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Testing

Test Rig

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400

Motherboard

Asus P5K Premium

Memory

Geil Black Dragon (2x 1GB) DDR2 6400

Graphics Card

Zotac 9600GT

Hard Drive

Western Digital SE16 500GB

Operating System

Windows Vista Home Premium SP1

Methodology

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 out 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.

('DiggThis’)
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