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PSU Roundup: Performance, Price, Efficiency

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  • Performance
  • Power Supplies
  • Round-Up
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Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 4:20:04 AM

Good performance, high efficiency and low price: It’s not easing choosing a power supply that offers all three of these features. Tom’s Hardware tests mainstream power supplies of up to 700 watts to determine which will meet your needs best.

PSU Roundup: Performance, Price, Efficiency : Read more

More about : psu roundup performance price efficiency

October 17, 2008 5:36:28 AM

That coolermaster PSU is nice that its cables are thin since its really annoying to have those stiff cables fill a small case. However, I wonder about its interference. That insulation and mesh is there for a reason, to prevent discharge and electrical interference of other parts.

Also I can see the reason why a person wouldn't want a CPU/ATX connector on a 700w power supply. If they had an excessively power draining system like a Quad/Tri GPU with modern high end cards it will waste alot of power and using 2 lower watt power supplies is cheaper then getting 1 high watt one.
Score
-2
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 5:49:35 AM

Nice fluff piece. I sure wouldn't use any of these recommendations over jonnygurus or hardwaresecrets sites though.
Score
-4
Related resources
October 17, 2008 5:58:21 AM

Just bought myself Zalman's ZM-750HP with cable management and heatpipe cooling.. Cost only 131 euros.. When I saw the article's header I hoped to see it being reviewed, but no such luck. Would've been nice to see how the Zalman's offerings would've fared against others.. The productline ranges from 360Watts to full 1000Watt PSU's so plenty to choose from..
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1
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 6:29:42 AM

Without voltage ripple and heat tests you can't properly evaluate a power supply. At least readers can use this as a starting point for further research.
Score
12
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 6:36:54 AM

+1 to doctorpink
Score
-7
October 17, 2008 6:39:03 AM

Heat is generally relative to efficiency , due the fact that the more energy lost the more heat generated.

Ill agree with the ripple tests too, yeh great we might have a power supply that is efficient at 100% but what if the 12v rails are hovering outside of spec...? Its a nothing review really.
Score
3
Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 10:25:28 AM

Please add the "S" onto the word VOLT
Thanks
Score
-4
October 17, 2008 2:03:59 PM

falchardThat coolermaster PSU is nice that its cables are thin since its really annoying to have those stiff cables fill a small case. However, I wonder about its interference. That insulation and mesh is there for a reason, to prevent discharge and electrical interference of other parts.


What manufacturers use insulation and mesh that block interference? The insulation on the wires of my PSUs is standard insulation, the mesh is plastic and there strictly to hold the wires in place and prevent the inside of a computer case from becoming a birds nest of wires.

If there are manufacturers that use materials to block interferences, I'd like like to look into their products as it sounds interesting but I'd like to hear from someone actually in the know as to if it would make any difference or not.
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0
October 17, 2008 2:29:36 PM

Interference on a power supply is negligible. The power runs, voltages and current are of little concern for interference. IF you want to be truly theoretical it would make a "difference".

When I studied power engineering one would need a ton of voltage or current to be 'eligible' for most electrical phenomena to occur - theoretically.
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0
October 17, 2008 2:52:49 PM

Plastic insulation and plastic mesh don't block anything except the sharp edges of the case :lol: 
Score
2
Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
October 17, 2008 4:21:37 PM

Ultra Products was the first modular PSU, and I would to see them tested sometime. http://www.ultraproducts.com
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0
October 17, 2008 4:30:53 PM

page two had a misspelling. it said thinker instead of thicker, more rounded cable.
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-2
October 17, 2008 7:00:33 PM

You mention price in the title, but it's not charted. They are listed in seemingly random places throughout the article. How sad. Also, "Mainstream" power supplies usually cost under 100$. They go on "Mainstream" computers that require probably 550-650 watts, especially on an 80+ supply. There are plenty 80+ 650 watt supplies for under 100$
Score
1
October 17, 2008 8:32:02 PM

Sorry but the information behind the hardwaresecrets link is flawed on
so many levels that it would need its own website to correct it, thought
their basic principle is right... And the Andrew Watts methodology mentioned...We have been using it since 1980s to measure CMOS and TTL
current consumption, so it is nothing new that most psu review's
are "wrong"... The "methodology" may be wrong, but the results are still
mostly correct.
Score
2
October 17, 2008 9:21:19 PM

Damn, the point I forgot, with current technology it is almost
impossible to design a psu that sucks in any department because
the circuitry in them is mostly common knowledge, and all manufacturers
copy each other, some might have the advantage for six months, but others follow sooner or later. Though some psu's have far better
external designs than others, it doesn't tell anything about their
ability to do their job. And neither does some hightech load-tester, in spite of what some technically oriented website tell's you.
Score
-7
October 17, 2008 9:23:02 PM

Been in the industry for a while and I've never seen or heard of Dragon Force psu's. Do they manufacture themselves or re brand another tier 1 manufacturers product?

For me its Enermax, SeaSonic, the aforementioned re brands, or bust.
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0
October 17, 2008 9:56:53 PM

The issue I'd take with the hardwaresecrets article is that their premises for the purpose of testing power supplies at all is wrong.

It's not a test to see if they deliver their rated wattage in most cases. Generally the variable voltage on the rails IS the appropriate test because the test should bear out whether or not the rails stay stable (because of the PWM circuit-not in spite of it) at a given draw.

The fact that most normal or even consumer high-end computers don't draw the rated wattage is even more reason to monitor individual rail stability rather than the total draw. If my PC only pulls 200W (guess what-that's about normal despite the 1000W PSU people pay $200 for) from a 600W supply and a +12v rail is not within a given tolerance the PSU might as well be garbage. Voltage fluctuation will cause system instability way before you have to worry about the fact that the PSU is only delivering 500W despite what the label says.

I don't pretend to know more about testing than they do, but the logic behind that article is flawed.
Score
0
October 17, 2008 10:02:28 PM

I would have to agree...'mainstream' psus should def be under $100. I can't wait til part 2...I just bought the PC P&C 610W. It was already 'on sale' at newegg then after promo code and $20 MIR, I paid $68!! AND free 3 day shipping! Current price is $99 with $20 MIR and free 3-day shipping ($79). All PC P&C psus comes with a copy of the factory testing results for that actual unit. After comparing some of the number to these result in this article, all I can say is there better be some good competition next week cuz the PC P&C is going to blow 'em all away from what I've seen thus far. And if you figure in the price (even w.o the MIR) it's a slam dunk. Since OCZ bought PC P&C, it seems that their manufacturing costs must have decreased with the extra resources probably made available because they have become a bit more affordable as of late. For those who are not aware...when OCZ made the purchase, they made it VERY clear that PC P&C would retain is own name as well as its own line of psus built to the same top specs as always. Ocz knows a good thing when they see it..they're not about to start monkeying with it. Ocz still make it's own psu line...maybe with a lil input from the best as well. My old PSU was an Ocz ModStream 520w and was still working fine when I updated/upgraded.
Score
2
October 17, 2008 10:07:06 PM

I would have to agree...'mainstream' psus should def be under $100. I can't wait til part 2...I just bought the PC P&C 610W. It was already 'on sale' at newegg then after promo code and $20 MIR, I paid $68!! AND free 3 day shipping! Current price is $99 with $20 MIR and free 3-day shipping ($79). All PC P&C psus come with a copy of the factory testing results for that actual unit. After comparing some of the numbers to the results in this article, all I can say is there better be some good competition next week cuz the PC P&C is going to blow 'em all away from what I've seen thus far. And, if you figure in the price (even w.o the MIR) it's a slam dunk. Since OCZ bought PC P&C, it seems that their manufacturing costs must have decreased with the extra resources probably made available because they have become a bit more affordable as of late. For those who are not aware...when OCZ made the purchase, they made it VERY clear that PC P&C would retain is own name as well as its own line of psus built to the same top specs as always. Ocz knows a good thing when they see it..they're not about to start monkeying with it. Ocz still makes it's own psu line...maybe with a lil input from the best as well. My old PSU was an Ocz ModStream 520w and was still working fine when I updated/upgraded.
Score
-3
October 17, 2008 10:07:46 PM

Sorry for the double...was trying to edit...:( 
Score
0
October 17, 2008 10:22:25 PM

GiovanniDamn, the point I forgot, with current technology it is almost impossible to design a psu that sucks in any department becausethe circuitry in them is mostly common knowledge, and all manufacturerscopy each other, some might have the advantage for six months, but others follow sooner or later. Though some psu's have far betterexternal designs than others, it doesn't tell anything about their ability to do their job. And neither does some hightech load-tester, in spite of what some technically oriented website tell's you.
I have to disagree with you completely. Some use poor/old designs and or junk components. Usually, the sites that use the high-tech load tester also open up the PSU and cover the design, workmanship and components used. It's nice to know whether the PSU has Fuhjyyu capacitors, or other junk components, or is poorly built in order to lower cost. It's also nice to see the PSU scoped, in order to determine just how clean the outputs are. I also like to see the PSU "cooked" for awhile to see if it survives or blows up.

Maybe I ask for too much.
Score
1
October 18, 2008 5:07:29 AM

I just replaced my still working Enermax EG701AX-VE(W) (600W total 18A 12v+ x2 w/2 fans manual or auto control) with an Enermax Modu82+ (625W total 25A 12v+ x3 w/1 auto fan)

The EG701 performed flawlessly for nearly three years, but as it ages it runs hotter and louder..to the point where it is noticeable and I have concerns that it might not handle a new GTX GeForce as it was designed long before they were conceived. The new Modu82+ has been a champ so far, it is utterly silent at idle and when I forced it to get warm no louder than the CPU fan.

Kill-a-watt reports that the PC box draws 220W at load, 110W at idle which is about 10-15W less than what the old PSU reported..it seems the new PSU draws less power under all circumstances.
Score
0
October 18, 2008 6:34:54 AM

Hi,

I have a question, how come on your PSU reviews, why haven't you tested or made reviews on probably, what are the best PSU's in the market....PC Power & Cooling...???
Score
-1
October 18, 2008 8:02:33 AM

hmmm..wow. . somebody trying to speaks as if they are pro of the pro by saying the hardwaresecret is wrong .. . wow .. wat a pros

Does having a website make them always right?
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0
October 18, 2008 9:39:59 AM

Would have liked to have seen an Enermax in here as well. The Enermax MODU82+ 625w is very highly regarded.
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0
October 18, 2008 1:56:59 PM

photographerWould have liked to have seen an Enermax in here as well. The Enermax MODU82+ 625w is very highly regarded.


According to the testlist, Enermax Modu 82+ is being tested on part 2 of the review..
Score
2
October 18, 2008 4:27:26 PM

Very good article as it will give most people a good idea of where to look for a good power for their mainstream gaming rigs. The only thing I find funny here & it has nothing to do with the article itself is how people today seem to always nit pick about other peoples spelling or typo's. People just enjoy the articles already leave the nit picking at home for family & friends. If you have something to say about these articles that pertains to the articles them selves then say it but to just make a post because someone forgot a "s" here & there is just a waste of mine & everyone's time.

I most like made typo's in this post but you know what who cares I am sure that everyone here will be able to read & understand both this post & the article just fine even with the miss spellings & typo's.
I only posted this to make a point I see these type of post about spelling on so many comments sections on the net & it just makes me laugh.
Score
0
October 19, 2008 12:17:09 AM

demonhorde665o 80% efficent PSu that uses modular cabling is actualkly about 75% efficent due to power loss between the modular cables plug ins.


Your assertions are false as benchmarks would show the loss of efficiency as the test equipment uses the same modular connectors the end user and gear uses.

Also, the motherboard main power and CPU aux power ARE hard-wired (At least in the Enermax Modu82+ 625W model) to the inner circuits. Only the 12v and 5v are clippable.

While there are concerns with modulars PSUs (RF leakage, wear over time), including potential loss of efficiency...proper testing will show any flaws and they haven't as yet of all the reviews already published. Let's see what's Part 2 has to say.
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0
October 19, 2008 7:06:44 PM

Why no measures of fan noise?
Score
3
October 20, 2008 1:20:10 AM

Silverstone SST-ST70F Strider would work well for non-primary power supply, to power other devices/peripherals since the ATX cable can be removed completely (just fasten a manual switch to short the PINs for powering-on the PSU). Heck, if only I have excessive cash lying around, I'd use it for non-PC setup (overkill for some setup, but who cares? [IF] I'm rich).
Score
0
Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
October 20, 2008 1:44:41 AM

In my opinion, the no1 flaw of the comparison is, that it completely neglects noise levels. Or is it just me who cares how noisy my computer is?
Score
0
October 20, 2008 4:56:55 AM

If you are going to give noise levels then you need a hot box test. Sadly some of the "quiet" PSUs just have the fans turned down. People buy them for the noise level not understanding that they run hot. I would rather have the noise than the heat.

It's a lot like the asinine stock fan speeds on the HD48XX cards. I guess too many people are whining about noise.
Score
0
Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
October 20, 2008 8:07:23 AM

has anyone apart from me noticed that on page 17 it says "Higher sfficiency" instead of efficiency.. :p 
Score
0
October 20, 2008 9:03:25 PM

I have a number of the ST Silverstone power supplies and the fact that all of the cables can be removed is very cool. They sell or sold a short cable kit with all the cables in a shorter length. I’ve used these in each of my builds to get the best length and number of connections needed. I also have an ST75 and ST70 in my main system using a jumper cable that allows the motherboard to turn both power supplies on.
Some pics: http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030571591&post...
Score
0
October 21, 2008 12:53:43 PM

Hi there,

As author of the German article I would like to point out something.

ProximonWithout voltage ripple and heat tests you can't properly evaluate a power supply.

As in the past we're looking all the time at the ripple voltages. They're noted only if they are out of the spec. A heat test is a very difficult thing, especially if it should have reproducible results.

sandmanwnBeen in the industry for a while and I've never seen or heard of Dragon Force psu's. Do they manufacture themselves or re brand another tier 1 manufacturers product?

They’re branding, but most of the companys do that, it’s nothing special.

Jobo_696Hi,I have a question, how come on your PSU reviews, why haven't you tested or made reviews on probably, what are the best PSU's in the market....PC Power & Cooling...???

It follows in part 2 of the review.

Best regards,
Daniel
Score
0
October 23, 2008 9:08:13 AM

About that ToughPower QFan 650W's +5V voltage issue:
This happens on rails with independent voltage regulation(aka Mag-Amp). If the load on main output, which is +12V rails in this case, is too low, and the output current of Mag-Amp rails is high, the Mag-Amp circuitry malfunctions, delivering an unstable or out-of-spec output.
You can try loading +12V very low while +3.3V very high, the same thing will happen when +12V load is lower than 0.5A. Some other units like Tagan BZ1100W shows similar light-load syndrome on +3.3V outputs.
In fact the spec of this ToughPower tells that the minimum load of +12V is 1A. Any load lower than 1A on +12V is out of spec.
Score
0
October 23, 2008 5:30:52 PM

ilovebarnypage two had a misspelling. it said thinker instead of thicker, more rounded cable.


Fixed, thanks for the catch.
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0
October 23, 2008 5:33:40 PM

v_enushas anyone apart from me noticed that on page 17 it says "Higher sfficiency" instead of efficiency..


Fixed as well. Thanks =)
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0
November 7, 2008 7:02:08 AM

I can see a few bits missing in this article the most important is resistance for external failures:
1 overcurrent, overheat protections testing (also relating to mains problems)
2 rails stability when some rails are under very low/high load
3 no noise/temperature testing at low and full load
ad 1)
There is a lot of stories that 'my PSU burnt with my mobo and drives'
* Is the Power supply resistant for mains spikes
* Is the power supply resistant for mains breaks (negative spikes)
In my office there used to be short mains power breaks
Score
0
November 7, 2008 7:07:10 AM

To continue my post:
In my office there used to be short mains power breaks some PC survived others get reset. Couldn't be the test how long break PC will stand at half load?
Often the story is: CD Drive burns in result +5V and +12V line gets short. If power supply won't shut off on time. The rest of components gets burnt. Could you test for that?
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0
Anonymous
a b ) Power supply
December 29, 2008 7:27:54 PM

I recently purchased a HP m9402f that has a 300W PSU. I want to upgrade the graphics with an ATI 4850, but I see it recommends a 450W PSU. Any recommendations on which one to buy? Or, can the HP run the 4850 just fine?
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0
March 22, 2009 4:33:04 AM

Can the 450W version of this product power a SINGLE geforce gtx260?
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0
April 14, 2012 11:07:31 PM

With the Dragon Force supply, when you fire it up it makes really fast, crappy guitar noises.
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0
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