The Install:

     To test the PnP 480W, I installed it into the new AeroCool Masstige Case.  The Masstige is an ATX/BTX compatible case containing a 40 gig Hitachi and a 160 gig Seagate for the hard drives, a Lite-on DVD burner, and an ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard containing two BFG 6600 GT OC video cards, 2 x 5+12 OCZ EL Gold Series RAM and an AMD 3000+ running with an ASUS CRUX CPU cooler. This is a pretty solid LAN party box.

     The Masstige uses a retaining plate to hold the drive in place.  Notice the fan control button next to the plug.  The lights tell you the current fan control status.  With the large 140 mm fan pushing air through the PS, Super Flower has not included a second fan in the back.

     With the PS installed the power runs are pretty short and leave plenty of cable to spare.  This is due to the BTX form factor of the case.  This picture is actually upside down, the bottom of the case is located at the top of the picture.

     This picture shows the completed install.  I only needed one of the +12 V runs to power the drives so things stay pretty clean.  The only real disappointment is the pretty finish is hidden from view.

     After running the PC at idle for about an hour, I captured this shot from the BIOS.  The +12 V rail is just below the target but still within the spec.

     Using SiSoftware Sandra 2005 Sr2, I recorded these settings. Once again the +12v rail is running a little light.  These settings were recorded after an evening of idling.

     To determine the effect of the+12V on an active PC, I fired up PassMark's BurninTest and let it run for about another hour before recording this screen shot.   The +12 V rail has stabilized at 11.36 Volts.  This is still within the ATX standards for at load Voltage, but still a bit disappointing.  All voltages were double checked with my trusty old Radio Shack Multimeter.

Conclusion:

     Super Flower has clearly targeted the casual upgrader with a low cost, option packed, modular power supply.   With features like the 140 mm fan and the dedicated graphic card power cable, you are getting some of the more desirable features found on power supplies costing twice as much.  The lack of a more stable +12 Volt rail may chase away the serious performance gurus but it does provide plenty of power for most casual to high-end installs.  Keep in mind I am only running one +12 volt run as well.  If you are looking for a modular power supply and scared off by the cost, the Plug-N-Power 480W power supply is a nice low cost alternative.  I was unable to find this exact product for purchase but the 450 W version sells for about $69.