Today's power supply is from OCZ's ZT Series. A fully modular 650W. We actually
looked at the
750W version of this power supply some time ago. That unit had great +12V
regulation, mediocre non-primary rail regulation, fair build quality and an
excellent price. Back then, that unit sold for under $100 before rebate. Today,
at Newegg, the price of that unit is actually up to $109.99 and is $89.99 with
a mail in rebate. The price of this unit is $99.99 before rebate and $79.99
after mail in rebate. You would think that would seriously hurt the unit's
value score, but how does that price stack up against what else is out there?
You'll have to read the review through to the end to find out.
On the back of the box, we get to see another picture of the power supply
at a slightly different angle. Yes, it's the same side of the power supply
we saw before, but the "business end" of a fully modular power supply is really
the end you want to show off.
"Fully modular" translates into "fully customizable" as
you can completely eliminate any unused cables. The ZT power supply is kept "extreme
cool" by a thermostatically controlled 140mm fan. The ZT power supply
also features OCZ's 5 year "PowerSwap" warranty, which is OCZ's advanced
replacement RMA policy.
Some more important "technical specifications" are listed elsewhere on the
box. Here we see that the PSU is rated continuously and at 45°C (as opposed
to rated at peak and/or at room temperature) and that 105°C capacitors
are used, which should provide a longer life.
Also on the back of the box, we see the DC output label.
OCZ ZT 650W
+3.3V
+5V
+12V
-12V
+5VSB
30A
24A
54A
0.5A
4A
Max Power
170W
648W
6W
20W
650W
The specs are nearly identical to the 750W we reviewed, with the exception
of 54A on the +12V rail, as opposed to 62A.
The side of the box has a very complete listing of all of the cables included
with the ZT 650W. Here's that listing in our typical representation:
OCZ ZT 650W
Type of connector:
Quantity:
Modular Cables
20+4-pin ATX connector (550mm)
1
4+4-pin ATX12V/EPS12V (600mm)
1
6+2-pin PCIe (550mm)
2
SATA (3 cables w/ 3 connectors each) (400mm+150mm+150mm)
Here is where we see the biggest difference between the ZT 650W and the ZT
750W. The 750W came with twice as many CPU power connectors (two 4+4-pin connector
cables as opposed to the 650W's one cable) and twice as many PCIe power connector
cables (four, as opposed to the 650W's two). Do you want to run a pair of GTX 560's?
Yeah... 650W will probably be enough power, but you had better get the 750W so
you have enough power connectors.
Now let's open the box up...
Inside the box, we have another box and a cloth bag. I wonder what could be
in the bag? I like surprises, let's save that for later and have a look in
the
box.
When I shake it, it sounds like it could be chocolates!
Something I do want to note about this packaging is the complete lack of any kind of protection. This is a plus for OCZ and retailers because you can fit more product in a mater carton, more master cartons in a container and more product on the shelf. But if someone ships you one of these power supplies in the retail box, which is something nobody should do with any power supply, don't accept the package. Don't open it, don't sign for it. The unit is going to be damaged in some way. If UPS leaves it on your doorstep, say you didn't receive it. Dead serious. The only way this PSU can ship is if it is put into another box with A LOT of packing material.
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