Load Testing
For those of you that are curious as to some of the reasoning and equipment behind our PSU testing program here at TheFPSReview, we have put together an introduction for you. This program is based on what the author developed at [H]ardOCP and utilizes the equipment bequeathed to the author by Kyle Bennett. The testing we are conducting today is exactly as described in that document and start with our 120v, 100v, Torture, and 80 Plus Tests.
120v and 100v Load Testing Results
Test #1 is equal to approximately 25% of the rated capacity of the FSP Dagger 600W at 45c. This makes Test #1 equal to 149W by loading the 12v rail to 10a, the 5v rail to 2a, the 3.3v rail to 1a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. The results of Test #1 show the main positive DC output rails starting off above nominal except for the 5v rail. The efficiency for this unit is starting off well at a value of 86.39% at 120v AC input and 85.94% at 100v AC input. We see the exhaust temperature is 48C at 120v AC input and 52C at 100V AC input.
Test #2 is equal to approximately 50% of the rated capacity of the FSP Dagger 600W at 45c. This makes Test #2 equal to 299W by loading the 12v rail to 21a, the 5v rail to 4a, the 3.3v rail to 3a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. Test #2 sees across the board declines in DC output voltages relative to what we saw with Test #1. The largest changes are 0.03v on the 3.3v rail and up to 0.03v on the 12v rail. The 5v rail saw a decline of just 0.02v. The efficiency has moved up a good bit to 90.70% at 120v AC input and 89.88% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 53C at 120v AC input and 54C at 100V AC input.
Test #3 is equal to approximately 75% of the rated capacity of FSP Dagger 600W at 45c. This makes Test #3 equal to 458W by loading the 12v rail to 33a, the 5v rail to 6a, the 3.3v rail to 4a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. Test #3 sees slightly mixed changes. The 5v and 3.3v rails have dropped by 0.03v. The 12v rail has stayed even with Test #2’s value or dropped by 0.02v (depending on the connector). The efficiency in Test #3 moves down to 90.04% at 120v AC input and 88.65% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 56C at 120v AC input and 58C at 100V AC input.
Test #4 is equal to approximately 100% of the rated capacity of the FSP Dagger 600W at 45c. This makes Test #4 equal to 613W by loading the 12v rail to 47a, the 5v rail to 3a, the 3.3v rail to 2a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. In the final regular test, we see the 12v rail rise by up to 0.02v. The minor rails, however, see a decrease of 0.01v on the 5v rail and no change on the 3.3v rail. The efficiency has dropped just a bit in this test as we see it come in at 92.20% at 120v AC input and 91.11% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 61C at 120v AC input and 62C at 100V AC input.
Torture Test
The Torture Test is equal to approximately 80% of the rated capacity of the FSP Dagger 600W at 45C. This makes the Torture Test equal to 490W by loading the 12v rail to 35a, the 5v rail to 7a, the 3.3v rail to 5a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. At the end of the Torture Test, the Dagger 600W is still doing an excellent job. The DC output voltages are generally in line with what we have been seeing in the 120v load tests. The efficiency is very good once more as we see a value of 89.69% and the exhaust temperature is 63C.
80 Plus Load Testing Results
As we see here, the Dagger 600W posts efficiency values of 86.54%-91.02%-88.41% efficient using 80 Plus’ load testing parameters. This puts the unit right under the 80 Plus Gold standard in the 20% test as it fell 0.46% short. However, we do use different equipment than 80 Plus for our testing and there is always a bit of component variation.
Load Testing Summary
Today, the FSP Dagger 600W proved to be very good power supply. When we look at the voltage regulation, we see that the Dagger 600W had peak changes of 0.07v on the 12v rail, 0.04v on the 5v rail, and 0.06v on the 3.3v rail. Now, while we do not have comparable products to look at today (we did see the 600W SilverStone NJ600). Relative to that unit, this unit is trailing it but it is also a much smaller formfactor unit (though fan cooled). That said, these results seem to be very good given the absolute values we see and the restrictions that this unit is encountering. When we look at the efficiency side of things, we see that the Dagger 600W ranged from 88.90% to 90.70% efficient at 120v AC input and 85.94% to 89.88% efficient at 100v AC input which is outstanding. On that same note, this unit fell a bit short of the advertised 80 Plus efficiency values so, it seems that, the 80 Plus Gold rating for this unit is going to be borderline for retail units. Lastly, the exhaust temperature peaked at 61C at 120v AC input, 62C at 100v AC input, and 67C during the Torture Test. With very good starting results in today’s testing, let’s move on to the Transient Load Tests.