Hiper Type-R Modular Blue Line 580W PSU Review 295
MrIcee2 writes "XtremeResources today has on the test bench the Hiper Type-R Modular Blue Line 580W Power Supply Unit . Our European Senior Reviewer Grace evaluates the high end modular Power Supply Unit solution powering her Intel P4 3.73 EE, Asus P5AD2-E premium based test bench. Read along as she determines the flexibilty this unit offers in it's modular construction, and takes a look inside to see what make this unit the powerhouse that it is.
"Most users underestimate the necessity of a good, reliable and high quality power supply unit. They usually do not understand that it is the driving force for the whole system and it can affect reliability and stability substantially. An inadequate power supply unit will cause instability of the system at best, it may overload and burn out attached components in the worst case scenario. Hiper (High Performance Group) recently released the Type-R modular blue line HPU-4B580 power supply unit, which is competitively priced and claims to be able to offer everyone what they want and require. Hiper was nice enough to have us take a look at the unit, so we will shortly know if it can stand up to its claims."
Wow, individual hardware reviews on Slashdot? (Score:2, Funny)
Type-R? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Type-R? (Score:2)
Re:Type-R? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Type-R? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Type-R? (Score:2)
Yeah, but... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Yeah, but... (Score:2)
Re:Yeah, but... (Score:4, Informative)
The system had cost me 15 percent more as an equally powerful (in terms of computing power) but 7 times as energy consuming system. And the best (hehe): it has an integrated UPS with a backup capacity of 2 to 4 hours, depending on load. Did I mention the flatscreen built in for improved portability to LAN-parties?
Welcome to the world of current notebooks. I will never go back to a desktop rig, as long as those are weighing more than 4kgs, consume more than 200W while writing mails and surfing the web and produce more noise than a vacuum cleaner.
I don't know why PC manufactures haven't caught up to the current standards in power saving and noise reduction. Traditional desktop systems are IMHO not that much cheaper to offset their disadvantages, compared to notebooks. When I browse sites like Newegg, I conclude the price premium for notebooks is less than 15 percent, taking the integrated 15-17 inch TFT screen into account. The only thing notebooks lack is HDD space and speed. Most have 4800 upm ones and their capacity is 100GB at max. Capacity is offset by cheap USB-HDs if needed and speed is currently catching up with the first 7200 upm HDs appearing for the 2,5" form factor. Noise will then be an issue again, though, I fear.
Type-R power supply (Score:5, Funny)
I'm sure some neon lights will help too.
Re:Type-R power supply (Score:2)
Re:Type-R power supply (Score:2)
You aren't serious. If you can hear convection noise of such a heat source then you are in trouble, because every computer that consumes that amount of power is going to either need extensive work (like that $1500 Zalman case shown last year) and need to go completely driveless.
Re:Type-R power supply (Score:5, Funny)
Sketchy (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Sketchy (Score:2)
The average computer has 30-50 amps of DC power flowing around inside it along with a pile of VRMs. Inadequate or low quality conductors and connections can lead to excess heat, meltdowns, overvoltage/undervoltage, or degredation in components due to said heat, meltdowns, overvoltage/undervoltage, etc. This degredation can then in turn affect power consistency/a
Re:Sketchy (Score:2)
Re:Sketchy (Score:3, Informative)
For ATX 2.01.. the variance is only 5% for all positive voltage rails. For instance, if you see a reading below 4.75 on your 5v line... you are looking at a problem.
I've already seen this on a cheap power supply and the problem resulted in a few things. Extreme system instability (It was a fair chunk below the 5% mark) and lots of extra heat.
My guess is the power supply was extremely over taxed
Re:Sketchy (Score:3, Interesting)
However, in PC's that critical value tends to be a lot higher than one expects. Far too often, PC power supplies get really noisy when pushed to anywhere near their maximum rating. The results can be very mysterious - all kinds of components from hard disks to ram "randomly" failing.
I've literaly seen the benefits of improved power sources myself - over on avsforum there was an EE freak in the canadian boonies who was all about making sure you
Ok, couple things here (Score:3, Informative)
The phenomena of a clock being ir
Man, these marketing guys ... (Score:3, Funny)
Can't these guys come up with any more friggin' letters than X and R? =)
Young punks, get off my lawn.
Re:Man, these marketing guys ... (Score:2)
What this... (Score:2)
Sparkle (Score:2)
Re:Sparkle (Score:5, Funny)
Underestimating (Score:2)
On the power rating, the problems I've run into in the past is finding the power consumption ratings of all the devices I expect to use, and how much power is used from the respective voltage rails.
Re:Underestimating (Score:3, Interesting)
I can really appreciate the UL listings on the back of a television monitor after dealing with so much much equipment that doesn't have any listings.
When performing an evaluation... I had a friend recommend just getting an amperage meter tool to check the system needs. It really doesn't take in account the initial power spike, but it helps when things are poorly documented.
So... all I can say is...
Over spec, over spec and well... you know... over spec so
Re:Underestimating (Score:2)
Re:Underestimating (Score:3, Informative)
When a power supply is listed as "XYZ watts," most users just assume that either it's big enough or it isn't. But a 550 watt power supply that only supplies 25a on the 5v rail giving the rest to 12v is going to flame out or melt wires eventually if your mainboard runs two CPUs on
The more modular PSUs, the better (Score:2)
After buying an Ultra X-Connect [ultraproducts.com] last year, there's no way I'd be able to go back to a conventional power supply. I love the modular design.
It's about time someone else came out with a modular PSU. Hopefully, Ultra and Hiper will be able to push modular power supplies to the point where they completely drive conventional crap out of the market.
Hyper Typer (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Hyper Typer (Score:2, Funny)
Here's what I don't understand (Score:3, Interesting)
Why does the PSU have to be internal?
Why can't it be external like for laptops. That way heat isn't dissipated inside the computer case.
Can someone straighen me out here?
because it isn't efficient... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:because it isn't efficient... (Score:2)
adjusting the gauge and strand count can probably solve most of external power supply issues with desktop computers.
The main issue I would guess is that people with desktop computers don't want the extra box, with fans. Smaller computers like the Mac Mini get away with it becaues they don't nee 300+ watts of power.
Personaly, I would love to start seeing smaller supplies, and cooler
Re:Here's what I don't understand (Score:3, Interesting)
your drives all make heat but most people prefer to keep them contained in the system.
Re:Here's what I don't understand (Score:2)
Real reviews (Score:5, Insightful)
Anyway, thanks for a bunch of pictures of the PSU without actually telling me anything. If you want a real review of PSUs, head over ot X-bit labs [xbitlabs.com]. All of their reviews [xbitlabs.com] contain actual power data with power draw vs rated voltage graphs and scope readings of rail fluctuations. And one picture of the PSU if you actually care.
Re:Real reviews (Score:2)
Some things which bothered me in this review:
- This PSU doesn't use XLR connectors, but bayonet catches. XLR connectors are used for professional audio applications.
- Those heatsinks are a joke for what is a PSU which might do around 450 - 500 W (compensated for 25 -> 40 degrees testing environment). Without the 120 mm fan this unit will probably choke and die within minutes.
- A real PSU test involves measu
Re:Real reviews (Score:2)
Such as the "Honda Civic Type-R Dangan Hot Hatch" With its I-vetech engine, Which i imagine produces less energy than that thing
Riiight (Score:2)
And we're supposed to believe that someone is powering a P4 3.73GHz with only a 580W power supply?
In all seriousness, I have to be suspect of a title like "European Senior Reviewer" from a website that has the 'word' "Xtreme" four times in the title image alone (and not just because most hardware savvy people are using either Athlon64s or Pentium-M's). I guess it's cool, or something, to have an xtreme power supply for the extremel
Re:Riiight (Score:2)
Hard to take seriously (Score:2)
Re:Hard to take seriously (Score:3, Interesting)
I have noticed that I run a bit undervoltage according to PC Probe on the +5 and +12 lines but the stability is rock solid so I havnt worried about it (athlon 64 on a 480W I believe)
Power BILL (Score:2)
Not bad. Add in what it takes to cool the room it's in, large fans, or AC, so double that.
So only about $1,700/year to power that new dual core Intel system. Rural China will be swarming with these in no time!!!
*waits for Intel and AMD to get a F'ing clue*
Re:Power BILL (Score:2)
Re:Power BILL (Score:2)
Re:Power BILL (Score:2)
Just because you have a 580W PSU, you will not draw 580W out of the wall outlet. I could have a 2kW power supply in my PC, but it's not going to draw 2kW from the power point.
Your PC will only take as much as it requires. It may be that you are only using 150W out of your 580W power supply. The rest, is just spare capacity.
Is it really that hard to understand?
Re:Power BILL (Score:2)
posturing (Score:3, Insightful)
"Type-R" is well-known among the racing enthusiasts, as a tuned up version of the original platform to its maximum output
Nope. Actually, I know it to be mostly used for badge engineering- aka posturing.
There's a strong preference among many car enthusiasts for vehicles that just don't stand out. We call them "sleepers", and their performance and subtlety speak for themselves.
For example, with just a litre more displacement- helps to have 5 cylinders instead of 4) and a turbo- I've got around 150-180 more HP than them. A manual transmission (don't laugh, half the ricers drive automatics), all wheel drive, and not a single badge on the car except rings on the trunklid and 'quattro' in the front grille.
Kicker? Blue book value is probably half to a third what a new base-price honda coupe costs. Granted repairs are a little more common, but in the end, for some of us, the occasional hassle is worth it :-)
Re:posturing (Score:2)
You drive a 5 cylinder car? That acheives 150-180 HP *more* then some other car?
150-180hp is a fair car in itself. Around the best of the top-of-the-line (non-turbo) 4 cylinder cars, and about in the middle of 6 cylinder performance.
Re:posturing (Score:2)
Yes. 2.23l, 20v DOHC; runs about 17lb of boost (93-94 octane mandatory). With a chip, 270-280hp (stock is 217). $2-3k will get you 320-330HP or more; expensive because that level of power requires a larger turbo and improved exhaust manifold; that level of power also does for the most part exceed the flow rate of the stock dual exhaust system.
I went off the base model engine for the Civic, which is 115hp.
Re:posturing (Score:2)
I realy shouldv'e added 'And you call this car a sleeper?' to the end of my first post.
Re:posturing (Score:2)
Hrm, there is that. IIRC though, the Audi 90 acheives around 170hp, and assuming that most ricers are at around 100hp, that would mean that the aftermarket turbo adds 100 or so horsepower - which is an awful lot.
Re:posturing (Score:3, Informative)
Nope. Actually, "Type-R" has a very specific meaning -- it's a trademark that Honda uses several of its cars to denote a more highly tuned model, such as an Integra Type-R. The ITR was brought to the US in 1997, featuring a more powerful engine, a different gearbox, and less frills to reduce weigh
Who needs 580W PSU??!!! (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Who needs 580W PSU??!!! (Score:2)
I was surprised to learn that I only needed 258 watts in my system as it currently stands. (And I was afraid I was overtaxing my 300watt supply). They even admit these are peak wattage numbers, and realisticlly you'll need less.
Re:Who needs 580W PSU??!!! (Score:2, Funny)
*looks at his brand new 450 powersupply, with a meter up front reminding him he only uses 100 of it.*
Re:Who needs 580W PSU??!!! (Score:4, Insightful)
I punched in system that I measured to take ~500W when powering up, due spinning of drives, and that calculator recommended that I should use only 280W power for that system.
300W psu couldn't start that system, or if it even powered up, it would most likely burn while spinning up the drives.
Calculators like that are crap.
Just make a list of the components you're planning to use and search for their datasheets, they're available online almost without exception.
Re:Who needs 580W PSU??!!! (Score:2)
As an aside, my 300W PSU powered a 3GHz P4, GeForce 4, 2x 10k RPM Raptors, 7.2k RPM storage drive, etc. with no stability issues for 18 months. (I replaced the PSU because of hardware upgrades, not PSU failure.) That shouldn't be surprising
Good lord, what a name. (Score:5, Insightful)
Been burned on crappy 'high wattage' power supplies before. Worth reading the Watts don't mean Jack [hardforum.com] sticky and a few others in the form if you are looking to build a SLI system.
Type-R... It was bad enough to buy a DFI 'LanParty UT SLI-DR' board, of which only three letters told me anything about it. What is with these marketing people?
Some review (Score:5, Insightful)
Then there are statements like this in the review: "Cheap power supply units
I TOTALLY agree.... (Score:2)
the spin of a HDD is louder than the power supply fans and will negate any noise coming from it unless loaded heavily. Another nice feature is that the 80mm fan keeps spinning after you shut down the system for a few minutes
Are enough to negate any priase from the reviewer in my eyes.
What's he saying, it's quieter than an HDD!?! I should bloody well hope so, those things are beasts. And they only make a noise when they're being very actively used, while PSU will whirr away in the background.
No cost information? Dubious source? (Score:3, Insightful)
The use of Honda's unrelated Type-R performance label tells me they are appealing to quality by association to something they deserve no merit for.
The review site talks up the need for a beefy PSU, but shows no methodical testing whatsoever.
Seems to me the editors are a bit detached from if not journalistic integrity, at least some base duty they have to give us relevant stories. This is a clue to the sort of fuzzy logic is used when choosing submissions. Choices seem related more to pandering than genuine identification with the interests of slashdot readers.
No wonder they got rid of John Katz, lest it be too obvious. He writes for MSN [msn.com] now.
~$140 (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:No cost information? Dubious source? (Score:3, Funny)
Perhaps you could just take a regular power supply and put a "Type R" sticker on it. The kid down the street put a Type R sticker on his Toyota, and he claims the sticker alone makes it faster.
If you really wanted maximum performance from your power supply, you have to put a bunch of Japanese characters all over the power supply, as well as do a really bad jo
The only power supply that ever died on me (Score:3, Interesting)
Topower 420 [dansdata.com]
It was in my gaming PC to protect the expensive components. I turn that thing on once a week at best. I also have a no-name PSU that cost me $30 with the case that has been on for the past five years with zero problems. Go figure.
Temperatures, please! (Score:3, Informative)
I don't know this power supply and it may be solid. But one thing most PSU manufacturer's keep hidden is the temperature that these's PSU are tested at. Some boast Watts of over 500, but at temperatures of 25 C.
The hotter your PC is, the lower the Watts your PSU puts out. It was something I learned before by nVidia's latest videocard.
I went with PC Power and Cooling for the reason that they display the Watts AND the temperature that it runs at.
PC Power and Cooling Turbo 510: 510W at 50 C
I hate to be an ass... (Score:3, Interesting)
Come on, i know ATX power supplies are limited in size, but i have an "el-cheapo" Chinese 300w PSU which works like a charm and it's much better designed and built. It looks cool, and it seems that it's very good at regulating the output voltages, but you can get that elsewhere without the glitz. No mention of it's price either.
To be honest, i wouldn't want that powering my PC.
BS (Score:2)
Hiper? (Score:2)
Considering most cases come with a decent power supply, there isn't much room for expensive power supplies.
Mmmmmmmmm Slashvertisements (Score:2)
Too quick to blame PSU (Score:2)
However note that I am running the following on a generic 400W unit.
P4 2.4 clocked up to 2.6
1 Gig memory
3 hard d
Angry flower time... (Score:2)
Please read this informative memo. [img104.echo.cx]
Recommended by the Icy Hot Stuntaz (Score:2)
Urban Computer Lengends? (Score:2)
I'm pretty tired of hearing this claim over and over again... Anyone want to try and provide some actual proof?
I've owned my share of both Enermax power supplies, and $10 no-name "500watt" power supplies, and I haven't had reliability problems with any of them, even with
Shouldn't that be "R-Type"? (Score:2, Insightful)
Buy Seasonic instead (Score:2)
I have the older Super Tornado 300W, and it's excellent. All the power I need to keep my system running without a lot of noise or heat.
Seasonic knows what they're doing.
Re:wow! (Score:5, Insightful)
I always thought the ads were supposed to go in the panel on the top of the window, not in the "articles" section.
Re:Power supply important? (Score:5, Interesting)
In the submitter's defense, he does have a point. If that cheap (but bigass) PSU doesn't put out a clean DC voltage, you're going to see some weird (and possibly intermittent) blips happen to your hardware. Do you think AC turns into DC magically? You need a quality full wave rectifier.
Plus there is the MTBF issue as well. I just had to trash my current Antec PSU because it started arcing and spewing smoke. If I hadn't been at home when this happened, my whole place could have burned down. Luckily, it didn't damage any of my other hardware.
Re:Power supply important? (Score:5, Informative)
In my experience repairing PSUs, problems are usually caused by poor quality or inadequate filtering components (which can leave noise on the supply rails), capacitors failing or an under-rated or overheating switching transistor (FET/SCR/IGBT etc). The full wave rectifier is rarely a source of problems, and often remains intact even when the rest of the PSU is a charred mess.
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:5, Interesting)
To be honest, I'd much rather be using a mercury arc rectifier [electricstuff.co.uk] - semiconductors are for wimps!
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:3, Informative)
Indeed they do. The switch is essentially a PWM delivering a chopped DC signal with a mark-space ratio modified by feedback from the output rail. The DC is provided by a bridge rectifier feeding a high voltage capacitor of modest value; by using a half-wave rectifier you need double the capacitance to achieve the same ripple trough, and high voltage capacitors are much more expensive than diodes.
Here's an example of an ATX PSU: http://www.pavouk.com [pavouk.comp.cz]
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2, Interesting)
Rectifier? I hardly knew her.
But seriously, folks. Getting DC sufficient for digital is really not that difficult. Any noise in the power supply will just translate into noise in the outputs of the transistors. And as lo
Re:Power supply important? - Yes it is. (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Re:Power supply important? (Score:2)
Until it does. Then buying a decent power supply seems like a great idea.
It never ceases to amaze me that people will put $1000+ worth of MB, RAM, Drives, Vid card in a case they paid 30 bucks for including power supply. That makes the PS worth what? 15 bucks? really bad place to save money.
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:2)
I'm not also sure if power companies even care, but the police might subpoena this type of information in an investigation.
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:2)
I think that you'd have to be using at least tens of kilowatts before you could realistically be flagged. I've run plenty of PCs and air conditioners 24/7 in a 2BR apartment and nobody came a-knockin'.
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:2)
Not so. More than fourteen hours a day yields no significant improvement in growth rate (plants need a night cycle too), more than that is a waste of electricity, so growers tend to use timer switches. Power companies look at the times the power is being used, not just the amount: if a large load is switched on and off at exactly the same time every day in a residential building, its a good indicator.
"So they're lo
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:2)
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:3, Informative)
a) 580watt is it's rated maximum power output, on all three voltage rails combined. There are individual maximums for each voltage rail, so you would have to be exactly at each of those to be drawing the full 580 watts at any given time. You never max them all out, you max one out, typically the 5v. Point number two: 580 watts is its maximum power output. After that it may very well burn out or catch fire or whatever. Re
Re:mistaken for pot growing room? (Score:2)
Re:This PSU rocks! (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2, Informative)
Mod parent up (Score:2, Informative)
If this PSU catches fire and burns your house down, your insurance company will not cover it because you are using unlisted electrical appliances. No joke, son.
Wrong company (Score:5, Informative)