As the only PSU in the roundup with an 80 PLUS Gold certification, the Enermax Pro87+ makes an immediate impression. One must search long and hard to find a PSU with such outstanding energy efficiency in the sub-$150 range, although we found that this product isn't currently available in all markets.
The Enermax Pro87+ is also a visual treat. Enermax chose to go with a gold-colored theme on both the packaging and the PSU itself. Even the fan blades have an aureate sheen.
Speaking of the fan, a nifty feature of the Enermax Pro87+ is that the fan continues to spin for 30 to 60 seconds even after the computer is shut down. This is supposed to increase the lifespan of sensitive components by evacuating residual heat from the computer case. We also like the Cord-Guard safety device that prevents you (or more likely your pet/kid/mother) from accidentally disconnecting the power cord. This is simple, but reliable.
The Enermax Pro87+ deliberately refrains from any sort of cable management or modularity. Thanks to the included Velcro cable ties, at least any unused cables can be tied up a bit so they don't impede air flow as much. Users who value the modular cable concept must resort to the Modu87+ series instead.
At least the cable length here is generous. The number of connectors is standard. In addition to the 24-pin ATX power supply and CPU connectors, you get two PCIe, six SATA, and five four-pin Molex connectors.
| Enermax PRO87+ | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 20 A | 20 A | 25 A | 25 A | 25 A | 0.5 A | 3 A | ||
| Individual Output | 5W | 15W | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU & VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 100 W | 492 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 500 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 550 W | |||||||
- Less Can Be More
- Cooler Master Silent Pro M500
- Cooler Master Silent Pro M500: Measurements
- Enermax Pro87+ 500 W
- Enermax Pro87+ 500 W: Measurements
- FSP Everest 85 PLUS 500
- FSP Everest 85 PLUS 500: Measurements
- SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230
- SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230: Measurements
- Test Configuration, Hold-Up Time, Inrush Current, Peak, And Short Circuit Tests
- Efficiency According To 80 PLUS Spec., Temperature, And Standby Overview
- Efficiency Under Different Load Profiles
- Results And Purchase Recommendations
anyway I did not notice voltage stability measurements and a "hot box" test.
Other then that, it's a pretty quick analysis. Wish you'd open them up to actually see what components they used in their primary and secondary circuits.
anyway I did not notice voltage stability measurements and a "hot box" test.
Other then that, it's a pretty quick analysis. Wish you'd open them up to actually see what components they used in their primary and secondary circuits.
I'm happy that yet another site thinks highly of the CM Silent Pro series; I'm using the M600W currently.
according to most people that i know, seasonic is the very best brand that make quality psu for the money
newegg has a Seasonic S12ii Bronze 520w for just $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094&cm_re=seasonic_s12ii_bronze-_-17-151-094-_-Product
and according to reviews it is the very best power supply in its price range(it even beat the Corsair HX 620w)
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2162&page=4
But yea very nice read, was expecting some more cheaper PSUs tbh though, the vantec ions seem to offer good price/performance, at least here in new zealand, dunno if you get them in america
in my opinion, if i am buying a 500w psu
my main concern will be efficiency
since i wont mind doing some crazy overclocking or tri-sli or quad fire over a 500w psu
also look at this very interesting result that i have found
a Core i7 920 + GTX 260 @stock under PRIME 95+ Furmark has only a maximum power consumption of 371w
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cases/display/system-wattage_7.html#sect0
and in real life usage i bet you wont even get close to that power consumption even when overclocked
With that aside, in my opinion finding a value PSU is about weighing price and quality. Although the Pro87+ was a monster when it came to efficiency, it was still said to be available for around $140. First, that's a bit much for a budget/midrange PSU and secondly, I couldn't find that particular PSU anywhere online. I found the 600W variant on newegg for around the same price...but it's not the same PSU.
Pretty much the same goes for the other PSU's. I couldn't find them at any reputable online dealers (newegg, tigerdirect, zipzoomfly, etc.). And I do realize that it takes much time to do a review like this, but it seems like some of the more popular brands have been left out. Even if they don't have an 80plus "Gold" PSU at or around the 500W level. At least then you'd have a baseline for a so called normal efficiency power supply.
I did a lot of research when I purchased mine a couple of years ago when I last built a ground up system. I settled on a corsair VX550 and have been thoroughly impressed with how it's handled my moderate gaming system. Now this is a personal preference, but I've been so pleased with it, I doubt if I will go to another PSU label. But anyway, that's my $0.02.
you probably figured out what I was trying to say...but meant a good PSU allows components to last longer. Sorry bout that.
Very interesting article, thanks
The review you posted is from 2007...that power supply unit is old tech. Get with the times.
That's not what the picture says
Be patient guys, this is the first time, right?
SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230 (115v) N/A
followed by
SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230 (115v) 18.0
Other than that, this looks very useful.