Protection Features Evaluation

To cope with power spikes, OCP triggering points are set high on both +12 V rails. There is no need for such high OCP points on the minor rails. HEC should address this ASAP because DC-DC converters are quickly fried if a user manages to stress the minor rails at such high power levels for long. Close to 37 A at 5 V is insane!

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. We turn the unit off for our first measurement and switch it back on without a load on any of the rails.



The 3.3 V rail is always lower 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 is too high.


Two spurs are going over the limit with the peak detector. With the QP EMI detector, values are likely to be below the limits, so I won't mark this down as a con.