as in, the Enermax modu80+ has 425,525,626W variations. each i assume start spinning faster at higher power demand. is there a chart of those details that can be added to reviews without requiring testing of other variations?

Generally not so easy. 3 reviews would not be needed, but it would be 3 separate PSU testing sessions -- each with its particular mix of line loading as per the test procedure. Until the tester becomes automated (which I hope happens before I retire from SPCR), this is too tedious.

gotcha'. i'll check any chart if they are available in psu sites.

Don't waste too much time -- no one tests PSU acoustics like we do, and most mfgs are usually too optimistic. Although Anantech has tried, not sure if they are still doing it. I don't think their gear/test chamber is as well calibrated or accurate -- often, their low dBA numbers (of the same PSU models we've tested) aren't low enough and their highs aren't high enough.

So what's with the following line from the Antec Signature 650's comments?

Some different models in the same line are similar, some aren't. If SPCR knew that the 850 and 650 were similar, than they would have had reason to make that claim.

As other people in this thread have pointed out, a way to determine which is which would be handy. Maintaining that though would be less about technology and more about bureaucracy and politics, dragging that info out of the vendors, so I don't know whether or not this is a task for SPCR.

OK, that should be changed: but we know from hands-on experience that it has the same qualities as the 650

Thanks for the clarification.

Nexus NX-5000 data in Recommended article says "Modular cabling, high efficiency, excellent electrical performance, compact size, and acoustics that rank with the best. Review Added Jan 12/10".

Nexus NX-5000 data in Review says "Quibbles: * No modular cabling"

Latter should be correct.

Edit: Corrected as of 2010-01-13, 8:54 AM GMT+2

With reference to the Enermax Eco80+ review, what about removing some old (and by now noisy) PSUs from the "recommended list"? Maybe putting some of them in a new sort of "approved - but no more recommended - list"?

I mean particularly:

1) Antec NeoHE 430 (I guess no more available at all, but the 380W version, but above all too much noisy for modern competition);
2) Antec EarthWatts 430 (maybe too much noisier at low levels: just as an example if reference is 11dB at 200W, while last recommendation is 16dB, 24dB could be still acceptable?);
3) Antec True Power Trio (actually sensibly noisier than any modern competitor, but above all discontinued);
4) Corsair HX520/620 (maybe too much noisy under 300W, NesteQ ECS7001 and PCPC Silencer 610 have similar noise "profile" but they are neither reference nor recommended; moreover it's now an old product);
5) Corsair VX450 (same as above);
6) Corsair TX650 (an overall good value, but too much noisy now under 150W and over 300W);
7) Fortron FSP400-60GLN (same as above at any wattage, and it's now an old product);
8] Seasonic M12-II/S-12-II (way noisier and more expensive than last Enermax/Nexus et c.);
9) Silentmax Fanless 400W MX460-PFL01 (virtually discontinued);
10) Silverstone ST-50EF Plus (way old and 10-15dB over the best competition);
11) Zalman ZM460-APS (as Fortron Green, well, a bit better than Fortron Green, even a bit more spotty, old);

What do You think, MikeC?

Regards,
Luca

P.S.: and what about the Antec Signature 650? Does it may worth SPCR "editor choice" two years later? It's probably the worst (for SPL) under 200W among the "references", and far way the worst over 500W, worse than a lot of just "recommended" PSUs, "beaten" only by the legendary Silencer 610. While it's more probably that not the most expensive unit.

MikeC, in the Recommended Power Supplies article the link to the Chill Innovation CP-700M points to the Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W.

Just a heads up.

Just wanted to thank MikeC and everyone else at SPCR for their great work.

Recently wanted to upgrade my PSU and had it down to the Corsair TX750 (not on list) and the Coolermaster Silentpro M700 (on list).

Bought the Corsair based on "other" reviews that were impressed by it's quietness. Threw it in and it overpowered every other fan in my case.

Returned and bought the Coolermaster. Have to hold a tissue to the exhaust to even know it's on.

Bottom line: if SPCR don't like it, don't buy it.

Thanks again!

Hi
I would like tu suggest Tacens Radix IV series for test in PSU zone.
Quite cheap and quiet.
Regards

Cool, but peep this out: http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/vi ... hp?t=58424

Thx for pointing

Okay, I read though this thread and couldn't find updated power numbers.

Any chance of getting something like the new heatsink test platform with a newer(GTX4xx or a AMD58xx) video card, dual 3.5" drives, and a bluray optical tested? If the 130W TDP cpu from the heatsink platform seems too much for a "normal" system, how about a 95W one? Would you expect around 300W still for a modern system? if it was less than 400W I would think that the Seasonic x-400 would be the clear overall winner.

You may even try some different reading: maybe it might help a bit further.

Regards,
Luca

AHHA! page 5 has the info I was looking for, could that be added to the PSU fundamentals page, or at least linked?

Yes, it's finally been updated. Almost a year since the last -- added a few to the Editor's Choice list & culled a huge number of older PSUs from the recommended lists.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

Yay! and thanks

I don't know if here is the appropriate place but I'd like to report a supposed error.

There where is written LZW I think should be LZP for Kingwin power supplies.

Sorry if this should be done in other way.