Introduction and Features

Antec’s new High Current Pro 1200W PSU is designed to support the most demanding gaming rigs and high performance PCs with up to four graphics adapters and dual CPUs. Check out our review to see how this bad-boy measures up!
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 High Current Pro series includes three models, the HCP-750, HCP-850 and the HCP-1200 we have up for review.  Antec claims the High Current Pro series unifies raw power with advanced PSU engineering to meet the demands of high performing PCs.

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Here is what Antec has to say about their HCP-1200 power supply:

A full-featured, 80 PLUS Gold-certified unit, HCP-1200 is capable of outputting 99 percent of its rated power on its eight +12V rails, which contain high maximum loads to ensure graphics card compatibility. Exclusive to the High Current series, HCP-1200 boasts High Current heavy-gauge 16 AWG wiring that reduces conducted resistance, increasing efficiency and improving power delivery. In addition, a cool-running dual double-layer PCB and onboard DC-to-DC converters provide substantial voltage stability. To experience kilowatt-class power in an unmatched design, pick up Antec’s HCP-1200.”

Antec High Current Pro 1200 PSU Key Features:

•    1200 watts of Continuous Power
•    80 PLUS™ Gold certified – up to 92% efficient
•    NVIDIA® SLI®-Ready certified, ATI CrossFire™ certified
•    High Current Hybrid Cable Management includes a 8-pin modular connector
•    Special heavy-gauge 16 AWG High Current cable at CPU reduces conducted resistance, increasing efficiency and improving power delivery
•    2 x 8-pin CPU connectors included for dual-CPU gaming and server applications
•    Gold-plated high-current terminals for optimal conductivity
•    Quiet 80 mm double ball bearing PWM cooling fan
•    Eight Fully-protected High Current +12V rails with high maximum loads assures graphics card compatibility
•    Up to 99% power available on +12V rails
•    DC-to-DC voltage regulator modules ensure stability
•    Highest quality Japanese brand capacitors ensure long-term reliability
•    Dual Double-layer PCB optimizes cooling efficiency and allows for heavy-duty components
•    ATX12V version 2.3 and EPS version 2.92 compliant
•    Full suite of industrial grade protection:
– Over current protection (OCP)
– Over voltage protection (OVP)
– Short circuit protection (SCP)
– Over power protection (OPP)
– Over thermal protection (OTP)
•    All cables braided and wrapped for better airflow and neatness
•    Universal Input – works on any 100V – 240V grid
•    Active PFC with PF: 0.99
•    MTBF: 100,000 hours
•    Meets 2010 EUP requirement: 5Vsb < 1W
•    AQ5 Antec Quality 5-year limited warranty on parts and labor
•    Safety: cUL, TUV, CE, CB, FCC, C-TICK, CCC, BSMI, Gost-R
•    Unit Dimensions:
– 86 mm (H) x 150 mm (W) x 180 mm (D)
– 3.4″ (H) x 5.9″ (W) x 7.1″ (D)
•    Weight: 6.5 lbs / 2.9 kg

Antec High Current Pro 1200 PSU Specifications:

The Antec HCP-1200 power supply is rated for a combined, continuous output power of up to 1,200 watts at 50°C operating temperature (internal case air temperature).  That’s important, as some less reputable manufactures limit their power supply’s advertised capacity by specifying a lower operating temperature (25°C) in the fine print. 

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The PSU includes universal AC line input (automatically adjusts the AC line voltage) and active PFC, which makes the unit more environmentally friendly to the local power grid.  The HCP-1200 incorporates eight +12V outputs, each rated for 30A, that can deliver up to 99A (1,188W) of combined load. 

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(Courtesy of Antec)

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

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The Antec High Current Pro series 1,200W 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)
•    (2) 200W Precision resistor load bank (+12V5 and +12V6)
•    Switchable precision resistor load bank (-12V and +5VSB)
•    Extech MultiMaster MM570 digital multimeter (Accuracy ±0.02%)
•    Extech 380803 Power Analyzer (Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale)
•    DS1M12 “StingRay” digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
•    Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
•    Extech Model 407738 digital sound level meter (Accuracy ±1.5 dB)
•    Custom PC60 enclosure to simulate real-world operating conditions




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