Silver Power Blue Lightning 600w PSU
Test Results
Published: 4th May 2007 | Source: Silver Power | Price: |
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.
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.
| 0% | 50% | 100% | |
| +3.3v Rail | 0w | 33w | 66w |
| +5.0v Rail | 0w | 50w | 100w |
| +12v Rails | 0w | 323w | 646w |
When performing the 0% load tests, I was initially slightly concerned about the +12v rails output being a rather low 11.80v. However, these concerns were soon aliviated when a small amount of load was placed on the unit and the voltage increased to a perfectly health 12.20v.
In the 50% and 100% load tests, the Silver Power performed admirably, with almost rock solid output on the +3.3v and +5v rails, and minimal fluctuation on the +12v rails. Bearing in mind that our 100% load test actually tested the unit at 646w (8% above rated output), the performance of the unit was similar - if not better than what I'd expect to see from a 600w unit at twice its price.
In the 50% and 100% load tests, the Silver Power performed admirably, with almost rock solid output on the +3.3v and +5v rails, and minimal fluctuation on the +12v rails. Bearing in mind that our 100% load test actually tested the unit at 646w (8% above rated output), the performance of the unit was similar - if not better than what I'd expect to see from a 600w unit at twice its price.
Silver Power rate the Blue Lightning 600w at 80% efficiency, and the unit certainly lives up to this. Our testing equipment indicated that the unit was able to manage 81.57% efficiency when placed under 323w load, and just above a perfect 80% when under 646w load.
Heat Output Testing
In our continuing efforts to make power supply reviews more thorough, rather than simply checking voltage stability, Overclock3D will now be recording the temperature of each PSU as it undergoes testing. Temperature recordings are taken from the inside of the PSU at 0%, 50% and 100% load levels using a laser infrared thermometer. These readings should give us a good idea how much heat is likely to radiate into the end-users case.
Heat Output Testing
In our continuing efforts to make power supply reviews more thorough, rather than simply checking voltage stability, Overclock3D will now be recording the temperature of each PSU as it undergoes testing. Temperature recordings are taken from the inside of the PSU at 0%, 50% and 100% load levels using a laser infrared thermometer. These readings should give us a good idea how much heat is likely to radiate into the end-users case.
Bearing in mind that these temperatures are actually taken from inside the PSU, the Blue Lightning manages to remain reasonably cool even when pushed up to 646w. The outside temperature of the casing also managed to remain fairly cool during all tests, indicating that very little heat would be dumped into your PC case while using this PSU.
Noise Level Recordings
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.
0% Load Recording - Download
50% Load Recording - Download
100% Load Recording - Download
Noise Level Recordings
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.
0% Load Recording - Download
50% Load Recording - Download
100% Load Recording - Download
Most Recent Comments
Can't go the page 2.. assuming there is one..
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by name='BloomerzUK'
Can't go the page 2.. assuming there is one..
|
Looks pretty damn fine to me tbh
woah 
thats damn good for the price!
thats damn good for the price!
Just got around to reading this. I am very impressed, will be looking at one of these (or the next model) when it comes to upgrade without a doubt.
also the link to the forums at the end is dead mate.
also the link to the forums at the end is dead mate.
Tekheads are getting some in next week 
Silver power are going too love you XMS
CSS Valid
Here