Testing Platform
- Abit NF7-S rev2.0
- AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Barton @ 1,99GHz
- 2x256MB Geil Platinium Ultra PC3500 2-6-3-3
- Connect3D 9800Pro 128MB
- Samsung SP40 80GB 7200rpm + Seagate Barracuda IV 60GB 7200rpm
- LG CD-RW 48x
All the tests were run with the platform mentioned above. I didn't compare Nexus to any other PSU this time.
I took the most important 5 and 12V lines along to the test in both idle and burn. As before, I used MBM5's accessory part MBMLog to gain results. You should remember that MBM is just software so the results aren't 100% accurate. They give a hint anyhow. For the next PSU reviews done at our site we should have also accurate values. The idle measures were done after an hour idle and the burn with 3DMark03.
The diagrams show the results in two minutes. The diagram is refreshed every second. At the top of the diagram you can see every lines voltage at the moment and the min/max voltages during the tests.
Tests: 5V
The diagram draws a perfect straight line. There isn't any swinging. At burn the line swings only a couple of silly times but in practice you can consider the line straight. Excellent!
Tests: 12V
The 12V line can't do such a perfect result as the 5V, but anyway there isn't any reason to complain! The burning doesn't make any difference to the idle values. It seems first-rate!
Tests: All the voltages
Last but not least, every line together. This diagram shows everything needed. The idle and burn results don't differ at all. The result is three lines as straight as an arrow and a 12V which swings slightly. You should still remember my measuring technique which isn't perfect so that a couple decimal toss can be considered as nothing. Excellent!
Conclusion
The Nexus NX-3500 came to the championships as the favourite. This time the middle lane didn't let us done and filled all the expects perfectly. Nexus has manufactured first-rate power supplies for quite a while and this one doesn't make a difference. Classy, silent and high-quality. These are the "principles" I require and all of them combine in this model of Nexus. A black PSU with an orange fan is stylish in case with a window. Nexus announces the noise level to be 19dB in idle. You must remember that different manufacturers measure this in different ways, and some cheating is done here. I do not promise 19dB, I promise an extremely silent PSU which should make every "silence freak" smile. My ears aren't able to give a better conclusion ;) Reliability is one of the most important features when talking about PSUs. The Nexus has been in use for a month or so, and any problems haven't occurred. I cannot give a better review of reliability but the reputation of Nexus gives a good sign! I guess the chat forums will give the last sentence for the reliability. The voltage tests couldn't have been better when testing with my technique, so this is only bonus!
A couple of weak points are seen in this generally perfect product. There could be more Molex-connectors because everyone doesn't live in "SATA time". The fan can't be controlled either with a separate switch. In the end, the fan is always so silent, that I won't count this as a negative feature. Nexus NX-3500 will get the honour to be my first Editor's Choice product!
Good
- Steadily silent
- SATA-connector
- Price
- Voltages
- External look
- Long cables
Bad
- Limited amount of Molex-connectors
Nexus NX-3500 SE
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