Reviews - XFX XPS 650W XXX Edition Power Supply
Sample Provided by: XFX (By OklahomaWolf on Mon, Feb-22-2010)

Page 5 -

Performance (40% of the final score) - I have to admit to being conflicted here. One one hand, this unit performed excellently during all tests but the heavy 3.3V/5V test. But on the other hand, the ripple issue that popped up the moment I left the unit's crossload safety zone has me a bit concerned. I have never seen an indy regulated unit behave quite like this. But, I can't be too hard on the unit for these issues, because once I got my hands on the datasheet for the unit I could see that indeed test CL1 was operating outside of Seasonic's design parameters for crossloading. And, I also have to take into account the fact that loads like this are never seen in the real world these days. But, I just can't ignore it either, because of the huge disparity between the 12V minimum load spec and that 7.5A 12V figure I was given as being safe for 3.3V/5V crossloading. So, I'll do a good solid 7 here and call it a day.

Functionality (20% of the final score) - I can't do too much arguing here, for this unit has more than enough connectors to get the job done. In fact, it has more connectors for gear than a 650W unit can really support. That said, one point comes off for the non standard mounting screw threads, and for having more hardwired cables than are really necessary for a 650W unit. 9.

Value (30% of the final score) - right about now, you can find this little beauty for $119.99 before rebate at Newegg. It is among the higher priced offerings at 650W, however units like the Seasonic X-650 and the Corsair 650HX are yet more expensive. That said, should you decide to do without modularity and get something all hardwired, there are quite a few excellent units there that are cheaper than this one. So, I'm going call this a good but not great value, hand out an 8, and move on to the next score.

Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - I have to admit, I've warmed up to the styling on this unit a little bit since the 850W model crossed my desk. But I haven't really warmed up that much to the fan. Let's toss out another 8 here.

Performance

7

Functionality

9

Value

8

Aesthetics

8

Total Score

8

Summary

XFX's second venture into the power supply world is a solid effort, although the platform does have, in my opinion, one significant flaw I would like to see addressed yet. Voltage regulation was very stable, rail power-on spikes were well suppressed, and the unit did not too badly for efficiency in the low load test. But when it came to crossloading, the wheels fell right off the XFX trolley. I wish I could sit here and say I was ok with that, but I can't do that. The fact remains that test CL1 did in fact meet all minimum load specs for the unit, and as such I believe we should not be seeing out of spec ripple anywhere within this range. As it stands now, this is a good unit for 99% of the people out there reading this. Buy one without worry, for your modern 12V based rig will never see this ripple bug come out and bite you. But if you need something to run that old 5V based Athlon rig, you should seriously look elsewhere.

The Good:

  • very good voltage regulation
  • easily met its 80 Plus certification level
  • excellent ripple suppression in most tests
  • runs quietly and doesn't heat up much

The Bad:

  • non standard mounting threads

The Mediocre:

  • dare to exceed Seasonic's crossload specs, and look out - you're visiting Ripple City on the 5V rail
  • 18th Century Day needs to be over... now. Ah, they heard me! And th... aw, fer cryin' out loud!!!

 

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