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To keep things fair we’re doing this group test in alphabetical order, which means Akasa is the first one up. The AK-P460FG-BKV2 is similar to the Akasa unit we reviewed back in June 2004 , and even has the same model number but with V2 added to the end. It also has the same 460W rating, but there are some key differences. First of all this new unit has an additional two Molex connectors, totalling eight. These are split between three cables with two of them terminating with floppy drive connectors. The 20-pin ATX connector has been replaced with a 24-pin EPS style connector, which means that the PaxPower is ready for the latest generation of Pentium 4 motherboards and it would also work well for a smaller server or workstation.

Akasa supplies an adaptor so that you can use the PaxPower with a standard ATX motherboard, and going from a 24 to a 20-pin connector is much better than going the other way anyway, since there will be less strain on the PSU. There's also a four pin and an eight pin 12V connector, which again goes to show that this PSU has been designed with dual processor motherboards in mind.

The Molex connectors are fitted with quick release latches, which make them a lot easier to remove, especially from hard drives. It is not the only PSU on test to feature these connectors, but it is a very simple but clever solution. All the cables are neatly braided, which helps keep the clutter level down inside your PC, although only down to the first Molex connector, the rest are bare.

For those that are style conscious the PaxPower should be an appealing option with its shiny dark zinc plated casing. The unit we received for this roundup featured a black low noise 120mm fan, but Akasa also has a model with a blue LED fan available.

Akasa is also one of only a handful of companies in this group test to supply an adaptor for PCI Express graphics cards. This should become a standard connector on all new power supplies, but there will be a transition period when these adaptors will have to be used. There is also a special adaptor that can be used with two fans. This is a good idea if you use high-speed fans, as these tend to draw more power than the three pin connectors on the motherboard can deliver.

In terms of meeting the current ATX specifications, the PaxPower did well in most of the tests except for one. This was on the +5V rail at 75 per cent load, where it didn’t quite deliver enough power.

The PaxPower is full range, so it can be used anywhere in the world and there is no switch to flick as the voltage is changed automatically and we tested the PaxPower all the way down to 100V without any problems.

Overall the Akasa PaxPower 460W AK-P460FG-BKV2 is a quality power supply and at less than £60 it is reasonably priced. A deserving winner of a Recommended award.

Manufacturer	Akasa
Model	PaxPower 460W AK-P460FG-BKV2
URL	http://www.akasa.co.uk
Supplier	Scan
URL	http://www.scan.co.uk
Price	£59.91
Molex connectors	8
Floppy connectors	2
SATA connectors	4
20-pin ATX / 24-pin EPS	Y/Y
12V connector	Y
AUX connector	N
Six pin PCI Express connector	Y (adaptor)
Deditacted Molex for graphics	N
Fan speed header	N
Other connectors	8-pin 12V
Fans and size	1x 120mm
Extras included	24-pin to 20-pin adapter, fan header
Max power output (manufacturers rating)
3.3V	30A
5V	30A
12V	14A + 15A
Total power	460W

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