• prev
  • 1
    •
  • 2
    •
  • 3
    •
  • 4
  • 5
  • next
  • «»
Page 4 of 5

Testing

At Tech-Reviews our Power Supply tests consist of three main factors:  Noise, Stability and Efficiency. All these tests are conducted at both idle and load states. Efficiency is also tested at standby as well to draw a suitable conclusion.

To test noise levels in power supplies very expensive sound equipment is needed. Unfortunately we do not have access to this equipment and so instead, we use our god-given human ears to draw a verdict on the noise. Although this conclusion may not be as accurate as a figurative verdict, it’s a good indication on how the unit in testing sums up to other power supplies.

Stability is tested by checking each rail voltage of the power supply:  12V, 5V and 3.3V. We do this by using professional electrical equipment at both states, idle and load. The nearer rail voltage is to the rated voltage, the better.

In a world which we’ve messed up, it’s important for us to ‘do our bit’ by being efficient. One way in which you can be is by purchasing an efficient PSU. We test for efficiency by finding the power factor rating using our testing equipment. The higher the PF (Power Factor Rating) is the better. Another way we test efficiency is by measuring the amount of watts used. Obviously in terms of efficiency, the less power used; the better.

Results

OCZ ModXtreme 600w voltages

Ideal

Idle

Load

3.3v

3.38v

3.38v

5v

4.97v

5.04v

12v

12.35v

12.35v

PF

Wattage

Idle:85           Load:92

Idle:110           Load:158

OCZ Fatal1ty 550w voltages

Ideal

Idle

Load

3.3v

3.39v

3.38v

5v

4.97v

4.97v

12v

12.29v

12.29v

PF

Wattage

Idle:82           Load:90

Idle:108           Load:158

As you can see from the results its possible to tell that there is very little difference between these two power supplies. This is a good thing as they are both relatively stable on all of the rails and the power factors and wattage isn’t bad either. It is notable though that the Fatal1ty PSU struggles to delivery the correct voltage at load states and is often below the ideal voltage.

The 12v line is a little over what we could have hoped for but this isn’t likely to cause any hardware issues whatsoever.

('DiggThis’)
  • prev
  • 1
    •
  • 2
    •
  • 3
    •
  • 4
  • 5
    •
  • next
  • «»
Page 4 of 5

Search

Sponsor

NetPortal

Latest Article

CoolIT Domino i5 Testing

Back in July this year we tested the CoolIT watercooling kit using a heavily overclocked AMD 7750+ BE. It’s performance really surprised us with it absolutely caning the other coolers in question. However, processors have quickly moved on since July and we’ve got the likes of the Intel Core i7 and recent i5 dominating the market. For this reason, we thought some i5 testing using our trusty CoolIT Domino was in order. Let’s see if the performance from the Domino still survives in this day and age…

Read Article »

Related Content

Mar 16

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600 Watt

Quite some time ago we were kindly given the chance to review the OCZ Fatal1ty 700 Watt. Today, OCZ have kindly let us take a look at the 600W ModXStream Pro. Will this 600W Modular power supply perform to the standards of the other units we’ve tested? Time to find out…

Read the Story »
Mar 13

Coolink Lapchilla Laptop Cooler

Laptop technology has advanced greatly over the years with different releases of more powerful and compact systems constantly replacing the top notebooks of the year before. However, improving the performance of laptops usually has the knock on effect of producing more heat and so users will commonly seek advice in order to better cool their laptop. An often used approach to this problem is a Laptop Cooler.

However, most laptop coolers do more than simply draw hot air from your system. Many laptop coolers also have become a key feature in making the experience of using a portable machine at a desk more comfortable overall. Most coolers provide an elevated position for the actual laptop which usually features a sort of incline to the keyboard, thus allowing comfortable angles for typing during the longer sessions at the computer.

Read the Story »
Mar 12

Zaward Golf Fan II

Many of you wouldn’t have heard of Zaward before and don’t feel disheartened if you’re one, they’re a fairly new company specializing in specifically computer cooling. One of the most innovative products in their catalogue is what’s called the ‘Golf Fan II’. Unlike most case fans, the Golf Fan 2 features a patent golf-ball-like texture on its fins which according to Zaward reduces noise levels by 15% at the same RPM and airflow. Now I’ve reviewed a lot of case fans in my day and many boast large claims like this, to find out whether Zaward’s marketing department are not just playing about, let’s put it to the test and find out whether it’s true to its word.

Read the Story »
Mar 03

SteelSeries Kinzu Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries have a established themselves a fine reputation as a solid producer of quality PC gaming peripherals, so as I review this mouse I have high hopes for a product which does exactly as it says it will at a high level. The Steelseries Kinzu optical mouse, described as being ‘in a league of its own’ with regards to reliability and stability, can be picked up for the relatively low price of £21 (or $33 US Dollars). Let’s see how it performs…

Read the Story »