Enermax Gold: Modu87+ and Pro87+
by Christoph Katzer on January 19, 2010 1:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Modu/Pro87+ 500W Voltage Stability and Quality
We tested all of the units we had on hand, but after comparing the results it was clear that similar models with the same wattage perform absolutely the same. We saw differences of only a tenth of a volt, which leads us to the conclusion that we only need to show only chart for each wattage and avoid the redundancy of showing both the Modu87+ and the Pro87+. The results of the Modu87+ and Pro87+ are virtually identical. In fact, Modu87+ performs a little better in our tests, despite the rumors that cable management adds additional resistance to the cables. There is additional resistance, yes, but it's so marginal that one can hardly see a real difference in a test lab. The difference at a user's home wouldn't be at all measureable, and the minor variation we tested between the Modu87+ and the Pro87+ is likely due to small variations between any two PSUs off the same production line.
The voltage regulation for the 12V rail is fantastic. Both lower voltage rails are a little behind but still make a good impression. There is almost no fluctuation in the 12V rail and it provides stable output without breaking a sweat.
Ripple
The 5V rail held stable with ripple of only 14mV, but the 3.3V rail ripple is sky-high - close to the maximum allowable amount according to the ATX specification. 3.3V output isn't critical these days, so we can overlook this "flaw". All three 12V rail are stable at 40mV to 60mV, which is by far the most important result.
20% load
50% load
100% load
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strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Probably because over 90% of the computers that exist are built by OEMs, and a high quality power supply is too expensive for that application. You are going to have a hard time selling consumers on "higher quality power" when that is something they expect to just work.7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
A patent on a 140mm fan? Seriously? What a load of crap. They should have made the 139mm 139.9mm and put a big red F in their booklet with the name of the patent-holder. What is this world coming to?7Enigma - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I have to say I am very pleased with the modular PSU's sticking with the same plug design. That would make cable management after installation a thing of the past which I think for 90% of us DIY builders is what keeps us from replacing a PSU mid-upgrade cycle. Instead just disconnect the cables from the old PSU, pop in the new one, and connect the cables again.I do want to mention a PSU I installed for my cousin about a month ago. I for the life of me can't remember the brand but it was definitely a high-end PSU. It was modular and instead of using the typical A/C plug style to connect the cables to the PSU, it had similar to a microphone plug; 3 pronged in a triangle fashion with a locking collar that you had to screw down. It was a VERY well manufactured piece and there was no issue with feeling the connection wasn't solid.
Anyways glad to see a PSU review again. I got burned a year ago when I jumped the gun on an early recommendation for a PSU you were just starting to test and have been unhappy with its rails and overall quality (Tuniq Potency). Penny-wise, pound-foolish and all. I've been trying to justify upgrading to a better PSU and I think the time has just about come. I just hate the though of doing the cable management again...definitely going to be getting a modular PSU again (previous to the Tuniq I had an Antec NeoPower 480w which was awesome in its day).
dukeariochofchaos - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
the best i can find these for is ~$240 for the 600watt, and ~$275 for the 700watt.so far, i can't find the 500, or any of the "pro" series.
i guess they figure somebody spending that much on a psu is only going for the top.
Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Yes, unfortunately Enermax USA won't take all of these six units.strikeback03 - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
So does that mean we won't see the 500W units?Well, at least there is still Seasonic.
Christoph Katzer - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I heard they will be bringing the Pro87+ 500 & 600W.dukeariochofchaos - Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - link
i have seen these come down in price in akihibara already.in the right places, they are ~$200 for the 600w, and ~$230 for the 700w.
i have also seen the "pro" models around for about $50 less for each.
cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
I meant first paragraph.Hoist. Petard.
cupoftea - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - link
Pedant ON. Its not a square shape its an octagon, to match the octagonal hole for the fan and (most) of the metalwork forming the fan guard. Pedant OFF.