Protection Features Evaluation

The +12 V rails have high OCP triggering points to avoid shut-downs with high power spikes, which the GPU or the CPU can deliver. However, this kind of beats the purpose of having multiple +12 V rails for increased safety. The minor rails also have incredibly high OCP triggering points, but the other protection features are present and configured correctly.

DC Power Sequencing

According to Intel's most recent Power Supply Design Guide (revision 1.4), the +12 V and +5 V rails must have voltages equal to or greater than the +3.3 V rail's output at all times. For our first measurement, we turn the unit off and switch it back on without a load on any of the rails.



The 3.3 V rail is always at a lower voltage than the other two rails.

EMC Pre-Compliance Testing - Average and Peak EMI Detector Results

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of a device to operate properly in its environment without disrupting the proper operation of other close-by devices.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) stands for the electromagnetic energy a device emits, and it can cause problems in other close-by devices if too high.


Some spurs exceed the limit with both detectors, but not by a large margin, especially with the peak detector.