Testing:
In previous reviews we have taken a look at static data read from a multi-meter, as well as graphed data recorded by
OCCT over a 30 minute test run. For this review I decided to do a bit of a hybrid, and use the multi-meter to record data from the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails while the system was at idle and under a load from OCCT. One value from the multi-meter doesn't really tell you too much, and the data reported by OCCT is only as good as the sensors on the motherboard.
The PSU had been in use for a couple days prior to the start of testing, and it seemed to be stable and ready for action. Testing then proceeded by collecting data with a multi-meter every minute for a total of 15 minutes (16 data points in all including the 0 minute mark). The first 5 data points were with the system idling and the next 11 data points were with the system under a load. The idle condition was established by allowing the system described on the previous page to sit at the Windows desktop with no applications running. The load condition was established by running OCCT to stress the CPU and system memory, and by connecting a Seasonic brand "Loader" which can generate up to 148W on the 5V and 12V rails.
For comparison purposes, the test was conducted on the
Rosewill unit as well as a
PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad Black Power Supply. This "PCP&C" unit has become my new standard for power supply quality and stability, and being in the same range of total power output made it a good gauge of performance.
The first chart details the results on the 12V rail, and as you can see data is presented a bit like OCCT would, with the values collected from the software monitor. During the idle condition both units provided rather stable results, but the Rosewill unit was farther from 12V than the PCP&C unit. Once the load was added, the PCP&C unit barely flinched, but the Rosewill unit exhibited a ripple of about 0.8%.
