OCZ GameXStream 850w ATX PSU
Testing
Published: 17th November 2006 | Source: OCZ | Price: |
In order for the results from all current and future PSU reviews to remain fair and comparable, Overclock3D uses a custom built Power Supply load stress tester. The tester will be placing the following loads on each of the GameXStream's rails:
+3.3v - 20a Load
+5.0v - 20a Load
+12v1 - 15a Load
+12v2 - 15a Load
+12v3 - 15a Load
+12v4 - 15a Load
The results are collected from a Mastech MAS-345 Multimeter which logs its readings via RS232 to a PC.
Good results from both the +3.3v and +5v rails here. Neither dropped by any significant amount and both remained well within ATX specifications. These results are slightly better than the recently reviewed GameXStream 700w which just goes to show that OCZ have been working on improving the performance of this unit in all areas.
Once again the GameXStream 850w produces excellent results, keeping fluctuation on all +12v rails to a minute 0.01v and even in one case 0.00v. Very few power supplies we've tested at Overclock3D have managed results this good thus putting the GameXStream among some of the best units on the market.
Efficiency Testing
Efficiency tests are performed by measuring the wattage consumed by the power supply at the mains against the power (in watts) consumed by the OC3D power supply stress tester. These results may not be 100% accurate, but have proven to be extremely close to results obtained from professional equipment.
Efficiency Testing
Efficiency tests are performed by measuring the wattage consumed by the power supply at the mains against the power (in watts) consumed by the OC3D power supply stress tester. These results may not be 100% accurate, but have proven to be extremely close to results obtained from professional equipment.
The GameXStream was placed under a load of 886 watts. This counts for a total of 104% of the power supplies rated output. At this load, the power supply required 1033 watts from the mains. Therefore the efficiency of this power supply can be found by a simple equation: (886 / 1033) * 100, which works out to be an efficiency rating of 85.7%.
Noise Testing
Possibly the hardest part of any PSU review is summarising the level of noise given out by the unit. The threshold for what is considered 'noisy' varies from person to person and therefore what I may consider a quiet unit, another person may consider extremely loud. A common way to resolve this issue is to use a dBA meter to measure the units noise level, however this doesn't take into account the pitch (type) of noise emitted and whether it is likely to irritate end users.
For this reason OC3D records all power supplies at idle and load in wav format for you to make your own informed decisions. All recordings are taken at 30cm away from the PSU and outside of a PC case. You will need to remember that noise levels will be reduced by varying amounts once the PSU has been installed inside your PC enclosure.
Idle Recording - Download
Load Recording - Download
I was pleasantly surprised by the low noise levels emitted by the GameXStream both at idle and under load. Most high wattage power supplies seem to have trouble maintaining low noise levels when under full load, however the GameXStream managed this effortlessly.
Noise Testing
Possibly the hardest part of any PSU review is summarising the level of noise given out by the unit. The threshold for what is considered 'noisy' varies from person to person and therefore what I may consider a quiet unit, another person may consider extremely loud. A common way to resolve this issue is to use a dBA meter to measure the units noise level, however this doesn't take into account the pitch (type) of noise emitted and whether it is likely to irritate end users.
For this reason OC3D records all power supplies at idle and load in wav format for you to make your own informed decisions. All recordings are taken at 30cm away from the PSU and outside of a PC case. You will need to remember that noise levels will be reduced by varying amounts once the PSU has been installed inside your PC enclosure.
Idle Recording - Download
Load Recording - Download
I was pleasantly surprised by the low noise levels emitted by the GameXStream both at idle and under load. Most high wattage power supplies seem to have trouble maintaining low noise levels when under full load, however the GameXStream managed this effortlessly.
Most Recent Comments
Looks lush. OCZ should be proud of the first "Gold" logo 
All GameXStream PSU's are the same. Pure, ownage. Best bang for buck unit OUT there, despite ripple issues @ max load. Never the less, great review guys. Great PSU too.
Looks like a rock solid psu, nice review 
I love my 600w version
those are very impressive results, a well deserved Gold award
Wow, that's the first time I've seen an OC3D gold logo, congrats OCZ! Great review XMS.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by name='spiritd'
Wow, that's the first time I've seen an OC3D gold logo, congrats OCZ! Great review XMS.
|
OC3D gold logo like a victoria cross, very rare. Must be a truly great PSU.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by kimandsally
To me the gold logo being a first makes it all the more great, some review sites award things like confetti makes them kind of worthless.
OC3D gold logo like a victoria cross, very rare. Must be a truly great PSU. |
Yep, you won't see many of these at all. We will only award them when we feel that we have reviewed enough similar products to be able to justify "Best in Class" (like nearly 25 PSU reviews), and the product is pretty much as perfect as it can be.
CSS Valid
Linkage