Introduction

We would like to thank Chieftronic for supplying the review sample.


I already evaluated the Chieftronic PowerPlay 1050 W with the 80 PLUS Platinum and Cybenetics ETA-A certifications, so it is now time for me to take a look at a lower-capacity PowerPlay model. As its model number implies, the GPU-750FC has a maximum power output of 750 W. It is fully modular and 80 PLUS Gold certified, and has also been certified by Cybenetics for ETA-A (88%–91%) efficiency and LAMBDA-A- (25–30 dBA) noise output. This is the strongest member of the PowerPlay Gold line, and it is based on the GPR platform from CWT. This platform has a capacity range that spans from 550 W to 1000 W. Chieftronic only uses it with the first three models since a more advanced, semi-digital CWT platform is used for its higher efficiency 850 W and 1050 W PowerPlay units. I haven't reviewed the 850 W model, so I cannot be sure, but the 1050 W unit uses a downgraded Platinum and ETA-A efficiency CST platform since it is actually Titanium and ETA-A+ efficiency certified.

The GPU-750FC is not very compact, which allows for a 140 mm fan for decent airflow at lower speeds. With a quick look at the specifications, I noticed the ball-bearing fan, an unusual choice in this category, and the relatively short warranty. The competition provides much longer warranties, often unrealistically so since even cars manufacturers do not provide the ten and twelve-year warranties I see for some of today's PSU models. I am not sure where this warranty race will end, but it isn't wise to offer more than 3–5 years for PSUs as their durability heavily relies on factors that are not easy to control, including the quality of the mains grid. Not every user connects their system to power conditioners or UPS devices.

Specifications

Photos

A photo of the fan grill occupies most of the real estate at the face of the box. It doesn't follow the usual design guideline as it looks like a spider's web. Protection inside the box is good since the PSU's edges are covered by foam spacers.


The bundle includes the user's manual, a pouch for storing the modular cables, and four bolts.


The fan grill steals the show. At the front, next to the typical on/off switch, is a small switch for toggling on/off the semi-passive operation.


Only one of two sides has a proper sticker. On the other are two bar codes and the hi-pot ok sticker.


The modular panel does not have many sockets. The red ones are for the PCIe cables, and there is a black 8-pin socket for the EPS cable. While you could connect the EPS cable to the PCIe (red) sockets and vice versa, you shouldn't because these connectors are not electrically compatible. Best case scenario, the PSU won't start. Worst case scenario, you will damage something.

Cables and Connectors

The cables are long enough, but 50 mm more on the ATX cable would be ideal. The number of PCIe and peripheral connectors is satisfactory for a 750 W unit, but Chieftronic doesn't provide a second EPS connector, which is a shame. Most high-end mainboards and CPUs require more than one EPS connector, which means this specific PSU is not an option unless you don't mind never utilizing the potential of your expensive mainboard and CPU combo fully.


It is nice to see flat (ribbon) modular cables and no inline caps.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you understand the insides of a PSU better.



CWT's GPR platform in its basic configuration is used. Build quality is high since most electrolytic caps are rated at more than 4,000 hours life, and next to them, a lot of polymer caps are used for ripple-filtering purposes. Ideally, I would like to see Infineon or Vishay FETs everywhere, and a stronger boost diode capable of handling up to 8 A, just in case. The primary side consists of a half-bridge topology along with an LLC resonant converter. On the secondary side, we find synchronous rectification and a pair of DC-DC converters for the minor rails.


The transient filter has all the required parts, but EMI suppression is not that good.


An MOV provides protection against voltage surges. Inrush current protection is handled by an NTC thermistor, which is supported by a bypass relay.


The bridge rectifiers have a very high recurrent peak reverse voltage rating and are powerful.


The PFC converter uses two Great Power FETs; their voltage rating is below what we usually see. This won't be a problems, though, since the bridge rectifiers output less than 375 V in even the worst-case scenario (264 V input). What worries me a bit is the at 6 A rather weak boost diode. I would like to see an 8 A diode. Lastly, the bulk caps are by Nichicon and of sufficient capacity for a 750 W power supply.


The APFC controller is a Champion CM6502. The latter is supported by a CM03X by the same brand, which reduces no-load power consumption—also called phantom or vampire power—by cutting energy flow to the APFC converter when the PSU is in standby mode.


The main transformer has the CWT name in its model description. As you can see in the photos above, it is directly connected to the board that hosts all the FETs that generate the +12 V rail.


Most of the electrolytic caps belong to good lines of Japanese brands. A large number of polymer caps are also used for ripple-filtering purposes.


The VRMs that regulate the minor rails are installed on the same board. Four UBIQ FETs are used, and the common PWM controller is a ANPEC APW7159.


This is the transformer of the 5VSB regulator. On the primary side of this circuit, we find a UTC 4N65L FET, while an S10P45U SBR handles the secondary side.


The supervisor IC is a Sitronix ST9S429-PG14; it supports all important protection features but OTP (Over Temperature Protection), which is implemented through another circuit.


CWT usually doesn't let me down when it comes to soldering quality, and this PSU is no exception.


Here are some close-up shots of various parts of the PCB with the SBRs, optocouplers, SMD resistors, and caps.


The fan consumes a lot of power and uses ball bearings, while most competing offerings feature FDB or rifle-bearing fans. Ball-bearing fans cope with high operating temperatures better, but produce more noise. I prefer a DBB fan over a lower-quality sleeve or rifle-bearing fan any day of the week.