Performance (40% of the final score) - the IW-P600CQ3-2 did an overall good job here, even if the unit falls prey to the usual drawbacks of group regulation. Voltage readings were pretty good if a little underwhelming, efficiency was very good, the thermostatic fan worked just like it was intended to, and it held ripple and noise well in spec. I'm going to give this unit an 8.5 here.
Functionality (20% of the final score) - although lacking an 8 pin (or 6+2 pin) PCI-E connector for the very latest video cards, it is likely that this unit predates the advent of that connector. That said, the 8 pin connector really is mandatory these days for a unit at this power level, because this unit could power one high power video card without too much trouble. So, I have to remove a point for that. I'm also going to take another point off for sleeving the ATX cable, but not bothering with the rest of the rat's nest. But, I'm going to put back on a half point because the thermostatic switch worked so well. 8.5.
Value (30% of the final score) - at PC Universe, this unit comes in at $85.30. This makes it a direct competitor to the OCZ GameXStream 600W, and in that it can be called a good value. I'll give it an 8 here.
Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - being matte black counts in this units favor with me, as always. But, I can't help but wish the rest of the cables had been sleeved. 8.
Performance
8.5
Functionality
8.5
Value
8
Aesthetics
8
Total Score
8
Summary
The IW-P600CQ3-2 is a decent little unit that does everything it promises to do, even if it does so a little underwhelmingly. While it is true that there are better units out there, not too many of them compete at the same price point. Still fewer of them offer the ability to go to semi-fanless operation. This may not be the unit I would choose to run any of my home rigs, but it is certainly not a unit to be shunned and locked away in a bell tower and fed moldy bread for the remainder of its days either. If you're looking for something that'll just do its job reliably and quietly, old Power Man here deserves a look.
The Good:
very good efficiency
good voltage regulation for a group design
thermostatic fan works like it should
quiet
rated up to 50 degrees operation
The Bad:
no sleeving on most cables
The Mediocre:
price is still a little on the high side for a group design, though the thermostatic fan makes up for some of it
