Most of the time, we test the big guns... the power supplies everyone wants. Nearly all of these units cost a fair bit of cash to get one, though. What happens when you only have a couple of twenty dollar bills in your pocket left, and you absolutely need a power supply today? FSP wants to help you out, there. Traditionally, FSP has always been the leader of the "cheap but still good" market. Today, I'm looking at a budget unit of theirs targeted at markets in the eastern hemisphere, the Hexa 400W. This is a 230V only unit not available in North America. Let's see if FSP's budget units from overseas stand up to our test methods.
Not very long ago, Super Flower wasn't really a name on anyone's radar screen. They made decent units to be sure, but they were just kind of there. Then, someone over at SF headquarters woke up, saw the latest awesome unit out there, and said, "wait a minute, I bet we can do that, too." The Golden Green platform came out and started turning heads, but Super Flower didn't stop there. With the new 80 Plus Platinum efficiency certification level, the Golden King platform came out and turned even more heads. Now, Super Flower would like me to test the new Leadex platform. This is the next step in their journey for dominance at the top of the power supply game. Let's find out how well they pulled it off.
In the ever changing computer power supply market, companies are constantly trying to outdo each other when it comes to earning your business. Today, I have a unit from a newcomer to the site in Fractal Design. The unit in question is the Newton R3 1000 watt power supply. This is an 80 Plus Platinum certified unit with a single big 80A 12V rail that wants to be your next power supply. Let's find out if it's worthy of that honor.
Recently, we took a peek at a new case from Enermax called the Giant Ostrog. Today, we're looking at an Enermax power supply you may choose to use inside that case, the Triathlor FC 650W. This is a budget minded 650 watter that still brings such features as semi-modularity and 80 Plus Bronze certification to those of us who cannot afford the better and more expensive models. Let's see what it's like, shall we?
Today, I'm taking a break from power supply reviewing by looking at a new budget case from Enermax, the Giant Ostrog. Let's find out if this case has what it takes to get your money, or if it's more of an ostrich than a small Russian fort as the name implies.
Not too long ago, I took a look at a new PC Power and Cooling unit that turned out to be just plain awesome: the Silencer Mark III 1200 watt unit. Today, I'm looking at the little brother of that unit, the 850 watt model. We'll find out today if this 80 Plus Gold unit can match up to the high standards set by the flagship of the line.
Gutless wonders may come from all points of the globe but can usually be traced back to a handful of Chinese factories willing to do whatever it takes to sell units at the highest profit margin. Today, my review sample is one that can only be purchased overseas, an Ace Power AP-550A. This unit has no 80 Plus certification, and can only be powered at 230 volts AC. With a selling price of around the $50 USD mark after currency conversion, it actually wants to be one of the better units in my series of gutless wonder articles. But how much better can it be? Read on, and find out.
Seasonic is not just looking to freshen up their product offerings with only a bunch of new fanned power supplies with 80 Plus Platinum Certifications. They've decided to bring that kind of amazing efficiency and performance to the fanless side of things, too. Today, I'm looking at the 400 watt model in that new line of fanless units, and it promises to be spectacular indeed.
Cougar comes to us once again with a new power supply. This time, it's the value oriented 80 Plus Bronze certified PowerX series that is represented. We're looking at the little one today, the 550W. Let's see if this kitty growls or whimpers.
When size really does matter, PC enthusiasts only had a few options available back in the day. You either picked up a Pico style PSU or you went with a standard ATX PSU. With ITX/Micro ATX systems becoming more and more common, we are left with a bit of a power gap if you will. The Pico and power brick options only get you so far, then the next logical step is the SFX PSU. Most of the SFX options available are either low wattage or conform to more of a server unit design.
