Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing the efficiency of the DPS G 1050 W at low loads and at loads equal to 20% -100% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



At low loads, Thermaltake's unit scored a high efficiency score, which netted it third place in the graph. Performance with normal loads was on par with the Gold-certified competition.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the DPS G 1050 W at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum-rated load (the lowest load the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads we dialed were 40 W, 60 W, 80 W, and 100 W (for PSUs with more than 500 W capacity). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with Power Saving turned on.

Although high capacity units normally don't perform too well at very low loads efficiency wise, the DPS G 1050 W achieved high efficiency levels in even the first of the above tests with only 40 W. Efficiency easily climbed above 80% and hit almost 89% with 100 W in the other tests—impressive performance for a Gold-certified unit of such high capacity.

DPSApp Screenshots

Screenshots of the DPSApp software follow. As you will see, the provided efficiency readings were very accurate at even very low loads.

40 W Load Test

60 W Load Test

80 W Load Test

100 W Load Test

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX specification states that 5VSB standby supply efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100 mA of load, 60% or higher with 250 mA of load, and 70% or higher with 1 A or more of load.

We will take four measurements: one at 100, 250, and 1000 mA, each, and one with the full load the 5VSB rail can handle.

This rail's efficiency was good enough overall; however, we would at least like to see one reading above 80%.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In 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 (powered on but without any load on its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby mode (without any load on 5VSB).

Vampire power was low, which is the norm for such a modern design.

Fan RPM, Delta Temperature & Output Noise

The cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the delta difference between input and output temperature are illustrated in the following chart. The following results were obtained at 38°C-45°C ambient.



A chart that shows the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and output noise follows. We measure the fan's output noise from 1 meter away, inside a small custom-made anechoic chamber whose internals are completely covered in specialized soundproofing material (Be Quiet! Noise Absorber Kit). Background noise inside the anechoic chamber was below 20 dBA during testing, and the results were obtained with the PSU operating at 38°C-45°C ambient.



The following graph illustrates the fan's output noise throughout the PSU's entire operating range. The same conditions as for the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient temperature was in-between 28°C and 30°C.



Making the unit's fan increase its speed and output noise noticeably at below 30°C ambient is very difficult. Overall, a very quiet operation, which is definitely not a common occurance for such a strong unit.

The following graph illustrates the fan's speed throughout the PSU's entire operating range. The ambient temperature was in-between 28°C and 30°C.



As you can easily figure out by taking a look at the graph, fan speed was very low throughout most of the load range.