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Introduction and Features

Introduction
                   
Antec is a well respected name among PC enthusiasts and their line of PC power supplies, enclosures, and PC accessories is one of the most complete in the industry.  Antec’s new premium line of high-end power supplies includes the Signature 650 and Signature 850.  Antec claims the Signature Series combines cutting-edge technology, rigid testing and impeccable style to become the ultimate choice in power supplies.

Here is what Antec has to say about their Signature 850 power supply:

“Designed to appeal to system builders looking for a truly premium power supply, the Signature 850 boasts many cutting-edge features, several of which have never before been offered in a consumer power supply.  The Signature 850 features DC to DC voltage regulation modules which ensure greater system stability, and an 80mm Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan that can run up to 50% quieter than standard fans.  Not only does the Signature 850 deliver the latest in stability, reliability, and quiet cooling, it also passes 80 Plus Bronze certification, a rare distinction in energy efficiency attained by very few other power supplies.”

Antec Signature Series 850W PSU Key Features:

    850W Continuous output at 50°C
    NVIDIA SLI-ready certified
    80 Plus Bronze certified
    DC to DC voltage regulator modules for greater stability
    80mm Cooling fan uses PWM for quiet operation
    Universal AC Input with Active PFC
    Hybrid cable management improves system airflow and reduces clutter
    Dual density PC boards provide better airflow and reduces electrical noise
    High quality Japanese fan and capacitors ensure long-term reliability
    Industrial grade protection circuits prevent damage: SCP, OVP, OCP
    Safety approvals: UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, CCC, C-Tick, CB
    AQ5 – Antec Quality 5-Year parts and labor warranty

PSU Testing Methodology

Establishing an accurate load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  PCPerspective’s power supply test bench can place a precise 2,000 watt DC load on the PSU under test.  Each power supply is tested under controlled, real-world conditions up to its maximum rated load, using both 115 VAC and 240 VAC line voltage.  Our current suite of tests includes:

    DC Load Regulation
    DC Line Regulation
    DC Cross-load (unbalanced load)
    AC Ripple and Noise
    Power Factor
    Efficiency
    Differential Temperature
    Noise


The Antec Signature Series 850W power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions. 

    (2) CSI3710A Programmable DC load (+3.3V and +5V outputs)
    (4) CSI3711A Programmable DC load (+12V1, +12V2, +12V3, and +12V4)
    FLUKE 87-III True RMS digital multimeter (Accuracy ±0.05%)
    Extech 380803 Power Analyzer (Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale)
    Hitachi V-650F 60 MHz dual trace oscilloscope (Accuracy ±3%)
    Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
    FLUKE  52-II digital thermometer (Accuracy ±0.3ºC/0.5ºF)
    Extech Model 407738 digital sound level meter (Accuracy ±1.5 dB)
    Custom PC60 enclosure to simulate real-world operating conditions

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