Seasonic 12V-2×6 cables: Only graphics card support not enough

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” »

Minitest: Cheap PSUs vs. graphics cards coils whine

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” »

Which combo whines the least? 12 PSUs, 3 graphics cards…

“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…” »

DeepCool PL-D: New ATX 3.0 PSUs starting from 49 EUR

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” »

12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps

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” »

Not lucky last time? We still have the Cooler Master GX III Gold 850

One PSU contest is over, another one is starting. Cooler Master has donated its 850-watt GX III Gold model to our HWCooling contest. With a little luck, you can win one. It won’t be completely “free”, but you won’t break much of a sweat either. All you need to do is show a basic understanding of the Cooler Master power supply stuff. This will be especially easy for fans of the brand, but anyone can do it. Read more “Not lucky last time? We still have the Cooler Master GX III Gold 850” »

Win a DeepCool (PX1000G) PSU for powerful builds

If you are planning on building a more powerful PC with higher power draw, take a pause. In exchange for a moment of your time (to answer quick hardware questions), you can win a 1000W DeepCool power supply. That’s just enough to efficiently run an “unrestrained” Core i9-14900K CPU with a GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. You can already connect the latter with a single connector, as the PX1000G is an ATX 3.0 power supply. Read more “Win a DeepCool (PX1000G) PSU for powerful builds” »

Gigabyte GP-UD850GM PG5W: Let’s make it bright!

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 DA850R Gold up close. 471 watts per liter

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” »

Corsair RM850x Shift: Everything different than the others

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” »

Cooler Master GX III Gold 850: The only one with a right angle 16-pin

The GX III Gold 850 PSU is in a number of design aspects different than what might be described as a typical ATX 3.0 model. One of the aspects is the significantly different approach to cable design with the 12VHPWR connector for external graphics card power. The wires behind the connector are unconventionally bent at right angle for the sake of maximum robustness. But this power supply represents more than one way of looking at things. Read more “Cooler Master GX III Gold 850: The only one with a right angle 16-pin” »

Fractal Design Anode (550 W) or a really cheap power supply

We will also take the Fractal Design Anode PSU to the external testlab to analyze its electrical properties. This one doesn’t really fit into the mosaic of the others, as it is a power supply with support for the older ATX standard, it also has significantly lower power compared to the others, and according to the 80 Plus Bronze branding, it is expected to have lower efficiency as well, but again, it will be a good one to illustrate how such a low-budget option compares. Read more “Fractal Design Anode (550 W) or a really cheap power supply” »

Chieftec Polaris 3.0: Circular grille is still alive

Loyalty beyond the grave. This, too, is how one might define the relationship between Chieftec and the circular grille. Unlike other manufacturers, they haven’t shied away from it, and their Polaris 3.0 is the only one of the ATX 3.0 power supplies we’ll be testing with a really proper setup in front of the fan. Naturally this is a minor thing and what’s key is everything behind the grille. Still, the first impression Chieftec’s PSU gives is a really good one. Read more “Chieftec Polaris 3.0: Circular grille is still alive” »

Asus ROG Strix 850G Aura: Biggest power supply on the list

It gives a very good first impression. The design of the housing is something that sets this Asus ROG Strix 850G Aura PSU apart from the rest. Besides the above-standard dimensions, which suggest that it could be “rich” inside as well, there’s also a rather sophisticated cover or grille, and in line with aesthetic trends, there are also ARGB LEDs. What remains to be seen is what form the main thing will take – the electrical characteristics. Read more “Asus ROG Strix 850G Aura: Biggest power supply on the list” »

Warning color as a fire protection measure for new MSI PSUs

The second wave of MSI power supplies supporting the ATX 3.0 standard is marked by, in addition to the lower price, one small but attention-grabbing detail. The latter was created in response to the drama surrounding the 12VHPWR connector. In a clever, practical way, another form of prevention has been added for ordinary, less experienced users to prevent possible difficulties due to insufficient electrical contact. Read more “Warning color as a fire protection measure for new MSI PSUs” »