NorthQ Giant Reactor 1kw ATX PSU
Introduction & Packaging
Published: 22nd February 2007 | Source: Komplett | Price: |
Observing the power supply trend over the past year one thing is blatantly clear:- PSU manufacturers are packing more and more watts into smaller and smaller spaces. Up until recently, the highest wattage power supply you could get in a standard sized ATX PSU casing was 750w. This was quickly overtaken by 850w, and now it looks like several companies are pushing the envelope of what is technologically possible by manufacturing power supplies tipping the 1kw scale - while still managing to be no bigger than the 250w PSU's of yesteryear!
NorthQ is one of these companies, and today I'll be taking a look at their latest and greatest power supply: the NQ-4775-1000 Giant Reactor. With promises of silent operation, 80%+ efficiency, 1000w of power all inside a standard ATX casing, will this PSU be able to hold its own against some of the larger 1kw units we've tested in the past? Let's find out.
Packaging
Packaging is a big deal, especially when you consider that it's the first thing that potential customers will see when browsing around their local PC hardware store. Packaging also plays a crucial part in keeping the product safe during shipping, and here at Overclock3D we've seen countless occasions in the past where under-packaged products have turned up damaged in some way.
I haven't been acquainted with NorthQ in the past, and I must admit that my first impressions of their flagship PSU was a tad on the bland side. Despite the Giant Reactor's catchy naming, the outer packaging lacked inspiration and looked closer to a mid-range 500w PSU rather than an 1kw nuclear power house as the name would suggest.
On the flip side, credit has to be given to NorthQ for listing some of the "Giant Reactor's" most prominent features and specifications on the front and side of box. These features include 17-25dbA noise output, 8x SATA connectors, Quad-SLI support, 80% Efficiency and of course 1000w power output.
Open up the box and we are faced with yet another uninspiring effort by NorthQ. The PSU is protected from by a bubblewrap bag and held in place by a cardboard cut-out. I'm not sure if my review sample was missing some of the basics, but the PSU failed to even come with a power cable or manual!
Most Recent Comments
Ripped 'em a new one 
But, it really is pretty poor form...Admittedly it's cheaper than other 1000 watters out there, but c'mon. Imagine how saggy the volts would be if you could get 1000W out of it. 
Quote
But, it really is pretty poor form...Admittedly it's cheaper than other 1000 watters out there, but c'mon. Imagine how saggy the volts would be if you could get 1000W out of it. QuoteIt`s a re-badge, I think that`s what it comes down to. As opposed to the regular `user` rating it @ an optimum 850w, they`ve chosen to label it as a "meh, we got 1kw out of it in the labs, 1kw will do".
I`d rate it as 0W tho coz u were lucky to have a spare kettle lead.Quote
I`d rate it as 0W tho coz u were lucky to have a spare kettle lead.Quote
CSS Valid
Bit out of order rating an 850w as a 1kw