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Vantec ION 2 350W Power Supply

     The power supply is the heart of the system.  If you do not have a good one, the components suffer and perform to a minimal level.  If you are on a tight budget and are needing  more stability for your system, Vantec has provided an affordable solution.  Presenting the Ion 2, a 350 W power supply that claims to be extremely quite, attractive, and practical.  They also claim that this fan is perfect for case modders and average users alike.  I must agree this PSU is both quiet and attractive.  I also believe though it is only a 350 W PSU it performs to it's limits.  Vantec really has produced a top-of-the-line product that you are sure to appreciate.

Specifications

Serial ATA Ready
ATX 12V
Pre-Sleeved Cables
Ultra Quiet Fan
EZ-Grip Connectors
Electronic-Shock-Free Protection
Over Voltage Protection
Over Current Protection
Short Circuit Protection

Features

     The Ion 2 has a 120 mm temperature-controlled fan that it utilizes to cool itself.  The Ion 2 is extremely quite, but does not sacrifice its performance to accomplish this.  This is a beautiful power supply, it's amazing they have created such a beauty for something that is not regularly seen.  If you do have a windowed case I am sure that you will not be ashamed to have people peer through at this.  The fan is temperature controlled so the RPMs of the fan are dependent upon the temperature. 

     As you can see, the cables are pre-sleeved saving a lot of time and frustration.  If you have ever sleeved cables before, it is a tedious task.  This is a very nice feature if you have a looking-glass on the side of your case.  The time Vantec investing just to sleeve the cables must have been substantial.  All of us know that time is money, even Vantec.  It appears to me that they value the idea of releasing out an over-the-top product.  All of the cables are long with exception of the ATX-12V connection.  I believe this to be the only flaw in the Ion 2's design. In my mind this is an acceptable flaw, mainly because it does not affect the Ion 2's ability to provide the power your components require.

     You can see Vantec's EZ-Grip Molex Connectors which are awesome.  No more fighting to unplug a cable again.  There are 2 SATA power connectors as well which is a very good thing to have.  There are a lot of connectors as well.  There is 1 ATX 20Pin-4Pin Molex connector for the P4 motherboard, 1 ATX 20Pin Molex connector for other motherboards, 1 Aux 6Pin connector, 2 Molex serial ATA connectors, 1 4-pin FDD connector, and 6 Molex HDD connectors.  The Ion 2 claims to have enough connections for most systems, and there are definitely an abundance of them.

Impressive specs for a 350W power supply.

Performance

Vantec ION2 350W

Thermaltake 480W "Butterfly"

     As you can see, producing a budget power supply wasn't something that Vantec was thinking about when they produced the Ion 2.  The 12 volt line is impressive enough. The voltages compared with the Thermaltake 480 W "Butterfly" are very close indeed, an impressive feat in my mind for a 350 W power supply.  That is what is so impressive about the Ion 2 and they prove that good things can come in small packages. 

Conclusion

     The Vantec Ion 2 is an excellent power supply compared to other power supplies of this wattage.  The only drawback would be the short ATX-12V connection.  With the price being under $50.00, I would definitely say this is a good deal.  The Ion 2 has an attractive design, delivers quiet performance, and provides excellent ventilation with a 120mm fan.  You might want to think about using this PSU on your next overclocked budget system.