Introduction

We would like to thank NZXT for supplying the review sample.

NZXT already had two HALE82 lines, one with and another without semi-modular PSUs, but they decided to add another line, the HALE82 V2, to their portfolio since budget PSUs are incredibly popular among users. The line consists of PSUs with a fully modular design and looks similar to the high-end HALE90 V2 line.

The HALE82 V2 currently has two members with respective capacities of 550 W and 700 W. Both are 80 Plus Bronze certified and utilize a fully modular cabling design with black and flat cables. The world's first innovative white and black PCB for better isolation and identification NZXT mentions in their specifications also left quite the impression on us—this is the first time we hear of the PCB color playing a role in isolation!

The main subject of today’s review will be the HALE82 V2 700 W, which, besides its great looks, is equipped with a single +12V rail, can deliver its full power at up to 40°C, and is ErP Lot 6 2013 compliant, which means that it consumes less then 0.5 W in standby mode. Its specs look like those of a decent mid-category PSU with some very nice touches we usually come across in the mid- to high-end category, like the fully modular design. But only after all testing is done and with results in hand will we be able to state whether the HALE82 is a good choice for users that want something more than a mainstream PSU for their system. NZXT mostly makes products for gamers and enthusiast users who are more demanding than regular users, so all their products are carefully designed and perform well, like the NZXT HALE90 V2 1000 W we tested before. The HALE82 V2 700 W should then perform equally well to meet our expectations.

Specifications

The unit meets the requirements of the 80 Plus Bronze certification and uses a fully modular cabling design, which will thrill most of its soon-to-be owners. Based on the results of our testing, it isn't Haswell ready as it failed to pass the Haswell test Intel leaked, and its maximum operating temperature is also restricted to 40°C. It even misses OTP (Over Temperature Protection), which is essential, and OCP (Over Current Protection), a protection medium-capacity PSUs with a single rail don't need.

The cooling fan has a diameter of135 mm and features a, according to NZXT, silent operation, which our dB meter will either confirm or debunk, and the PSU doesn't have a semi-passive operation, though we dislike semi-passive fan profiles because of the additional stress on component like electrolytic caps. The dimensions of the HALE82 V2 PSU are kept small: It is only 16 cm long and pretty light. Its warranty is set to three years, a typical period for products of this category, and its price looks a little high for the unit's specifications.


The single +12V rail unfortunately can't deliver the unit's full power, but only 70 W less. The minor rails are, on the other hand, quite strong with 130 W maximum combined power, while 5VSB has the current output typical of a contemporary PSUs.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

The PSU has four PCIe connectors, so it meets our requirements, but it is only equipped with three peripheral connectors, and we would also like to see a couple more SATA and two EPS connectors. Thankfully, all cables are long enough, and the distance among connectors is adequate. However, some would probably prefer its PCIe connectors to be close to one another. The ATX, EPS, and PCIe connectors use thicker AWG16 wires while all the others feature standard AWG18 gauges.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we have nothing to comment on when it comes to its power distribution.

Packaging

The box lacks any graphics, but has a window which provides a view of the PSU's fan. The front has the model number and a series of badges for the efficiency certification, ErP Lot 6 2013 compliance, fully modular design, and 135 mm fan. The unit's three year warranty is depicted inside a yellow frame.


One of the two sides has the PSU's power code, a reference to its bundled power cord, while the other is covered in a graphical description of all available connectors.


The power specifications table at the rear comes with a list describing the features of the PSU. NZXT also provides several shots of the PSU's internals, which will allow experienced users to accurately second-guess its general quality.