Specifications:

The install:

     I installed the Hiper HPU-4M480 into a NZXT Trinity Case.  a Memorex 50x CD-R, and an Iomega ZIP drive.  The motherboard is an Epox EP-8K7A with an AMD 2800+, an ASUS FX5900, a WD 160G and a Seagate 80G for hard drives and 1 Gig of Crucial PC-3200 (2 x 512). 

     Here you see the PSU is actually a bit smaller than a standard ATX unit at 5.9" x 5.6" x 3.45".  The extra space could make this a viable install option for some SFF builds.

The completed install.  I liked this unit so much, I moved it over to my gaming rig.

     This build includes 2 x 512 OCZ EL DDR PC-3500 Gold, a Connect 3d X700 Pro, an AMD Athlon 3000+,  Seagate 80G and 120G IDE drives, and a Lite-on 16x DVD  Burner; all mounted on my Soltek N4Pro 939 motherboard. The system is cooled by a Kingwin Aquastar water-cooling kit.

Testing:

     To test the Hiper HPU-4M480 I used both the Soltek Hardware Monitor and BIOS and validated with my trusty Radio Shack Multitester.

     Take a look at the rails for reference.  Both the +3.3V and the +5V are nicely loaded up.  Like many new ATX 2.2 power supplies, the Hiper HPU-4M480 PSU has two +12V rails.  Notice also the peak load is listed at 530.  Coupled with the SLI support, we should have enough juice for all but the most demanding systems.

     After running the system idle over night, I captured these readings.  Interesting are the +12V rails, looks like they are set a bit high in anticipation of a larger drawing system.  Both are still within the spec.  This is a good argument for an adjustable pot system.

     Here we confirmed the idle settings with the onboard monitor.  The settings taken by the Soltek are slightly higher but still within spec here as well.  of note also, with only the single 120mm fan, the overall noise level in my gaming box dropped by about 9 dB at idle.   

     I loaded the system up with Burnin Test Pro 2.3 and some large file transfers to get a good load reading.  No need to adjust your monitor here, only the temperature change shows any reaction to the test after 30 minutes of running.  That's just sweet.  I was so unconvinced I ran another 30 minutes on the Multitester just to be sure, although the readings were closer to 12.2V they didn't move enough to register.

Conclusion:

     The Hiper HPU-4M480 PSU  runs like a champ both at idle and load.  I really liked the Black Label theme carried across the unit.  Although the +12V rails run higher than I am used to seeing, the overall stability was incredible.  Really the only drawback is that the Type-R isn't a modular power supply.  That distinction can be found in the 580W Type-R series.  I liked the Hiper 480W Type-R enough to give it a new home in my Athlon 64 gaming box.  Currently in limited availability in the USA.  Give this PSU a try for your next performance build.

MSRP: About $89 (47 GBP)