Redundant PSUs In A Standard ATX Chassis: FSP's Twins Series

FSP's new Twin Series, which includes redundant PSUs suitable for home use and not just for business environments, made its debut. The company said that only the 500W model will be initially available, but the 700W unit will be released soon. The Twin Series units fit in most ATX compatible chassis and host two identical PSUs. In case one of them fails, the other one immediately takes over, ensuring the system's proper operation.

This type of PSU (redundant) is widely used in server-grade systems where reliability is the number one priority. Their dimensions are normally much larger than standard ATX PSUs, but FSP managed to squeeze two hot-swappable PSUs into a regular-sized ATX PSU chassis, thereby granting all consumers increased reliability.

In a snap, the product highlights are the following:

Fully 500W/700W PS2 Redundant Power Supply with remarkable power density Hot-swappable modular designDigital controlled PSU design230V 80PLUS® Gold certified with 90% peak efficiency at 50% loadCompatible with Regular ATX CasesComplies with both standard ATX 12V and server EPS 12V power supply standards Complete protection: over current, short circuit, over-voltage, and fan failureReliable, 24-hour operation even at 50°CLow ripple and noiseMonitor performance with FSP Guardian softwareBacked by a 5-year warranty

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LineFSP Twins
500W ModelFrame: FSP500-70RGHBB1 Single Module: FSP520-20RGGBB1
700W ModelFrame: FSP700-50RGHBE1 Single Module: FSP720-20RGGBE1
Rated Output Power500W, 700W
PFCActive PFC
Efficiency80 Plus Gold (230V)
ModularNo
Intel Haswell ReadyYes
Operating temperature0°C ~ 50°C
ProtectionsOver Voltage Protection Over Current Protection Short Circuit Protection Fan Failure Protection
Cooling2x Dual ball bearing fans, 40 mm
Semi-passive operationYes
Number of ConnectorsEPS (4+4 pin): 2 PCI-E (6+2 pin): 2 SATA: 6 Molex (Peripheral) : 2 FDD : 1
Dimensions150 mm (W) x 87 mm (H) x 190 mm (D)
Weight2.85kg
ComplianceATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
Warranty5 years
MSRPFSP500-70RGHBB1: $399 FSP700-50RGHBE1: $499

FSP said the PSUs feature a digital platform, and we're eager to dismantle and inspect them to find out if they use a fully-digital platform or a hybrid design where analog and digital circuits operate in parallel. In addition, FSP chose to certify the PSU with the 80 PLUS 230V program, where it achieved Gold efficiency. Normally, server units use 230V input, which is why FSP didn't go with a 115V certification.

One key feature these PSUs lack, though, is over temperature protection; however, FSP did include fan failure protection.

Because these are server-grade PSUs, they can operate 24/7 even under 50°C ambient temperatures. In addition, they promise low ripple and noise, something that we'll have to verify with our own equipment. Moreover, because the platform is digital, it offers monitoring functions through the FSP Guardian software. You will have to connect the PSU to a USB header on the system's mainboard in order to establish communication with the software. Through the FSP Guardian, users can monitor input and output wattage and check on the PSU's efficiency along with other metrics, in real time. You can also keep up to seven days of system logs. Both Twin Series members are covered by a five year warranty.

We should mention that besides the monitoring software, which is indeed a highly welcome feature, the PSUs also feature LED indicators that can provide alarms in case something goes wrong with the system. Besides the alarm functionality, those indicators can also help in problem diagnosis. In the event that one of the two embedded PSUs fails, an alarm will sound, and an LED indicator will point out the failed PSU that needs to be replaced.

The 500W model of the Twin Series is available with an MSRP of $399, whereas the 700W unit will cost $499. These prices are definitely stiff, but keep in mind that we are talking about redundant PSUs, not normal ones.

We should also clear up one more issue that will likely matter to many of you: Because both units include a couple of PSUs inside, naturally you will be wondering if both are used at the same time. According to FSP, these two power modules will automatically share the load for optimum efficiency, and if one fails, the other module will immediately take over the whole load. We cannot know exactly how this system works just yet, but we are going to find out soon enough.

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FSP500-70RGHBB1 Power Specs
Rail3.3V5V12V112V212V35VSB-12V
Max. PowerAmps202016161630.5
Watts130500156
Total Max. Power (W)500
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FSP700-50RGHBE1 Power Specs
Rail3.3V5V12V112V212V35VSB-12V
Max. PowerAmps202017171730.5
Watts130612156
Total Max. Power (W)700
Aris Mpitziopoulos
Contributing Editor

Aris Mpitziopoulos is a contributing editor at Tom's Hardware, covering PSUs.

  • turkey3_scratch
    Can't wait for this review!
    Reply
  • thundervore
    WOW!

    I am impressed and have to say I am excited about this as we finally see some technology improvements in consumer PSU other than RGB fans. Cant wait to see the titanium variants with 0 RPM 140mm fans.

    I look forward to the review and the release of these.
    Reply
  • Rhinofart
    I remember seeing something like this a very long time ago. I'm saying close to 10 years. Redundant ATX powersuppy. I never went for one because I needed way more power than they were able to put out at the time.
    Reply
  • firefoxx04
    I am sure some people will have no understanding as to why anyone would want this, just like they dont understand having lots of ram and lots of cores.

    Anyways, this is exactly what I have been seeking. We build workstations and servers for clients that cannot or will not shell out lots of money for a commercial system. Being able to offer a redundant ATX psu is great. I have a system running 24/7 right now that I would love to drop this into.
    Reply
  • JQB45
    The article mentions 230V GOLD rating. Will this PWS run on common US 120V/15AMP?
    Reply
  • Faux_Grey
    Clearly nobody here has worked around server grade PSU units.

    Dudes. 2x 40mm fans.

    Expect 2000RPM at minimum. This thing is going to be LOUD.
    Thankfully "semi passive"
    Reply
  • thundervore
    18905202 said:
    Clearly nobody here has worked around server grade PSU units.

    Dudes. 2x 40mm fans.

    Expect 2000RPM at minimum. This thing is going to be LOUD.
    Thankfully "semi passive"

    I work around them all the time in the network closet, those suckers are loud as hell. I was hoping that the modular units themselves would be passive and a larger 140mm fan would be installed in the housing itself and have some kind of backplane that provides power to the fan.

    Reply
  • toffty
    I don't see enough room at the bottom of the chassis to house a 120/140mm fan. I'll assume there's a 40mm fan at the front of each of the insertable psu's
    Reply
  • JQB45
    Ok, If you scroll down though this http://fsp-europe.com/twins-500700w/ you will see that it does work with 120/115V AC at 88% efficiency and also the PSU's have what look like 40mm fans.

    Chassis Fan: Dual ball bearing fan, 40 mm
    Reply
  • thundervore
    18911081 said:
    Ok, If you scroll down though this http://fsp-europe.com/twins-500700w/ you will see that it does work with 120/115V AC at 88% efficiency and also the PSU's have what look like 40mm fans.

    Chassis Fan: Dual ball bearing fan, 40 mm

    Thanks for the link!
    I am extremely disappointed now. After scrolling down to the bottom of the page I saw the horrid 40mm fan :(.
    There is more than enough room in the bottom of the powersupply frame to fit at least a 120mm fan under the guide rails even if it was a slim 120mm fan. or at least place a 80mm fan on the outside of the frame next to the ponytail . Anything is better than 40mm fans. I had to get rid of my HP Mediasmart server because of that horrid fan. Those things scream!
    Reply