Mushkin Enhanced XP650 Power Supply Review :: Performance - Voltages and Fluctuations

Due to the move to an Intel based test system, testing is now being done differently. In order to attain fluctuations, the system's voltages are now being logged to a file on a per second basis, and appended with the time. By programmatically averaging this string of some 1,800 values out, the difference between the high and low voltage points can be found, and thus, so can the % variations of the supply. Generally, a better PSU will have less variation in voltages under a load.

Another change made to the test procedures is that Super Pi is now used to fully load the CPU and memory, which comprises the "Full CPU/Memory Load" area, and is joined by 3D Mark 2006 for the "Full CPU/Memory Load + 3D" Area. Though 3D mark is usually known for testing a little, than stopping, resuming, and stopping, a truly strong supply won't show voltage sags during these pauses in the testing. To the readers - remember, that as always, a lower % value in the fluctuation section is better. With systems and methods aside, it's time to churn out the numbers behind this madness.

Stock Speeds

Full CPU/Memory Fluctuations

Enermax Liberty 500W	.007%
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W	.006%
Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W	.003%

Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W

Enermax Liberty 500W

Full CPU/Memory Load + 3D

Enermax Liberty 500W	.007%
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W	.006%
Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W	.003%

Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W

Enermax Liberty 500W

Overclocked Speeds (CPU @ 3.83, 1.65V)

Full CPU/Memory Load

Enermax Liberty 500W	.0071%
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W	.0108%
Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W	.0057%

Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W

Enermax Liberty 500W

Full CPU/Memory Load + 3D

Enermax Liberty 500W	.0087%
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W	.0108%
Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W	.0057%

Mushkin Enhanced XP650 650W

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Duo 650W

Enermax Liberty 500W

As it can be seen, the biggest challenge to the power supplies is found when the processor's thirst for current ramps up. The additional 80W of required current places the biggest strain on Cooler Master's unit, though in reality, the fluctuations of the rails, as well as their respective voltages remained consistent. Perhaps the biggest surprise here is how well Cooler Master's unit has done for itself, but then again, is it really? With four separate 12V rails, the motherboard is fed separate current than other system components, such as the pump, and the hard disks - in essence, having the divided lines helps provide cleaner current to the system components - and for gamers and overclockers alike, that's something to strive for. With the test results aside (ones which will hold for the next three days of power supply review releases), it's about time to conclude on this note.

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