A Look Inside & Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you understand the internal components of a PSU much better. Our main tool for the disassembly of the PSU is a Thermaltronics TMT-9000S soldering and rework station. It is of extreme quality and is equipped with a matching de-soldering gun. With such equipment in hand, breaking apart every PSU is like a walk in the park!


This PSU is based on an older Super Flower platform that is still competitive and comes at the right price. The primary side uses a half-bridge topology and an LLC resonant converter for increased efficiency. The secondary side uses active components to rectify the +12V rail, and two VRMs (Voltage Regulation Modules) generate the minor rails over +12V.


Right behind the AC receptacle is a small PCB. It hosts a CM choke, a pair or Y caps, and a single Y cap, several components of the transient filter. On the main PCB are two more X caps, a CM choke, and two Y caps after the bridge rectifiers. Although a crucial component in every PSU, this platform doesn't use an MOV to protect itself against spikes and surges from the power grid.


The two bridge rectifiers are bolted to the primary heatsink. Their model number is GBU1506, and they can handle up to 30 A combined, which translates into nearly 7 kW with 230 VAC input.


The APFC uses two Infineon IPW50R140CP fets and a boost diode we couldn't identify without some serious desoldering, which we weren't in the mood for this time around. The two parallel APFC caps are provided by Nippon Chemi-Con (400 V, 470 µF each or 940 µF combined, KMQ series, 105°C rating). Although their combined capacity looks to be enough for this PSU, our hold-up tests proved otherwise. Between the PFC choke and one of the aforementioned caps is the thermistor responsible for large inrush current protection and the corresponding relay that isolates it from the circuit once it finishes its job.


The PFC controller, an NCP1653A IC, is installed on a small vertical daughter-board right next to the APFC choke. Contrary to the smaller Capstone unit we reviewed, this controller doesn't come with a piece of tape or a copper shield for EMI/RFI protection.


A pair of Infineon IPW50R140CP fets are the main choppers. An LLC resonant converter provides these with lossless switching.


The standby PWM controller is an ICE3B0565 IC.


Ten IPP040N06N mosfets in the secondary side rectify the +12V rail.


Super Flower did not use cheap capacitors since all of them, both polymer and electrolytic, are Japanese caps by Chemi-Con.


Both DC-DC converters are on the same PCB, and four metal plates shield the mosfets from EMI/RFI noise.


An SF29601 IC handles the LLC's operation and all supervisor IC duties. The IC is on a vertical PCB in the secondary side, and we find an LM324A Quad Operation Amplifier to assist in the protections scheme on the solder side of the same PCB.


On the modular PCB's primary side are some extra filtering caps by Chemi-Con. Soldering quality on the back isn't the best we have ever seen, but it is good enough not to cause any problems.


Soldering quality is mediocre and far behind Super Flower's recent implementations. We found many long component leads, and they were pretty sharp.


The cooling fan carries Rosewill's logo, but is actually by Globe Fan. Its model number (RL4ZB1402512EH) is clear proof. It uses ball bearings, so it will last longer than a sleeved bearing fan. It caps out at 2000 RPM and 39.5 dBA, so it won't be all that quiet at higher speeds.