Antec TPQ-850

Last year the Antec TP3-650 TruePower Trio was still making waves in the market, offering 650W of power for an unbeatable price. This year, Antec has returned with a newly designed and very improved power supply unit: the TruePower Quattro. Available to gamers and hardware enthusiasts in need of either 850 or 1000 watts of power output, the new TPQ-850 and TPQ-1000 are poised to energize even the most power-hungry system. Benchmark Reviews has tested the AC voltage ripple and DC power regulation of many top-end power supplies over the past months, and now it's time to see how the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 compares to the field of competition in this hardware review.

Not long after the TP3-650 was loosing steam, 1.0 kilowatt power supply units were first hitting the market. Around that same time, people were testing their SLi and CrossFire setups, and with rumor of Quad-SLi later becoming a reality it seemed like everyone would be using this much power into the future. Looking back, I am thankful the motherboard manufacturers essentially killed this idea, since it really seems ridiculous to need four video cards for anything.

Certainly by now we can all agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

Antec says: You could search the four corners of the earth for a stable and reliable power supply, but actually you need to look no further than Antec’s TruePower Quattro! Available in 850 and 1000 Watts, Quattro is more compact than most competing power supplies of the same wattage, yet ideally suited for handling the most demanding system specs. TruePower Quattro is 80PLUS certified which means that Quattro consumes about 33% less energy than many equivalent power supplies with the same power output. Four 12V rails increase your system stability by letting you distribute your power more than ever before. Comes with four PCI-E connectors for powering one (or even two) of the newest generation of video cards. All modular cables are sleeved and labeled to give your system a clean and professional look-while the racing stripe paint job will add some extra style.

TruePower Quattro Features

• Available in 850W and 1000W
Up to 85% efficient
Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) helps reduce electrical waste
Accurate power rating allows TruePower Quattro to deliver its full rated power (24 hours a day rated at 50ºC)
Supports EPS12V v2.91 and ATX12V systems
• Universal Input, automatically adjusts for 100V to 240V power grids
• (2) 8/6-pin PCI-E connectors and (2) 6-pin connectors for PCI-Express graphics cards
• Heavy duty protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits (SCP), over voltages (OVP), under voltages (UVP), and over current (OCP)
• Gold plated connectors for superior conductivity
• AQ5 – Antec Quality five-year parts and labor warranty

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Complete with four available PCI-Express cables (two are 6-pin and two are 8/6-pin) and eight total serial ATA connectors, the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU teams and quad-core system setups. With a sustained output of 850W over the four +12V rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the TPQ-850 is very capable of driving today's highest-end systems.

With these kinds of features, this unit will have no problem accommodating the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come. Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call upon this much power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop manufacturers from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. With more connections and power than any modern computer could consume, we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

The latest trend seemed to be 80-Plus efficiency, but since most PSU's are at least this efficient the label has lost meaning. And then without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. The TPQ-850 touts the 80 PLUS certification, which is really more of a preferred functionality feature than a marketing gimmick. Truth be told, I think would expect every power supply to be efficient, but unfortunately this is not the case. In today's technologically advanced industry, it appears that only the best power supply units can lay claim to high-end power support with high-level efficiency.

About the company: Antec, Inc.

Antec began in 1986, long before the tech boom of the late 1990’s, in Fremont, California. Now operating offices in the United States and Europe, Antec offers products to 25 countries worldwide. Presently, Antec maintains a popular range of products in: computer cases, power supplies, cooling fans, lighting components, and accessories. Antec is the original High Performance Upgrade company, which created the PC upgrade replacement category at retail. Their enclosures and power supplies have been the #1 seller by far in North American distribution and retail channels for five years running.

TPQ-850 Specifications

• 80Plus Certified
• Four 12V output circuits provide supreme system stability
• 80mm low noise cooling fan
• MTBF: 100,000 hours
• Safety approvals: UL, CUL, FCC, TÜV, CE, C-tick, CCC, CB
• Dimensions: - 3.4" (H) x 5.9" (W) x 7.1" (D) - 8.6cm (H) x 15cm (W) x 18cm (D)

• Net weight: - 5.75lbs - 2.6kg

Fast Facts: 80 PLUS

About 80 PLUS: 80 PLUS is an innovative, electric utility-funded incentive program to integrate more energy-efficient power supplies into desktop computers and servers. The 80 PLUS performance specifications require power supplies in computers and servers to be 80% or greater energy efficient. This makes an 80 PLUS certified power supply at least 33% more efficient than current power supplies. 80 PLUS certified power supplies:

Closer Look: TPQ-850 Exterior Design

If I didn't begin this section by mentioning the racing stripes, this just wouldn't be a very good review. Obviously the new look is a titanic departure from the horrid unfinished appearance of past Antec power supplies; and it's great to see the new TruePower Quattro get started on the right foot. I can forgive Antec for past mistakes, especially since the new design really seems to have hit the mark in terms of generating excitement in a computer component which has very little thrill-factor to it.

The Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 includes four +12V outputs that deliver safer and more reliable power to your system’s components. It also includes a variety of industrial-grade protective circuitry: OCP (Over Current Protection), OVP (Over Voltage Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and UVP (Under Voltage Protection).

TruePower Quattro power supplies generate less heat because they are designed for high efficiency. This keeps the power supply itself cooler and prolongs its working life. TruePower Quattro power supplies have achieved 80 PLUS Certification, the latest independent standard in power supply efficiency.

New to the TruePower series is the modular cable interface. Antec offers identical power supply-side connection receptacles. Small stickers on the underside of each receptacle indicate which device the connection corresponds to.

Antec has done a great job of sleeving each cable group on the TruePower Quattro TPQ-850. One particular area that seems to have been overlooked is the opening from the PSU chassis where the cables all extend from. This opening does not have a rubber grommet or plastic ring to protect from potential short circuits, usually due to a cable rubbing against it until wire is exposed. Ultra did a great job of preventing this in their X-Pro 800W Aluminum PSU ULT33185.

Antec has placed very few additional ventilation holes in the chassis outside of the front and rear vents. The TruePower Quattro series really does make good use of the active power factor correction, which in turn reduces the overall internal component temperatures inside the PSU chassis. During normal operation, I was hard pressed to feel more than slight warmth from the chassis.

Closer Look: TPQ-850 Exterior Details

In this section we take a closer look at the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850. Beginning with the rear view of the unit, it is apparent that active power factor correction also translates into smaller cooling fans. TruePower Quattro PSU's feature an innovative design to help decrease noise during normal use, but still allow for superior cooling capabilities as loads increase. This new design has been named Quiet Computing, which controls the fan operation.

With high efficiency and low heat generation, the power supply utilizes a smaller 80mm cooling fan. Normally fans of this size give off a high-pitched whine at full speed. However, the exhaust fan on the TruePower Quatro series rotates slowly and quietly to blow hot air out of the power supply, speeding up as heat increases.

The Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 features Universal Input, which allows you to connect the power supply to any AC power source between 100~240V without having to worry about setting a voltage switch. This has become the standard, or rather has been the standard, for almost two years now, but for some reason certain manufacturers are still producing products like the GlacialPower GP-PS550BP Real Power 550W ATX PSU which confused me when I had problems; only to discover it was on the 220V switch.

Simple is better, because the backend of the Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-850 has kept to the basics. A small power switch is positioned above the power cord receptacle, and the 80mm cooling fan is uneventful and does not contain LED's.

This power supply also features Active PFC, which improves the power factor value of the TruePower Quattro by altering the input current wave shape and thus helps transmission across the power grid.

Antec was able to keep me excited about their product, even though it was nothing more than a semi-gloss black paint job with two yellow racing stripes. Well, the trick worked. It seems to me that sometimes all it takes is a special touch or unique idea to set the average product apart from the pack.

As we wrap-up our look at the exterior appearance and features, we begin our inspection of the cables and wiring used on the TPQ-850. Benchmark Reviews will also begin the AC current ripple tests, and record DC power regulation in the follow sections.

Closer Look: Cables and Wiring

TruePower Quattro power supplies feature Antec’s advanced cable management system, which allows you to use only the power cables that you need, thereby reducing clutter and improving airflow inside your case. Inside the package you will find the following:

• power cord
• 24-pin main power connector with detachable 4-pin section for 20-pin applications
• 8-pin +12V and 4-pin +12V connector
• (2) 8-pin with detachable 2-pin PCI-E connectors
• (5) 6-pin output sockets, for use with the cable sets to power your drives and other peripherals.

The modular power connection receptacles have small stickers indicating their purpose. In my opinion, this does the rest of the appearance a disservice, but I'm sure it's a cost-effective solution for Antec. Conversely the Thermaltake Toughpower W0133RU 1200W Modular PSU included a full chart which detailed the rail corresponding to each receptacle. I think that would have been a better choice for Antec on their TruePower Quattro series.

Each and every cable group on the unit is sleeved with a nylon weave over them. The ends of the sleeves are terminated with plastic rings to prevent pulling or loose ends. This provides excellent durability for these wires, and should provide years of worry-free service.

The TruePower Quattro Power Supply Unit (PSU) series is compatible with EPS12V v2.91 and ATX12V specifications. Antec's TruePower Quattro has increased output power distribution to match the newest Intel and AMD server level processor requirements, which translates to mean that end-user level systems which you and I use are more than adequately covered in terms of power needs.

The image above gives a great close-up view of the nylon cable sleeving and terminating rings. The connections pictured are 8-pin PCI-E, which feature a bend-away section which converts the connector into a 6-pin unit (for SLi GeForce 8800 GTX or Ultra sets).

Fortunately, the advanced cable management system allows you to custom build the connections to your components. In the long run this keeps extra wires out of your system, something that can't be valued enough when you consider the mess an all-native cable PSU can cause like the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU. Modular power supplies are more popular with consumers than they are with manufacturers; primarily because the manufacturers often see returns for equipment that is functioning but has a cable malfunction.

PSU Load Testing

Power supplies are not like most other computer components, where it is a simple matter of comparing the item to others in the same category. Power supplies are comprised of several different variables, such as maximum output, voltage regulation, and current ripple. Each of these variables must be analyzed with unique tools, which makes it a difficult product to properly review.

I am well aware of what the more knowledgeable readers think about these power supply reviews: impractical and often useless. That's about to change. In the past, Benchmark Reviews has been guilty of the same thing nearly all of the other sites are guilty of: testing with a digital multimeter alone. So with this review, we are taking a corrected approach to testing PSU's and hope to offer the best analysis possible.

Benchmark Reviews has researched the equipment necessary to complete the most thorough power supply unit review possible. We spent the time learning what it takes because the best possible PSU tests are what we want to give to our readers. But after discovering the prices on a programmable output DC power supply system, variable range load testing units, and a DC power analyzer (Oscilloscope), we felt that more than ten-thousand dollars worth of equipment would be far too cost prohibitive for testing a hundred-dollar power supply. So without compromising too much, we made a slightly less-expensive investment into a good quality Oscilloscope in order to test DC voltage regulation and AC power ripple. Together, the Oscilloscope and digital multimeter will offer readers the best measurement of power stability any review site could reasonably offer.

Test System

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R (Intel P35 chipset) with F4G BIOS
Processor: Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz operating at multiple speeds
Memory: Winchip DDR2 1200MHz PC2-9600 2GB RAM Kit
Cooling: Thermaltake MaxOrb CL-P0369 CPU Cooler
Video: Foxconn GeForce 8800 GTS 640MBoverclocked to 600MHz Core / 900MHz RAM
Audio: HT Omega CLARO 7.1 C-Media 8788 Oxygen Chipset
Hard Disk 1: Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA
Optical Drive: Toshiba Samsung SH-S203 SATA 20x DVD R/W
Enclosure: Zalman Z-Machine GT1000 Black Mid-Tower ATX Gaming Case
PSU: ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 (optimized to 16 processes at idle)

Test Equipment

• Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope
  • DC Voltage Regulation Settings: 2V DC Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
  • AC Power Ripple Settings: 50mV Volt/Division, 60MHz 1x, 1ms
• PC-Lab2000SE v3.03 Interface Software
• Extech 450 Auto ranging Digital Multimeter

Power Supply Unit Test Methodology

Our testing process is comprised of measuring the AC current ripple, and the DC voltage regulation. There are several key steps, all of which allow us to measure and record our readings using the identical methods for every test we perform. Consistent testing methods are key to obtaining comparable results.

At the start of every test, the Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope is calibrated to the PC-Lab2000SE software. After calibration is complete, the voltage on the 12V rails are measured and recorded with the Extech 450 digital multimeter to ensure comparable margin across all rails. Once the Velleman 60MHz probe has been grounded and attached to the 12V lead, our test system is powered on and left at the Windows logon screen for ten minutes.

Once this lightly-loaded idle warm up period is complete, the Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope was allowed to run for one minute measuring the AC power ripple. Then once ripple is recorded, the 12V DC voltage regulation is recorded after another minute.

After the results have been recorded from the light idle load, our test system then receives heavy load by utilizing the following tools: two console versions of the https://folding.stanford.edu/client operate and task each CPU core to 100%, hard disks are stressed by benchmarking each with HD Tach RW, system memory (RAM) is given a stress test with Lavalys EVEREST, and ATITool scans for artifacts which forced the video card into high-power 3D mode. After ten minutes of heavy load the power supply is again measured, and the AC power ripple and 12V DC voltage regulation results are recorded.

Voltage Regulation & Ripple Test Results

In the test results below, it will be necessary to explain what you are viewing. In each image the AC power ripple is represented by the yellow trace line making up the waveform. While every personal computer power supply unit available to the retail market has some degree of measurable AC power ripple, it is most important that measurable AC ripple is very minor and does not create a large peak to peak voltage (Vpp) distortion. Stable, well-regulated power is critical to system stability and hardware longevity.

AC Ripple Waveform at Light Idle Load

The waveform image above shows the AC power ripple under light idle load, which is measured inside of a 1ms recording frame. Ideally, a lower peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) and AC current ripple is desired. Waveform data recorded during the light idle load measurement is represented in the chart below:

AC Ripple Waveform Data at Light Idle Load

The waveform data above describes the actual measurements at light idle load. The maximum peak-to-peak AC voltage distortion was 359.4 mV which is higher than the average, and the AC RMS ripple was 14.23 mV under light idle load which is considerably better than the average results we have collected under light idle load.

Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurements under light idle load for power supplies we have recently tested:

The waveform image below shows the AC power ripple under heavy load. The maximum peak-to-peak AC voltage distortion was 393.8 mV which is higher than average, and the AC RMS ripple was 32.7 mV under heavy load which is among the average results we have collected under heavy load.

AC Ripple Waveform at Heavy Load

Under heavy load, the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 measured an average AC RMS ripple twice as high as the current ripple at light idle load, which is average. The waveform data recorded during the heavy load measurement is represented in the chart below:

AC Ripple Waveform Data at Heavy Load

Because the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 offered above-average results in the idle readings, I was unsure of how the unit would perform under load. Ultimately it did fine, performing within specification and well within the average of results. Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurements under heavy load for other power supplies we have recently tested:

DC Voltage Regulation Waveform Data at Light Idle and Heavy Load

Many of the power supplies we test here at Benchmark Reviews have DC voltage regulation measuring above the 12V baseline more often than below. For obvious reasons, the diversion from the 12V baseline with increased voltage is more preferred than below it since dropping too far under 12V will cause a system to power off or recycle. Plainly put, no power supply is ever perfectly centered at 12V DC; instead they most often maintain a DC mean voltage higher than they are regulated at.

Final Thoughts: Antec TPQ-850

I was pretty hard on the Antec TP3-650 Rev. A2 TruePower Trio 650W PSU when I reviewed it a year ago. I rated it fair, but fair doesn't always mean the results are pretty; and in terms of the old guard it wasn't. But this is another case of that was then and this is now. Antec has really pooled the creative minds together and come up with a winning combination in the Antec TruePower Quattro with the easiest transition from design to execution possible. Who knew that racing stripes could look so cool on a power supply unit? Apparently the answer is Antec, because I'm unaware of anyone pulling this off before them.

While there are just a few little items on my list of recommended improvements, for the most part they are all refinement issues. Changing the cheap white stickers for an informative rail chart will not have any effect on performance or functionality; it will just look better. Adding a protective grommet to the chassis cable hole will improve safety, as would rubber end caps for the unused connections. Otherwise, this unit survives my inspection with no real flaws to be found.

Conclusion

The retail packaging managed to contain plenty of important product features and specifications, which would prove helpful for retail buyers comparing items off the shelf. The 80 PLUS logo is also a helpful push towards the check out stand.

A semi-gloss black base coat with bright yellow racing stripes really help add flare to the PSU chassis. Additionally the use of clean and uniform modular cable groups has really put this otherwise straight-forward power supply unit into the functional and fashionable category.

Power supply units are one of the few computer components which historically have been built solid, but modular cable groups can occasionally diminish that tradition. Antec constructs great products designed to last, and with exception to the protective grommet around the chassis cable inlet, the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 is built as solid as any power supply unit.

80 PLUS efficiency and active power factor correction is just the beginning, since the list of features extends well beyond efficiency and convenience. The Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-850 measured average AC ripple readings, and below average DC voltage regulation readings; which still keeps this on the better side of recorded readings we have seen. Still, the stability of four 12-volt rails will certainly become a concern for those operating quad-SLi configurations.

Presently the Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-850 is available at NewEgg.com for $149.99, placing it among the most affordable 850W PSU's available. Although most elite hardware enthusiasts and hardcore gamers will probably go for the TPQ-1000 which sells for $169.99, the value is unbeatable and opens the door for those interested in future-proofing or upgrading their existing system.

In conclusion, the Antec TruePower Quattro 850W PSU TPQ-850 is everything a budget-minded shopper could want, even if they are a serious hardware enthusiast or hardcore gamer. Matching good looks to decent performance, and offer it all for a great value, and then you begin to see why the TruePower Quattro series is going to become a popular product and rewrite the history of the TruePower series. Add to this the modular cable interface, and you have yourself a very efficient, future-ready power supply that even receives Antec's AQ5 – Antec Quality 5-year parts and labor warranty.

Pros:

+ Very stable AC ripple
+ Excellent efficiency (80 PLUS & Active PFC)
+ Modular cable connections
+ Quad 18A 12V+ power rails
+ Plenty of connections
+ High-quality construction
+ Great component cooling
+ Attractive racing-stripe finish
+ Fully-sleeved modular cables
+ Antec Quality 5-year parts and labor warranty
+ Great component cooling
+ 80mm Quiet Computing fan

Cons:

- DC Power regulation is worse than average
- Protective cable grommet needed in chassis
- Lacking good modular connection labels

Ratings:

• Presentation: 9.25
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 8.75
• Functionality: 8.5
• Value: 8.00

Final Score: 8.75 out of 10.

Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.

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