Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing the efficiency of the Vector P700 at low loads and at loads equal to 20%-110% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



The PSU achieved a high efficiency score with both low- and normal loads, proving that it deserves its Platinum badge, through it cannot keep up with Seasonic's and High Power's high-end units which play ball in their own category, especially at low loads.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the Vector P700 at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads we dialed were 40 W, 60 W, 80 W, and 100 W (for PSUs with a capacity of over 500 W). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with Power Saving turned on.


The fan was almost inaudible at low loads, irregardless of the high ambient inside our hot box, and the Vector unit performed excellently in the efficiency section since it registered over 80% on all tests, even the 40 W load test.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's 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 didn't perform well. It actually performed poorly compared to other high-end Platinum and Gold units we have tested in the past. Andyson should pay more attention to this rail by offering a better and more efficient circuit on at least its high-end unit.

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 at 5VSB).


Vampire power was very low and meets the ErP Lot 6 2013 requirements.

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 PSU's entire operating range. The same conditions of the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient was in this case between 27°C and 30°C.



This PSU operates very quietly overall, and its fan rotates at low speeds that produce under 40 dBA at full load and under normal conditions. The fan only rotate at full speed for about 30 seconds right after the unit powers up because of the Reverse Thrust feature, operating normally afterward.