Nexus NX-3500 SE
It has been a while since Skenegroup has offered its English readers an article about power supplies. Previously we had an older Nexus 300W PSU which did quite well in our tests. This time I received a sample from Nexus as well. It is Nexus NX-3500 SE's turn to try to convince me and our fellow readers. The model is Second Edition and a few changes can be seen. The power supply contains a bigger 120mm fan and also the cables have been extended. The PSU is also SATA-ready. The hopes were high when the Nexus arrived. The promised 19dB noise level added with the reputation and quality of Nexus weren't the most irrelevant reasons for my hopes. The price wasn't outstanding either, ~60€ in the Finnish market.
Specifications
- Size: 150x86x140 mm
- Fan: 120mm fan (Idle 19,2 dB)
- Efficiency: 350W
- Connectors: 5x Molex, 2x FDD, 1x SATA, P4, ATX, AUX
- Values: +3.3V 28.0A,+5V 30.0A,+12V 16.0A,-5V 0.3A, -12V 0.8A,+5Vsb 2.0A.
- Over voltage protection: +5V : 6.5V(max.) +3.3V : 4.6V(max.) +12V : 15.5V(max.)
- Passive PFC
The Package and First Impression
Nexus NX-3500 arrived well-packed from Holland straight to my front door. A small and funny detail on the package left a nice impression. It was taped all over with "Nexus - Stops Noise"-tape. 'Til this day, Nexus has actually been worth its reputation as a noise killer. The PSU is sold in a package which differs from normal. It is shaped as a cube and has a carry knob. The package gives a high-quality impression with its neat colours. The package is though only cosmetics and reviewing it is rather secondary, but anyway I'd like to bring up a few details. The side of the package has a list of "The most common sources of noise" in ten languages. Of course they include solutions to the problem, and the best alternatives are Nexus products ;)
Instead of using words like Super, Hyper and Ultra Nexus prefers "Real Silent Power Supply" which sounds quite simple compared to others. But when everything is in condition, you don't need extra praises. Inside the package there is a black and classy PSU. The fan is striking, big and colourful. The external look of Nexus doesn't differ from other 120mm PSUs. Its back wall is perforated and there is a power switch. There aren't any fan controlling possibilities in Nexus, the fan blows automatically depending on the temperature. This might not be a negative thing if the PSU is first-rate. At least you don't have to use your energy in switching it from high to low every night as the PSU is always silent. This is when the PSU is really first-rate. We'll see.
Nexus NX-3500 SE
