Introduction

We would like to thank Fractal Design for supplying the review sample.


Fractal is mostly known for its quality cases. After quite some time, though, it reintroduced itself to the PSU market. Its newest PSU series Ion+ consists of four members with capacities ranging from 560 W to 860 W with OEM High Power, and it is 80 PLUS Platinum and Cybenetics ETA-A efficiency certified.



Fractal Design paid great attention to noise output in an attempt to make these PSUs operate as quietly as possible. Moreover, with their vast experience in building cases, it equipped all Ion+ models with very flexible modular cables, which will help with system assembly.



The Ion+ with 760 W maximum power output will be today's review subject. This power supply is strong enough for a demanding system and quite affordable, costing about as much as competing PSUs with lower 80 PLUS certifications and the corresponding Cybenetics efficiency certifications.

Specifications

*The Fractal Design Ion+ 760P is not certified by Cybenetics, but based on my results, it meets this Cybenetics certification.

Cables and Connectors

There are two EPS and six PCIe connectors, which is overkill for a 760 W power supply, but I won't complain. On the contrary, it is good to have plenty of connectors as long as the OCP and OPP are properly configured. There are plenty of peripheral connectors as well.


All cables are long, but the distance between peripheral connectors is only 120 mm, which may create compatibility issues with system components installed far apart from each other.

Component Analysis

I have come across this platform in the Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 850 W. It is a modern platform Fractal Design had High Power modify slightly with the inclusion of an NTC thermistor and the corresponding bypass relay for enhanced inrush current protection. The primary side consists of a half-bridge topology with an LLC resonant converter for restricted energy losses. Unfortunately, there is no burst mode (or missing cycle mode) operation, so efficiency levels under light loads are low. To make matters worse, the 5VSB regulator circuit has low efficiency as well.


The transient filter is complete.


The NTC thermistor is supported by a bypass relay. The second photo is of the MOV.


The APFC converter uses two Rubycon bulk caps.


The main switchers, arranged into a half-bridge topology.


The FETs that generate the +12V rail are on the solder-side of the PCB.


The VRMs that generate the minor rails.


The supervisor IC and fan controller are installed on this vertical board.




The 5VSB circuit uses an SBR as a secondary rectifier. It needs a new design to keep up with the competition.


There is a dedicated rectifier IC for the -12V rail instead of a plain Zener diode.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing.