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 Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W at 45c. This makes Test #1 equal to 220W by loading the 12v rails to 16a, 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. The efficiency for this unit is starting off in excellent shape at a value of 91.23% at 120v AC input and 89.74% at 100v AC input. We see the exhaust temperature is 48C at 120v AC input and 50C at 100V AC input.
Test #2 is equal to approximately 50% of the rated capacity of the Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W at 45c. This makes Test #2 equal to 429W by loading the 12v rails to 32a, 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 up to 0.02v on the 12v, 5v, and 3.3v rails. The efficiency has barely moved up to 91.68% at 120v AC input and 90.52% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 50C at 120v AC input and 52C at 100V AC input.
Test #3 is equal to approximately 75% of the rated capacity of Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W at 45c. This makes Test #3 equal to 634W by loading the 12v rails to 48a, 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 12v and 3.3v rails have dropped by up to 0.02v. The 5v rail has dropped by 0.01v. The efficiency in Test #3 moves down to 89.87% at 120v AC input and 88.25% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 56C at 120v AC input and 59C at 100V AC input.
Test #4 is equal to approximately 100% of the rated capacity of the Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W at 45c. This makes Test #4 equal to 847W by loading the 12v rails to 68a, the 5v rail to 2a, 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 0.04v. The minor rails, however, see no change (3.3v rail) or a decrease of 0.01v (5v rail). The efficiency has dropped as we see it come in at 86.44% at 120v AC input and 84.79% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 60C 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 Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W at 45C. This makes the Torture Test equal to 667W by loading the 12v rails to 50a, 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 REVOLUTION DF 850W 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 excellent as we see a value of 89.59% and the exhaust temperature is 66C.
80 Plus Load Testing Results
As we see here, the REVOLUTION DF 850W posts efficiency values of 89.24%-91.68%-87.40% efficient using 80 Plus’ load testing parameters. This puts the unit right in the 80 Plus Gold standard. 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 Enermax REVOLUTION DF 850W proved to be an excellent power supply in our initial load testing. When we look at the voltage regulation, we see that the REVOLUTION DF 850W had peak changes of 0.08v on the 12v rail, 0.04v on the 5v rail, and 0.04v on the 3.3v rail. Now, while we do not have comparable products to look at today, these absolute values are easily in the specification and this unit would place favorably against any comparable unit.
When we look at the efficiency side of things, we see that the REVOLUTION DF 850W ranged from 86.44% to 91.68% efficient at 120v AC input and 84.79% to 90.52% efficient at 100v AC input which is excellent. On that same note, this unit nailed the advertised 80 Plus efficiency values. Lastly, the exhaust temperature peaked at 60C at 120v AC input, 62C at 100v AC input, and 66C during the Torture Test. With excellent starting results in today’s testing, let’s move on to the Transient Load Tests.