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from your favorite reviewer.
Recommended PSU's:
300W: The soundless Fortron FSP300-60GNF was unphased throughout the Stress Test and offers terrific efficiency that is unparalleled in the 300 watt class. Another argument in its favor is its inexpensive price for a passive power supply of $95.
600W: The second award goes to the Seasonic S12 in the 600 watt class. This power supply is a favorite for its extraordinarily high efficiency of 83.4 percent and its quiet operation, even at full load. Compared to competitors it is low-priced at $140.
Interesting note from PC P&C:
Statement From PC Power & Cooling
We would like to take the opportunity of including a statement from CEO of PC Power & Cooling that we just received.
An honest power supply rating is for CONTINUOUS operation at FULL LOAD. 24 hours is a very short test. There should be no complaints! A PSU should actually run at full load for weeks and months with no problems.
The voltages and output ripple should be within ATX specs at full load. The tests are NOT too tough. In fact, they're easy, because they are run at nominal input line voltage and room temperature. I suggest that tests be conducted at low line voltage and high line voltage using a variac. These tests would demonstrate the PSU's input operating range and whether or not the PSU could withstand the sags and surges in today's world at full load.
Another legitimate test condition is to run the PSUs at full load with the ambient temperature elevated about 15C to represent the real-life condition in the computer, rather than the condition on the test bench (many power supplies have exaggerated wattage claims based on low ambient temperature assumptions). One more important test would be a dynamic load test (instantaneous pulse of the +12V output). This would demonstrate a PSU's ability to handle multiple hard drive access (servers) or quick changes in CPU and video power loads (gaming PCs, especially SLI).
In conclusion, the stress tests being conducted by Tom's Hardware are more than fair. Products that do not pass should be redesigned or de-rated to realistic power levels.
Doug Dodson, CEO, PC Power & Cooling
from your favorite reviewer.
Recommended PSU's:
300W: The soundless Fortron FSP300-60GNF was unphased throughout the Stress Test and offers terrific efficiency that is unparalleled in the 300 watt class. Another argument in its favor is its inexpensive price for a passive power supply of $95.
600W: The second award goes to the Seasonic S12 in the 600 watt class. This power supply is a favorite for its extraordinarily high efficiency of 83.4 percent and its quiet operation, even at full load. Compared to competitors it is low-priced at $140.
Interesting note from PC P&C:
Statement From PC Power & Cooling
We would like to take the opportunity of including a statement from CEO of PC Power & Cooling that we just received.
An honest power supply rating is for CONTINUOUS operation at FULL LOAD. 24 hours is a very short test. There should be no complaints! A PSU should actually run at full load for weeks and months with no problems.
The voltages and output ripple should be within ATX specs at full load. The tests are NOT too tough. In fact, they're easy, because they are run at nominal input line voltage and room temperature. I suggest that tests be conducted at low line voltage and high line voltage using a variac. These tests would demonstrate the PSU's input operating range and whether or not the PSU could withstand the sags and surges in today's world at full load.
Another legitimate test condition is to run the PSUs at full load with the ambient temperature elevated about 15C to represent the real-life condition in the computer, rather than the condition on the test bench (many power supplies have exaggerated wattage claims based on low ambient temperature assumptions). One more important test would be a dynamic load test (instantaneous pulse of the +12V output). This would demonstrate a PSU's ability to handle multiple hard drive access (servers) or quick changes in CPU and video power loads (gaming PCs, especially SLI).
In conclusion, the stress tests being conducted by Tom's Hardware are more than fair. Products that do not pass should be redesigned or de-rated to realistic power levels.
Doug Dodson, CEO, PC Power & Cooling