Soyo Raptor SY-PS400 Adjustable Switching Power Supply - Articles / Reviews

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Soyo Raptor SY-PS400 Adjustable Switching Power Supply

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Kurtis Kronk
Brian
Soyo
Aug. 1, 2004

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Conclusion

When it comes down to it, the idea of having adjustable pots on a power supply is not totally original. That said, Soyo has taken a different approach by integrating the controls along with a display, over voltage warning LEDs, and USB ports in a front bay device. This is certainly more convenient, and the USB ports help to make the bay device more worthwhile. If you have a powerful or loaded system, or if you like to overclock, the adjustable pots are a great addition for stabilizing the 5.0V and 3.3V rails. If you have the room, the bay device that comes with this PSU is worth having. However, if your 5.25" bays are limited, and you don't need to constantly be aware of the voltage rails, there are other options you should consider.

One thing that I definitely wanted to clarify is that the digital voltage readout on the drive bay isn't completely accurate. The point of having adjustable voltage rails and the ability to monitor the voltages accurately should go hand in hand.

As far as the noise level is concerned, the Raptor's 120mm produces about the same amount of noise as most other quality power supplies that aren't geared towards a "silent' market.

The Raptor packs a punch with 400W of power, and it looks damn good too. The construction quality is top-notch which is reflected under the hood with good organization and neatness. While this helps to promote airflow through the power supply, it also showcases Soyo's craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you consider yourself an enthusiast, and the ability to adjust the pots and monitor voltages would benefit you, then this is a product you most definitely should consider. On the other hand, if you're just the average Joe or are looking for something more towards the quiet side, you should consider your options.

Pros

Plenty of power
Quality construction
Adjustable voltage rails
Over-voltage warning
Effective cooling
SATA power connectors
Stylish

Cons

Mandatory bay device
Display inaccurate

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Page 5 of 5

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: A Closer Look & Internals
Page 3: Internals
Page 4: Testing
Page 5: Conclusion

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by Brian on August 2, 2004 - 11:57 pm

I have this power supply in my computer temporarily. Works great but a little loud for my tastes. The Voltage display is nice, and the bay doesn't really bother me since I have plenty of room for it right now. However, the computer I am using right now is just a temp while I work on my mod. Then I'm switching over to a 400W Zalman.

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