FSP Bluestorm II 500

[burebista]

Here (http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=84), by OW.
Thanks man, I really appreciate your review. In my country this PSU is very popular.
Thanks for the tips, too. ;)
The second thing to note is that the unit doesn't like crossloading. Not at all.
Don't grab one of these for grandpa's old Pentium II, kids.
The hot box results tell us one thing right off the bat - this unit doesn't like heat.
The fan became a whirling dervish of sound audible over the SunMoon's howler somewhere around test three this time, and was very much audible by test five.
Bottom line, if you power a modern computer and you have a good airflow in your case BSII 500 is a good choice for a tight budget.

[Zap]

Dunno about the tight budget because Newegg sells it for around $85 or so. It would make for an awesome $50 PSU, sans sleeving and colors. $85 borders on similar powered Corsair/Antec stuff that is quieter.

[funnyperson1]

Yea for $85 I would much rather have a VX450, for around $60 this would be a winner. For that price even an Earthwatts might be a better choice, the exhaust temps on the BSII are a bit excessive. The Enhance 5150GH is another excellent choice thats in the same price range as the BSII.

[burebista]

Yeah, both you're right. Now I saw prices here and it has the same price with Corsair VX450, so hard times for BSII 500...

[spursindonesia]

Nice review, OW, appreciated. :)

This unit is quite popular too in my country, since the distributor representatives are pretty active dealing with end users in IT forums here, actively promoting, educating the potential buyers, and very helpful with online aftersales support.

Especially, now they have started the lifetime warranty policy over FSP units sold in my country, i expect Bluestorm 2 fame to get bigger in the future. This unit is priced around 75 US$ here -MSRP, not shipped.

EDIT: Oops, no ATX 12v 4 pin to EPS 12v 8 pin adaptor ? I suppose they also put that in the package there like what's done with units distributed in my country, but they apparently don't do that.

[HOOfan_1]

Dunno about the tight budget because Newegg sells it for around $85 or so. It would make for an awesome $50 PSU, sans sleeving and colors. $85 borders on similar powered Corsair/Antec stuff that is quieter.

VX450 is a better buy for that price.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Thanks for the comments :)

The FSP500-60HLN is pretty close to being the same unit without the Blue Storm badge - one should be able to get that version cheaper, if it's carried by anyone.

http://www.fsp-group.com.tw/english/1_product/2_detail.asp?mainid=1&fid=52&proid=360

[Killy]

Nice review.

Actually, I'd have to say I don't really like that solid blue colour on the fan. It seems .. icky.

[HeyItsBattleKid]

I bought that one for around $70 about 9 months ago. I sold it on ebay and only got $12 for it :(

I got a clicking noise from the fan hitting something on the inside, bumped it, and it went away :)

[DuckieHo]

This PSU uses a Yate Loon fan, correct? Doesn't Yate Loon make only sleeve bearing fans? Sleeve bearing fans function properly only when mounted vertically. In a PSU, one would expect the fan to be horizontal which would increase sound and wear.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Yep, it's a YL.

[Killy]

This PSU uses a Yate Loon fan, correct? Doesn't Yate Loon make only sleeve bearing fans? Sleeve bearing fans function properly only when mounted vertically. In a PSU, one would expect the fan to be horizontal which would increase sound and wear.

That's what I've always been curious about too. But no one will really answer my question. Perhaps they're using modified sleeves, e.g. rifle bearing?

[DuckieHo]

Yep, it's a YL.

OW, can you take a closer pic of the fan? Does it say sleeve bearing? Maybe you can provide me with the 3-digit number at the bottom of the label. I have a about 4-5 Yate Loon or "Yate Loon" fans for comparison.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Nope, the unit is out the door to its new owner already. Fortunately though, I take all my review pics at the max resolution the Nikon 3700 supports...

[spursindonesia]

DC Brushless = Sleeve Bearings, correct ?

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Sleeve. If you look at the YL site, in the part number D12SH-12 SH is sleeve, BH is ball.

[jonnyGURU]

Sleeve bearing fans function properly only when mounted vertically. In a PSU, one would expect the fan to be horizontal which would increase sound and wear.

I've yet to be 100% convinced of this.

Typically, sleeve bearing fans are used in PSU's because they're quieter, not because they're cheaper, although their lifespan is reduced.