Introduction

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



The FSP Hydro PTM with 650 W maximum power output is a mid-capacity power supply for enthusiast users who don't mind spending a little more to get an efficient unit with good build quality and a nice external design. The HPT650M can easily support a system equipped with a potent CPU and high-end graphics card. Should you need to power a pair of energy hungry GPUs, you better invest in a stronger power supply.



The HPT650M is Platinum and ETA-A certified by 80 PLUS and Cybenetics labs respectively. It also has a LAMBDA-A noise certification, which shows that it operates quietly overall. The 135 mm fluid dynamic bearing fan FSP uses might not be supported by a semi-passive operation, but is driven by a relaxed fan speed profile.

Specifications

All necessary protection features are included, and the ten-year warranty shows FSP's faith in the Hydro PTM 650 W. Finally, the unit's dimensions are quite large given the similar Seasonic Focus is only 140 mm deep.

Cables and Connectors

All cables are fully modular and sufficiently long. The inclusion of two EPS connectors is an advantage since it ensures compatibility with server and several high-end, single-socket motherboards in need of more power for the CPU area. A notable disadvantage is that both EPS connectors are on the same cable. A single EPS connector can deliver up to 336 W so even if thicker (16AWG) gauges were used, the cable still wouldn't be able to handle the full output of two EPS connectors.



The number of PCIe and peripheral connectors is high enough for a 650 W unit, and the distance between those is sufficient at 150 mm (it could be less between PCIe connectors). Lastly, the FDD connector could be replaced with a 4-pin Molex connector since most users won't use it anyway.

Component Analysis

The platform uses a modern design. The primary side has a half-bridge topology along with an LLC resonant converter, while a synchronous rectification scheme and two DC-DC converters for the minor rails are used for the secondary side. However, the number of cables for power transfer purposes shows that the implementation could be better. In other modern platform, those cables have been replaced by thick PCB traces and/or bus bars, which increases internal airflow and leads to better thermal management.



The electrolytic caps are provided by Chemi-Con and Rubycon, and a number of polymer Teapo caps are also used. Some would expect nothing but Japanese caps in this price range, but Teapo caps are of generally good quality, and polymer caps can easily operate under tough conditions for long periods of time.