Code Library

PSU vendors focused more on efficiency in 2010, and if a power supply offers an energy efficiency of greater than 80%, you can bet that it’ll be listed prominently on the box. Other popular additions include thermally regulated fans, sleeved cables, and quiet fan bearings. Most newer power supplies now include split PCI-E connectors to support a variety of graphics cards.

Winner: Enermax EMG800EWT MODU87+ 800W
$249.99; www.enermax.com
The Enermax EMG800EWT MODU87+ was one of our favorites in the June issue because of its Dynamic Hybrid Transformer topology, which improves the power supply’s ability to deliver consistent output with dynamic loads. The keys to the Dynamic Hybrid Transformer include a resonant transformer array that combines a resonant choke, the main transformer, a driver transformer, and a standby transformer; dynamic voltage transforming to provide power saving when idle; and dynamic frequency transforming for energy efficiency under load.

Overall, Enermax indicates the EMG800EWT MODU87+ 800W can deliver at least 87% efficiency at 20% and 100% load. Enermax also installs a 13.9cm Twister-bearing fan to reduce noise and improve the lifespan (100,000 hours MTBF) of the power supply. It offers ATX12V v2.3 support, so you can power the latest Intel and AMD processors, and the EMG800EWT MODU87+ 800W is also CrossFireXand SLI-ready. The 24-pin ATX, +12V auxiliary, and two 6+2 pin PCI-E connectors are built into the power supply; the rest of the power cables are modular. Enermax includes four 6+2 PCI-E plugs, 12 SATA connectors, and eight 4-pin Molex plugs.

We also like that Enermax includes its HeatGuard, SafeGuard, and CordGuard technology to protect the power supply’s circuitry and prolong use. For instance, the HeatGuard technology keeps the EMG800EWT MODU87+ running for 30 to 60 seconds after shutdown to remove the heat remaining in the power supply. Because of the unit’s 80 Plus Gold certification, it’s ideal for enthusiasts with a high-performance processor and one high-end or two midrange graphics cards.


First Runner-Up: Corsair Professional Series Gold AX1200
$277.99; www.corsair.com
We checked out the Corsair Professional Series Gold AX1200 in the August issue (see page 25) and found that it was ideal for power users. Some of the features of the AX1200 include a 100A (1,204.8W) single +12V rail, a fully modular cable system, and a lownoise design based around a thermallycontrolled 140mm fan. For power efficiency, the AX1200 offers individual DC-DC regulation for the +3.3V, +5V, and +12V rails. On the secondary side of the AX1200’s circuitry, Corsair employs low-loss MOSFETs in the synchronous rectification circuitry and in a four-layer modular connector board. Overall, the Professional Series Gold AX1200 meets the 80 Plus Gold efficiency standard.

Another benefit of the Professional Series Gold AX1200 is Corair’s Zero Voltage Switching and Zero Current Switching technology, which minimizes switching losses to improve efficiency and reduce waste heat. The 1,200 watts of power means that this Corsair power supply can handle pretty much any system you throw at it.


Second Runner-Up: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W
$159.99; www.pcpower.com
PC Power & Cooling rates the Silencer Mk II 750W as 88% efficient and indicates that the +3.3V, +5V, and +12V DC outputs run within 2% of regulation. We checked out the unit in the September issue and found that Silencer lived up to its name, because it was nearly noiseless during the testing process. To accomplish the quiet design, PC Power & Cooling installed a 135mm, ball-bearing, thermallycontrolled fan. The Silencer MkII 750 offers four PCI-E (two 6-pin, two 6+2 pin) connectors, eight SATA connectors, and support for both ATX12V and EPS12V motherboards. PC Power & Cooling offers a seven-year warranty on the Silencer MkII 750W.

2010 Processors You Care The Most About

Source of Information : Computer Power User (CPU) January 2011