Kolink Classic Power 400 W Review 22

Kolink Classic Power 400 W Review

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Value and Conclusion

  • The Kolink Classic 400 W retails for €39.9 including 19% VAT.
  • Very affordable
  • Quite a capable platform for its price
  • High overall performance
  • Efficient platform for the price
  • Silent operation
  • Tight load regulation
  • Very good ripple suppression at +12 V
  • Low conducted EMI emissions
  • Flat, black cables (not modular)
  • Cables are quite long
  • Compact dimensions
  • Marketing advertises this PSU as 400 W even though its continuous maximum power output is 350 W
  • No MOV in the transient filter
  • No OTP, and OCP/OPP triggering points are not correctly set
  • Mediocre transient response (especially at 3.3 V)
  • PF not that high
  • Sleeve bearing fan and low-quality filtering caps on the secondary side
  • Hold-up time below 17 ms
  • High inrush current
  • No modular cables, and the AC power cord has not been included
I didn't expect to find such a capable platform inside this power supply. In this price range, I usually come across a passive rectification and group regulation, but Kolink somehow managed to deliver a very decent product that is totally worth its asking price. My main objection is that they market it as a 400 W unit even though that is only its peak wattage. Maximum continuous power output is 50 W less. So why "Classic 400" instead of "Classic 350"? After all, an additional 50 W doesn't make that much of a difference since it would still put this PSU down for nothing but office/mainstream PCs instead of gaming systems.

Besides good efficiency, the Kolink Classic also operates quietly, which is rather rare in this budget category. That said, efficiency with 230 V input is also considerably higher than with 120 V input, which results in less heat and allows for a more relaxed fan-speed profile. Its low maximum power output also helps here, while resulting in tighter load regulation on all rails and lower ripple. On the other hand, transient response isn't helped by the low capacity—ripple performance can only be described as mediocre at best.

The lack of an MOV can be solved by using a surge protector, and you will also need an AC power cord as one hasn't been included to keep the price as low as possible. Given Kolink sought to keep the cost down, it is nice to see flat, black cables. While there aren't very many connectors, a 350 W PSU doesn't need more. If you need more connectors, you will have to get a stronger power supply.

All in all, this is a fine PSU. That said, if I could make any changes, I would implement better caps on the secondary side, a higher-quality fan, properly set protection features, the addition of OTP and surge protection (an MOV), and either a correction to 350 W in its advertised power output or better parts that allow it to actually handle 400 W continuously. All these changes would make it slightly more expensive, which users in need of a mainstream power supply won't like. That said, If you want to spend a bit more and need something that can deliver more juice, you should take a look at the Corsair CX450 or XPG Pylon 450.
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Jan 10th, 2025 22:46 EST change timezone

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