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Xigmatek Centauro 1000 W
Introductionhttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...mages/logo.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ges/oclogo.jpg We would like to thank Caseking.de & Overclockers UK for supplying the review sample. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...auro_image.jpg Centaurs or Centauros in Spanish are legendary creatures of the Greek mythology. Centaurs were a tribe of half-man, half-horse and their ancestor was Centaurus, a son of the Greek god Apollo. According to the myth even a small amount of wine drove them wild and this weakness forced Heracles to fight them. Surely it is a weird name for a PSU but we are always happy to meet names of the Greek mythology to remember ancient stories of this extraordinary civilization. Xigmatek's new PSU series, Centauro, consists of four units with capacities ranging from 600W to 1000W. All feature Bronze efficiency (although right now none of them are listed on the official 80 Plus page), a semi-modular cabling system and affordable prices. Today's review sample will be the strongest Centauro (XTK-CB-1000M) with 1000W capacity. Briefly, this unit features compact dimensions with only 160mm depth, a single +12V rail which can deliver up to 75A and it is equipped with a powerful 140mm fan which outputs up to 143CFM. Apparently the low efficiency rating of the unit leads to increased heat dissipation so a fairly strong fan is essential to handle the increased thermal load. The only problem is that a strong fan emits lots of noise; however Xigmatek states that the max noise level is only 32.7dBA. In our review we are going to easily verify whether the fan's operation passes unnoticeable, as Xigmatek states, or not. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...lose_small.jpg Specifications<table class="tputbl"> <thead> <tr> <th colspan="2">Xigmatek Centauro 1000W Features & Specs</th> </tr> </thead> <tr> <th scope="row">Max. DC Output</th> <td align="center">1000W</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">PFC</th> <td align="center">Active PFC</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Efficiency</th> <td align="center">80 PLUS Bronze</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">Operating temperature</th> <td align="center">0°C - 50°C</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Protections</th> <td align="center">Over Voltage Protection<br /> Under Voltage Protection<br /> Over Current Protection<br/> Over Power Protection<br /> Over Temperature Protection<br /> Short Circuit Protection</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">Cooling</th> <td align="center">140 mm Sleeve Bearing Fan (Max. 32.7dBA )</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Dimensions</th> <td align="center">150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H) x 160 mm (D)</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">Weight</th> <td align="center">2.2 kg</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Compliance</th> <td align="center">ATX12V v2.30, EPS 2.92</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">Warranty</th> <td align="center">2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Price at time of review (exc. VAT)</th> <td align="center">$140</td> </tr></table> Efficiency is merely Bronze, in an effort to keep the price tag as low as possible. Unfortunately even nowadays Gold and Platinum efficiency greatly increases cost. The list of available protections includes even OTP (Over Temperature Protection) and this is a relief for us, since the unit will be protected once we crank up the heat inside the hotbox. The 140mm fan promises to be very quiet even at worst case. This sounds too good to be true but you will find out more about this later on this review. Finally the warranty is only two years long but at least the price is quite good for a 1kW modular unit. <table class="tputbl"> <thead> <tr> <th colspan="8">Xigmatek Centauro 1000W</strong> Power Specs</th> </tr> </thead> <tr> <th scope="row">Rail</th> <td align="center">3.3V</td> <td align="center">5V</td> <td align="center">12V</td> <td align="center">5VSB</td> <td align="center">-12V</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th rowspan="2" scope="row">Max. Power</th> <td align="center">28A</td> <td align="center">30A</td> <td align="center">75A</td> <td align="center">3A</td> <td align="center">0.3A</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" align="center">180W</td> <td align="center">900W</td> <td align="center">15W</td> <td align="center">3.6W</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">Total Max. Power</th> <td colspan="5" align="center">1000W</td> </tr></table> There is a single +12V rail which can output 900W of power, so the PSU will easily power even demanding systems. The minor rails are too strong for today's standards at 180W combined and finally the 5VSB feature average capacity. A note here: almost all high efficiency PSUs feature VRMs (Voltage Regulation Modules) for the minor rails generation. VRMs in essence are smaller PSUs which in this case are fed directly from +12V and output the 5V and 3.3V rails. This means that +12V are able to handle the total power of the unit and accordingly a part of this rail's capacity is utilized for the needs of the minor rails. In the unlikely scenario that there is no power consumption from the minor rails then the +12V rail can exploit all of its power thus deliver the unit's full capacity. This is why in most PSUs with VRMs the +12V rail's max power equals the unit's total power. Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution<table class="tputbl"> <thead> <tr> <th colspan="2" align="center">Native Cables</th> </tr> </thead> <tr> <th scope="row">ATX connector (500mm)</th> <td align="center">20+4 pin</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">4+4 pin EPS12V/ATX12V (720mm)</th> <td align="center">1</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">8 pin EPS12V (720mm)</th> <td align="center">1</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">6+2 pin PCIe (515mm)</th> <td align="center">2</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">Fan Connectors (540mm)</th> <td align="center">2</td> </tr> <tr> <th colspan="2" align="center">Modular Cables</th> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">6+2 pin PCIe (510mm)</th> <td align="center">4</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">SATA (500mm+150mm+150mm+150mm)</th> <td align="center">8</td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <th scope="row">4 pin Molex (450mm+150mm+150mm) / FDD(+150mm)</th> <td align="center">6 / 1</td> </tr></table> The unit has enough PCIe connectors and comes with two EPS ones with all being available at the same time. For its category eight SATA connectors are on the verge and we would like it to have two to four more. However most systems will be fully covered by this amount of SATA connectors. Unfortunately the main ATX cable is short at 50cm and ten additional cm would be ideal for it. The same goes for the PCIe cables, too, which would be far better with nine cm length more. Thankfully both EPS connectors are quite long, so you won't meet any compatibility problems with them even in full tower cases. Also the distance among all connectors, in cables that feature more than one, is satisfactory. All connectors use 18AWG gauges, the recommended wire size by ATX spec so all are fine in this area. Thicker wires (16AWG) provide lower voltage drops at higher loads but make the cables too rigid so cable management tasks become far too difficult, so many manufacturers prefer to use 18AWG even at high capacity units. The PSU also includes two 3pin connectors (1A max. for two fans) with their output voltage being synchronous to the voltage that feeds the unit's cooling fan. Since this PSU features a single +12V rail we do not have anything to comment about its power distribution. Packaginghttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ront_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose3_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose4_small.jpg The small packaging features a nice design with a large centaur figure on the front ready to shoot an arrow at the competitors. Below the centaur we find a series of badges along with the 80 Plus Bronze certification. Also a sticker, containing the model number and its capacity, is used to distinguish the boxes of the Centaur PSUs since the packaging is the same for all of them. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ide1_small.jpg This side clearly shows that the 1000W Centaur unit is hiding in this box. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...rear_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose3_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose4_small.jpg On the rear side of the box we meet a brief features description along with the power specifications table of all Centaur units. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._top_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose3_small.jpg There is a connectors description on this side of the box. Unfortunately there is no word on cable length. Contentshttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...pen1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...pen2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...pped_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ndle_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...bles_small.jpg The unit is further protected inside the packaging by a nylon bag. Also Xigmatek was kind enough to provide a nice storing bag for the modular cables. The rest of the bundle includes some zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, two leaflets and of course the modular cables. Exteriorhttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...rter_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ront_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...lose_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._top_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...side_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ide1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...lose_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...mmet_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...dby1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._fan_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...dby2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._top_small.jpg A nice decal is installed on the side of the PSU with the Centaur logo, while on the other side the power specifications label resides. On the front we meet the classic honeycomb exhaust grill and the AC receptacle along with an On/Off switch. The rear side houses the few modular connectors and the fully sleeved native wires, which could be less. Xigmatek chose to make both EPS cables/connectors fixed something not practical since most users will utilize only one of them. Thankfully the lot of native wires protects a grommet. Finally a word about the unit's finish. The surface is close to glossy and the coating is of good quality overall. A Look InsideBefore reading this page we strongly suggest to take a look at this article, which will help you understand the internal components of a PSU much better. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...top1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...top2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...top3_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...top4_small.jpg The unit is equipped with pretty large heatsinks to deal with the increased thermal load, which is a result of the combination of high capacity and the Bronze efficiency. The platform is rather outdated and in the secondary not even synchronous rectification is utilized for the generation of the rails. At least an independent regulation scheme is used so performance in crossload tests will be decent at worst case. To be frank, given its price, the modular design, the efficiency rating and the high capacity we didn't expect to find an expensive platform under the hood and in the end exactly this was the case. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ansa_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ansb_small.jpg The transient filtering stage starts at the AC receptacle with one X and two Y caps. It continues on the main PCB with one X, two Y, two CM chokes and a small MOV. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...idge_small.jpg There is only one bridge rectifier since this unit is compatible only with 230VAC power grids. Its model number is GBJ1506 and it can handle up to 15A of current so it will easily cover the needs of this PSU. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...fets_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cap_small.jpg In the APFC two SPW16N50C3 fets along with a boost diode help in shaping the current's waveform. The hold up cap is provided by Jun Fu (470μF, 400V) and is rated only at 85°C. A good cap here isn't so crucial as it is in the secondary side but still we would like to see a better one than this Jun Fu. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...per2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...00AG_small.jpg As main choppers two SPW16N50C3 are used. The combo PFC/PWM controller is housed on a vertical PCB and it is the famous CM6800, a very popular IC among Bronze (and other) efficiency PSUs. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...78PN_small.jpg The standby PWM controller is a TNY278PN IC. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._SBR_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...indy_small.jpg In the secondary, passive design is used so all rails are generated by Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBRs) which have higher energy losses compared to mosfets. The +12V rail rectify four MBR4045PT SBRs while the minor rails handle two pairs of SBRs. Also the presence of three toroidal coils is an indication that indy regulation is utilized, something beneficial in cases where the loads among the rails are unbalanced. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...caps_small.jpg All filtering caps in the secondary side are provided by Teapo and are rated at 105°C. Although Teapo caps are made in China, they are considered the best non-Japanese caps on the market and reliable enough for this use. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._PCB_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...s_IC_small.jpg The protections IC is soldered on a vertical PCB in the secondary side. It is a SITI PS224 and supports all popular protections, except OTP. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ront_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...rear_small.jpg On the front of the modular PCB two polymer caps provide some extra ripple filtering. On the rear side a plastic shield offers protection against shorts. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._PCB_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...unts_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose3_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ose4_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...race_small.jpg On the main PCB, under the +12V islands we found four shunts, indicating that this platform initially had four +12V rails. In this case a rather messy soldering job combined all +12V rails together. Overall soldering quality is average and there are some ugly solder joints in the secondary side. Also this enhanced trace path is another indication that Sirtec is the OEM of this unit. It is present in almost all of their platforms. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._fan_small.jpg The cooling fan is provided by Globe Fan and its model number is RL4Z B1352512HH (12V, 0.45A). It uses ball bearings and it is powerful. Unfortunately it is noisy, too. Test SetupAll measurements are performed utilizing ten electronic loads (seven Array 3711A, 300W each, and three Array 3710A, 150W each), which are able to deliver over 2500W of load and are controlled by a custom made software. We also use a Picoscope 3424 oscilloscope, a CHY 502 thermometer, a Fluke 175 multimeter and an Instek GPM-8212 power meter. Furthermore, in our setup we have included a wooden box, which along with a heating element is used as a Hot Box. Finally, we have at our disposal four more oscilloscopes (Rigol 1052E and VS5042, Stingray DS1M12 and a second Picoscope 3424) and a CEM DT-8852 sound level meter. In this article you will find more details about our equipment and the review methodology we follow. Finally, if the manufacturer states that the maximum operating temperature of the test unit is only 40°C then we try to stay near this temperature, otherwise we crank up the heat inside the hotbox up to 45-50°C. Voltage Regulation ChartsThe following charts show the voltage values of the main rails, recorded over a range from 60W to the maximum specified load, and the deviation (in percent) for the same load range. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._12v_graph.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...lation_12v.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_5v_graph.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ulation_5v.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._33v_graph.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...lation_33v.gif 5VSB Regulation ChartThe following chart shows how the 5VSB rail deals with the load we throw at it. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...5VSB_graph.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ation_5vsb.gif Efficiency ChartIn this chart you will find the efficiency of XTK-CB-1000M at low loads and at loads equal to 20-100% of PSU’s maximum rated load. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...efficiency.jpg Voltage Regulation and Efficiency MeasurementsThe first set of tests reveals the stability of voltage rails and the efficiency of XTK-CB-1000M. The applied load equals to (approximately) 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80% and 100%, of the maximum load that the PSU can handle. In addition, we conduct two more tests. In the first we stress the two minor rails (5V & 3.3V) with a high load, while the load at +12V is only 2A and in the second test we dial the maximum load that +12V can handle while load at minor rails is minimal. <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="9" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Voltage Regulation & Efficiency Testing Data <br/> Xigmatek XTK-CB-1000M</th> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#dddddd"> <td width="115" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Test</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Power<br /> (DC/AC)</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Efficiency</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Temp<br /> (In/Out)</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>PF/AC <br> Volts</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>20% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.642A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.943A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.945A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.976A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">199.95W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">84.44%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">42.1°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.919</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.181V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.394V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.118V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">236.80W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">45.5°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">230.6V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>40% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">29.759A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.914A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.927A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.176A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">400.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">86.91%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">44.3°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.960</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.124V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.109V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.361V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.105V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">460.25W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">48.5°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.6V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>50% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">37.238A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">4.910A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">4.935A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.571A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">500.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">87.00%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">46.3°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.971</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.098V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.091V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.343V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.091V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">574.70W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">51.5°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.0V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>60% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">44.756A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.913A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.953A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.974A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">600.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">86.64%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">48.9°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.978</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.070V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.073V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.326V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.064V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">692.50W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">54.7°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">230.4V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>80% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">60.068A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">7.939A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">8.024A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">2.387A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">800.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">85.65%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">49.7°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.985</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.013V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.038V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.290V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.029V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">934.00W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">58.9°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">230.2V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>100% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">76.118A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">8.980A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">9.094A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1000.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">84.35%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">50.9°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.989</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">11.959V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.011V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.266V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.002V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">1185.50W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">63.3°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.4V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Crossload 1</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">2.006A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">18.012A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">18.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.500A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">174.50W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">75.44%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">48.2°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.908</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.204V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">4.966V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.223V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.123V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.30W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">53.1°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.2V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Crossload 2</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">75.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">911.35W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">85.29%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">50.1°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.987</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">11.971V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.091V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.357V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.081V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">1068.50W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">61.2°C</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.7V</td> </tr></table> The PSU managed to deliver its full power even at 50°C, however with increased fan noise. Also even at low loads the fan is audible so this unit definitely isn't suitable for those that want to built a super quiet system. Efficiency is nothing to write home about and peaks at 87% with 50% load. Voltage regulation overall is decent with the major rail, +12V, exceeding 2% by a bit. All in all the unit performed like a good Bronze PSU in these tests, nothing more but nothing less. Efficiency at Low LoadsIn the next tests, we measure the efficiency of XTK-CB-1000M at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads that we dial are 40, 60, 80 and 100W (for PSUs with over 500W capacity). This is important for scenarios in which a typical office PC is in idle with power saving turned on. <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="8" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Efficiency at Low Loads <br/> Xigmatek XTK-CB-1000M</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Test #</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 VSB</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Power<br /> (DC/AC)</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Efficiency</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>PF/AC <br> Volts</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>1</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.831A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.943A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.940A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.193A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">40.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">64.83%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.846</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.235V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.402V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.163V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">61.70W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.0V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>2</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.387A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.943A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.941A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.387A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">60.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">71.51%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.778</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.224V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.400V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.163V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">83.90W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">230.8V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">4.948A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.943A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.942A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.584A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">80.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">75.79%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.814</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.208V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.399V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.136V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">105.55W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.1V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>4</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">6.505A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.943A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.942A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.778A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">100.00W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">78.59%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.844</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.208V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.398V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.136V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">127.25W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">230.5V</td> </tr></table> At lower loads we expected low efficiency from a Bronze 1000W unit, but we hoped for above 70% readings. Unfortunately with 40W load, efficiency drops even below 65%. With mere 20W thankfully it takes a boost and passes 70% but up to 100W load, efficiency still cannot surpass the 80% mark. As it seems this unit is tuned for the best possible efficiency over the 20%-100% load range. 5VSB EfficiencyATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100mA load, 60% or higher with 250mA load and 70% or higher with 1A or more load. We will take four measurements, three at 100 / 250 / 1000 mA and one with the full load that 5VSB rail can handle. <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="5" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> 5VSB Efficiency<br/> Xigmatek XTK-CB-1000M</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Test #</strong></td> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Power (DC/AC)</strong></td> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Efficiency</strong></td> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>PF/AC Volts</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>1</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.100A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.52W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">47.27%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.069</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.172V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">1.10W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.1V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>2</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.250A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.29W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">59.72%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.131</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.172V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">2.16W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.3V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.15W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">72.13%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.325</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">7.14W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.2V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>4</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.000A</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">15.19W</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">80.24%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.473</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.064V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">18.93W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">231.4V</td> </tr></table> In the first two tests efficiency is low and doesn't reach the respective ATX spec thresholds. In the third test it is normal and finally in the last test it gets a significant boost and surpasses 80%, a pretty high reading for this rail. Power Consumption in Idle & StandbyIn the table below you will find the power consumption and the voltage values of all rails (except -12V), when the PSU is in idle mode (On but without any load at its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby (without any load at 5VSB). <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="7" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Idle / Standby <br/> Xigmatek XTK-CB-1000M</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Mode</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td width="85" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Power (AC)</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>PF/AC Volts</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Idle</strong></td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">12.243V</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.181V</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">3.427V</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">5.172V</td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">10.88W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">0.288</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">231.7V</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" colspan="5" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Standby</strong></td> <td rowspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">0.48W</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0">0.030</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">231.6V</td> </tr></table> Vampire power is kept pretty low, close to the half of the limit that the ErP Lot 6 2010 directive sets (1W). This is good news for the environment and your wallet of course. Cross Load TestsFor the generation of the following charts we set our loaders in auto mode, through our custom software, and try over a thousand possible load combinations with +12V, 5V and 3.3V rails. The voltage regulation deviations in each of the below charts are calculated taking the nominal values of the rails (12V, 5V and 3.3V) as point zero. We should note here that we will run this test only with PSUs that have capacity equal or lower than 1000W since it takes way too long and as the capacity increases the completion time increases exponentially. +12V Voltage Regulation Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ges/CL_12V.jpg 5V Voltage Regulation Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ages/CL_5V.jpg 3.3V Voltage Regulation Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ges/CL_33V.jpg Efficiency Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...efficiency.jpg +12V Ripple Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ipple_12V1.jpg 5V Ripple Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._ripple_5V.jpg 3.3V Ripple Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ripple_33V.jpg 5VSB Ripple Charthttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ipple_5VSB.jpg Advanced Transient Response TestsIn these tests we monitor the response of the PSU in two different scenarios. First a transient load (11A at +12V, 5A at 5V, 6A at 3.3V and 0.5A at 5VSB) is applied for 50 ms to the PSU, while the latter is working at a 20% load state. In the second scenario the PSU, while working with 50% load, is hit by the same transient load. In both tests, we measure the voltage drops that the transient load causes, using our oscilloscope. In any case voltages should remain within the regulation limits specified by the ATX specification. We must stress here, that the above tests are crucial, since they simulate transient loads that a PSU is very likely to handle (e.g. starting of a RAID array, an instant 100% load of CPU/VGAs etc.) We call these tests “Advanced Transient Response Tests” and they are designed to be very tough to master, especially for PSUs with capacities lower than 500W. <div style="float:left">http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ansient_20.gif</div><div style="float:left"><table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="5" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Advanced Transient Response 20%</th> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Voltage</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Before</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>After</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Change</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Pass/Fail</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">12.181V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">12.069V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.92%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.145V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.000V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">2.82%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.394V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.268V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.71%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.118V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.046V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.41%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr></table></div><div style="clear:both"></div> <div style="float:left">http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...ansient_50.gif</div><div style="float:left"></div><table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="5" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Advanced Transient Response 50%</th> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Voltage</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Before</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>After</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Change</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Pass/Fail</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">12.100V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">11.985V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">0.95%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.091V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">4.945V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">2.87%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.344V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.223V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">3.62%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">5.064V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">4.990V</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">1.46%</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div> Thanks to the high nominal voltages all rails stay far from the lower voltage regulation limits during these tests. The +12V rail registers below 1% deviation on both tests, a fairly good result although we have seen other 1kW units perform much better here. The rail with the highest deviation is 3.3V, which however doesn't exceed 4% at any time and keeps its voltage well over 3.2V even during the second test. Below you will find the oscilloscope screenshots that we took during Advanced Transient Response Testing. Transient Response at 20% Loadhttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_20_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_20_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_20_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_20_small.jpg Transient Response at 50% Loadhttp://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_50_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_50_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_50_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...n_50_small.jpg Turn-On Transient TestsIn the next set of tests we measure the response of the PSU in simpler scenarios of transient loads, during the turn on phase of the PSU. In the first test we turn off the PSU, dial 2A load at 5VSB and then switch on the PSU. In the second test, while the PSU is in standby, we dial the maximum load that +12V can handle and we start the PSU. In the last test, while the PSU is completely switched off (we cut off power or switch off the PSU's On/Off switch), we dial the maximum load that +12V can handle and then we switch on the PSU from the loader and we restore power. The ATX specification states that recorded spikes on all rails should not exceed 10% of their nominal values (e.g. +10% for 12V is 13.2V and for 5V is 5.5V). http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...5vsb_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._stb_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._off_small.jpg The PSU registered voltage spikes in all tests, which however are far lower than the respective limits. Also the +12V slope makes a small step at around 3.5V. Thankfully the rise time on all three tests is within the range (0.2-20ms) that the ATX spec defines. In general performance of the unit here is good although not perfect. Ripple MeasurementsIn the following table you will find the ripple levels that we measured on the main rails of XTK-CB-1000M. According to ATX specification the limits are 120 mV (+12V) and 50 mV (5V, 3.3V and 5VSB). <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#aaaaaa" style="border-collapse:collapse"> <tr> <th colspan="6" class="th1 tac" style="font-size:15pt"> Ripple Measurements<br/> Xigmatek XTK-CB-1000M</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="100" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Test</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>12 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>3.3 V</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>5VSB</strong></td> <td width="80" align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Pass/Fail</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>20% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">16.3 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">16.1 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">18.1 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">10.2 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>40% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">18.3 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">10.9 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.2 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">15.5 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>50% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">21.0 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">11.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.3 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">16.2 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>60% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">25.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">13.3 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.4 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">17.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>80% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">33.2 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.1 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">15.1 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">18.7 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>100% Load</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">41.9 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">15.7 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">19.9 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Crossload 1</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">20.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">23.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">22.4 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">9.9 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#DEE2E7"><strong>Crossload 2</strong></td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">39.7 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">13.7 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">15.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">14.6 mV</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pass</td> </tr></table> Ripple suppression is very good, taking also into account the not so modern platform that this unit uses. At worst case +12V is around one third of the limit and the minor rails at full load test stay well below 20mV. However during the CL1 test we noticed some weird waveforms on the scope and more specific the waveforms' height was constantly changing by a noticeable percentage (+12V, 5V and 3.3V rails); nevertheless at all three rails ripple remained well below the respective limits. Ripple at Full LoadIn the following oscilloscope screenshots you can see the AC ripple and noise that the main rails registered (+12V, 5V, 3.3V and 5VSB). The bigger the fluctuations on the oscilloscope's screen the bigger the ripple/noise. For all measurements we set 0.01 V/Div (each vertical division/box equals to 0.01V) as standard. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...load_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...load_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...load_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...load_small.jpg Ripple at Crossload 1http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl1_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl1_small.jpg Ripple at Crossload 2http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl2_small.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X..._cl2_small.jpg Performance RatingThe following graph shows the total performance rating of the PSU in comparison with other units we have tested before. To be more specific the tested unit is shown as 100% and all other units’ performance are relative to it. If you want take a look at the exact method we use to calculate the performance rating of each PSU then read this article. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...mages/perf.gif Performance per DollarFor most of you probably the following graph will be the most interesting, since it shows how much it will set you back the performance of the PSU you want to buy. We looked up the current USD price of each PSU on the popular online shop Newegg and used it along with the relative performance numbers to calculate the Performance per Dollar Index. In case Newegg doesn’t stock a specific unit then we search for it at other popular online shops (Tigerdirect, Amazon) and finally if the unit is not sold in the U.S. we search in popular EU shops (e.g. Caseking) and we convert its price to dollars. Note in the following graph all numbers are normalized by the rated power of each PSU. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/X...perfdollar.gif Value and Conclusion<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result"> <tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th> <td>
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</tr> <tr> <th>8.8</th> <td>The new Xigmatek Centauro 1000W certainly doesn't set new performance records, but after all this isn't its goal. This product addresses mainly the users who don't want to spend a fortune to buy a high-end unit with Platinum/Gold efficiency but instead prefer to invest on a reliable, modular, reasonably priced PSU. In other words its price/performance ratio is pretty high and along with the compact dimensions and the sufficient amount of connectors the Centauro 1000W will be a good choice for the budget oriented user, who wants plenty of power for their system.<br /> One drawback is the significant noise of the cooling fan, since the low efficiency rating and 1kW of power mean high thermal load, so a strong fan is needed to handle that. Personally I don't mind well-audible fans, since almost all of my PCs have noisy components but many users out there with super quiet systems will definitely be annoyed. Unfortunately you can't have everything in this life so if you want a really quiet PSU then you better invest in a high efficiency model with minimal thermal dissipation and a low RPM fan.<br/><br/> To sum up, if you need a good 1kW unit equipped with modular cables and a nice price and you don't mind the low efficiency at low loads and the audible fan then you should definitely take a look at the new Xigmatek Centauro 1000W, since it packs lots of interesting features and achieves good overall performance.</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr> </table> |
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