its value indirectly, by way of reduced electric bills.

Pros:

  • High efficiency of 81-85 percent
  • High stability, less than 2 percent fluctuation at full rated capacity
  • Peak capacity exceeds nominal rating by 100W
  • Added cooling for case and CPU via 120mm fan
  • Low-noise through smart fan controls
  • SLI/Crossfire compatible with separate PCI Express power leads
  • Full Fault Protection for voltage, current, and heat
  • Compliant with latest ATX12v v2.2 and EPS12V v2.9 specifications
  • Significant 400,000 hour estimated MTBF
  • Three-year warranty

Cons:

  • Estimated noise numbers slightly misleading
  • Up-front cost a little high

The Verdict: The Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W offers exceptional stability, capacity, and efficiency, priced similarly to less efficient top-brand competitors.

SysOpt Product Info

Product:
iGreen Power 500W, Model RS-500-ASAA

Category:
Power Supplies

Avg. Price:
$120

Manufacturer:
Cooler Master Co. Ltd.
U.S. Headquarters
1951 S Parco Av. Unit A.
Ontario, Calif. 91761
(909) 673-9880

Availability:
Now

Ratings: (Best of four stars)
Features:
Performance:
Value:

Best for:
Power systems and graphics workstations

Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Tools:
Add www.sysopt.com to your favorites
Add www.sysopt.com to your browser search box
IE 7 | Firefox 2.0 | Firefox 1.5.x
Receive news via our XML/RSS feed

Forum Discussions
Hot Threads
TOPIC BY REPLIES UPDATED
Constant HDD Reading Blacksunshine 16 8-30-2010 07:08 PM
.iso file to memory stick wardD 8 9-6-2010 02:45 PM
Asian parts buying? Billforce 7 9-8-2010 06:47 PM
software amplifier for computers? wardD 7 9-6-2010 10:00 AM
Best AGP video card. jotto 7 9-4-2010 05:48 PM
Latest Posts
TOPIC BY REPLIES UPDATED
Asian parts buying? Billforce 7 9-8-2010 06:47 PM
Win 7 Startup repair loop - desperate for help farmcos 6 9-7-2010 10:49 AM
.iso file to memory stick wardD 8 9-6-2010 02:45 PM
software amplifier for computers? wardD 7 9-6-2010 10:00 AM
RAID on SATA 6Gb/s with SATA 3Gb/s drives. Bearded1 0 9-6-2010 07:55 AM