July's "BEST BANG for the BUCK" the XClio 450W ATX12V2.0 ($52)

[davidhammock200]

Every month we will feature a truly special PSU,
one that combines all of the best features & qualities we want & need,
at a price that makes it truly the "BEST BANG for the BUCK".

This month the selection was actually quite easy as the newly introduced Meridian XCilo 450W has enough power &
+12V amperage (+12V1@15A & +12V2@17A) to power all but the most demanding SLI rigs &
enough +5V amperage (+5V@30) to power any legacy P3/AXP systems, all for only $52!

The Meridian XClio's are manufactured under contract by Channelwell, a "known-good" manufacturer of quality PSU's (Antec) &
come complete with a 3yr warranty, as well as every connector required for almost any PC.

A special "SCFT" feature is allows you to hook up 4 fans, control their speed &
allows them to run briefly after shut down to cool down your expensive components.

Features:
Active PFC (Not available for USA market).
Serial ATA connectors.
Auto Range voltage selection.
Noise Reduction Technology and Active Intelligent Fan Speed Control.
Environmentally-friendly and super energy saving (Blue Angel & Energy Star).
Over-Voltage Protection.
Over-Current Protection.
Over-Temperature Protection.
Short-Circuit Protection.
Suitable for entry level, Home, and SOHO server.
Perfect for professional or game user.
Comply with Intel EPS +12V standard.
Comply with AMD ATX-GEX standard.
12cm ball bearing fan.
Easy-Remote SCFT connector.

Connectors:
One (1) 24pin Main Power with 20pin Adaptor
One (1) 4pin ATX +12V
One (1) 6pin PCI Express
Two (2) SATA
Six (6) 4pin Peripheral
Two (2) 4pin Floppy

Output:
Hold up time: >20ms at full load, nominal line
Rise time: <20ms at full load, nominal line
Over voltage protection: +3.3V, +5V and +12V.
Under voltage protection: +3.3V, +5V
Over power protection: 110-160%.
+3.3V@32A, +5V@30A, [email protected], +12V1@15A, +12V2@17A, [email protected], +5VSB@2A

From EOC Review: To be honest, I had some reservations before testing because Meridian was not a name I was familiar with. However, after giving both XClio power supplies the run-down, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well they performed (especially for a new product). Sure, these power supplies don't have flashy LEDs, modular cables, or fancy displays, but they are functional and do their job well, and that's what counts.

Both power supplies were able to exceed their rated maximum wattage with temperatures exceeding 44°C. I did test both 12V rails up to ~17.5A each (max the test rig can do) simultaneously. In both over-current & over-temperature tests the power supply shut itself off safely. Efficiency floated around 80%, which is better than average and exceeds ATX12V v2.0 requirements. The 120mm fan has a rated noise level of 21-28dBa (depending on speed). Voltage levels were generally around 1-2% nominal between light to heavy load levels.
http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews/cases/Meridian_XClio_450W_1.html

XClio 450W: http://www.xclio.com/product_04-a.htm

$52.50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003

If you need/want a very good PSU at a great price,
for anything less than a maxed-out SLI rig, here is your PSU!

Not for use on DFI-N4 mobos as DFI policy requires a min of 480W's.

Dave

PS: These will be copied it to the PSU Guide sticky so that we will have a running record for years to come.