Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing efficiency of the P2-1000 at low loads and at loads equal to 20%-110% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



Efficiency at low loads is better than that of the G2-1000 unit and almost the same as the previous Super Flower Platinum platform this new platform replaced. Efficiency at normal load is also among the highest we have ever recorded with our equipment.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the P2-1000 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 over 500 W). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with Power Saving turned on.


Efficiency at low loads is high overall; however, measuring the AC consumption of this specific platform at these loads can be very tricky if not impossible without the proper software. You see, power consumption readings were constantly jumping around, and we were only able to take accurate readings through our lab-grade power meter because of the logging and average functions our monitoring/controlling software provides. The LLC resonant circuit is most likely responsible for these mixed-up power readings at low loads.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that 5VSB standby supply 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 circuit isn't up to the standards of the other power converters this PSU utilizes. It is weak for a PSU of this capacity, and its efficiency is decent but nothing to write home about. Super Flower should upgrade or even redesign the 5VSB circuit since it is still the same as in the previous Platinum platform. We know it is not the most important rail but would really appreciate Super Flower putting a little bit of their time into improving it.

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).


In standby, Phantom power is below the 0.5 W limit the ErP Lot 6 2013 directive sets, but it is still much higher than the usual readings we get from other Platinum and Gold units.

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 36°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 36°C-45°C ambient.



The following graph illustrates the fan's output noise throughout the entire operating range of the PSU. The same conditions of the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient in this case was between 28°C and 30°C.



The P2-1000 operates quietly because of its semi-passive mode.