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CONCLUSIONS
With a better fan controller, the ENP-5136GH would have the potential to challenge
the Seasonic S12 as the quietest power supply. In fact, with careful component
selection, close attention to system airflow and a reasonable room temperature,
it could well be quieter under real-life conditions. However, the steep curve
of its fan controller prevents it from beating the S12 squarely. For medium
and high-powered systems, the S12 will be quieter.
This is a pity, since the Enhance is otherwise a nice piece of work. As promised,
it has tight voltage regulation, high efficiency, and an environmentally friendly,
lead-free PCB. The cooling system seems to do a good job of cooling the unit
itself, although the amount of heat exhausted into the system is a bit of a
problem.
The biggest selling point of the ENP-5136GH — its
80 Plus certification — was a slight disappointment. We were unable
to duplicate the 80% efficiency at 20% and 100% load certified by the 80 Plus.
It doesn't miss by much, and the differences may be due to the tougher thermal
conditions of our test rig. On the other hand, other 80 Plus approved models
we've tested in he same way have all passed the the 80% efficiency specification.
Nevertheless, we welcome the Enhance ENP-5136GH into the ranks of high efficiency
PSUs, and we hope that system integrators agree. The better it does in the industrial
marketplace, the better the chance of it eventually trickling down into retail
channels. And, when it does, it will be a good quiet power supply for low powered
system. With Intel and AMD racing to improve CPU performance-per-watt, it might
be all most of us will need in the future.
* * *
Much thanks to Enhance
USA for the opportunity to examine this power supply.
Discuss
this article in the SPCR Forums.
* * *
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