Hiper HPU-4K530-MS PSU

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.

By now you should know that 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.

Hiper combines show-quality looks with plenty of features in the HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU. The dual +12V rails offer regulated power distribution, and can power even the most demanding equipment. Hiper's Type M PSU appears to have inherited all of the good looks, but does it have muscle? Benchmark Reviews will load test the DC voltage regulation and AC ripple to find out what the Type R is made of.

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.

Hiper Type R Features

• CrossFire-certified
• Unique user friendly modular design to reduce excess cables
• exTender cables
• 20 dB(A) under normal load
• Supports ATX up to v2.2 & Intel BTX configuration
• Complies with all Intel & AMD CPU specification requirement
• Gold Plated connector, preventing rust & bad connection
• High efficiency APFC (Active Power Factor Correction)
• Connects up to 4 SATA HDD + 8 other component devices
• Dedicated PCI-E connector
• EZ-Grip Molex connector
• All PSU come with 3-Year RTB warranty

HPU-4K530-MS Specifications

Closer Look: Hiper HPU-4K530-MS

When I received the HPU-4K530-MS with the other products from Hiper, the first thing I discovered was the very impressive reusable plastic tub which contained the HPU-4K530-MS power supply unit. Previous to my experience with Hiper's line of products I had only ever seen glossy retail boxes with pretty landscapes and flashy graphics. Odd then, that somehow I was absolutely awestruck with the retail packaging Hiper offered their products in.

The Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU is finished with a high-gloss smoke chrome finish, which really had a positive impression on me after having my expectations raised because of the packaging. The shell of the chassis has been form pressed into an open mesh pattern, which most likely attributes to an ever higher wow factor as well as keeping the HPU-4K530-MS cool.

Sleeve bearings ensure that the unit doesn't become a paperweight in a few years just because a cooling fan dies. The best part is that the combination of cooling fans is that they operate with only slightly audible noise.

The master power switch is a rocker style switch with a dimly lit backlight. Thanks to active PFC (power factor correction) there is no need for the input voltage swich, as the HPU-4K530-MS is limited to 115V, and is not compatible with 220-230V sources.

Details: Hiper HPU-4K530-MS

Hiper has utilized their own Hiper-Flow series of fans in the construction of the HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W power supply unit. That's the good news. However, with perforated mesh comprising three of the six sides, it's very difficult to channel air to the appropriate components. This may also attribute to why a 530W power supply uses a set of 120mm and 80mm cooling fans. But they sure do look nice with all that glimmer shining back at me.

It may have taken two and a half pages, but I am finally getting the the most important feature of the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R, and that is the unique modular cable system. From the image below you can see that this is not your usual suspect, and that it takes a different approach to modular cable functionality.

Hiper has included soft silicon-rubber caps for the HPU-4K530-MS modular cable connection ports. Each of these caps is branded with the Hiper logo, but be careful where you put them because the Type R doesn't come with any spares. The main power cable group has also received a premium chrome finished junction grommet, which adds to the long list of extravagant extras included with the Type R.

At the rear of the unit there is a single 80mm cooling fan, which has received the Hiper treatment with chrome fan blades. The fan on this unit is variable speed, and ranges from 1500-2500 RPM.

Closer Look: Adapters and Connectors

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-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU offers a nearly 20" main cable group, which is plenty for most system configurations.

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.

The diagram below represents the cable group layout. Since this is a modular unit, you won't have to worry about too many connections for your application. Select the best combination of cables and extensions, and safely avoid a lot of spare cable inside your computer. With 18-26" cable lengths, reach shouldn't be much of a problem.

Probably the biggest shortcoming of the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU is that it does not offer a SATA modular power connection. This seems to be a Hiper tradition, because it has been the case for both the HPU-4K530-MS and the Hiper HPU-4M730-SS 730W PSU.

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-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU offers one thing not often found in other PSU's: pass-though four-pin Molex connectors.

PSU 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

Motherboard: ABIT AB9 Pro v1.6 BIOS (Intel 965 chipset)
Processor: Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz operating at 3.2 GHz (356 MHz FSB)
Cooling: Thermaltake MaxOrb CL-P0369 CPU Cooler
Memory: 2 GB (1,024 MB x2 modules) Crucial PC2-8500 CL5 Ballistix DDR2 RAM
Video: FOXCONN GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB operating at 600MHz Core and 900MHz RAM
Audio Device: HT Omega 7.1 C-Media 8788 Oxygen Chipset
Hard Disks: (2) Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA in RAID-0 array
Optical Drive: Lite-On SH-16A7S-05 SATA DVD R/W
Enclosure: Lian Li PC-B20A ATX Case with 2x120mm and 1x90mm cooling fans
PSU: Thermaltake W0133RU 1200W Modular PSU
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 with IE7

Test Equipment

• Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope
  • DC Voltage Regulation Settings: 2V DC Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
  • AC Power Ripple Settings: 50mV Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
• PC-Lab2000SE v3.03 Interface Software
• 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 is measured inside of a 1ms recording frame. Waveform data recorded during the light idle load measurement is represented 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 200.0 mV, and the AC RMS ripple was 19.4 mV under light idle load. Note that these results are slightly better than the the average results we have collected under light idle load.

Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurments under light idle load for power supplies we have recently tested:

The waveform image below shows the AC power ripple under heavy load. The maximum peak-to-peak AC voltage distortion was 340.6 mV, and the AC RMS ripple was 65.0 mV under heavy load. Note that these results are slightly worse than the average results we have collected under heavy load.

AC Ripple at Heavy Load

Under heavy load, the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU measured an average AC RMS ripple much higher than the ripple at light idle load, which is not something you want. The waveform data recorded during the heavy load measurement is represented in the chart below:

AC Ripple Waveform Data at Heavy Load

Because the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R offered great results in the idle readings, I half expected them to remain at that same pace; but they quickly turned sour into the heavy load tests. Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurements under heavy load for other power supplies we have recently tested:

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.

Type R Final Thoughts

The best features of the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU are cosmetic, because the power performance is really best suited towards mid-range systems which would not particularly tax a 530W dual rail unit. But despite a very long list of glitz and glamour items, the HPU-4K530-MS Type R still does a very capable job of keeping stable power supplied to equipment; just don't go overboard.

Power regulation could have been better, but it is consistent with others we have tested in the same power range. With DC voltage regulation measuring 0.38 Vpp and AC ripple at 0.65 mV under load, the HPU-4K530-MS Type R is generated average results, especially within its rated output.

Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Conclusion

Hiper's product presentation was way above the average, since the Type R came in very nice reusable plastic tub with removable tray. This would probably do very well to help a products popularity on the store shelves, and builds consumer confidence in their purchase.

With fully sleeved native and modular cable groups and a dark chrome finish, the appearance is outstanding, and far better than many of the power supplies we have seen. Combined with very attractive chrome fans, and a slick modular connection interface, the HPU-4K530-MS Type R is clearly a show pony.

Hiper is very well known for their solid and reliable power supply units. The construction found in the HPU-4K530-MS Type R keeps this tradition for excellence very much intact, and creates the measure for others to be scored against.

Rating the functionality is a slightly different tune, however. I really felt that there were some very good areas of the product which shined and only a few that did not. The DC voltage regulation measured higher Vpp than desired during light idle and heavy load, and the AC ripple was very low under load but became very high under heavy load. 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 just to use a standard power interface.

Presently, the HPU-4K530-MS Type R sells for $94.99 at Xoxide, which is not at all bad for some many design features and good looks. Given the very long list of show quality features, the Type R is a good buy for those who hold design and looks very high on their list.

Personally, I need function a lot more than I will ever need fashion; and the Hiper HPU-4K530-MS Type R Modular 530W PSU is a lot more lover than it is a fighter. This would be the perfect PSU for the modder of computer enthusiast who really likes to outshine the competition. But to the serious overclocker or high-end gamer, I would suggest spending your money to get more value and less sparkle.

Pros:

+ Extremely attractive finish
+ Superior cooling design
+ Fully-sleeved cable groups
+ 3-Year RTB warranty
+ Rugged tub included
+ High-quality construction
+ Plenty of power connections
+ Molex pass-through connectors

Cons:

- Higher AC ripple than average
- DC Power regulation is worse than average
- Needs native SATA connectors
- No protective end caps included

Ratings:

• Presentation: 10.0
• Appearance: 9.75
• Construction: 9.5
• Functionality: 7.5
• Value: 7.25

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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