Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing efficiency of the HCP-1300 at low loads and at loads equal to 20% -110% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



The unit didn't register terribly high efficiency at low loads, and SF's Platinum and Gold Leadex platforms actually easily put it to shame. However, the HCP-1300 outperforms all high capacity (>1 kW) units we have tested so far at normal loads. Delta apparently focused on attaining high efficiency levels at normal loads by completely neglecting the low-loads region, which is sound with such a high-capacity PSU because it will be called upon to handle multiple VGAs that will most likely spend a significant part of their lifetime at high loads.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the HCP-1300 at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads we dialed were 40 W, 60 W, 80 W, and 100 W (for PSUs with a capacity over 500 W). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with Power Saving turned on.

There was nothing amazing about the efficiency levels at low loads, and we actually expected the HCP-1300 to perform much better in this area. The first test at only 40 W load was clearly the main hurdle here since efficiency there nearly dropped to 70%.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that 5VSB standby supply 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, each, and one with the full load the 5VSB rail can handle.

The 5VSB rail was very efficient since it easily scored over 70% efficiency with only 0.1 A load and rose above 80% efficiency in the last two tests.

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 on 5VSB).

In standby mode, the requirements of the ErP Lot 6 2013 directive were easily met, with only 0.22 W energy consumed.

Fan RPM, Delta Temperature & Output Noise

The cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the delta difference between input and output temperature are illustrated in the following chart. The following results were obtained at 38°C-45°C ambient.



A chart that shows the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the output noise follows. We measure the fan's noise from 1 meter away, inside a small custom-made anechoic chamber whose internals are completely covered in specialized soundproofing material (Be Quiet! Noise Absorber Kit). Background noise inside the anechoic chamber was below 30 dBA during testing, and the results were obtained with the PSU operating at 38°C-45°C ambient.



The following graph illustrates the fan's output noise throughout the entire operating range of the PSU. The same conditions of the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient temperature was between 28°C and 30°C.



Under normal conditions, the unit operates quietly at up to 700-800 W, at least to users that aren't terribly sensitive to noise, which is a highly subjective matter. Afterward, when things get tough, the fan increases speeds to cope with the thermal load, which can become annoying.