Performance (40% of the final score) - let's sum up what we've discovered about the Everest. First, we know it has a de-rating curve allowing it to only do 850W at 40 degrees. Second, it performs like a decent group regulated design when kept cool, even if the efficiency is a bit lackluster. Third, it's still based in no small part on the original Epsilon design. All these factors together mean the unit is not real good but not real bad. But... we also know the unit failed when being run at a mere one degree over spec in the hot box, and didn't shut down. That's going to cost FSP some points. We also know that the unit exceeded ATX specs for ripple and noise on the 3.3V and 5V rails... that's going to cost some more points. 5.
Functionality (20% of the final score) - the story is a bit better here. The Everest has plenty of cabling options, with nine SATA connectors to power a pile of hard drives from. The sleeving is well done. I like the lighted power switch. And, the quad 12V distribution is decent enough though I question whether the unit can handle very power hungry cards adequately. I think I'll bless the unit with an 8.5 here.
Value (30% of the final score) - a quick Froogling shows that the Everest is starting at about $175. This makes it slightly more expensive than the formidable BFG ES-800 and almost as expensive as the Silverstone DA850. This would be a good thing... if the Everest were a well performing independently regulated unit. But, it's not. Poor value there, folks. 6.
Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - while not my favorite color for a power supply, the blue mirrored finish on the Everest looks pretty slick anyway with only the off gold color of that fan grille and off pink sleeving on the 8 pin PCI-E cables to detract from it. A point off for each gives this unit an 8.
Performance
5
Functionality
8.5
Value
6
Aesthetics
8
Total Score
6.5
Summary
When this review started out, I was filled with hope. At last, I would have a chance to examine a recent FSP unit and see how the Epsilon design had been refined since those earlier disappointing units. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed on the rocks of so-so voltage regulation, out of spec ripple, annoying cost cutting measures, and a failure in the hot box when asked to run just one measly degree out of spec. I am terribly disappointed in this unit. With the acquisition of 3Y's design team, FSP has no excuse for this unit's poor showing. Look elsewhere folks, you can do better than the Everest 900W.
You know, I have the 700W little brother in line for review soon. I certainly hope it does a little better.
The Good:
painted a mirrored shiny blue that is as blue as a blueberry dunked in blue dye lit by blue neon
efficient
nice sleeving
not too bad voltage regulation for a group design
The Bad:
very expensive for the design quality
The Mediocre:
failed at 41 degrees, 850W load - one degree out of spec
