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 SilverStone ST1000-PTS at 45c. This makes Test #1 equal to 264W by loading the 12v rail to 20a, 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 12v rail. The efficiency for this unit is starting off in excellent shape at a value of 92.25% at 120v AC input and 91.62% at 100v AC input. We see the exhaust temperature is 47C at 120v AC input and 49C at 100V AC input.
Test #2 is equal to approximately 50% of the rated capacity of the SilverStone ST1000-PTS at 45c. This makes Test #2 equal to 484W by loading the 12v rail to 38a, the 5v rail to 3a, the 3.3v rail to 2a, 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 up to 0.07v on the 12v rail and 0.02v on the other main outputs. The efficiency has barely moved up to 92.35% at 120v AC input and 91.48% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 49C at 120v AC input and 50C at 100V AC input.
Test #3 is equal to approximately 75% of the rated capacity of SilverStone ST1000-PTS at 45c. This makes Test #3 equal to 732W by loading the 12v rail to 58a, the 5v rail to 5a, 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 0.04v. The 12v rail has dropped by up to 0.08v (depending on the connector). The efficiency in Test #3 moves down to 91.12% at 120v AC input and 90.11% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 51C at 120v AC input and 53C at 100V AC input.
Test #4 is equal to approximately 100% of the rated capacity of the SilverStone ST1000-PTS at 45c. This makes Test #4 equal to 977W by loading the 12v rail to 80a, the 5v rail to 4a, 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 drop by up to 0.06v. The minor rails, however, see an increase of 0.02v each. The efficiency has dropped as we see it come in at 88.96% at 120v AC input and 87.06% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 53C at 120v AC input and 56C at 100V AC input.
Torture Test
The Torture Test is equal to approximately 80% of the rated capacity of the SilverStone ST1000-PTS at 45C. This makes the Torture Test equal to 792W by loading the 12v rail to 62a, 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 ST1000-PTS is still doing fine. The DC output voltages are generally in line with what we have been seeing in the 120v load tests. The efficiency is good as we see a value of 87.99% and the exhaust temperature is 60C.
80 Plus Load Testing Results
As we see here, the ST1000-PTS posts efficiency values of 91.26%-91.88%-88.99% efficient using 80 Plus’ load testing parameters. This puts the unit right under the 80 Plus Platinum standard in the 50% test as it fell 0.12% 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 SilverStone ST1000-PTS proved to be a good power supply. When we look at the voltage regulation, we see that the ST1000-PTS had peak changes of 0.19v on the 12v rail, 0.06v on the 5v rail, and 0.06v on the 3.3v rail. Now, while we do not have comparable products to look at today, these absolute values are in specification and the minor rails did well. The 12v rail, however, certainly did less well and there are certainly 1000W units out there that will give better voltage regulation than this unit on the 12v rail.
However, this unit is a bit different from those as SilverStone has crammed this unit into a smaller housing than is normal and to get a large capacity high powered platform into a smaller enclosure some things will have to be sacrificed. When we look at the efficiency side of things, we see that the ST1000-PTS ranged from 88.96% to 92.35% efficient at 120v AC input and 87.06% to 91.62% 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. However, it was so close that the 80 Plus Platinum rating for this unit is by no means a stretch for retail units. Lastly, the exhaust temperature peaked at 53C at 120v AC input, 56C at 100v AC input, and 60C during the Torture Test. With very good starting results in today’s testing, let’s move on to the Transient Load Tests.