Power Supply Roundup: 730W to 900W
by Christoph Katzer on November 22, 2007 3:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Introduction
We recently looked at lower performing power supplies ranging from 400W to 450W. While some of those offerings work well, the reality is that they're not much cheaper to produce than slightly higher rated models, so most of that market is falling to the low quality, budget manufacturers. We return this week to higher performing PSUs rated at 730W to 900W that are more suited for high-end systems running more than one graphics card. It's important to have the proper connectors - and a sufficient quantity of connectors - along with a good distribution of power across the rails. Nobody running a higher end system enjoys crashes in the middle of a gaming session, after all. We have quite a few models to test from several companies, including four 850W PSUs.
Also included is one model that officially only supports a 200VAC to 240VAC input. This PSU is for the European market, but we still found it very interesting. We are talking about the Seasonic X900, but Seasonic also serves as the ODM for other brands, several of which we have reviewed. Whether or not the Seasonic X900 shows up in the US under that name, we will almost certainly see it in some form.
Note: If you would like to know more about our testing methodology, equipment, and environment, please read our PSU testing overview.
As previously stated, we now test with an additional 10% load beyond the rated output to see how the units cope with overload situations. We begin overload testing at room temperature, and if everything checks out we move on to our stress testing "heat chamber" that tops out at 50°C. Experience indicates that while many units can stand the overload testing at room temperature, others will have difficulty with the higher temperature and overload combined. Only the top units will survive this torture test.
We're going to change the order or presentation and begin with the results first, followed by pictures and discussions of the individual units. We will sort the products according to their rated output rather than name so that similar units are in close proximity to each other.
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31 Comments
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Christoph Katzer - Friday, November 23, 2007 - link
The arrangement will be changed next time ;)What about the amount of PSUs? Too many?
strikeback03 - Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - link
I like the voltage vs. load charts used previously better than the bar charts. Obviously impractical with a 10 PSU roundup, but I hope they come back for smaller articles.Would it at least be possible to keep a consistent order to the PSUs, instead of sorting by output voltage? On the 3.3V charts on page 4 for example, it's confusing to have the Hiper 730 at the bottom of the 20% chart then the top of the 50% chart.
Dayneaw - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
The first graph on page six seems to be missing the results of the silverstone.rickon66 - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
I love it when folks complain without even reading the review."Maybe you just forgot to upload the final page?"
Maybe you just forgot to read the review!!
Anyway-Good job on the review.
Talcite - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
Good job guys, the o-scope readings/explanations are particularly nice =D.SOLIDNecro - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
No "Final thoughts" or "Conclusions"???A summary report is one of the most important, if not most important part of any article, to leave it completely up to the reader to draw conclusions based on charts requires to much time and expertise for your average reader!
Also your "Editors" choice awards are invaluable, you guys are the "Pro's" and should be able to guide the reader to what you would purchase for your own rig, and why it stood out from the rest of the pack
Maybe you just forgot to upload the final page?
JEDIYoda - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
So whats so hard about making your own conclusion and thinking a little bit?Editor`s awards are bogus!
Grow up dude!
JEDIYoda - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
Editor choice rewards awards are bogus!You can read and comprehend - can`t you?
Make up your own mind!
Christoph Katzer - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
Just check the new arrangement. I wrote the comparison first and if somebody is interested to know more about a product he/she can check details after. The conclusion is on page 8.ChronoReverse - Thursday, November 22, 2007 - link
I find it rather confusing that way. I also thought that there was no conclusion until I read the comments.That said, I do usually read the conclusion first. Perhaps it should go back to the end and then a short abstract placed in the front?