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Corsair announces AX1200i DSP-based fully modular power supply

Subject: Cases and Cooling | June 4, 2012 - 06:01 PM |
Tagged: power supply, corsair, computex, ax1200i

As Computex continues into its first full day over in Taiwan, Corsair has a few things to show you, starting with a new high-end power supply called the AX1200i, a completely digitally-controlled unit.

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The new AX1200i is rated at 80 PLUS Platinum levels of efficiency thanks in part to the digital power control technology to provide stable voltages, low ripple and low noise levels.  A new circuit board layout and reduced component count also aid in the ability for this Corsair unit to hit efficiency as high as 92% and to operate in a fanless, silent mode up to 40% utilization.

"Corsair has earned a reputation as one of world’s best providers of enthusiast PSUs, and with the AX1200i, we have raised the technology and performance bar far above anything the market has seen,” said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager of the Components Business Unit at Corsair. “By designing the first DSP-based enthusiast PSU and integrating our unique Corsair Link technology, we can offer enthusiasts a PSU with a matchless combination of performance and customizable features.”

AX1200i’s DSP-based design, combined with Corsair Link technology, provides enthusiasts with unprecedented control over the features and performance characteristics of their PSU. This includes real-time monitoring of temperature, current draw, and power efficiency, as well as the ability to adjust the speed of the internal 140mm fan. These features also allow for a unique level of customization, such as the ability to switch from the default single +12V rail configuration to a tailored “multi-rail” mode, with the ability to set over current protection set-points on a per-rail basis.

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The new Corsair AX1200i power supply will be available in August and will ship with a 7-year warranty.  Pricing is unknown.

Source: Corsair

XFX's pricey Platinum ProSeries PSU performs perfectly

Subject: Cases and Cooling | June 1, 2012 - 02:40 PM |
Tagged: xfx, ProSeries 1000W, modular psu, kilowatt, PSU, 80 Plus Platinum

With a half dozen modified 8-pin PCI-Express connectors, 8 Molex connectors, and 11 SATA connectors the XFX ProSeries 1000W PSU will handle the needs of a powerful system.  The interior components are very similar to the Seasonic Platinum 1000W which is one of [H]ard|OCP's favourites.  As with the Seasonic, the XFX PSU carries an 80 Plus Platinum rating which testing proved to be essentially accurate as [H] was not going to quibble about a 0.6% difference on their review model.  You have to pay a bit more for this PSU but if you want to pick up a model that won [H]'s Editor's Choice and Gold Award then this PSU is a sure bet.

H_XFX1000W.jpg

"XFX has a tremendously impressive track record here at HardOCP when it comes to enthusiast class PSUs. To date, four XFX PSU reviews, three Gold and one Silver Editor’s Choice Awards. Its new 1KW ProSeries PSU features no wires! No not like that, but rather on the inside. Let’s see if SolidLink Technology is award worthy."

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Source: [H]ard|OCP

The Ice Wind Pro is a breeze to install

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 24, 2012 - 01:57 PM |
Tagged: Deepcool, Ice Wind Pro, heatsink

One neglected feature of heatsinks has always been the ease of installation, which has become much worse now that many heatsinks are so heavy they require a backplate to prevent its weight from damaging your socket or motherboard.  For those who would prefer a heatsink that can be installed without needed to access the back of the motherboard, or even removing the board from its case, DeepCool's Ice Wind Pro might be a good choice.  At 650g it is light compared to many other models and the handy bracket offers more than enough support for that weight.  Of course there are some downsides to such a light cooler, check out how well it could cool a CPU over at Overclockers Club.

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"The thing that impressed me the most about this cooler, believe it or not, was its installation process. The 100% tool-free, in-case, no-rear-access-required installation went through like a breeze. It took only minutes to go from having no cooler to having this one installed. It's the first of its kind that is done this way and I hope other manufacturers take a step for lighter-end coolers that can get away without a heavy-duty mounting mechanism. The cooler's build quality is top notch, which follows in the steps of previous DEEPCOOL heat sinks that I have had the opportunity to review."

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Source: Overclockers Club

VIA unveils the APC $49 Android PC

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling, Systems | May 22, 2012 - 05:22 PM |
Tagged: VIA, htpc, APC

VIA tops Gingerbread with a banana for some reason. They also unveil a $49 system powered by Android 2.3 which has been customized for mouse and keyboard support. The system draws between 4 and 13.5 watts (idle and load respectively) and can be mounted into any standard Mini-ITX or microATX chassis as well as chassis for the new Neo-ITX standard.

I guess VIA wants to be more than just Android-in-law to HTC.

It seems as though the low powered computing market is continuing to be eaten by ARM with devices such as VIA’s just announced APC Android PC. The APC seems to be aimed at the home theatre and enthusiast markets. VIA also hopes that the low price point will introduce more people to computing.

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Apparently VIA prefers bananas to Apples.

The APC is powered by an 800MHz VIA ARM11 system-on-a-chip with 512 MB of DDR3 RAM. 2GB of flash memory is embedded on the device which can be expanded by a microSD card slot. It may also be possible to install extra memory through one of the four USB2.0 ports on the device although that is not explicitly stated in the press release. Display output will be limited to 720p. Power usage will vary between 4 and 13.5 watts depending on load.

VIA is also promoting the device for its Neo-ITX form factor. The APC is 17cm x 8.5cm in dimensions -- which is just under 6 3/4” by 3 3/8” for you non-Metrics -- and can mount in Mini-ITX or microATX cases. It apparently is also smaller than a banana.

The APC is expected to ship this July for $49.

Source: VIA

Antec High Current Pro Platinum 1000W Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: May 21, 2012
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Antec
Tagged: HCP-1000, Antec High Current Pro, 80 Plus Platinum PSU

Introduction and Features

Antec has one of the largest selections of PC power supplies on the market today and their new HCP-1000 Platinum power supply features 1000W of continuous output power and is 80 Plus Platinum certified. The High Current Pro Platinum is the first power supply in a new series that will replace three existing lines, the TruePower Quattro, High Current Pro (80 Plus Gold), and Antec’s Signature series. The High Current Pro Platinum series will be the new top class of maximum efficiency within Antec’s range of power supplies with modular cabling.

The HCP-1000 Platinum is based on a brand new platform, co-developed with Antec’s partner Delta Electronics and combines several new technological developments and features to provide unmatched performance and be the very best power supply possible. The HCP-1000 Platinum incorporates all modular cables with six PCI-E connectors, NVIDIA SLI-Ready certification, ErP Lot 6:2013 compliance, a 7-year warranty and it is being introduced with a MSRP of $269.90 USD.

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Here is what Antec has to say about their new HCP-1000 PSU:

“Antec's High Current Pro Platinum series is the pinnacle of power supplies. High Current Pro Platinum is fully modular with a revolutionary 20+8-pin MBU socket for the needs of tomorrow. By using a PSU that is 80 PLUS® PLATINUM & ErP Lot 6: 2013 certified, operating up to 94% efficient, you can reduce your electricity bill by up to 25% when compared to many other power supplies. HCP Platinum's innovative 16-pin sockets create a new level of flexibility by doubling the modular connectivity, supporting two different 8-pins connectors and even future connectors of 10, 12, 14 or 16-pins. Backed by a 7 year warranty and lifetime global 24/7 support, the HCP-1000 Platinum embodies everything a power supply can accomplish today.”

Antec High Current Pro Platinum 1000W PSU Key Features:

• 1000W continuous power output at 50°C
• 80 Plus Platinum Certified (up to 94% efficient)
• Four High Current +12V rails with high maximum load
• 100% +12V output for maximum CPU and GPU support
• Quiet 135mm double ball bearing fan
• Thermal Manager – advanced low voltage fan controller
• All Japanese brand, heavy duty capacitors
• PhaseWave Design server-class, full-bridge LLC topology
• NVIDIA SLI-Ready certified (six PCI-E connectors)
• Active PFC with Universal AC line input
• ErP Lot 6:2013 Compliant
• Fully modular sleeved cables
• Protection: OCP, OVP, UVP, SCP, OPP, OTP, SIP, NLO and BOP
• Antec AQ7 7-year warranty and lifetime global 24/7 support

Continue reading our review of the HCP-1000 Platinum PSU!

Not everyone needs a kilowatt; check out Cooler Master's Extreme 450W PSU

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 18, 2012 - 04:56 PM |
Tagged: cooler master, Extreme 2 475W, PSU

There is a lot going for the CoolerMaster Extreme 2 450W for non-power users.  It costs under $50, it is not much bigger than the 120mm fan that cools it and the 450 on the side offers enough power for many systems.  Unfortunately once Hardware Secrets opened the box and tested this PSU they would like to remove your misconceptions.  The 450 is not actually the wattage but the model number and this is, at best, a 425W PSU and the quality of power they observed from their tests is abysmal with ripple and voltage drop both exceeding specifications.  This is one PSU they recommend you avoid at all costs.

HS_CM475.jpg

"The new Extreme 2 entry-level power supply series from Cooler Master comes in four different versions: 475 W, 525 W, 625 W, and 725 W. They don't have an active PFC circuit and, therefore, don't carry the 80 Plus certification. Let's take an in-depth look at the 475 W model, which costs only USD 50."

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Source: Hardware Secrets

Coolermaster's new vapourware, the TPC-812 heatsink

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 16, 2012 - 05:29 PM |
Tagged: coolermaster, TPC-812, heatsink, heatpipes

Coolermaster's new TPC-812 goes beyond the heatpipes which we have all become familiar with and adds in vapour chambers as well.  The vapour chamber works similarly to a heatpipe but instead of heat only being able to travel away in one direction, the chamber allows heat to be dissipated in to directions.  Unfortunately in order to properly work it needs to remain quite small in size so while it can quickly spread out heat it needs help from something else to keep that heat moving away.  The cooler was fairly noisy when FrostyTech ran the fan at full speed but also offered among the most effective cooling performance and when they dialed the fan back its performance ended up in the middle of the pack but for someone using a moderately powerful CPU and wanting less noise it should move enough heat to remain effective.

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"Vapour chambers and heatpipes work on the same principle, the difference is that vapour chambers are planar thermal devices that conduct heat in two dimensions. The two 19x3mm vapour chambers on the Coolermaster TPC-812 heatsink are double-stacked (one vapour chamber on top of three heatpipes), much like the Xigmatek Aegir. Since vapour chambers are planar devices this represents a more efficient application that piling tubular heatpipes on top of tubular heatpipes. Coolermaster's TPC-812 is the first CPU heatsink to pass our test bench employing both vapour chambers and heatpipes in one package."

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Source: Frosty Tech

NZXT Releases Switch 810 Special Edition Cases

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 16, 2012 - 12:28 PM |
Tagged: switch 810, special edition, nzxt, cases, atx

Popular case manufacturer NZXT has announced a special edition of it’s Switch 810 computer case. After listening to customer feedback, the company has decided to make the case available in two new colors. Gunmetal and Matte Black are the two new darker themes of the Switch 810.

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In a recent press release, NZXT stated that the two new available colors are its way of showing their fans that they do listen to and value feedback.

Specifically, “Without our community’s valuable feedback and criticisms, our products would not be as unique as they are today. We always aim to maintain customer satisfaction through providing high quality products at great prices, which is why we decided to release the Special Edition to feature two of the most demanded color palettes from our loyal fans: Matte Black and Gunmetal.”

The Switch 810 is a full tower ATX case constructed of steel and plastic materials. It features support for up to 10 fans, six internal hard drives, up to an E-ATX motherboard, and plenty of room for custom liquid cooling solutions. The case also provides cable management cut-outs and tool-less drive bays.

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The new Special Edition Switch 810 is available for purchase now from NZXT in either Gunmetal or Matte Black colors for $179.99 USD. When we reviewed the original version of the Switch 810, we gave it the PC Perspective Gold Award for its included enthusiast features and good execution. You can find our full review (including video) here.

Source: NZXT

Corsair Enhances GS Series Power Supplies

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 15, 2012 - 03:11 PM |
Tagged: corsair, 80 Plus Bronze, PSU, modular psu

FREMONT, California — May 15, 2012 — Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced major upgrades to the GS Series line of high-performance power supply units (PSUs). A new improved design boosts energy efficiency, enabling the new GS Series PSUs to achieve 80 PLUS Bronze certification while also providing quieter, fanless operation at low power loads. The newly enhanced models are available in three wattage models: the GS600, GS700, and GS800.

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GS Series power supplies are designed for PC builders who want an affordable, reliable, and efficient power supply that offers visually stunning, customizable looks to match their PC. The power supplies feature user-switchable red, white or blue LED lights that can also be turned off if desired. Further customization is possible with swappable color insert rings which are available for purchase from the Corsair website.

The 80 PLUS certification program was created by utility and computer companies to drive the creation and adoption of more energy-efficient power supplies for desktop computers and servers. Corsair GS Series power supplies now have an upgraded architecture that achieves 80 PLUS Bronze certification to provide up to 85% energy-efficiency under typical usage conditions, resulting in lower energy bills and less heat.

As with all Corsair power supplies, GS Series PSUs offer class-leading voltage stability and ultra-low ripple and noise specifications, for long component life. The 140mm temperature-controlled fan also ensures that GS Series power supplies remain quiet as well as cool. Plus, by operating fanless at load levels below 20% of the model's wattage rating, each GS Series PSU significantly reduces noise levels.

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"The GS Series line has been popular with PC enthusiasts who demand quiet, good-looking, and affordable power supplies they can count on,” said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager for Components at Corsair. “Now we are proud to deliver the next evolution in the GS Series PSU line, with higher-levels of energy efficiency and a new striking, customizable industrial design."

Source: Corsair

Deepcool's tall and thin Ice Wind Pro heatsink

Subject: Cases and Cooling | May 10, 2012 - 06:07 PM |
Tagged: Deepcool, Ice Wind Pro

At 157mm tall the Deepcool Ice Wind Pro stands among the tallest heatsinks but at 86mm deep it is much thinner which also means its weight is lower, at 650g.  The heatpipes contact the CPU directly and FrostyTech's measurements show the contact area to be completely flat which is very important for the efficiency of the cooler.  The noise generated at low speeds is negligible and even when turned to high to give better cooling performance it is still not very loud.  At high speed the cooler does provide good cooling even though it for both AMD and Intel processors, even if it is very slim, so if you are building a system using RAM with tall heatspreaders then this cooler is very much worth considering.

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"Deepcool's Ice Wind Pro heatsink is a rather novel CPU cooler for two unique qualities; 1) its heatpipe-to-fin arrangement and 2) the geometry of its leading and trailing fin edges. First off, rather than clusters of heatpipes at the left and right sides of the aluminum fin tower, the eight ends of the heatpipes are lined up straight in a row, 10mm apart, right down the middle of the heatsink. Secondly, the leading/trailing edges of the aluminum fin stack have five large, slightly arc'd diamond cut-outs parallel to the direction of the fins that break up the otherwise monolithic wall."

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Source: Frosty Tech

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