CoolMax CR-500B Power Supply

To say that a power supply is a vital component of a computer would nearly be an understatement; here at Bjorn3d we constantly recommend high-end power supplies as the solution to many problems involving top-notch graphics cards and powerful computers. Many people fail to see the necessity, and now the necessity can be fulfilled with COOLMAX's quiet, affordable, and full-featured new CR-500B 500W Power Supply. Before I continue, I must graciously thank IOCombo.com for providing this review unit!

If you are wondering what sort of features you can look forward to in this COOLMAX unit, there are several of particular note:

• A huge 140mm fan (bigger than the already-large 120mm fans that can be found)
• 4 modes of cooling operation: Low, Medium, High, and Automatic
• Solid selection knob for choosing the cooling mode
• Silent Operation (if selecting the appropriate cooling mode)
• Plenty of power for even the most demanding situations, including the new Geforce 6800 Ultra cards!
• Serial ATA power connector for use with new Serial ATA devices.
• Plenty of connectors (6 Molex, 2 Floppy, 1 SATA, 1 P4, 1 Accessory, 1 Mobo).

Lots of power headers...including one for SATA!

Manufacturer specifications and features:

Features:

• Built-in long life 140mm silent cooling fan
• Serial ATA 150 Ready
• 3 Speed Fan Control SwitchUniversal Connector Fits Most of Branded Motherboards.
• Fully support All Intel & AMD series demand.
• High quality gold-coated fan guard & connectors are good for conduction.
• Tube-tide design to tidy the wires.
• Over voltage protection, short circuit protection on all output levels
• All DC output wires have 500mm length minimal

Specifications:

• Active PFC: 0.95@230VAC; Passive PFC: 0.7@230VAC
• With +5VSB: 0~2.5A Max.
• AC input 100~132VAC or 200~264VAC
• Frequency 47~63Hz
• Efficiency >75% at full load
• Meet FCC part 15 Class B, CISPR 22 Class B
• Designed refer to UL, CSA, TUV, CE regulations
• Meet Intel ATX12V/ATX 2.03
• Dimension: 150x140x86 mm

The specification sheet on the side of the PSU.

Power chart:

The packaging lists these features:

• High performance components are designed for extra long life and provide maximum system performance
• Heavy duty transformers designed to support high performance system several drives
• Cable-tube on main power cables for better cable routing and neatness (optional)
• Aluminum Chassis (optional)
• Real No noise Design.
• Compatible with all leading processors including Pentium III, 4 and AMD Athon XP
• Built in EMI filter low ripple noise
• Over voltage Over power and Short circuit protection
• Tube-tide design to tidy the wires
• Designed refer to UL, CSA, TUV regulations. Meet Intel ATX12V/ATX 2.03

Lots of features can be found, but how well does everything perform?