Our cross loading procedure is designed to rigorously test the stability of the main two rail combinations. We push the maximum rated current and wattage through the 12 volt rail(s), and then through the 3.3 and 5 volt rails combined, and see if the power supply is capable of delivering its specification for those. However, meeting the specification is not enough, the power supply must also maintain strong voltage regulation and noise/ripple to have “passed the cross load test.
The cross load test is a “worst case scenario” for the two main power delivery rail mechanisms (12v and 3.3+5v) and so the power supply will always deliver slightly lower than realistic/expected results. However, this is not necessarily a realistic test and it is just a case of pushing a power supply’s rails right to their rated limits to see how well they can hold up.
12 Volt Cross Loading
Voltage regulation was exceptional given the high cross loading. Only the -12v rail broke the trend and had some slightly average performance but that said the -12 volt rail isn’t that important to the overall system. The main one here is the 12 volt rail which held up exceptionally well with very low voltage deviance.
Ripple and noise was fantastic given the immense stress the 12 volt rail was placed under.
5 and 3.3 Volt Cross Loading
Voltage regulation at 5 and 3.3 volt cross load was exceptionally tight and I have no complaints here at all.
Noise and ripple on both the 3.3 volt and 5 volt rails was near zero which is always fantastic to see at cross load.
It looks like one of the very PSUs released by XFS.
And, hey it’s great to see proper PSU testing methods are being used while reviewing. 🙂
@Ryan: Another good review from you man!!
The test results and Editors Choice award are not surprising in the least considering it’s Seasonic unit but what amazes me is the price XFX sells it for. If you’re in the market for a PSU of this class the only thing you should be asking yourself is do you want surface or air shipping.
Nice work Ryan. It reminds me of the days I used to test & repair (yes, repair) PSU’s of all types. If I did it these days I’d demand danger pay.
I noticed you mentioned it missed 80plus Platinum by 2%, but you need to use the 115V Internal values, which means it did pass Platinum. Look on the 80plus site to clarify. This is a 115V internal power supply and not 230V.
i wonder if there is a way you can still find sun moon load tester used for cheap