Introduction

Hiper (a contraction of the High Performance Group) are a relative newcomer to the PC parts arena, with their products only just becoming available through UK and European suppliers. At present, their range is limited to Cold Cathode lighting, six different flavours of a sexy mATX HTPC case, and eight PSUs, three of them being the "Type R" series.

Originally, the "Type R" name was used by Honda to identify sporty versions of their cars, a badge that was then appropriated by other motor manufacturers (such as Jaguar), and then by manufacturers of other items - it's possible to buy a "Type R" tennis racquet, for example.

Recently, the "Type R" badge has become something of a joke within car modification circles, all too often being slapped on undeserving vehicles along with a variety of other stickers. So, is the "Type R" PSU range all show and no go, or is there a decent product hiding under the glossy "go faster" stripes?

Specifications

• ATX 2.2 specification
• Input requirements: 195 to 240 vAC @47 to 63 Hz, 6A
• Active Power Factor Correction
• Power output: rated as 480 W continuous output; peak load 530 watts; 12v = 350W max, 3.3 + 5v = 240W max, 3.3 + 5 + 12v = 460W max.
• Output Voltage Protection: 4.5v max on 3.3v line, 6.8v max on 5v, 15.6v on 12v line.
• Output parameters: +5v: 2 to 32A; +12v 1: 0.2 to 18A; +12v 2: 0 to 16A; -12v: 0 to 0.8A; +5v SB: 0 to 2.5A; +3.3V: 0.4 to 28A
• 1.0 mm steel mesh case
• 120 mm chromed blade ball bearing fan (1,500 RPM)
• Free case fan: 80 mm chromed blade sleeve bearing fan (2,000 RPM)
• Nominal 18" (45cm) cable length, 18 gauge wire
• 2x 15-pin SATA connectors
• 2 x 12V/5v connection looms, each with 4x EZ On/Off 5.25" Molex connectors & 1 Floppy Drive power connector
• Gold plated connector pins
• Braided cables
• 24/20 pin "breakaway" motherboard connector
• 4 pin 12v auxiliary power connector

Packaging

As usual, we'll start with a look at the packaging. In this case, Hiper have moved away from the traditional cardboard box for their Type R PSUs, instead opting for a reusable plastic affair - reusable because it's big enough to store lots of Lego, wires, small tools, etc, etc ... or you could make use of it as the mother of all lunchboxes.

Due to its and colouration (a black top on a translucent box) and size (320mm x 210mm x 155mm, with a nominal capacity of 10 litres), it's very reminiscent of a large car battery. This may or may not be deliberate, but it certainly fits with the automotive theme that the Type R moniker infers.