When we build our computer systems, the first thing we need to ask ourselves, "What am I planning on using in my computer?" When we get our thoughts settled out on what video cards, CPU, motherboards, type and size of the memory, right down to the HDD's we are going to use. The next thing we should ask ourselves, "What PSU should I be using, that will properly power my new computer?" Tring to find that perfect balance of power and cost is not an easy task. But we all know that by getting the cheapest PSU we can get is not exactly the best option. Because these sub-standard PSU's on average cost us more in the long run, then what we paid for them.I have seen and heard of some rather strange things on what happens on a under powered computer, or when someone uses a sub standard PSU. I seen a PSU literally blow up, I have experienced computer lock ups, unexplianed overheating of key computer components, too losing conductivity with my USB peripherals. The possiblities are endless on what can and will happen when we use a under powered computer, or when a computer uses a sub-standard PSU.
When ever someone is building a new computer, or when someone is asking for PSU advice. I normally advise the use of at least a 750 watt PSU from a reputable company. Even if they may or may not use its full potential, a 750watt PSU will give their computers the necessary power it needs, and also allow the user a bit more flexibility on future upgrades. I have used Cooler Master PSU's in my computer builds for a few years now, And I have never experienced any power related issues from these PSU's. With all of this in mind, lets give Cooler Masters newest addition of PSU's a good work out.
Features
- Compliance with the latest Intel standard ATX 12V V 2.31.
- Single +12V rail for the most demanding SLI configurations.
- High efficiency design that meets 80 Plus requirements (85% typical).
- Ultra-silent operation with intelligent 120mm fan speed control.
- Multiple protection design (OVP/UVP/OPP/OTP/SCP).
- High reliability (MTBF >1000,000 hours).
- Double layer EMI Filter restrains noise and injury to end-user.
- Huge bulk capacitor for hold up time >17ms at full loading.
- Integrating Active PFC with PWM combo controller not only make PFC higher than 0.99, but also raises efficiency.
- Efficient transformer for reducing 5Vsb power loss when the system is at turn-off and sleep modes.
- Five-year warranty.
Specifications
| Model | RS750-ACAAE3-US |
| Type | Intel Form Factor ATX 12V V2.31 |
| PFC | Active PFC (>0.9) |
| Input Voltage | 90-264Vac (Auto Range) |
| Input Current | 10A@115Vac, 6A@230Vac |
| Input Frequency Range | 47-63Hz |
| Output Capacity | 750W |
| Max. Output Capacity | 900W |
| Fan | 120mm |
| Power Good Signal | 100~500ms |
| Hold Up Time | >17ms |
| Efficiency | 85% typical |
| MTBF | >100,100 hours |
| Protection | OVP / UVP / OPP / OTP / SCP |
| Dimension | 150 x 140 x 86, (5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4 inch) |
| Operation Temperature | 0~40 °C (Nominal Input Voltage) |
| Regulatory | TUV / CE / UL / FCC / BSMI/ GOST / C-tick / CCC / KCC |
| Certification | 80 Plus /SLI |
| Connector | 20+4 Pin MB x1 4+4 Pin CPU 12V x 1 6+2 Pin PCI-e x2 SATA X9 4 Pin Peripheral x3 4 Pin Floppy x1 |
| Warranty | 5 year |
| UPC Code | 884102007590 |
Installation
Since the Silverstone Raven RV02 chassis is a tad different from any other chassis out there (orientation wise), I had no issues mounting this PSU into this chassis and being able to hook up all of my components. I did run this PSU with a single Sapphire 5870 video card, as well as using 2 275GTX's (one primary and one dedicated Physx, because the primary card is a Gigabyte 1792 meg Super Overclock, and the secondary EVGA 275GTX is the standard 896 meg video card), for testing this PSU.
Testing Methodology
| Test Setup &Testing Methodology | |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 750 Lapped |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE P55A-UD4P |
| Case | SIlverStone Raven RV-02 |
| Memory | GSkill RipJaw |
| Video Card's | Sapphire 5870 Vapor X, Gigabyte 275GTX Super Overclock+EVGA 275GTX |
| Hard Drives | Patriot SSD 128 Gig, 2 Seagate Momentus 320 Raid 0, 1 Western Digital 160 Gig, 1 Western Digital 160 Gig E-SATA |
| CDRom Drive | Lite On Blue Ray |
| Power Supply | Cooler Master GX 750 watt, SilverStone 1200 watt Zeus |
| CPU Speeds Used | 4.2GHz |
| Operating System Used | Microsoft Windows 7 Retail |
| Video Card Cooler | Water and stock cooled |
| CPU Cooler | Modified Danger Den MC-TDX custom water cooled |
Since I don't have a PSU in the wattage range of the 750 GX series PSU, so I will compare the GX 750 watt PSU to my Trusted SilverStone 1200 watt Zeus PSU. I have not had a power related issue or problems for a very long time, so testing a smaller PSU in "Minor Me" would work out to be perfect. For testing purposes, I checked all voltages on all power cables while my computer was in Idle mode, this would give me my base line performance for both PSU's. To load up the PSU's I used LynX to full load up the CPU and I would check the EPS power cable, and then the Main 24 pin power cable. I would then use 3DMark Vantage to load up the video cards to 100% then check each PCI-E power cable then rechecked the Main 24 pin power cable. all of my HDD's are SATA powered, I would move a large file of 4+ GB/s from one drive to the next, I would check the 3.3, 5, and 12 volt lines respectfully and then rechecked the Main 24 pin power cable. For the Molex power cable, I just used all of my fans on that power cable and checked the 12 volt line.
I do not have a oscillator scope or a Kill-A-Watt meter,currently. I did all my measurements with a multi meter you can purchase from any automotive/hardware store or even at Wal-Mart, all measurements were done at the power connector. There is a small margin of error, when making this type of voltage checking so your results may differ from my own. My computer and all related hardware pertaining to my computer, is behind a Monster Power Power Conditioner, this will also ensure that my wattage is consistent and that all readings are stable and consistent.
Results
Results | ||||||
| Power Rail | Cooler Master GX 750W | SilverStone 1200W ZEUS | ||||
| Idle | Load | Idle | Load | |||
| Main 3.3v | 3.41V | 3.38V | 3.38V | 3.36V | ||
| Main 5v | 5.06V | 5.06V | 5.11V | 5.13V | ||
| Main 12v | 12.40V | 12.35V | 12.21V | 12.15V | ||
| EPS 1 12v | 12.40V | 12.36V | 12.22V | 12.18V | ||
| EPS 2 12v | N/A | N/A | 12.21V | 12.16V | ||
| PCI-E 1 12v | 12.40V | 12.36V | 12.20V | 12.18V | ||
| PCI-E 2 12v | 12.41V | 12.35V | 12.19V | 12.15V | ||
| PCI-E 3 12v | 12.41V | 12.35V | 12.21V | 12.18V | ||
| PCI-E 4 12v | 12.40V | 12.36V | 12.20V | 12.18V | ||
| PCI-E 5 12v | N/A | N/A | 12.20V | 12.19V | ||
| PCI-E 6 12v | N/A | N/A | 12.19V | 12.17V | ||
| SATA 12v | 12.41V | 12.39V | 12.20V | 12.20V | ||
| SATA 5v | 5.06V | 5.06V | 5.12V | 5.11V | ||
| SATA 3.3v | 3.42V | 3.39V | 3.37V | 3.37V | ||
| Molex 12v | 12.40V | 12.40V | 12.21V | 12.19V | ||
| Molex 5v | 5.06V | 5.06V | 5.13V | 5.13V | ||
Looking at these results, we can see the Cooler Master GX 750 watt PSU has a slightly higher then normal out put on the 12 volt rail. Normally I see PSU's have a 12.11-12.2 volts, but this time the Cooler Master GX 750 watt PSU is putting out 12.4 volts. This slightly higher then normal out put did get my attention, but after doing the math of +/- of 5% puts this in the average range. So no real need to worry too much, as PSU's age they do tend to mellow out their voltage lines out puts. I did not notice much of a voltage fluctuation from Idle to Load times on the PSU, which is a good thing to see, as it lets me know this PSU is more then capable of handling its role of powering our most demanding computer systems of today.
Credit: www.bjorn3d.com
