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 Hydro PTM PRO 1200W at 45c. This makes Test #1 equal to 305W by loading the 12v rail to 23a, 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 all of the positive DC output rails starting off above nominal. The efficiency for this unit is starting off in excellent shape with a value of 91.74% at 120v AC input and 91.19% at 100v AC input. We see the exhaust temperature is 47C at 120v AC input and 48C at 100V AC input.
Test #2 is equal to approximately 50% of the rated capacity of the FSP Hydro PTM PRO 1200W at 45c. This makes Test #2 equal to 598W by loading the 12v rail to 46a, 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 0.04v on the 12v rail. The efficiency has moved up to 92.47% at 120v AC input and 91.62% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 49C at 120v AC input and 51C at 100V AC input.
Test #3 is equal to approximately 75% of the rated capacity of FSP Hydro PTM PRO 1200W at 45c. This makes Test #3 equal to 907W by loading the 12v rail to 70a, the 5v rail to 7a, the 3.3v rail to 5a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. Test #3 sees decreases in our output voltages once more. The 5v and 3.3v rails have dropped by 0.01v each. The 12v rail has dropped by up to 0.12v (depending on the connector). The efficiency in Test #3 moves down to 91.51% at 120v AC input and 90.14% at 100v AC input. We see an exhaust temperature of 51C at 120v AC input and 54C at 100V AC input.
Test #4 is equal to approximately 100% of the rated capacity of the FSP Hydro PTM PRO 1200W at 45c. This makes Test #4 equal to 1187W by loading the 12v rail to 95a, the 5v rail to 5a, the 3.3v rail to 4a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. In the final regular test, we see the 12v output drop by up to 0.22v! The minor rails, however, see no change from Test #3 values. The efficiency has dropped as we see it come in at 89.96% at 120v AC input and 87.24% 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 FSP Hydro PTM PRO 1200W at 45C. This makes the Torture Test equal to 952W by loading the 12v rail to 72a, the 5v rail to 11a, the 3.3v rail to 6a, the +5vsb to 2a, and the -12v to 0.3a. At the end of the Torture Test, the Hydro PTM PRO 1200W is doing similar to what we have seen so far in the regular load testing. Thus, the DC output voltages are generally in line with what we have been seeing in the 120v load tests. Well, except for the +5vsb rail which is plummeting towards the ATX12v/EPS lower limit (though it stays off of it by 0.02v). The efficiency is good once more as we see a value of 90.17% and the exhaust temperature is 63C.
80 Plus Load Testing Results
As we see here, the FSP Hydro PTM PRO 1200W posts efficiency values of 91.28%-92.09%-89.74% using 80 Plus’ load testing parameters. This puts the unit right in the 80 Plus Platinum standards. 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 Hydro PTM PRO 1200W proved to be a decent power supply when it came to the load testing. When we look at the voltage regulation, we see that the Hydro PTM PRO 1200W had peak changes of 0.38v on the 12v rail, 0.02v on the 5v rail, and 0.02v on the 3.3v rail. That said, these results seem to be excellent given the absolute values we see except for the 12v rail which is, frankly, a bit scary. In relative terms, the only other 1200W unit we have reviewed, to date, is the SilverStone ST1200-PTS which this unit was mixed with results-wise.
When we look at the efficiency side of things, we see that the Hydro PTM PRO 1200W ranged from 89.96% to 92.47% efficient at 120v AC input and 87.24% to 91.62% efficient at 100v AC input which is excellent. On that same note, this unit fell a bit short of the SilverStone ST1200-PTS in this regard. Lastly, the exhaust temperature peaked at 53C at 120v AC input, 56C at 100v AC input, and 63C during the Torture Test. With decent starting results in today’s testing, let’s move on to the Transient Load Tests.