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Introduction:::...

Look through any PC related forum just about anywhere on the 'Net, find a thread where someone is asking for recommendations for a new PSU, and there's every likelihood you'll find the name Enermax in there somewhere.

Buying an Enermax power supply has become a bit like buying a Rolex, you don't really need to put too much research into your buying decision, you just automatically work on the premise that you're getting the best.

Whether this is a wise strategy is always open to debate. Like so many things PC-related, people have their favourites, and Tagan users will happily tell you how overrated Enermax are, just like Enermax users will be only to happy to give OCZ users a hard time. Just how much of this is fact, how much is myth and how much is misplaced loyalty varies depending on the product, but there certainly seems to be a widely held belief that all Enermax power supplies deliver the goods.

Today I'm taking a look at a relatively well-muscled PSU, the Noisetaker 600 Watt. With a handsome list of interesting and worthwhile features, the Noisetaker has plenty of functionality, but does it perform?

Let's glance through the specs:

		Active PFC Function: PF value 0.99 under condition of 230VAC/50Hz at full load.
		ATX 12V V2.0 Compatible: Support latest P4 Prescott and Athlon 64/64 FX processors based systems: P4 main boards that use 875 (Canterwood) and 865 (Springdale) chipsets, and also fully support power requirements for platforms using chipsets like Intel 925 (Alderwood) or 915 (Grantsdale) and next generation CPU. More info on ATX 12V Ver 2.0
		Copper-shielding: Effectively reduces electro-magnetic interference that might affect MB and CPU from normal operation. (Valid for models with 370W and higher total power)
		Dual Fan:The best cooling method for PC system, and is strongly suggested by AMD.
		FM & FC Functions: RPM signal of 8cm exhaust fan is provided; EG xxx AX-VE SFCA/FCA models allow MB to on/off control 8cm exhaust fan.
		Manual and Automatic Fan Speed control: 8cm & 9cm fans automatically controlled by thermostat plus rheostat control over 8cm fan. Enable users to keep the balance between cooling effect and acoustic noise.
		Reliability: OCP, UVP, OVP, OLP, OTP, and SCP circuits ensure system well-guarded from any dangers. Maximize safety for your hardware and valuable data.
		S-ATA Connectors:Connect your system to the faster S-ATA interface for better performance.
		Separate 12V Rails:Independent 12V rails supply to MB/CPU and drives in order to provide stable and clean current to noise-sensitive devices, such as: CPU, add-on cards.Meet UL 240VA safety requirements
		Silence: Acoustic noise is successfully reduced with two fans giving more airflow in less rpm and smooth mechanical design of fan guards.
		Smart Fan:After PC shuts down, cooling fans keep running for at least 2 minutes to effectively cool down parts and hardwares inside PSU and PC cases. Thus, ensure longer product life time of power supply and hardwares inside PC case.

All the main headline features are in place along with a few rather nice bonus features. Being part of their "All In One" range, it offers not only support for the ATX 12V V 2.0 form factor, but also comes equipped with four SATA power connectors, dual PCIe connectors for SLI use and very efficient power factor correction.

Also on the rap sheet you'll find a Smart-Fan function which allows the cooling fans to continue running for at least 2 minutes after you shout your system down. This removes any latent heat remaining in the internal components and so should make for a longer life.

The fans themselves can also be set to operate automatically based on temperature or you can override this for the 80mm fan and set it manually to any speed you desire using a rear-mounted rheostat.

Dual rails are in place as is now becoming common, but contrary to the emails I keep receiving, both rails aren't available to the user. One rail is used exclusively to feed the motherboard and its associated components like memory and CPU, while the second rail is fed out to the external connectors.

There's a total of 35Amps available on the two +12V rails jointly which is plenty, but remember that only 18Amps are available on the external connectors, the rest is fed to the motherboard. 34Amps to both the 3.3V and 5V lines is pretty good.

Notice the wonderful way that Enermax spell out the meaning of their high-tech acronym scheme. SFMA, S2, FC2 and A2 should be enough to keep you satisfied for now. That is until you realise its, just marketing gone mad, or if you prefer, BS2 (that's a double helping of BS by the way!)

Spec Label

Time for a closer look: