Conclusion:

The bottom line is that the BFG Tech EX-1000 1000W modular power supply is a quiet, well built unit that almost really impressed me. If I had tested in our old format I wouldn't have seen the ripple issues, and would have been left with the "semi-modular" design as my biggest beef. With all things considered, I would still recommend it, especially in situations where it wasn't to be used under a constant 1000W load.



The ripple on the major rails was higher than you would like to see, and approached the limit on the 12V and 5V rails under a heavy load. While the test equipment we used showed that the results stayed within specification, other sites with more sophisticated equipment (and perhaps operators) showed that the ripple was even worse. While it wouldn't be an issue for those seeking a 1000W unit as a bit of overkill to handle a gaming system that might get by on a 750W-800W unit or so, it might be a problem in situations where 1000W of power was needed on a consistent basis.

While there were a handful of other more trivial issues, the one that got to me the most was the "semi-modular" design. With so many cables hard wired to the unit, it is quite possible to power a decent system without using a single modular cable. If I choose a modular power supply, I'd like it to be more modular. While I can accept having the motherboard leads hard-wired, I don't see why a SATA drive, peripheral, or even a PCI Express lead had to be hard wired.

Searching the Internet for a place to buy this power supply can be a bit frustrating. I couldn't find it at any of the big online stores I usually consider, and your best bet seems to be Best Buy. They carry the EX-1000 for $199.99, and it was even listed as in stock at three of the six brick and mortar stores in my area. While you can definitely get a 1000W power supply for less than $200, you can easily pay more for well regarded units from some of the big names in the industry. I wouldn't call the price a great deal, but it isn't bad, either.

The BFG Tech EX-1000 1000W modular power supply earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award. While it might have some issues, when you look at it as an option for a gaming system that can get by on 750W-800W, but might need that extra juice on occasions, it is worth checking out.



Pros:

» I didn't kill it
» Decent voltage regulation
» 80 Plus efficiency
» Plenty of 12V power - four 36A 12V rails provide 984W of power
» Plenty of connections
» Cables are well finished and plenty long enough
» Simple, no nonsense aesthetics

Cons:

» Only semi-modular - Enough hard wired cables means you might not need any of the modular ones
» Ripple approaches the maximum allowable
» 6+2-pin PCI Express power connector configuration is a bit funky
» Can get hot
» Not widely available

Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.