Upgrades towards the ATX 3.1 standard (from ATX 3.0) can be expected in the next period from leading PSU brands. Each will take on this task in different ways, for DeepCool it is now the release of the new PN-M model series. It represents the mid-range, characterized by the 80 Plus Gold or Cybenetics Gold efficiency rating, modular cabling and an output range of 650–850W. Read more “DeepCool PN-M: An influx of new ATX 3.1 PSUs (650–850 W)”
Seasonic’s new 12V-2×6 cables come with two new features that make them technically superior to their predecessors (with 12VHPWR connectors). There are more of those changes, but the protections against insufficient insertion and increased temperatures are among the most significant things that change across generations of 16-pin connectors. Seasonic’s (12V-2×6) cables are available in three variants. Read more “Seasonic 12V-2×6 cables: Only graphics card support not enough”
Enermax has new ATX PSUs with a length that is smaller than the SFX-L format. This makes them the smallest ATX PSUs currently available. The fan used is a bit smaller than usual, but its cross section hasn’t suffered that much. And also because of the presence of 16-pin 12V-2×6 cables (with shortened sense pins), we’re already dealing with the ATX 3.1 standard. Read more “Only 122 mm. Enermax shortened its ATX PSUs (Revolution D.F. 12)”
You’ve already read the extensive analysis of graphics card coil whine changes depending on the PSU used. One last thing is missing for it to be complete. And that is to add the behavior of cheap PSUs with lower quality components. Otherwise, one could still speculate that across classes the situation could be significantly different. Could it? This is what we will focus on in the measurements with “80 Plus” PSUs, one of which is also already quite old. Read more “Minitest: Cheap PSUs vs. graphics cards coils whine”
“After replacing the PSU, the video card coils stopped whining”. An extremely common statement and yet it always remains on a subjective level, which is a pity. But that is also why we will now look at things in an exact, numerical way. We do this by testing several graphics cards, where for each, noise levels of VRM coils are monitored with each ATX (3.0) power supply used. So how is it with the “whining”? When is it stronger and when is it weaker? Read more “Which combo whines the least? 12 PSUs, 3 graphics cards…”
If you have been considering ATX 3.0 PSUs to be “too expensive”, then DeepCool will be looking to change your perspective on the matter. With models from the new PL-D series, which also includes lower-performance variants. Those, combined with 80 Plus Bronze, are priced quite low and can already be acquired, some might say, cheaply. This is at the price of lower efficiency (a compromise), but still maintaining key safety protections. Read more “DeepCool PL-D: New ATX 3.0 PSUs starting from 49 EUR”
Yet again, reports of melted 12-pin power connectors and damaged GeForce graphics cards are coming in – this time involving hundreds of CableMod adapters – and with that, the debate about whether the 12-pin is dangerous is back. Unfortunately, it’s full of black and white arguments that are pretty much off the mark. We will try to point out such fallacies. The issue is in fact much more complicated than the positions usually taken on it. Read more “12-pins on GPUs melting again: Both fans and critics are wrong”
The PSU tests, which will be published shortly, will also include a detailed noise analysis. Each model has a different fan, a different grille in front of it, and operates at a different speed under the same loads, all of which shapes the different noise character. In order to make everything clear and accurate, spectral analysis of the sound is essential. This tells us which frequencies are noisier and how each PSU actually “sounds”. Read more “How we measured computer PSUs. The acoustic part”
The time has come to introduce the testing methodology for computer PSUs. We will divide this into two articles, where the first will cover procedures for obtaining key electrical quantities (i.e. surrounding efficiency, voltage regulation, voltage ripple, etc.). A separate sequel will then focus on the analysis of acoustic profiles. But now on to the purpose for which we travelled to the external testlab. Read more “How we measured computer PSUs. The electrical part”
We are currently working on a series of power supply tests, from which you already saw a preview with thermal imagery and temperature measurements of the 12pin (a.k.a. 12+4pin) 12VHPWR cables. In this article we will look at what the PSUs produced using this standard have to offer. Even older good quality PSUs can last a long time in several generations of your PC, so what in the ATX 3.0 specification makes it worth switching over? Read more “Why ATX 3.0? Features and advantages of the new PSU standard”
Something for warm-up. We’ll start our ATX 3.0 PSU tests with perhaps the most talked about topic surrounding them, the temperatures of the new cables with 16-pin PCIe connectors. The overview of the PSUs of twelve brands answers well the question of how the manufacturers handled which models. With high current loads, the temperature differences can be quite significant, both on the connector housings and on the wire insulation. Read more “12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps”
Recently, in fact for most of 2023, we’ve been collecting various ATX 3.0 power supplies. In total, twelve have been collected, which is also the final number with which we are now leaving for measurements. Before we start publishing the tests, you can check out a comprehensive overview of all the models. Or leave a comment, which we can eventually incorporate into our analyses. Read more “This is the complete ATX 3.0 power supply test lineup”
The last of the dozen ATX 3.0 PSUs that we’ll be looking at in comparison tests is the Gigabyte GP-UD850GM PG5W. We have this one available in the “rarer” white variant, and if there’s anything else these Gigabyte (UD850GM) PSUs have going for them, it’s an attractive price. It is decidedly the cheapest PSU we will test. And among other things, it also has a smaller footprint with extra compatibility. Read more “Gigabyte GP-UD850GM PG5W: Let’s make it bright!”
SilverStone also makes ATX 3.0 PSUs. The DA850R Gold model is, among other things, remarkable for its smaller than usual dimensions. It is only the “basic” 140 mm in length, the same as, for example, the Enermax ERT850EWT (the other tested power supplies are larger), so for owners of cases with worse PSU compatibility, a thematic micro-comparison arises. Read more “SilverStone DA850R Gold up close. 471 watts per liter”
I guess it can be said that Corsair goes a bit against the mainstream in many elements with their power supplies. However, it is important to highlight the superb amount of experience of the development team, which is reflected in the design of the RM850x Shift. The use of “their own head” is often seen on the design features of this power supply, but it seems that this could only be to the benefit of things. Some without question. Read more “Corsair RM850x Shift: Everything different than the others”
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