I have recived "some" PSU's

[krampak]

Cooler Master eXtrem Power 430W
Cooler Master Green Power 600W
Cooler Master eXtrem Power Duo 650W
Corsair HX520W
Corsair HX620W
Hiper Type R 730W
Silverstone Element 400W
Silverstone Zeus ST85ZF
Spire Rocketeer V 500W
Spire Rocketeer VI 600W
Raptoxx RT-450 ABP
Raptoxx RT-550 ABAL
RaptoxX RT-700 EBAD
Tacens Aeris Smart 680
Tacens Radix Smart 410
Tacens Valeo Smart 480
Tacens Valeo Smart 560
Xilence 460W
Xilence Power 600W
Xion Power Real 600W
Xion SupeNova 600W
Zalman ZM460B-APS
Zalman ZM600-HP


I've some week to look them all. I've photos of all them (external and internal) if you are interested in some of them.
This will not be a "deep" review, just 1 page per PSU. Will test voltages and wattage (overall system) as I don't have the suitable material to test.

[jonnyGURU]

Whatever you can contribute is welcome! :D

[Skott]

I'm looking to buy a 700w+ psu for my next build so anything over 700w I'm interested in but there is one in particular on that list I'd like to see JG do and that is the Silverstone Zeus ST85ZF. Its on my list of possibilities for a dual 8800GTX system.

[jonnyGURU]

...there is one in particular on that list I'd like to see JG do and that is the Silverstone Zeus ST85ZF.

Umm....

http://www.jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=15

Did that one over a month ago.

All reviews can be found here:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

[CAD4466HK]

Umm....

http://www.jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=15

Did that one over a month ago.

All reviews can be found here:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

Gotta love it;)

[krampak]

Is the Cooler Master Green Power 600W "80+ certified" ? I hasn't a "mark" saying that but the efficiency is: 82% 120W, 85% 300W and 82% at 300W load. So it's teorically a 80+ certified right ?

[jonnyGURU]

Technically, yes. But maybe it did those numbers at 230V input. 80 Plus tests at 115V input.

Either that or Cooler Master didn't want to pay the $1000.

[krampak]

Good to know that...

[Skott]

Umm....

http://www.jonnyguru.com/review_details.php?id=15

Did that one over a month ago.

All reviews can be found here:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

I know, I read it. I thought maybe something was new or different. Hence my choice. You did add it to your list afterall. :D

[krampak]

Here are preliminary results of the 2-4pcie category PSU:

Some comment ? (it's in spanish but it's easy to understand :P )

As I said in the firt post I don't have good material to test them at specifics loads, so I used a huge system to try to load them as max as I can (I could have rised the VGPU voltage but I didn't). Power Usage is registered with a PowerMeter (overall system wattage) and voltage using a voltimeter.

If the difference between 12VV at idle and full load is higher than 0.12V (that's 120mV ripple right ? ) it's supposed to be quite bad ? There are six of them above that value...

And some questions...

The Hiper 730W has gives me a load of 410W and the SilverStone gives me the same (410W) but it's supposed that the SilverStone has a higher Efficiency because it's 850W unit and not 730W like the Hiper ? Or both have the same efficiency as they draw the same system overall wattage ?
If the answer is the silverstone has a higher efficiency, then, how could I prove it with that results ? Which "formula" could I use to sort them by "efficiency" (not the real value as I don't know the real computer wattage, but I could sort them comparing each one) but considering it's wattage (refering to the case that occurr for exemple with the Hiper 730 vs ST85ZF).

[jonnyGURU]

Great job so far!! :D



If the difference between 12VV at idle and full load is higher than 0.12V (that's 120mV ripple right ? ) it's supposed to be quite bad ? There are six of them above that value...



No. THAT is load regulation. Ripple can only be measured with an oscilloscope and is the subtle fluctuations in voltage during a static load. Regulation is what you call a PSU's ability to hold it's voltage under load.

On my tests, greater than .20V is considered "bad", but because you're not loading up a PSU to 100% of it's capability, I'd say .12V isn't good either. ;)




And some questions...

The Hiper 730W has gives me a load of 410W and the SilverStone gives me the same (410W) but it's supposed that the SilverStone has a higher Efficiency because it's 850W unit and not 730W like the Hiper ? Or both have the same efficiency as they draw the same system overall wattage ?

If the answer is the silverstone has a higher efficiency, then, how could I prove it with that results ? Which "formula" could I use to sort them by "efficiency" (not the real value as I don't know the real computer wattage, but I could sort them comparing each one) but considering it's wattage (refering to the case that occurr for exemple with the Hiper 730 vs ST85ZF).

The Silverstone isn't supposed to be a higher efficiency because it's an 850W. In fact, it may be lower efficiency at lower loads than most lower wattage PSU's.

But don't sell that Hiper 730W so short. That's based on a server grade Andyson and if memory serves me correctly, IT is SUPPOSED TO BE just as efficient as the Silverstone. ;)

[krampak]

Ok, no ripple for me then :P (I could get an oscilloscope but it's not the point of this review), just voltage regulation effectiveness...
The Silverstone isn't supposed to be a higher efficiency because it's an 850W. In fact, it may be lower efficiency at lower loads than most lower wattage PSU's.
Ok, good to know that.

And what will cause a lower efficiency ? Bad capacitors ? Bad cooling ? Bad "distribution of components" ? Maybe a bit of all this ?
I have to comment the circuitery of all them (not a large explain, just 2 lines) but I don't know at all what to look for... to say if it has a good circuitery or not.
I supose for example that the Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W (the worst in overall power consumption) wil have a worse circuitery, just looking at it ? Or It could seem as clean as the Corsair HX ? Then I would need to take a closer look to the component it mounts.

[jonnyGURU]

Efficiency loss can happen as a sum of loss over all of the components.

Every component power passes through can potentially dissipate power as heat and effect the overall efficiency.

[madmat]

I'd say that a good percentage of a high efficiency design is the actual layout of the circuit and reducing the number of items connected to the circuit, making it simpler. Also, though, the quality of the compnents matters as well, Parts that pass the electrons more effectively thereby passing more with a lower loss in energy as heat in the process will also help. That makes it kind of a zen thing, both are equally important and the sum of the two equates higher overall efficiency.

[krampak]

Good news, 6 more units coming soon:

Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850W (peak 1KW, six 12V rails but "only" 60A combined)
A pair of thermaltakes (650 and 750W)
BeQuiet! 600W
Neo HE 430 (the 550 was reviwed some days ago...)

And with a "bit of luck" there will be as well:

SeaSonic M12 600
SeaSonic M12 700
Tagan TG 700-U25 Dual Engine
Tagan TG 900-U95 TurboJet

But those four are not sure to arrive.


PD: Here is the final excel with all the units tested:

(amazing that Silverstone Element 400W, and very good eficiency that Xilence 460W)

[jonnyGURU]

So according to your spreadsheet, everyone should buy either a Corasir or Silverstone Element due to their excellent efficiency and outstanding voltage regulation. :D

[krampak]

That's it :D Maybe if I recive an M12 700 there will be some more competitor xD


It's amazing... I have just tried the Element 400W from Silverstone with the X1800XT CrossFire setup... and w00000t !

Idle
3.37 4.95 12.24 214

ORTHOS + 3DMARK 2006
3.37 4.95 12.22 362

Just 0.02V drop in 12V rail at 3D ! And and amazing 362W system power consumption, thats 24W lower than the Corsair HX 520! (which had the best overall power consumption on CrossFire setup).

The Raptoxx 450W didn't even finshed the 3dmark... it shutdown, and it comes with 2 PCIe connectors while the Silverstone come with just 1 PCIe connector! (i've used a molex 4-pin to PCIe 6-pin adapter).

Looks like quality speeks by itself :P

[jonnyGURU]

PM me your info/address. I'd like to see if I can get you some more samples for your spreadsheet.

Are you doing this for a website down there?

[krampak]

I have opened the CM eXreme Power Duo 650W to look what the hell makes that bad efficiency... this is how it looks like:


http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6438/coolermasterextremepowext5.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=coolermasterextremepowext5.jpg)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7416/coolermasterextremepowetf1.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=coolermasterextremepowetf1.jpg)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9550/coolermasterextremepoweul4.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=coolermasterextremepoweul4.jpg)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1194/coolermasterextremepoweqv4.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=coolermasterextremepoweqv4.jpg)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6515/coolermasterextremepowekt0.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=coolermasterextremepowekt0.jpg)


What do you think ? It uses CapXon capacitors as primary and secundary capacitors. Those are in the bad capacitors list :D

[madmat]

From what I understand CapXon caps do OK in applications where they aren't acting as heatsinks for other components in the circuit. Teapos are another example that are considered marginal in a mobo application but seem to do fine in power supplies.The temp in a PSU is generally not as bad as the heat being absorbed by the caps in a PWM circuit on a motherboard. Especially on mobos where there is no cooling on the PWM mosFETs. The mosFETs get pretty hot and that heat is absorbed by a pad the mosFET is soldered to and by the legs of transistor. They're tinned copper and are soldered to the traces connecting them to the caps. The traces are copper that's tinned as such they conduct heat devilishly well. That heat goes straight to the legs of the caps that are (everybody join in if you know this one!) tinned copper. From there it's radiated straight into the heart of the cap. In a PSU the cap is soldered to the PCB as are the heatsinks. The mosFETs are soldered to the board as well but the lug on the transistor is screwed to the heatsink and the heat that was being absorbed by the mobo is now going out the heatsink. As a result the transistor is way cooler and is no longer dumping heat out the legs and into the PCB. The caps are not cooking from the inside and live longer.

[jonnyGURU]

Interesting....

So like the eXtreme Power 600W, the 650W is also a SevenTeam.

For the 600W, Cooler Master slapped a label on a 500W SevenTeam.

Look around the PCB for an "ST" part number (like "ST-500") if you want to find out what that PSU REALLY is.

[krampak]

I got it...

ST-500BKP-02G-1.0

So it mounts a SevenTeam 500W based PCB ?

I will take a look inside the eXtreme Power 430W... edit: can't see nothing in the 430W model. Just a date (2006/01/04) and HP-E4008FWR(P), the rest of text is covered with a "white paste".

Maybe I can create a new thread and post all the pics I've took at the inside of all these PSUs ? If it's interesting for someone... if not I won't do it of course :D

[jonnyGURU]

Damn!

So before Cooler Master was using a SevenTeam 500W as a 600W and now they're using a SevenTeam 500W as a 650W!!!!

SevenTeam is good... but not THAT good. That's down right criminal.

And the 430W is a Hipro 430W. I've already reviewed that one.

As for pics:

ABSOLUTELY! You should do it for your review. Not enough reviews show the insides of the PSU. Also, you should show the UL number (the "E" number under the "UR" logo on the PSU sticker.) That makes it easy to figure out who makes what. ;)

[krampak]

Also, you should show the UL number (the "E" number under the "UR" logo on the PSU sticker.) That makes it easy to figure out who makes what.
I didn't know that ! However not all PSU's I have here have that number listed.

The iGreen Power 600W shows E131875, and google says it's an ACBEL POLYTECH based PSU :) The Spire SP-500W has a E257731 number, which is a Topower based PSU. That's funny ! I'll try to find all them :lol:

Do you have a list of "E codes" representing every real manufacturer ?

[jonnyGURU]

But of course!! :)

http://www.jonnyguru.com/SMPS_UL.htm

[krampak]

This is all I catch:

Cooler Master eXtreme Power 430 ----- E: 143709 ----- HIPRO ELECTRONICS
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650 ----- E: ??? ----- SevenTeam
Cooler Master iGreen Power 600W ----- E: 131875 ----- AcBeL POLYTECH
Corsair HX520W ----- E: 104405 ----- SeaSonic Electronics
Corsair HX620W ----- E: 104405 ----- SeaSonic Electronics
Hiper Type R 730W ----- E:303928 ----- HIGH PERFORMANCE GROUP (built by Andyson)
RaptoxX RT-450 ABP ----- E: ??? ----- ??
RaptoxX RT-550 ABAL ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Raptoxx RT-700EBAD ----- E: 304270 ----- ??
Silverstone ELEMENT 400W -----
Silverstone ST85ZF ----- E: 166947 ----- ENHANCE ELECTRONICS
Spire Rocketeer V 500W ----- E: 257731 ----- Topower
Spire Rocketeer VI 600W ----- E: 257731 ----- Topower
Tacens Radix Smart 410 ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Tacens Valeo Smart 480 ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Tacens Valeo Smart 560 -----
Tacens Aeris 680 Smart ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Xilence 460W ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Xilence Power 600W ----- E: 199529 ----- CASING MACRON TECHNOLOGY
Xion PowerReal 600W ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Xion SuperNova 600W ----- E: ??? ----- ??
Zalman ZM460B-APS ----- E: 198072 ----- ZALMAN TECH (built by FSP)
Zalman ZM600-HP ----- E: 198072 ----- ZALMAN TECH (built by FSP)

The Raptoxx 700W number is not listed in your DB. E304270. Google knows nothing about it.

The other ones which has no number in the case I should open them (again) and look for a part numbert on the PCB ?

[jonnyGURU]

There's a link to the UL Database on that page I linked you to.

So you put in E304270 and it comes up with Elwin Technology.

Never heard of them... but I'll add them to my list. :D

[krampak]

I found another one :D It's on a separated PCB (not the primary) so I don't know if it means that only that part is made by this guys or if all the PSU it's made by them. It's the little PCB that connects directly to the power cable socket. It has the "RU" simbol written into it.

Xion SuperNova 600W ----- E:247231 ----- SHENZHEN HUA DONG XIN ELECTRONICS
Xion PowerReal 600W ----- E:247231 ----- SHENZHEN HUA DONG XIN ELECTRONICS

:)

I'm opening all them to find some useful number... (i'm just copying all readeable text xD)

Never heard of them... but I'll add them to my list.
They might be not good looking at my results... and this pics:

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/3663/raptorrt70011yo4.th.jpg (http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=raptorrt70011yo4.jpg)
http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/4559/raptorrt70012rv3.th.jpg (http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=raptorrt70012rv3.jpg)
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/8103/raptorrt70013qe9.th.jpg (http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=raptorrt70013qe9.jpg)

[jonnyGURU]

They just make the printed circuit board. Not the whole PSU.

[CAD4466HK]

This is all I catch:



The Raptoxx 700W number is not listed in your DB. E304270. Google knows nothing about it.

The other ones which has no number in the case I should open them (again) and look for a part numbert on the PCB ?

The Silverstone ST85ZF is OEM Etasis, not Enhance;)

[krampak]

Then why it has the E166947 number ? I don't catch it :(

[CAD4466HK]

Then why it has the E166947 number ? I don't catch it :(

I looked at mine, and it has the same #:confused:
Strange things afoot in the house of GURU:p

[krampak]

I have opened it and it's right, it says Etasis-750. Then why the UL licence number is from Enhance ? Maybe johnny can explain that to us :)

[CAD4466HK]

I have opened it and it's right, it says Etasis-750. Then why the UL licence number is from Enhance ? Maybe johnny can explain that to us :)

I've asked OW, he should know why also:)

[jonnyGURU]

Someone at Silverstone made a printing mistake, probably.

There's no "conspiracy." Enhance and Etasis are two totally different companies. No relation at all.

[CAD4466HK]

Someone at Silverstone made a printing mistake, probably.

There's no "conspiracy." Enhance and Etasis are two totally different companies. No relation at all.

:p :D

[GalvanizedYankee]

Etasis is well known for server grade SMPSs. They build good stuff.

Enhance is respected for the very reliable PSUs they have provided for arcade, casino and ATM machines. They also build good stuff.

[CAD4466HK]

Etasis is well known for server grade SMPSs. They build good stuff.

Enhance is respected for the very reliable PSUs they have provided for arcade, casino and ATM machines. They also build good stuff.

Didn't know that about the ATM's:)

[krampak]

This Xilence 460W looks so good :) Best efficiency of all my round up.

Some pics (I don't know the manufacturer of this Unit yet):

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2435/xilence460fanless07bb4.th.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless07bb4.jpg)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8016/xilence460fanless08dx2.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless08dx2.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9082/xilence460fanless09ej0.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless09ej0.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2870/xilence460fanless10tb6.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless10tb6.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8072/xilence460fanless11nn8.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless11nn8.jpg)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1682/xilence460fanless12os1.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless12os1.jpg)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8256/xilence460fanless13kx5.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xilence460fanless13kx5.jpg)



The 6cm slim fan was very silence during all tests (in the X1800XT CrossFire system).

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Looks like a recent Sirtec to me.

[jonnyGURU]

Yeah.. I was almost thinking Andyson with those heatsinks and the skinny fan (where else have you seen those but in an Andyson?)

But the PCB layout is more Sirtec.

[Super Nade]

Who else uses Black heatsinks? Could it be a Topower? What are the caps on the secondary/primary?

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Teapo and Teapo. Not a Topower though - don't see their usual nomenclature on the transformers. The heatsinks bring to mind either Andyson or Sirtec, and there's no AD part number for Andyson I can see.

[jonnyGURU]

I'm sure it's a Sirtec.

[krampak]

I have recived some more psu's today, they are the last ones. The Cooler Master Power Real 850W and the Tagans will not get on time so they will not be included.

These are the "new" ones:

Antec Neo 430HE (for the 1 PCI-E Category roundup)
BeQuiet P6 600W PRO
Silverstone Strider ST60F
Thermaltake ToughtPower 650AP
Thermaltake ToughtPower 750AP

And this is a bit offset and I don't know how to include it yet.. but will be reviewed as well:

Thermaltake Power Express 250W

[jonnyGURU]

Guess you'll have to do a second round up with the additional PSU's you'll be getting. ;)

[krampak]

I got the results. Those thermaltake thoughpower have surprised me, I didn't spec that voltage stability, also the efficiency at idle (about 170W on my system) is quite good. The dark power pro efficiency wasn't bad but not the best, and it's 12V rail has fallen to much at full load. Also I spected better stability with the Silversone Strider 600W, 0.15V drop, it's loud (using a 12cm fan) and it has a regular efficiency compared to others.
The Neo HE 430W has performed so good in the 1 PCI-E category group but not as good as the Element 400W.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4039/fontsaz2.th.png (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fontsaz2.png)

[krampak]

They were not the last ones! I have recived another packet today. Will test it later. It's an Antec Power Trio 650W and an Antec EarthWatts 500W. I'm curious about that last one.

Edit:
About the EarthWatts:

It uses a single primary capcitor from Nippon-ChemiCon (400V 330uF) in the primary side. A pair of RLX capacitors and the rest are Vent.
It has an ADDA AD0812HS-A70GL 8cm. The main transformer says: WRL-35W023
Oh, and it's built by SEASONIC :)

Will take pictures later.

[Bbq]

I don't think the vent is the right part of the capacitor. They mean, under certain circumstanses, it'll vent at x degrees max or in a spot. Any identifying marks?

[krampak]

You are right. I can't read the brand name then. I think it starts by "P" and finishes with "tur" ("tur" is sure). They are rated at 105ºC.

It got the results updated, the trio is now in the favourite list (if you don't care about having an ugly psu):

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4199/fontsfs3.th.png (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fontsfs3.png)

[GalvanizedYankee]

It's listed as Pce-tur in the badcaps list here http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=388

Please note, this list is based on highly stressed mainboard caps. Many of the listed caps do well in properly cooled PSUs, like Teapo, Capxon or maybe Su'scon.

If you register over at badcaps, please give me the referral. I'm just Galvanized over there. One must register to view attachments.

If you post pics the help will be immediate and generally over whelming :) They are a good bunch over there and you will see many familiar nicks ;)

[krampak]

There is 1 new PSU into my favourite PSU list :) The Ultra X-Pro 600W.

I've recived this unit today, with an Ultra X-Pro 750W.

The 600W is based in Andyson and the 750W in SevenTeam, which is strange as the 750W is the tipycal 2x80cm Andyson style but it's UL number refers to SevenTeam.

Some pics of the 750W model:

PSU information (this time is ok)
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4756/7503np0.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7503np0.jpg)

Size... HUGE 210mm
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3193/7502sb0.th.jpg (http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7502sb0.jpg)

Perfect mirror efect
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/866/7504lk8.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7504lk8.jpg)

4 PCI-E connectors
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/2517/7506bp2.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7506bp2.jpg)

The Sticky, SINGLE 50A 12V rail
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5328/7505dt7.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=7505dt7.jpg)

Some pics of the 600W model:

PSU Information (it's wrong, it says 800W when it's a 600W model)
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7047/6001ka8.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6001ka8.jpg)

Some mirror efect but not as clear as the 750W model
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8499/6003fw9.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6003fw9.jpg)

13cm fan (very quiet during tests)
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/9651/6005gi8.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6005gi8.jpg)

The sticky, single 12V rail (36A):
http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6004mo2.jpg (thumbnail removed for http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9003/2ij9.th.png (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2ij9.png)

[SKYMTL]

WOAH!!! Look at all those wires in the background in that 4th picture!!!

[jonnyGURU]

WOAH!!! Look at all those wires in the background in that 4th picture!!!

LOL! Yeah.

Some background on the "black sheep" 750W:

That's actually an old (a few months) product limited to only about 3000 units. When Ultra was waiting for Andyson to finish up the production of the X-Pro and X-Finity 800W units and start up production on the EE line (like the 600W X-Pro EE you have) they wanted a "filler" product for system builders, etc. With the demise of MGE/XG, what was once called the Duro 900W was up for grabs.

It's a server-level SevenTeam, so although it's loud and has mediocre efficiency, it has unparrelled regulation and will probably out live any forthcoming apocolypses.

I'm actually surprised they sent you one. I figured all 3K units would end up with Systemax for their gaming rig.