Enermax Infiniti 650W
by Christoph Katzer on September 11, 2007 4:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
CoolGuard and PowerGuard
CoolGuard is a newly invented function Enermax has implemented in the Infiniti series. Similar functions have already been available on the market for a while from other manufactures, but the idea is that CoolGuard runs the installed fans in the system for a short time even after the PC is shut down. The problem Enermax is addressing is the lack of cooling after PCs are turned off. The fans are turned off with the system but components like the CPU and GPU can still be quite hot. In some cases, with no fans moving a system might even heat up slightly after shut down. According to Enermax the CoolGuard function will lengthen the life expectancy of the components through a better cooling even after the system is turned off. Depending on PSU temperature, the fans will continue to run for anywhere from ten seconds to two minutes.
A little LED on the backside of the PSU shows if the PSU is working correctly or has experienced a failure. During testing we have indeed verified this feature works; under high temperatures of 50°C we managed to get the red light to activate and we were greeted with two beeps repeated at regular intervals, which means that the PSU has shut down to prevent overheating.
Packaging and Appearance
The Infiniti power supply comes in a big box with enough space for all the accessories. Since Enermax is mostly focused on the enthusiast retail market, we are greeted with several extras for the customers like a lanyard, stickers, and silicone covers for unused cable sockets. There is also a splitter cord in the box for two floppy drives that can be connected to a normal Molex connector. Of course there is also the usual stuff like a power cord, manual, and a small bag that can be used to store extra cables. Our power supply wasn't covered in bubble wrap, but there's enough space and padding on all sides that the PSU should be relatively safe from any damage that could occur during transport.
The Infiniti comes in a nice brushed finish with a copper/titanium-like color. The huge 13.5cm fan has a golden fan grille that makes a very good first impression (if you care about looks). The rear of the PSU that will serve as the exhaust when the unit is installed is perforated on the entire surface. Enermax uses hexagonal shaped holes which seem to be the best solution in terms of noise, airflow, and rigidity while still being small enough to prevent EMI issues.
CoolGuard is a newly invented function Enermax has implemented in the Infiniti series. Similar functions have already been available on the market for a while from other manufactures, but the idea is that CoolGuard runs the installed fans in the system for a short time even after the PC is shut down. The problem Enermax is addressing is the lack of cooling after PCs are turned off. The fans are turned off with the system but components like the CPU and GPU can still be quite hot. In some cases, with no fans moving a system might even heat up slightly after shut down. According to Enermax the CoolGuard function will lengthen the life expectancy of the components through a better cooling even after the system is turned off. Depending on PSU temperature, the fans will continue to run for anywhere from ten seconds to two minutes.
A little LED on the backside of the PSU shows if the PSU is working correctly or has experienced a failure. During testing we have indeed verified this feature works; under high temperatures of 50°C we managed to get the red light to activate and we were greeted with two beeps repeated at regular intervals, which means that the PSU has shut down to prevent overheating.
Packaging and Appearance
The Infiniti power supply comes in a big box with enough space for all the accessories. Since Enermax is mostly focused on the enthusiast retail market, we are greeted with several extras for the customers like a lanyard, stickers, and silicone covers for unused cable sockets. There is also a splitter cord in the box for two floppy drives that can be connected to a normal Molex connector. Of course there is also the usual stuff like a power cord, manual, and a small bag that can be used to store extra cables. Our power supply wasn't covered in bubble wrap, but there's enough space and padding on all sides that the PSU should be relatively safe from any damage that could occur during transport.
The Infiniti comes in a nice brushed finish with a copper/titanium-like color. The huge 13.5cm fan has a golden fan grille that makes a very good first impression (if you care about looks). The rear of the PSU that will serve as the exhaust when the unit is installed is perforated on the entire surface. Enermax uses hexagonal shaped holes which seem to be the best solution in terms of noise, airflow, and rigidity while still being small enough to prevent EMI issues.
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HaZaRd2K6 - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
I know they make the Corsair 620HX (which I own; great PSU), but I thought PCP&C manufactured their own... Speaking of which, will we be seeing a review of any Corsair PSUs coming up? They're hot sellers at work, and I'd like to see how they stack up stats-wise to some of the others on here so far.n0nsense - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
Good job with this review, guys.But have to disagree with you. 4/8 and 24 pin cables are short. It's enough for most of users, but it will be impossible to use it with Enermax CS-718 (I'm a happy owner of this one) case or any other case where CPU socket is not close to PSU. Strange thing. After all, it's the same company.
What is really missing for comparison, is Corsair HX620. Which i believe is best choice for this class.
As for Infinity, efficient, but noisy.
n0nsense - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
Good job with this review, guys.But have to disagree with you. 4/8 and 24 pin cables are short. It's enough for most of users, but it will be impossible to use it with Enermax CS-718 (I'm a happy owner of this one) case or any other case where CPU socket is not close to PSU. Strange thing. After all, it's the same company.
What is really missing for comparison, is Corsair HX620. Which i believe is best choice for this class.
As for Infinity, efficient, but noisy.
Jodiuh - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
I'm not sure the exact length of the PC P&C 610's 4/8 and 24 pin cables, but it's a real close fit for my Stacker going up from the bottom, behind the mobo tray, back through a hole I cut out, and into the plug. The PC P&C 750 Quad/Xfire reviewed recently has 45CM cables as opposed to the Enermax's 50CM. Still, I think it'd be nice to have some 75CM cables for that extra wiring origami one might need inside a bigger case like the Lian Li 2100's and such.n0nsense - Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - link
It must.http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...">http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...
Look at the picture. cables have to go from the top most to the bottom.
This is my old config which was running with Thermaltake 470 PSU (can't remember the exact model). But when I replaced MoBo with Asus P5N32-E SLI, i found it impossible to connect 4/8 pin cable. It was to short. My preferred PSU (Corsair's HX620) has 19" (~50cm) 4/8pin cable and i needed to do some customization to extent the cables.
n0nsense - Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - link
It must.http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...">http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...
Look at the picture. cables have to go from the top most to the bottom.
This is my old config which was running with Thermaltake 470 PSU (can't remember the exact model). But when I replaced MoBo with Asus P5N32-E SLI, i found it impossible to connect 4/8 pin cable. It was to short. My preferred PSU (Corsair's HX620) has 19" (~50cm) 4/8pin cable and i needed to do some customization to extent the cables.
n0nsense - Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - link
It must.http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...">http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2859.jp...
Look at the picture. cables have to go from the top most to the bottom.
This is my old config which was running with Thermaltake 470 PSU (can't remember the exact model). But when I replaced MoBo with Asus P5N32-E SLI, i found it impossible to connect 4/8 pin cable. It was to short. My preferred PSU (Corsair's HX620) has 19" (~50cm) 4/8pin cable and i needed to do some customization to extent the cables.
JEDIYoda - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
Nice review!Considering I have thought the Infinity line was NOT that good compared to other brands comperable PSU`s!!
It appears as if Enermax did something right!!
very nice review!!
retrospooty - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
Yup, Enermax has been at or near the top for years. My last 2 PS were Enermax. I just got this very model the Infiniti 650 on Sept. 1st for $163.99 including shipping at ewiz.com. Very nice PS.retrospooty - Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - link
Also... about hte noise. I run a C2D at 4ghz and an 8800GTX overclokced as well all watercooled in Arizona, ambient temps are a warm 82f in my house. No noise at all coming from the PS after hours of load.