Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing efficiency of the SS-520FL at low loads and at loads equal to 20-110% of the PSU's maximum rated load.



For a discussion of these results, see the text at the end of the previous page.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the SS-520FL at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads that we dialed were 40, 60, 80, and 100 W (for PSUs with over 500 W of capacity). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with power saving turned on.


Efficiency at low loads is simply amazing. The PSU registered far above 80% efficiency with a mere 40W load, and even surpasses 90% with a 90 W load! This is definitely the right PSU for drawing low wattage in idle.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100 mA of load, 60% or higher with 250 mA of load, and 70% or higher with 1 A or more of load.
We will take four measurements: one at 100, 250, and 1000 mA, and one with the full load that the 5VSB rail can handle.


The 5VSB managed to achieve noteworthy efficiency in all of our tests by easily surpassing the threshold the ATX spec sets. It even cracked the 80% threshold on our last test, which is not common for this rail.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In the table below, you will find the power consumption and the voltage values of all rails (except -12V) when the PSU is in idle mode (powered on but without any load on its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby mode (without any load at 5VSB).


Phantom power is low and easily meets the ErP Lot 6 requirements for both 2010 and 2013. This means that the carbon footprint of the PSU is low, which will, in the long run, save you some money on your electricity bills.

Delta Temperature

The delta difference between input and output temperature are illustrated in the following chart. The results were obtained at 40°C - 45°C ambient.