Introduction
Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight. The latest trend seemed to be 80-Plus efficiency, but since most PSU's are at least this efficient the label has lost meaning. And then without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure.
It has been said before in our reviews: the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks don't mean a thing.
The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common. A perfect example of combining high-power wattage, efficiency, and good looks can be found in the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU. The four +12V rails offer regulated power distribution, but they also deliver at least 80% of the power that they promise, which will result in a more efficient system. Hiper's Type M PSU claims to support dual and quad processors, dual (SLi and CrossFire) graphics card sets, and just about anything else you can throw at it, but Benchmark Reviews will load test the DC voltage regulation and AC ripple just to be sure.
About the company: High Performance Group
High Performance Group was founded with the passion of providing the computer users & customers the best innovative products & services. The company's untraditional approach from its patented design to its business conducts gains itself partnership with many respectable firms including AMD. Always committed to excellence, High Performance Group strives to be the best in every aspect.
Hiper Business Philosophy (V.I.P.)
VIGOROUS
People are the core of any business. Our name "High Performance Group" not only implies to its product, but also to its people. Our company is filled with vigorous officers & staff; "whatever it takes" is our spirit, our belief, as well as our habit.
INNOVATIVE
Hiper (trademarked) represents our corporate identity in the ultimate form. This symbol represents true innovation. Hiper product line is always imitated, but can never be duplicated. Our entire ID, mechanical, electrical, electronics, visual effect & web designer teams are truly elites in the industry because their passion of embracing technology & changes is noticeable with the first contact. It captures even the most ordinary person's attention with details everyone appreciates.
PROACTIVE
High Performance Group means proactive way of business. Our solid & honest policy in business put everyone at peace, and then we police and enforce it. We make sure that our business partners (you are included) are well protected. Many who joined us has become us, and we are sure that you'll become one of us once you join us.
Features & Specifications
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SLI-Ready.
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All PSU come with 3-Year RTB warranty. (Void if seal is broken)
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Four independent 12V rails.
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Patented design device extension cables.
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Complies with the latest ATX form factor.
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Fully compatible with AMD 64 bit and Intel LGA processors.
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Active Power Factor Correction (PFC).
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Disc Scanning protection, PS off time 2ms.
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20 dB(A) under normal load.
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Gold Plated connectors for minimum power consumption and optimal conductivity.
Specifications
Closer Look: Hiper HPU-4M730-SS
When I received the product samples from Hiper, the first thing that caught my eye was a recycled-pulp cardboard box among the many other nicer product boxes. I will save the nice details of the reusable plastic tubs which the other power supply units came in for their own review, but suffice to say that the HPU-4M730-SS does not share the same packaging. Perhaps I am looking at this all wrong, and perhaps this is an intentional "Green" move by Hiper to save the planet.
The Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU is painted in a semi-gloss black with textured paint. The side of the chassis has been form pressed with the Hiper logo, and offers an aesthetic touch to the otherwise uneventful design.
At the rear of the unit there is a single 80mm cooling fan. The fan on this unit is variable speed, ranging from 1500-3100 RPM, and operates with only slightly audible noise.
The master power switch is a rocker style switch with no backlight, and much like the chassis it is larger than most others found in power supply units.
Closer Look: Cables
When it comes to power supply cables, every computer requires something different. I personally fall somewhere in the middle, requiring only about fourteen inches to most components. The Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU offers nearly 20" of cable with each group, which is plenty for most applications.
The diagram below represents the cable group layout. Since this is not a modular unit, if it appears there are too many connections for your application you may be left with a lot of spare cable inside your computer. With 20-26" cable lengths, it seems almost guaranteed.
Closer Look: Adapters and Connectors
Probably the biggest shortcoming of the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU is that it does not offer any sort of native SATA or floppy power connection. In order to connect SATA or floppy drive devices, you must attach an included adapter, which adds another six inches to the already longer than average cable length.
On the upside of things, every cable group is fully sleeved with nylon weave. This in becoming a standard across the industry, with only a few holdouts. Thankfully, Hiper has been at the forefront of progressive change, and so sleeves are nothing new.
For the serious power supply enthusiast, we have included this handy reference chart above for pin-out wiring. Some of you might think that this chart is a waste, but you would be surprised by how many hardware enthusiasts modify their power supply wiring or create custom connections.
   
   
Among the many new features I find in power supply units, the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M offers one thing not often found in other PSU's: pass-though connectors.
Load Testing
Power supplies are not like most other computer components, where it is a simple matter of comparing the item to others in the same category. Power supply's are comprised of several different variables, such as maximum output, voltage regulation, and current ripple. Each of these variables must be analyzed with unique tools, which makes it a difficult product to properly review.
I am well aware of what the more knowledgeable readers think about these power supply reviews: impractical and often useless. That's about to change. In the past, Benchmark Reviews has been guilty of the same thing nearly all of the other sites are guilty of: testing with a digital multimeter alone. So beginning now with this review, we are taking a corrected approach to testing PSU's and hope to offer the best analysis possible.
Benchmark Reviews has researched the equipment necessary to complete the most thorough power supply unit review possible. We spent the time learning what it takes because the best possible PSU tests are what we want to give to our readers. But after discovering the prices on a programmable output DC power supply system, variable range load testing units, and a DC power analyzer (Oscilloscope), we felt that more than ten-thousand dollars worth of equipment would be far too cost prohibitive for testing a hundred-dollar power supply. So without compromising too much, we made a slightly less-expensive investment into a good quality Oscilloscope in order to test DC voltage regulation and AC power ripple. Together, the Oscilloscope and digital multimeter will offer readers the best measurement of power stability any review site could reasonably offer.
Test System
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Motherboard: ABIT AB9 Pro v1.6 BIOS (Intel 965 chipset)
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Processor: Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz operating at 3.2 GHz (356 MHz FSB)
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Memory: 2 GB (1,024 MB x2 modules) Crucial PC2-8500 CL5 Ballistix DDR2 RAM
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Hard Disks: (2) Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA in RAID-0 array
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Optical Drive: Lite-On SH-16A7S-05 SATA DVD R/W
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Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 with IE7
Test Equipment
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Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope
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DC Voltage Regulation Settings: 2V DC Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
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AC Power Ripple Settings: 50mV Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
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PC-Lab2000SE v3.03 Interface Software
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Extech 450 Auto ranging Digital Multimeter
Test Methodology
Our testing process is comprised of measuring the AC current ripple, and the DC voltage regulation. There are several key steps, all of which allow us to measure and record our readings using the identical methods for every test we perform. Consistent testing methods are key to obtaining comparable results.
At the start of every test, the Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope is calibrated to the PC-Lab2000SE software. After calibration is complete, the voltage on the 12V rails are measured and recorded with the Extech 450 digital multimeter to ensure comparable margin across all rails. Once the Velleman 60MHz probe has been grounded and attached to the 12V lead, our test system is powered on and left at the Windows logon screen for ten minutes.
Once this lightly-loaded idle warm up period is complete, the Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope was allowed to run for one minute measuring the AC power ripple. Then once ripple is recorded, the 12V DC voltage regulation is recorded after another minute.
After the results have been recorded from the light idle load, our test system then receives heavy load by utilizing the following tools: two console versions of the Folding @ Home client operate and task each CPU core to 100%, hard disks are stressed by benchmarking each with HD Tach RW, system memory (RAM) is given a stress test with Lavalys EVEREST, and ATITool scans for artifacts which forced the video card into high-power 3D mode. After ten minutes of heavy load the power supply is again measured, and the AC power ripple and 12V DC voltage regulation results are recorded.
Voltage Regulation & Ripple Test Results
In the test results below, it will be necessary to explain what you are viewing. In each image the AC power ripple is represented by the yellow trace line making up the waveform. While every personal computer power supply unit available to the retail market has some degree of measurable AC power ripple, it is most important that measurable AC ripple is very minor and does not create a large peak to peak voltage (Vpp) distortion. Stable, well-regulated power is critical to system stability and hardware longevity.
AC Ripple at Light Idle Load
The waveform image above shows the AC power ripple under light idle load, which measured 12.70 mV. Note that there are several minor ripples above and below the baseline, and only a few major ripples, all of which occur inside of a 1ms recording frame. The waveform data recorded during the light idle load measurement is displayed in the chart below:
AC Ripple Waveform Data at Light Idle Load
The waveform data above describes the actual measurements at light idle load. The maximum peak-to-peak AC voltage distortion was 225.0 mV, and the AC RMS ripple was 12.7 mV under light idle load. Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurments under light idle load for power supplies we have recently tested:
AC Power Ripple at Idle Load
The waveform image below shows the AC power ripple under heavy load, which measured 16.32 mV. Note that there are several minor ripples above and below the baseline, and only a few major ripples, all of which occur inside of a 1ms recording frame.
AC Ripple at Heavy Load
Under heavy load, the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M measured an average AC RMS ripple only slightly higher than the ripple at light idle load, which is very good. The waveform data recorded during the heavy load measurement is displayed in the chart below:
AC Ripple Waveform Data at Heavy Load
The Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M offered great results in the idle readings, and they remained excellent into the heavy load tests. Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurements under heavy load for other power supplies we have recently tested:
AC Power Ripple at Heavy Load
The power dropped down to no less than 11.94V, which means that even under heavy load there is very little chance that system stability will be affected. Under light idle load conditions the DC regulation averaged 0.19 Vpp, and to my surprise it remained the same under heavy load. The DC regulation data recorded at light and heavy load is displayed in the chart below:
DC Voltage Regulation Waveform Data at Light Idle and Heavy Load
 
Many of the power supplies we test here at Benchmark Reviews have DC voltage regulation measuring above the 12V baseline more often than below. For obvious reasons, the diversion from the 12V baseline with increased voltage is more preferred than below it since dropping too far under 12V will cause a system to power off or recycle. Plainly put, no power supply is ever perfectly centered at 12V DC; instead they most often maintain a DC mean voltage higher than they are regulated at.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of value and functionality found in the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU, but it's not a perfect fit for everyone. Pay close attention to cable lengths, as well as the oversize chasses dimensions, because not every computer will fit this big PSU.
Power regulation was better than others we have tested, but not by much. With DC ripple measuring not more than 0.07V, there is very little chance of hardware damage or instability within this range.
Conclusion
Hiper's product presentation has always been way above the average, since several of their power supply units come in very nice reusable plastic tubs. Yet somehow the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU only rated a recycled cardboard shoebox It wasn't the worst I have ever seen, but it very far from what they usually put out.
With fully sleeved cable groups and a semi-gloss black textured paint job, the appearance is certainly better than some of the power supplies we have seen, yet with all of the polished finishes we have been seeing it leaves me wanting more.
Hiper is very well known for their solid and reliable power supply units. The construction found in the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M keeps this tradition for excellence intact, and creates measure for others to be scored against.
When it came time to rate the functionality, I really felt that there were some very good areas of the product which shined and only a few that did not. The very well-regulated DC voltage measured consistent Vpp between light idle and heavy load, and the AC ripple was very low under load. However, there are no rubber safety caps for the native Molex connectors present, which would cost Hiper very little to include and possibly save someone from a short circuit if an exposed connector strikes a protruding corner. Additionally, the lack of native SATA connections is also a less than acceptable even if there are adapter extensions included. In the end, you end up with a whole lot of extra cable snaked around inside of your case.
Presently, the HPU-4M730-SS Type M is available at NewEgg.com for $119.99, which is a tremendous value for any 730W power supply unit. Given the respectable Vpp measurements, and the additional modular capability, this is a real bargain for so much product.
I can firmly recommend the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS Type M 730W PSU to system builders and enthusiast looking for above average performance and design in a product which cost much less than others in the same category. Keeping in mind that the HPU-4M730-SS is longer than your average ATX power supply unit, it may not fit in every system, but finding a high-output PSU which conforms to the standard ATX size is going to become very difficult as the market evolves.
Pros:
+ Extremely good value
+ Excellent Vpp consistency
+ Fully-sleeved cable groups
+ Modest power regulation under load
+ Rugged design and appearance
+ High-quality construction
+ Plenty of power connections
+ Molex pass-through connections
Cons:
- Longer chassis than most ATX power supplies
- Cable groups are too long
- Needs native SATA connectors
- No protective end caps included
Ratings:
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Presentation: 7.75
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Appearance: 8.75
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Construction: 9.5
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Functionality: 9.25
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Value: 8.75
Final Score: 8.8 out of 10.
Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
Special thank-you: I would like to thank Hooman Minai and High Performance Group for offering us such great products for review, and patiently awaiting our test results.
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