Introduction

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



It has been a while since we last reviewed a Xigmatek PSU, so we were pleased when they contacted us to see if we would review their fresh PSU offering. The Vector P series currently only consists of two members, which, however, have some rather interesting features. Both units are, for starters, 80 Plus Platinum certified and most of their cables are modular. They also look slick, and Xigmatek says their casing to exploit stealth technology. No, neither is invisible to radars, but the ceramic coat supposedly helps cool all internal components by offering a larger heat-dissipating area. The new Vector units also use Japanese caps in the APFC circuit and are equipped with all available protection features to ensure they operate reliably.

Today’s star will be the Vector P700 with a capacity of 700 W and four PCIe connectors. Its smaller brother has 100 W less power and only two PCIe connectors, so most enthusiast users, the main crowd for these PSUs, will opt for the higher capacity Vector model. The P700 supports Intel's Haswell CPUs and their C6 and C7 states. Another incredibly interesting feature is the Reverse Thrust Fan Technology Xigmatek utilizes in these units. Reverse Thrust operates the PSU’s fan in reverse and at full speed for 30 seconds after startup, switching back to full speed and a normal operation for ten seconds before entering Thermal Management mode afterward. Reverse Thrust then clears the metal grill of accumulated dust each time the PSU is turned on, which is a boon because it prolongs the PSU's life cycle while lowering its output noise, as less dust leads to a cooler operation and less fan speed.

Specifications

Efficiency is Platinum, currently the highest efficiency certification available, with Titanium waiting around the corner. The unit is also compatible with Intel's new sleep states Haswell introduced and features a semi-modular cabling design and a maximum operating temperature of 50°C, which complies with the ATX specification. The cooling fan uses a Hysint bearing, an upgraded type of the sleeved bearing with a longer lifetime and less noise output than ball-bearings.

The P700 has is small enough since it is only 5 mm longer than normal, and its weight is pretty standard. Xigmatek lists it as ATX v.2.31 compliant, though we think it could easily meet the newer ATX v.2.4 requirements. With only three years, its warranty is on the low side, while its MSRP is too high, which will most likely cripple its price/performance ratio.


There are two +12V rails, which, combined, can deliver the full capacity of the PSU; however, the OCP is set rather low, and our tests couldn't squeeze more than 670 W out of the +12V rail during the CL2 test (maximum load at +12V and minimum on the other rails) without triggering it. The minor rails have enough power for every modern system that can be fully supported by a mid-capacity PSU, which is also true for the 5VSB rail.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

There are enough connectors for the 700 W this PSU can deliver, but we have a few complaints when it comes to cable length. The main ATX cable should at least be 50 mm longer, and the length of the EPS cables might lead to problems in larger cases. Xigmatek should also make the second EPS cable modular since very few users will use both. The length of the modular cables should suffice in most instances, and the distance between connectors is enough, though some would prefer the SATA connectors to be a bit closer to one another. All three native cables use thicker 16AWG gauges, with the modular cables utilizing normal 18AWG gauges.


Power distribution isn't optimal and can be described as pretty bad since both EPS connectors are fed by the same rail taking care of the PCIe connectors, which can lead to OCP triggering and unwanted shutdowns at full load. Both PCIe sockets on the modular PCB are also only fed by four +12V wires while all four peripheral sockets are powered by two +12V wires - Xigmatek was apparently short on cables.

Packaging

The PSU comes in a pale-colored, medium-sized box with a nice graphics design. The front is covered in a photograph of the PSU and Xigmatek's badge is located in the top-left corner, while the Platinum badge and capacity description of the unit are in in the bottom-left corner. The box even has a plastic handle at its top, which helps if you have to move it around.


This side has a photograph of the PSU's top and describes three of its features: Its stealth coating, Reverse Thrust technology, and iron mesh with a black finish.


This side elaborates on the Reverse Thrust technology this unit utilizes to avoid dust build-up on the fan grill. Xigmatek says this technology to increase efficiency.


The rear has two tables provide the power specifications of both Vector models, and a complete features list. Several badges here also describe all protection features and various certifications the unit meets, and a graphical list actually includes all available connectors.

Contents

Packing foam and a plastic bag inside of which the unit is put protect it well.


A nylon pouch stores all modular cables, while its other accessories include a set of fixing bolts, several zip ties for cable management, and the user's manual.