Power supply units (PSU's) are arguably the most difficult pieces of computer hardware to review. Most review sites use a qualitative or semi-quantitative method that involves putting a PSU into a built system and using a digital multi-meter (DMM) to measure rail voltages while the system is under heavy load. A great example of a site that uses this method is Tech Power Up.
HardwareLogic is about real computer users in a real world.
Power supply units (PSU's) are arguably the most difficult pieces of computer hardware to review. Most review sites use a qualitative or semi-quantitative method that involves putting a PSU into a built system and using a digital multi-meter (DMM) to measure rail voltages while the system is under heavy load. A great example of a site that uses this method is Tech Power Up.
While you may see some review sites rant about how a PSU cannot be reviewed this way, we have to disagree. You certainly can do this. And, you certainly can get a reasonable idea of PSU performance this way (See our article on "Checking Your PC's Power Supply Voltage Readings" for a "how to" on checking your own PSU). This is truly a real world test, especially if the testing computer in question is of the same class the PSU is advertised to operate in. One can use this method to check if a PSU is adequate for a particular system. That, along with other features like price, is enough to do a reasonable review. We don't knock sites that do their reviews this way as long as they are open about it. In fact, this is very close to how we have done our own tests in the past.
That said, testing in this manner for the purpose of review is not ideal. First, the test is qualitative or semi-quantitative at best. The PSU will either work or it won't. You typically have no real feel for how well it worked or how badly it may have failed. The actual loads being placed on the PSU are difficult to measure. There is a great deal of estimating and assumption built in. The method only tests the PSU at a small range of loads. These tests are also time consuming and difficult. In depth testing in this manner requires multiple system builds - which is why you rarely see in depth testing with this method.
There is a better way.
Testing PSU's using a load system is much preferred to the above method. Using a load testing system, one can "dial in" specific loads on a PSU. Many of these load systems are even automated and allow for some unattended operation. The loads can be configured to check a subject power supply (SPS) from idle loads to unrealistically high loads. Further, just about every parameter can be measured. This "active (or automated) testing equipment" (ATE) or "load testing system" (LTS) is what manufactures of PSU's use for quality control. This equipment is rare, expensive, and coveted by sites that review power supply units, as it is required for in depth quantitative PSU testing.
HardwareLogic Has Evolved
As of October 2007, HardwareLogic has upgraded its lab to include a FAST AUTO ATE 828/4500 system capable of load testing PSU units into the kilowatt range. Our first reviews utilizing this equipment will be published in October 2007. Thus we join a handful of other review sites that have similar equipment. Our goal is to continue to bring quality PSU reviews to our readers, but with more quantitative data backing the reviews. This means more accurate information gets to the reader to allow them to make a more informed purchase. You won't see us intentionally "smoke" PSU's (though it may happen) or bash one model over another for a petty difference and call ourselves "hardcore." You will see us "call a duck a duck." If it's a bad duck, we'll call it bad, if it's a good duck, we'll call it good. You will also see us "fine tune" our methods over time as well. With each PSU we test we learn more of the in's and out's of how and why PSU makers deviate from the ATX12V specification to serve their markets (and their marketing). We will also depend on you, the reader, for feedback - tell us what you like and don't like.
Our motivation and philosophy remain the same. We aim to give you, the reader, an indication as to whether or not a particular PSU will fit your needs, if that PSU works as advertised, and how that PSU may stack up to ones of the same class (mainly as a measurement of value). As always, we encourage you to research any purchase beyond our own review and will provide links to additional reviews or information when available.
Now that you know how serious we are, let the WATTAGE STOMPIN' FUN BEGIN!
