Introduction

We would like to thank High Power for supplying the review sample.

High Power is a pretty large PSU OEM, and although we have already tested many of their models under various brands, this is the first time we evaluate a PSU of their own branding. The Astro GD 750 W, which will be the test subject of today’s review, stands out of the crowd mostly because of the digital control it utilizes. So far, only the Corsair AXi models and the EVGA SuperNOVA 1500W use digital control for the generation of their rails, and it is very interesting to see another OEM jump into the digital era. As we predicted, digital control will be a commodity in the near future since it allows for very high efficiency, ultra-tight voltage regulation, and excellent ripple suppression. The technology is still expensive and only after the production lines mature will it be widely available to even mainstream models. We should also note that the AGD-750 uses a much simpler digital circuit than Corsair's and EVGA's digital units.

The AGD-750 is Gold certified, and its digital circuit allows for efficiency readings in real time through the corresponding meter it is equipped with, but High Power opted out of an external meter, a far more convenient solution, to avoid the use of extra cables and because USB ports on PSUs are patented by Gigabyte. We did, however, see a High Power digital platform with a wireless connection between the PSU and the device passing all data on to the system at this year’s (2013) Computex. But the AGD-750 is a mid-level unit they didn't want to increase the production cost of significantly, so it only comes with the bundled efficiency meter option without the software or a wireless interface.

The other characteristics of the AGD-750 include a semi-modular cabling design with rather many native cables, a semi-passive operation, and an interesting look that will divide opinions. We do like its looks, and its golden accents around the fan grill actually do look really nice!

Specifications

Efficiency is Gold, and the PSU features a semi-modular cabling design and a semi-passive operation, which will keep the fan from spinning up at lower loads. It is also Haswell ready since it features DC-DC converters. The maximum operating temperature at which it is able to deliver its full power continuously can reach up to 45°C, and it is equipped with all the protection features, including OTP (Over Temperature Protection), which is always nice to see. The 135 mm fan uses double ball-bearings for more longevity and the warranty is long enough at five years, but its price is rather high.


The single +12V rail can output the full unit's power by itself, which is the norm for today's PSUs. The minor rails are also pretty strong at 130 W combined output, and the 5VSB rail is sufficiently powerful.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

A large number of connectors equip the PSU, including eleven SATA connectors! There are also two EPS cables with an equal number of connectors and three PCIe cables. Two of these are modular. There are a total of four PCIe connectors.

All cables are long enough for even large cases, and the distance amongst connectors is adequate. The modular cables are flat and stealth, making cable management tasks much easier. All native cables are, on the other hand, pretty stiff, which will make cable routing difficult. The reason behind their stiffness is their use of thicker 16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops at higher loads, while the modular cables use the standard 18AWG wires.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on about its power distribution.

Packaging

The window at the front-center provides a view to the specially designed fan grill of the unit. On the left are the model description and three badges for its Gold efficiency, digitally controlled VRMs, and, in the bottom-right corner, the power meter the PSU is equipped with.


One of the two sides informs us that this is a PSU. Well, that is good to know! The other side only hosts the model description.


The top has High Power's website address.


The most important stuff is as per usual located on the back of the box. A, in this case, specifications table and the power input/output specs. There is also a mention of the digitally controlled VRMs the PSU utilizes for the generation of the minor rails; that is, according to High Power. Here we should add that most modern PSUs feature DC-DC converters in their secondary side, but only a few of them utilize digital control circuits to regulate these. Going digital in PSUs is still an expensive sport, which has most manufacturers prefer analog ICs for control over the APFC and the primary and secondary side.

This side also has a scheme depicting the fan's operation throughout the entire load range. The PSU works in fan-less mode at a load of up to around 25%. Only afterward does the fan engage. High Power's embedded power meter is called eagle eye.