Load Testing

To provide our readers with the most accurate results, Overclock3D uses a custom built PSU load tester on all reviews. This not only gives much more reliable results than the testing methods employed by other sites, but also allows for all current and future review results to be compared side-by-side.

 

 

Due to a limitation with the power supply testing hardware, the maximum load that we could place on the Quattro across each of the six rails listed above was 919w. However, despite having a shortfall of 81w against the units maximum rated output of 1000w, the tests still give a good representation of how the unit performs under full load.

 

As the results above show, the Antec Truepower Quattro is actually a very capable unit. All rails stayed well within ATX recommended fluctuation margins of 5%, with the +12v and +5v rails not even falling outside of their rated voltage outputs.

 

 

 

Efficiency tests are performed by measuring the wattage consumed by the power supply at the mains (Mains Draw) against the power consumed by the OC3D power supply stress tester (PSU Load). These results may not be 100% accurate, but have proven to be extremely close to results obtained from professional equipment.

 

 

Antec quote the Quattro as being "up to 85% efficiency" and the results obtained above certainly reinforce this. Interestingly the unit seemed to reach it's peak efficiency in the 450-650w range (managing almost 86%), and then began a downwards curve to 85.62% as we approached the maximum load of 919w.

 

 

 

As with all components in the modern computer system, the performance of a PSU can be directly affected by heat. Excess heat inside the PSU can easily have a negative effect of the maximum power output of the unit and lead to voltage instability. Most respectable manufacturers measure the maximum output of their PSU's while running at temperatures of 40-50°C (upper temperature of an average PSU at full load), while less respectable manufacturers tend to rate their PSU's at  temperatures of around 25°C (average room temperature). For this reason, Overclock3D includes temperature recordings taken from the PSU's exhaust using a thermal probe to highlight any potential issues that the PSU might have obtaining its rated output.

 

While keeping the temperature of a PSU under control is often just a case of increasing the speed of a fan, this can have a negative impact on noise levels. Therefore, Overclock3D also records the dBA output of the PSU (from a distance of 30cm) in order to gauge it's suitability for use in a silent environment.

 

 

As we can see from the graphs above, the 80mm fan installed inside the Antec Quattro managed to keep the temperature of the unit below 45°C. This is extremely good news considering that the Quattro is designed to deliver its full 1000w at temperatures up to 50°C.

 

Under normal load conditions the unit was reasonably quiet, with the noise output being recorded at around 30dBA. However under full load, the  fan speed increased significantly with the unit reaching almost 40dBA. With these results in mind, the Quattro may not be suited to those who are looking for a silent PSU to power a high-end PC.