Performance (40% of the final score) - the Giant Connector came into my giant hands with a giant set of expectations to live up to. Units in this power range I expect to hand in excellent results in all areas. After all, at this power level, there are a lot of SMPS OEMs that can't even make a PSU this high capacity yet. The NorthQ Giant Connector did not disappoint in any way. Regulation was excellent. Ripple and noise suppression was excellent. Efficiency was outstanding. But, I'm going to take away a point for giving me below 80% on test CL1, for having a slightly low-ish combined 12V rating for an 850W, and because I've seen a couple units regulate juuuuuust a teeny bit better. 9.
Functionality (20% of the final score) - enough cabling to satisfy just about anyone. Sleeving is well done. I like the addition of the standby LED to show whether there's a fault with the unit. But, I don't like the lack of an owner's manual and power cord. 8.
Value (30% of the final score) - this one's a bit tricky for me to pin down. You see, I can't find this for sale in North America. I had to go clear across the Atlantic to scan.co.uk, where I found this hovering at the £140 level (including VAT). That's about $240 US dollars. Over there, it competes with the like of the Enermax Galaxy 850W and Silverstone DA850, though those two are slightly more expensive. But, there are a few cheaper units that perform almost as well. I'd say that makes this unit a good value. 9.
Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - I love everything about this puppy, from the red LED fan to the black matte finish on the case to the sleeving. Going to hand out my first ever 10 here.
Performance
9
Functionality
8
Value
9
Aesthetics
10
Total Score
9
Summary
Watch out Corsair, OCZ, and Silverstone among others - NorthQ means business, and if they ever decide to make inroads into North America, this unit is going to help them go far. This is, quite simply, one of the most impressive 850W designs I've ever had my hands on, and for a good long while I wanted to replace the modular CWT 1200W in my main rig with this unit. But, though I was extremely impressed, the lack of availability here in North America is a real downer. Please come to Canada and the US soon, NorthQ!
The Good:
top notch regulation
astounding ripple and noise suppression
excellent efficiency
one sexy looking unit
tons of modular cables
The Bad:
no manual or power cord, or any other goodies
The Mediocre:
why oh why can't we get this in North America yet?
