CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit

Written by Olin Coles

CoolMax CUQ-1200B

Whether you're a hardcore gamer with a set SLi or CrossFire video cards or a hardware enthusiast with several hard disks and an overclocked quad-core processor, the power draw your computer created can quickly add up to an outrageous electric bill. With so many systems now consuming 600W or more of continuous power, consumers are beginning to find ways to conserve energy and save their money. CoolMax has joined the 80-PLUS revolution by offering their Green Power CUQ-1200B modular power supply unit, and Benchmark Reviews inspects their claims as we load-test this unit for AC power ripple and DC voltage regulation.

I can remember almost a year ago when 1.0 kilowatt power supply units first hit the market. Around that same time, people were testing their SLi and CrossFire setups, and with rumor of Quad-SLi later becoming a reality it seemed like everyone would be using this much power into the future. Looking back, I am thankful the motherboard manufacturers essentially killed this idea, since it really seems ridiculous to need four video cards for anything. But for those who live and die by the virtual sword (gamers), there are cost-friendly solutions such as the CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit.

Certainly by now we can all agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call upon this much power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop manufacturers from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. Today it is our mission here at Benchmark Reviews to pick-apart the mighty CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit. With more connections and power than any modern computer could consume, we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Complete with six PCI-Express cables (four 6-pin and two 8-pin) and nine serial ATA connectors, the CoolMax CUQ-1200B is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU teams and quad-core system setups. With a maximum 12V output of 900W over four rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the CUQ-1200B is very capable of driving today's highest-end systems. With these features, this unit will have no problem accommodating the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

The latest trend seemed to be 80-Plus efficiency, but since most PSU's are at least this efficient the label has lost meaning. And then without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. The CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit offers convenient modular cabling and more power over fewer rails.

source : benchmarkreviews.com

Emerson unveils AC/DC power supply

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Dec 24, 2008

Emerson Network Power has added the Intelligent VS (iVS) AC/DC power supply to its line of fully configurable modular power supplies.

Capable of delivering up to 4,920W of high-density output (12W/in3), the iVS is a fully programmable and intelligent high-power standard power supply.

Emerson Network Power's iVS power supplies are specifically designed for industrial, military and medical instrumentation applications that require high power, reliability and maximum flexibility.

Fully modular in design, iVS power supplies use digitally configurable single- and dual- output power supply modules available in six power ratings.

Spanning 210W to 1,500W, they support 24 different output choices ranging from 2V to 60V, to allow a wide choice of power configurations.

All modules are fully interoperable with existing Emerson configurable platforms, and can be quickly configured to match exact application requirements, enabling greater precision and energy efficiency.

source : www.electronicstalk.com

To maximise control flexibility, microcontrollers integrated into the case and modules are paired with Emerson Network Power's highly intuitive I2C GUI-based control software.

The software enables designers to configure and reconfigure voltages and current limits, and inhibit or enable settings for individual power supplies, while allowing them to conveniently export their final configuration specs for mass application.

It offers OEMs and end users powerful real-time voltage, current and temperature monitoring, to provide at-a-glance performance confirmation for the entire power supply, including the case and all its constituent modules.

All iVS power supplies feature field-upgradable firmware, which extends product lifecycles and offers developers flexibility and interoperability.

They are rigorously industrialised to ensure high reliability in demanding applications, and are rated for performance at temperatures ranging from -40 to 70C.

They are also pre-certified for a wide range of safety specifications - including UL, CSA, VDE, CE and CB certifications - to ensure rapid, cost-effective power provision off-the- shelf.

Hiper HPU-5K880 and HPU-5B680 Type R Mk II PSU's

HPU-5K880 & HPU-5B680

Fresh from our review of the HPU-4M880/HPU-4M630 Type M Series, Hiper returns with an all new concept for power supply units. By combining the passive cooling of an open-grill chassis design with a set of integrated High-Speed USB ports, Hiper introduces their Type R Mk-II power supplies in 680W and 880W versions. Benchmark Reviews reveals the innovative HPU-5K880 & HPU-5B680 PSU's with our set of power regulation tests.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Hiper has been providing performance systems with stable power for quite some time, and with a new focus on efficiency they can offer a penny-wise solution for everyone. The newly revised Type R Mk-II power supply series delivers 660W in the HPU-5B680 model and 880W in the HPU-5K880. The entire Type R Mk-II series is built to provide excellent performance and efficient power to demanding GPU teams and quad-core systems while being stable and long-lasting to accommodate the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. With this in mind, we should all be able to agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

While most of the mundane workstations found on top of office desks would do well with almost any PSU because of their minimal power consumption, anyone utilizing one of Intel or AMD's latest line of processors with a modern graphics card will have no choice but to upgrade. Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call 880W of power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop Hiper from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. High Performance Group (Hiper) builds several power supply units, and today our mission here at Benchmark Reviews is to pick-apart their newly revamped Type R series of PSU's. Available in both 680W (HPU-5B680) and 880W (HPU-5K880), we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

The latest trends include 80-PLUS efficiency ratings, but since most manufacturers submit their own stated specifications to Ecos for certification the lack of regulated official testing has caused the badge has lose meaning. Not that efficiency isn't still important, but manufacturers have tried to attract buyers with several features. Without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. Both Hiper products we are reviewing (HPU-5K880 880W & HPU-5B680 680W) do not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers are following this model. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such modular connections and units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues.

source : benchmarkreviews.com

Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU

Kingwin ABT-800MA1S PSU

Kingwin has recently decided to join the ranks of other companies which have branched their product line into the power supply unit industry. More know for their very effective HDT Heatpipe Direct Touch coolers, Kingwin is also insistent that their PSU line be just as beneficial to the hardware enthusiast. Overclockers and gamers will most likely enjoy the impressive nickel-finished appearance, while system builders and casual users will appreciate the quality build into this power supply. Benchmark Review load tests the Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU for AC power ripple and DC voltage regulation.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use on them. While most of the mundane workstations found on top of office desks would do well with almost any PSU because of their minimal power consumption, anyone utilizing one of Intel or AMD's latest line of processors with a modern graphics card will have no choice but to upgrade. Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call 800W of power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop Kingwin from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary.

Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. With this in mind, we should all be able to agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

The latest trends include 80-PLUS efficiency ratings, but since most manufacturers submit their own stated specifications to Ecos for certification the lack of regulated official testing has caused the badge has lose meaning. Not that efficiency isn't still important, but manufacturers have tried to attract buyers with several features. Without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. Both Hiper products we are reviewing (HPU-5K880 880W & HPU-5B680 680W) do not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers are following this model. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such modular connections and units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues.

source : benchmarkreviews.com