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Test Setup, Hold-Up Time, And Inrush Current

by
Test Hardware
AC SourceChroma Programmable AC Source 6530
Power MeterYokogawa WT210 Digital Power Meter
Loads4 x 600 W Chroma 63306 for 12 V testing
4 x 300 W Chroma 63303 for 5 and 3.3 V testing
using Chroma HighSpeed- DC Load Mainframes 6334
OscilloscopeTektronix DPO3034 Digital Phosphore Oscilloscope (300 MHz)
Test Procedure
Voltages110 and 230 V
Standby Power0.25 A fixed current to simulate PC standby power
on 5 Vsb
80 PLUS Efficiency Testing100/50/20% load, relative to specified total output
Load distribution across 12/5/3.3V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100%
testing at 110 V according to ATX 2.3 specification
Efficiency at Fixed Loads25, 50, 85, 300, 500 W loads
Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100%
Peak Load Test110% Overload Testing at maximum combined 12 V
Temperature TestAir intake vs. exhaust temperature delta
tracking highest delta during all tests


Please refer to our Desktop Power Supply Charts to see more results of these and other power supplies.

Hold-Up Time and Inrush Current

For what it's worth, we were unable to get usable readings from Antec's power supply during our Inrush Current test.

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BigMack70 02/06/2013 3:23 AM
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-11+

Oooooooooooooooh very nice! I love when more sites than just Jonnyguru do quality PSU reviews - I know they're a ton of work so kudos for breaking out that oscilloscope and bringing us the info!

I still generally think that the price premium for Platinum over Gold PSUs isn't worth it, though - particularly on lower wattage units like these.

iknowhowtofixit 02/06/2013 4:19 AM
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Either the Rosewill FORTRESS was defective or your calibration was off for the last test. Your o-scope shots do not match those of other highly credible reviewers. Also, I'm curious of your testing methodology, but it was not listed.

anonymous 02/06/2013 4:50 AM
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what? no overload it until it blows test?

and i was making popcorn.

mousseng 02/06/2013 5:06 AM
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Is that a typo in the first chart for Kingwin's Lazer? It claims that it fails 80 Plus's 50% load spec (82% of 92%); I assume that was meant to say 92% (since that's what the chart below it shows).

Pleasant read, though, I like PSU reviews.

jupiter optimus maximus 02/06/2013 5:24 AM
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What happen to Seasonic? They have the 520W fanless SS-520FL Platinum version. No PSU test is complete without a seasonic to compare to, in my own opinion.

dudewitbow 02/06/2013 5:38 AM
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jupiter optimus maximus :
What happen to Seasonic? They have the 520W fanless SS-520FL Platinum version. No PSU test is complete without a seasonic to compare to, in my own opinion.


they asked for vendors for the PSUs. Theres the offshoot chance that seasonic declined the offer. On other sites, the 520w fanless seasonic unit was compared to Rosewill's 500w silent night unit. The seasonic unit I believe in that review barely edged out a victory.

cangelini 02/06/2013 5:39 AM
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iknowhowtofixit :
Either the Rosewill FORTRESS was defective or your calibration was off for the last test. Your o-scope shots do not match those of other highly credible reviewers. Also, I'm curious of your testing methodology, but it was not listed.


I believe this is still applicable to all of the power supply testing our German team does: http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 2657.html. I'm waiting for confirmation that I'm right.

Edit: Yup, that's the correct testing equipment/procedure!

anonymous 02/06/2013 5:47 AM
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Dun dun dun..................... no acoustic performance measured, the only reason some people buy high end PSU's.

sebbesapa 02/06/2013 9:44 AM
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WOW! Thanks a bunch for including the 25watt "Low-Power PC" efficiency test! All other reviewers stop @ 20% load witch is not "idle" or "low load" at all. :-)

sanilmahambre 02/06/2013 9:44 AM
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Power supply unit is where a system builder cannot use a word "BUDGET"

jaideep1337 02/06/2013 10:08 AM
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I don't understand
Why is the 80 plus spec officially test by having more load on the 3.3v and 5v rails?
Clearly loading the 12v rail would give us a better overall image

dirtyferret 02/06/2013 10:08 AM
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no internal build break down? i don't think jonny guru and hardwaresecrets have anything to worry about in competition.

jaquith 02/06/2013 10:59 AM
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Interesting, IMHO the most important aspect is 'Ripple Voltage' @ Rated Load. The only mention I see is a vague reference in your conclusion page.

Never mind I see the ripple data buried in the individual tests. It would have been better in the summary side-by-side tests.

Nice article.

iknowhowtofixit 02/06/2013 11:52 AM
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cangelini :
I believe this is still applicable to all of the power supply testing our German team does: http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 2657.html. I'm waiting for confirmation that I'm right.Edit: Yup, that's the correct testing equipment/procedure!



Sorry!

The page you requested couldn't be found

anonymous 02/06/2013 12:01 PM
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-7+

Quote :

Power supply unit is where a system builder cannot use a word "BUDGET" "CHEAP"




fix'd that for ya :)

nix327 02/06/2013 2:18 PM
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Sometimes in reviews like these there've been products that produce disappointing results compared to well known manufacturers. So why do they send their stuff in the first place knowing that their product is of lower quality than the competition. Do they gain something from these reviews? Just curious.

sandman21dan 02/06/2013 2:53 PM
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By reading this article, i just thought of a great idea and help for us users, a Best PSU for your money guide, i think that would be incredibly helpful since PSUs are hard to buy and to know wich ones are really good, of course i know that is a lot of work, but it could be like once or twice a year and not monthly like Video Cards and CPUs, what do you think about it?

Azn Cracker 02/06/2013 3:39 PM
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I guess these psu's are only for bragging rights. For 120, you can get good 700-800w psu

cangelini 02/06/2013 3:40 PM
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iknowhowtofixit :
Sorry!The page you requested couldn't be found


Sorry, take the period out of the end of the URL.

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