Safety Functions and Maximum Wattage


We have tested the OPP this time which shows how much power each unit is able to deliver before shutting down. The 500W unit will get you up to 584W, the 600W unit up to 727W, and the 700W unit brings a staggering 1014W before it shuts down. The result for the 700W unit is truly amazing and it means that you can compensate for almost any power fluctuation a modern high-end system could have. The 500W and 600W units also do well of course, and the above results show that all of these PSUs have very good tolerance levels - over-engineering at its best.


500W


600W


700W

In the OCP test we show how much current each of the rails can deliver before the PSU shuts down. The figures seen for each rail are totally normal since all high-end power supplies come with much higher OCPs. Why? This is an attempt to reduce the number of support problems for the manufacturer. If the OCP is too tight some people might have a unit fail on them due to a kicked in OCP. If you run a mean system or many hard drives, it is quite easy to overload one rail. To avoid problems with such systems, manufacturers label their rails at a smaller number like 20A or 25A but in fact set the OCP at 35A.

Efficiency Comparison and How to Choose Your PSU Pricing and Availability
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  • strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    Probably because over 90% of the computers that exist are built by OEMs, and a high quality power supply is too expensive for that application. You are going to have a hard time selling consumers on "higher quality power" when that is something they expect to just work.
  • 7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    A patent on a 140mm fan? Seriously? What a load of crap. They should have made the 139mm 139.9mm and put a big red F in their booklet with the name of the patent-holder. What is this world coming to?
  • 7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    I have to say I am very pleased with the modular PSU's sticking with the same plug design. That would make cable management after installation a thing of the past which I think for 90% of us DIY builders is what keeps us from replacing a PSU mid-upgrade cycle. Instead just disconnect the cables from the old PSU, pop in the new one, and connect the cables again.

    I do want to mention a PSU I installed for my cousin about a month ago. I for the life of me can't remember the brand but it was definitely a high-end PSU. It was modular and instead of using the typical A/C plug style to connect the cables to the PSU, it had similar to a microphone plug; 3 pronged in a triangle fashion with a locking collar that you had to screw down. It was a VERY well manufactured piece and there was no issue with feeling the connection wasn't solid.

    Anyways glad to see a PSU review again. I got burned a year ago when I jumped the gun on an early recommendation for a PSU you were just starting to test and have been unhappy with its rails and overall quality (Tuniq Potency). Penny-wise, pound-foolish and all. I've been trying to justify upgrading to a better PSU and I think the time has just about come. I just hate the though of doing the cable management again...definitely going to be getting a modular PSU again (previous to the Tuniq I had an Antec NeoPower 480w which was awesome in its day).
  • dukeariochofchaos - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    the best i can find these for is ~$240 for the 600watt, and ~$275 for the 700watt.

    so far, i can't find the 500, or any of the "pro" series.
    i guess they figure somebody spending that much on a psu is only going for the top.
  • Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    Yes, unfortunately Enermax USA won't take all of these six units.
  • strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    So does that mean we won't see the 500W units?

    Well, at least there is still Seasonic.
  • Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    I heard they will be bringing the Pro87+ 500 & 600W.
  • dukeariochofchaos - Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - link

    i have seen these come down in price in akihibara already.
    in the right places, they are ~$200 for the 600w, and ~$230 for the 700w.
    i have also seen the "pro" models around for about $50 less for each.
  • cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    I meant first paragraph.

    Hoist. Petard.
  • cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link

    Pedant ON. Its not a square shape its an octagon, to match the octagonal hole for the fan and (most) of the metalwork forming the fan guard. Pedant OFF.

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