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Introduction and Features

Introduction
                   
Enermax has a well earned reputation for delivering high quality power supplies, enclosures, and other accessories to the PC enthusiast market.  Enermax recently introduced their new Revolution85+ series of power supply units, with four models ranging in size from 850W to 1,250W (note: 1,250W model is 230V only and is not sold in the USA) .  The Revolution85+ PSUs features high efficiency, state of the art design, modular cables and quiet operation.  It also supports Zero Load, C6 State, and Hybrid Modes to insure compatibility with future CPUs, GPUs, and servers.

The new Revolution85+ power supplies from Enermax were designed to deliver clean, stable outputs with high efficiency and minimal noise.  In fact the Revolution85+ power supplies are some of the first to be certified under the new 80 Plus Silver classification to be at least 85% efficient at 20% and 100% of the rated output and at least 88% efficient at 50% of the rated output power.  And as you will see later on, the Revolution85+ 1,050W unit we have in for review lived up to these claims!

Enermax Revolution85+ 1,050W PSU Key Features:

•    1,050W watt continuous power output (up to 50°C 24/7)
•    Compliant with the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards
•    High efficiency operation (85-91% efficient at 20-100% load)
•    Six +12V rails for maximum safety and reliability (99% 12V output capable)
•    Asymmetric Hybrid DC-to-DC topology delivers high efficiency and stable performance
•    Synchronous transformer design provides optimal load balance and performance
•    12-pin Modular connectors designed to support future graphic adapters
•    Future CPU and GPU ready: (supports Zero Load, C6 State, and Hybrid Modes)
•    Gaming ready (SLI or CrossFire X) supports high-end graphic cards with 8 PCI-E connectors
•    Server ready (SSI PSDG 2008 1.0 compliant)
•    EMC electromagnetic filtering (CE EMC EN61204-3 compliance)
•    Quiet 13.5mm fan with intelligent speed control guaranties cool and silent operation
•    AirGuard: Patented air inlet with optimal aerodynamic design
•    HeatGuard: After shutdown, PSU fan keeps running to dissipate residual heat
•    SafeGuard: Protection circuits for OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, OTP and SCP
•    PowerGuard: PSU status monitor with 4-mode LED
•    All high-quality Japanese capacitors for maximum durability and stability
•    Combination of fixed and modular cables for optimum performance and flexibility
•    Industrial look, beefy 3-piece housing

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 Enermax Revolution85+ 1,050W 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

Click here for the Detailed Review