Intro

Power supplies are one of the most critical components in our computers. If they don't work, nothing works. Or worse, if they malfunction they can cause damage to expensive components. This happened to me when a generic PSU took out my CPU. Ever since then I have bought nothing but name brand, high output PSU's. The problem lies in the fact that they cost more. Today I'll be looking at the Linkworld LPG8-43-P4 430 watt PSU supplied to us by ATXPowerSupplies.com . According to them it is in direct competition with the Antec TruePower 430. At $40 it seems like quite a bargain. Lets see how it measures up.

Specs

+3.3V & +5V Max Output 240W. All Output is extended to 430W Max.

Package & PSU

In the box was the power supply and a power cable. There was no user manual or even screws for mounting the unit in your case. One of the first things you notice after you remove the power supply from the box is that there are three fans, one on the front, one on the back and one on the bottom. Wire grills cover the fans instead of being cut out of the steel case like on most lower priced PSU's. The finish on the case is the dull gray you see on most PSU's but for the price you can't expect an anodized or mirror finish. The unit weighs in at 3lbs 9oz.

The power connectors on this unit are a bit lacking in my opinion. In addition to the ATX, P4 and Aux connectors there are only four 4 pin molex and two floppy drive connectors. I know for a fact that almost everyone here needs more than four molex connectors. You could use Y splitters but that makes for difficult wire management. On the plus side, the pins in the connectors are gold plated. Also, the wiring is on the short side. The wire lengths are as follows:

With the ATX cable at 13" it will probably reach in most configurations but in many it will have to be a straight run with no deviation for neater wiring. It seems to me that for very little cost or corresponding price increase the wires could be a little longer and include a couple more Molex connectors.

On to the inside. Now remember folks, disassembling PSU can be dangerous as there are some large capacitors that can pose a shock hazard even if the unit is unplugged not to mention that you will void your warranty. As I removed the top I found two 80mm x 15mm intake fans and one 80mm x 25mm exhaust fan, all with roller bearings. Not bad. There are a pair of aluminum heat sinks with an intake fan blowing directly on them as well as the usual capacitors and other electronics.