Zalman opened up shop in 1999 with a focus on bringing peace to the computer world - in the form of silent computing. Today we have Zalman's ZM750-HP PSU on deck. Is it all that and a bag of chips? We're gonna find out!
Category |
Score |
Comment |
| Features |
19/20 |
- LED back-lit.
- 120mm single fan design.
- Heat pipe cooling system.
- Nice matte black finish.
- SLI Ready.
- 80 Plus certified.
- Velcro fasteners.
|
| Cables, Connections, Dimensions |
18/20 |
- All of the connectors and hookups one should need.
- Cables are all sleeved from tip to toe and between connectors.
- Modular.
- Doesn't meet the ATV v2.2 spec on dimensions (it's an inch longer than the specification call for).
|
| Performance |
18/20 |
- Very solid 12V rail performance. In fact, excellent except under extreme crossloads
- Quiet operation outside maximum loads.
- 5V rail wander could be slightly improved.
- Crossload performance could be tuned up a bit.
- Overall a great performing unit.
|
| Efficiency |
20/20 |
- Some of the best we have seen (average of 84.1% in our tests)
|
| Warranty & Support |
10/10 |
- 3 Year warranty in standard language
- Some info is on the box, or the manual.
- Website is easy to navigate and use.
- Zalman includes manual for download in PDF at thier site.
- Have not heard negative support remarks on PSUs
|
| Price & Value |
6/10 |
- Retail just over $200 USD.
- Street prices ~$180 USD.
- One of the more expensive 750 watt PSUs on the market in its class.
- There may be competitive alternatives on a lower price bracket
|
Our Recommendation
Color us impressed. The Zalman ZM750-HP is a rock solid performer. The main 12V rail performance over a variety of loads puts this unit within the top class of PSUs. Wire management goodies like included Velcro fasteners, modular design, and tip to toe sleeving are not lost on those of us that have to put systems together (and make them look and run cool). The aesthetic is good and we like the blue LED back lighting. The unit is quiet under all but the most severe loads and the efficiency was so high in our tests that we actually had to go back and check our math. All this and Zalman backs it up for 3 years with warranty! Schweet!
There are a few things that Zalman could do to make this unit even better. First, the 5V rail regulation could be a bit improved (it's good, but not on par with the 12V rails). Crossload performance could be tuned up a bit as well. A bit more important to an end user (but easier to address) is to include the unit's dimensions on the box and website. At least a mention that the unit is an inch longer than a standard ATX V2.2 spec unit would be great. Internal component quality could use a slight kick up as well (NOTE: we don't typically include internal componentry opinions in our review scores - and didn't here). The three year warranty from Zalman is comforting, but at the price these units sell for, we would like to see some parts picked from slightly higher off the ladder. And, that brings us to the one thing that might be the ZM750-HP's only serious flaw - the price. At current street prices (and retail), this is an expensive unit - even considering the performance. It's not obscenely expensive, but there are competitive performing units at 10-15% less. That said, we appreciate the original thought and technology in this unit in the form of heat pipes - which we suspect increased the price a bit.
Based solely on performance we can certainly recommend the Zalman ZM750-HP for a hotrod 750 watt build. It isn't often we have to check our math because a unit performed too well in a test! However, when we bring value into the equation, we feel we have to mention that there are some other quality units on par with the ZM750-HP at noticeably lower lower prices. If you do decide to pick up this unit, just know you're buying the Cadillac, and put it in a case that shows it off!
If you are wondering if this PSU meets your wattage needs, try out eXtreme’s wattage calculator.
Other Reviews
It's always nice to have more than one opinion on a component before you spend your hard earned money. For one, we may see something others missed, or vice versa. As with all reviews published at HardwareLogic, we'll not only give you our recommendation, but also point out some reviews from some other great sites around the web.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, we couldn't find any reviews on this exact model. New reviews come up all the time though - so check your favorite search engine!
