Final Analysis
Aerocool decided to enter the high-end PSU market with its Project 7 models, of which there are currently three. Capacities range from 650W to 850W, hitting some of the most popular output levels for enthusiast-oriented builds. Unfortunately for our U.S. audience, none of these power supplies are available for purchase yet, and we don't yet know when they'll arrive.
Hopefully distributors at least consider carrying them, though. Their performance is excellent and Aerocool covers them with seven-year warranty coverage. The company does need to adjust its pricing in order to compete with well-established incumbents. But if it can do this, we think it'll successfully infiltrate one of the most challenging markets in the world. We are always excited to see more companies driving innovation and keeping the big names on their toes, after all.
Again, the ACP-850FP7 features solid performance that includes tight load regulation, good ripple suppression, and high efficiency. Its transient response could use some improvement, but it's decent overall. In order to improve a PSU's transient response, you usually have to sacrifice a bit of ripple performance. And since the ACP-850FP7 achieves close to 1% deviations at +12V (the most important rail of all), we suspect that Andyson didn't want to lose any time by tuning it lower while trying to keep ripple suppression at the same levels.
Speaking of ripple, we like that this unit demonstrates impressive results without leaning on special cables with extra capacitors in them. As a result, system builders can enjoy less rigidity from the easy-to-route flat cables. Modders should be happy as well; Aerocool's cables are also easier to customize.
Besides its high efficiency, another of the ACP-850FP7's advantages is quiet operation. This is achieved with a low-speed fan, the implementation of a semi-passive mode, and a conservative fan profile. Even at challenging ambient temperatures, the fan isn't pushed too hard. Aerocool and Andyson tried to make this PSU as quiet as possible, and their efforts are clearly depicted in our results. Currently, only Corsair sells similarly efficient power supplies that offer the same low noise output. All of the other brands trail behind. So, if you need one of the quietest 850W PSUs that money can buy, keep an eye out for the arrival of Aerocool's ACP-850FP7 or grab one of the Corsair models already available.
In the next revision of the Project 7 PSUs, we would like to see Aerocool add a switch to turn its semi-passive mode on or off. As the ACP-850FP7 stands now its fan profile is so loose and its fan is so quiet at low speeds that we'd like to keep it running all of the time to push operating temperatures down even more. Surely, this would help extend the power supply's lifetime.
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