HardwareLogic's PSU testing Method 2.0

[Capper]

We've just finished assembling the new HL PSU test bench, and hopefully within the next week or two will start cranking out some great reviews.

While we, as well as 99% of the other sites around the web have used what was available to write PSU reviews....normally a multimeter and some sort of application to load the system as much as possible, I wanted us to be different, and invested in some professional PSU testing equipment purchased from a well known PSU manufacturer. The total investment was not cheap, totally almost $6500, but my hope is that by doing this, as well as other adjustments we are currently making in the review process and scoring, will make HL really stand out, and help us continue to grow.

Our new equipment includes a Precession Programmable Active Loader, which allows us to test all of a PSU's rails (ALL of them), and load the PSU with up to 1000W.....as well as record all of the important readings (watts, amps, & volts) at idle and under load.

I've also purchased a professional oscilloscope to test voltage regulation and power ripple.
Velleman Inc.
Together, I think these, along with well written articles, will really make our PSU reviews stand out.....and in the end, hopefully make the investment well worth while.

[One4yu2c]

As of October 2007, HardwareLogic has upgraded its lab to include a FAST AUTO ATE 828/4500 system capable of load testing PSU units into the kilowatt range. Our first reviews utilizing this equipment will be published in October 2007. Thus we join a handful of other review sites that have similar equipment. Our goal is to continue to bring quality PSU reviews to our readers, but with more quantitative data backing the reviews. This means more accurate information gets to the reader to allow them to make a more informed purchase. You won't see us intentionally "smoke" PSU's (though it may happen) or bash one model over another for a petty difference and call ourselves "hardcore." You will see us "call a duck a duck." If it's a bad duck, we'll call it bad, if it's a good duck, we'll call it good. You will also see us "fine tune" our methods over time as well. With each PSU we test we learn more of the in's and out's of how and why PSU makers deviate from the ATX12V specification to serve their markets (and their marketing). We will also depend on you, the reader, for feedback - tell us what you like and don't like.
Chris Adcock

Read More and Digg It!...

[gvblake22]

I like it!
I also want to point readers to the other similar HardwareLogic’s PSU Testing Methodology article outlining specific tests and scoring.

[MantaBase]

First, notice that under our methods it says it is a "Living Document" - version 2.00 is not the last version.

Test Design: When I first took on this work, I had to design tests. I had to make sure the tests were simple to run, simple to understand (explain to others), and somehow did a meaningful test of a PSU. I toyed with the concept of "Design Systems". This is a modeling concept in which the tests would be designed around real systems. The problem with that is there are thousands of systems all very different - with all very different loads. That nixed that idea. So, I went to Intel's ATX12V Spec. This spec is a "guide" to PSU makers as to what they can expect a PC PSU to go through in a system. If a PSU can meet the spec, Intel feels confident that the PSU will work in a properly matched system. If there were an AMD guide, I would have used that one too - but Intel was first - and has set the standard so to speak. All PSU makers are aware of the spec - it's as close to a standard as there is. That isn't to say it's followed to a "T" - but the philosophy of it is what our tests are based on.

Keep in mind that we are starting out. While it isn't rocket science to run these tests - it's also far more complicated than most people realize. It takes a level 8 magic user just to turn the load system on and get it programmed. Kidding aside, configuring a test run can take over an hour. Running the test takes time as well. I'm sure we will change and add tests in time - but the ones we use now are our base suite - they will remain. Take a close look at them - I appreciate your comments.

Dynamic testing: This is kinda of what you were talking about. Our system - and those of other sites - can do dynamic testing. You will notice it isn't done. It's complicated to do, complicated for people to understand, and it's not clear that it really gives you a better indication of how a PSU will work in a system than the tests we do now. That said, I am considering dabbling in it sometime in the future.

Back to model systems: With our base tests in place, after we have a number of PSUs under our belt, I would like to introduce "Design Systems" into our test suite. This would be 1 additional test per PSU. The test would be a simulated system of the class the PSU was designed for. I seriously doubt it will tell us anything new about a PSU that the other tests don't. However, people "get it" and it's a logical type of test to do.

Thermal Issues: Currently (pun), we have no thermal system. We run ambient and check for change in temp. Our ambient is actually hotter than the ATX12V spec. The folks who wrote the spec were well aware that higher temps cause issues - and the spec was written with that knowledge. However, a thermal set up is on the list - very future list - but on the list (you don't have an extra easy-bake oven do you? - jk....wait...maybe not). That said, I have a few issues with this. Many folks want to see tests run on PSUs at temperatures that should not occur in a system - say 50C. If your (I mean the general "your", not you specifically) case temp is 50C - you need a fan or two - or buy an air conditioner (that's case temp - not CPU or chipset). I'm not going to punish a PSU maker for poor system cooling by someone else.

Lastly, one of my biggest issues with this testing was to make sure that we do not get into the habit of recommending a $200 PSU to folks when an $80 one will work. There are other sites that will spend your money for you if you so desire. These tests, while simulated, are designed with reality in mind. Of course things like temperature have an effect - but, because of the multi rail nature of systems, there is always overhead calculated into PSU needs. If you want a better explanation of that - I can give you one - just ask.

I'm happy to address all concerns, complaints, compliments, and generous gifts.

Manta