Kingwin ABT-800MA1S PSU

Kingwin has recently decided to join the ranks of other companies which have branched their product line into the power supply unit industry. More know for their very effective HDT Heatpipe Direct Touch coolers, Kingwin is also insistent that their PSU line be just as beneficial to the hardware enthusiast. Overclockers and gamers will most likely enjoy the impressive nickel-finished appearance, while system builders and casual users will appreciate the quality build into this power supply. Benchmark Review load tests the Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU for AC power ripple and DC voltage regulation.

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 on them. While most of the mundane workstations found on top of office desks would do well with almost any PSU because of their minimal power consumption, anyone utilizing one of Intel or AMD's latest line of processors with a modern graphics card will have no choice but to upgrade. Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call 800W of power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop Kingwin from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary.

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. With this in mind, we should all be able to agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. 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.

The latest trends include 80-PLUS efficiency ratings, but since most manufacturers submit their own stated specifications to Ecos for certification the lack of regulated official testing has caused the badge has lose meaning. Not that efficiency isn't still important, but manufacturers have tried to attract buyers with several features. 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.

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.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. Both Hiper products we are reviewing (HPU-5K880 880W & HPU-5B680 680W) do not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers are following this model. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such modular connections and units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues.

About the company: KWI Technology Inc. (Kingwin)

Kingwin was founded in 1992 as a manufacturer specialized in designing and manufacturing CPU Coolers and Mobile Racks, also with goals to provide our customers with the best Computer Chassis, Thermal was founded in 1992 as a manufacturer specialized in designing and manufacturing CPU Coolers and Mobile Racks, also with goals to provide our customers with the best Computer Chassis, Thermal Cooling, Liquid Cooling, and Storage Solutions.

With the company's core business of Storage Solution units is still growing at a vast rate, Kingwin started looking into the PC chassis industry. To date, Kingwin has always been considered the pioneering company that revolutionized the Storage Solution Industry by bringing out different types and great storage units. The typical and traditional beige and plastic front panel design was replaced buy the excellent and more light and cooler material of the aluminum Storage Solution units. By doing this, Kingwin started growing in the industry and still is growing up to this date.

In the past few years, Kingwin announced the new Liquid Cooling systems AS-3000 and AWC-1, this jump into the Liquid Cooling industry took the company to another level of the high and competitive DYI market. Our Liquid Cooling series gained recognition because of its innovative design & quality, high-performance, and extended warranty.

Today, Kingwin has grown into a world-class company with State-of-the-Art testing and R&D facility based in Taiwan with engineers producing and testing each application segment such as Computer Chassis, Liquid Cooling, Air Cooling, Storage Solutions and Power Supply for many different main-stream users, high-end solutions, system integrators and industrial applications. This is what made Kingwin gain its excellence in this competitive industry.

Mach 1 Features & Specifications

Like an smart company, Kingwin wants to bring a solid product to the table for their first release. Judging from the features and specifications listed below, the Mach 1 800W modular power supply appears (on paper) to be a good first addition to the other very promising products in the lineup.

We certainly appreciate that Kingwin designed the ABT-800MA1S to offer plenty of convenience, but there's one item in the specifications which glares out: 800W Peak Output. Since most other power supply units we test have long since given up on selling their product under a "peak output" number, it's surprising to see it done with the Mach 1.

Mach 1 Features

• Special cable management system.
• Comply with Intel ATX/BTX standard.
• Four PCI express connectors.
• Six SATA connectors.
• One bottom blue led fan (140 x 140 mm).
• Support EPS & Intel 945/955/975x chipset.
• ATX 12V Ver.2.91
• AC Input 115 & 230V.
• Output gold-coated connector
• Output over / under voltage protection.
• Output short protection.
• Over load protection.
• Nickel-Plated.
• Quad 12V rails.
• Aircraft style modular connectors.
• Built in auto fan-speed sensor.
• NVIDIA SLI^TM-ready certified.

ABT-800MA1S Specifications

• Maximum power: 800 Watts.
• Frequency range: 47 ~ 63Hz.
• Input waveform: Sine wave, modified sine wave or square wave.
• Input maximum current: 10.7A@115V
• 6.2A@230V.
• Withstand voltage: Input to output 1800Vac 3 sec
• Input to ground 1800Vac 3 sec.
• Efficiency: 70% minimum at full-load.
• Overpower protection: 105%~150%
• Over voltage protection: +5V output is between 5.7V to 6.5V
• +12V output is between 13.2V to 14.4V.
• +3.3V output is between 3.7V to 4.1V.
• Under voltage protection: +5V output is between 3.3V to 3.7V
• +12V output is between 8.5V to 9.5V
• +3.3V output is between 2.0V to 2.4V.
• Unit dimension: 6 3/8"(161 mm) L x 5 7/8"(150 mm) W x 3 3/8"(85 mm) H
• Unit weight: 6 lbs.
• MTBF: 100,000 hours under the following conditions full-rated load, 120Vac input, and 25C ambient.
• Switches: ATX Logic power rocker switch.
• Fan size: 1 - 140 mm x 140 mm x 25 mm bottom fan.

Kingwin Mach 1 Exterior

At first glance, the Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU appears to have a whole new look to it. When Benchmark Reviews visited the 2008 CES in Las Vegas there were many new products at the exhibition booths, but not many offered anything more than an updated look on an old model. Kingwin appears to be onto something positive, since there are more than a few features which qualify as brand new to the collective design of power supply units.

The exterior paint coating is what I would describe as gunmetal gray, with a light texture and semi-gloss finish; although Kingwin calls it a nickel plated finish. The recently reviewed Hiper Type R Mk II series proved that while a mirror-finish is attractive; it had better have a design feature to alleviate fingerprints or else it becomes a hassle. Kingwin has cleverly designed the finish on the ABT-800MA1S to be both attractive and appealing, while at the same time being functionally effective and finger-print friendly. The gunmetal gray textured finish does an excellent job of making prints, smears, and smudges disappear; while at the same time offers a great looking alternative to a simple black paint job on a square steel chassis.

From the image above, the matching gunmetal gray protective grill shields a blue LED fan measuring 140mm wide by 25mm tall. Once the system is powered on, the dark blue light fills your computer case and offers a nice "wow" factor. Also notice that the fan blades are not your average 14cm design, but actually a swooping fin which moves more air with less noise. Pair this to a built in auto fan-speed sensor, and you have yourself the opportunity to avoid the "white noise" most high performance computers emit.

At the corner of the Kingwin Mach 1, the native cable group exits the chassis with a unique style of sleeving that I don't recall seeing used elsewhere. There is a single generic zip-tie collecting the native cable group, which doesn't exactly improve the otherwise upscale appearance. If you're seriously picky about your gear and the way it looks, this would be the first thing changed. Until Kingwin puts a nice ferrite core choke or similar device in its place, you can simply remove it.

Kingwin ABT-800MA1S Details

As our inspection of the Kingwin ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU makes its way to the backside of the unit, we can see from the image below that the Mach 1 has used the very popular honeycomb grill design for the rear panel of the chassis. As many manufacturers have discovered, there isn't much reason to include a rear exhaust fan anymore if you include a decent intake cooling fan.

The Kingwin Mach 1 maintains the standard ATX power supply profile: 6 3/8" (161 mm) L x 5 7/8" (150 mm) W x 3 3/8" (85 mm) H. This will make it a very compatible part for many of the more compact computer cases on the market today. In our review of the NZXT Rogue and Antec P182 we learned that the extended ATX power supplies may face some obstacles during installation.

With the exception of the 140mm fan opening and honeycomb exhaust grill, all sides of the chassis are sealed. This channeled design help keep airflow directed over only the heat-generating components, but it also assists in reducing dust build-up. This is a small step toward a future where all power supplies are so efficient that they require no active cooling.

Rounding out the back end is an standard-size master power switch. To my surprise, Kingwin's Mach 1 doesn't offer active Power Factor Correction, which means you'll have to switch between 115V and 230V. This also means that the ABT-800MA1S doesn't contain the technology to offer higher levels of power efficiency. This isn't going to win over any tech-savvy hearts, because enthusiasts know that by now PFC should be standard equipment on every power supply released to market.

ABT-800MA1S Cables and Wiring

Kingwin has utilized a very clean array of native cables, which offers a very easy approach to cable management thanks to the aircraft-style connections. The connection interface is really quite unique beyond these aircraft connectors though, because as each modular cable is secured and connected the ring around it lights blue.

But there are some downsides to building a modular PSU. Most manufacturers seem to be clearing away from the modular design, since non-modular cables and wiring seldom fail and cause RMA's. In respect to the Mach 1, Kingwin may end up regretting the decision to please gamers and enthusiasts at the expense of a reasonable repair rate.

The images above and below should give an excellent example of the many cables and connections available for use on the Kingwin ABT-800MA1S.

Each cable group within the Mach 1 power supply is fully sleeved and sealed with shrink wrap at each end, providing excellent durability for the wires. This design should provide years of worry-free service, and may also reduce structural breakdown of the wires.

Since so many new computer systems today have special end-connector requirements for the motherboard, power supply manufacturers must accommodate everyone. Kingwin offers a very wide variety of connections, and even maintains a single floppy power connector for those old school BIOS updates.

Most people are not very picky about the connection ends on their power supply; and I can forgive them of that since they probably don't change their hardware every other day like I do. But when a product makes my own experience with it noticeably better, I must give it the recognition it deserves.

Kingwin makes good use of the convenient "EZ-Grip" feature on the 4-pin Molex peripheral power connectors. The small ridged finger-grip make it so much easier to pull the power connector away from tough connections. The only thing better than these grips are the pass-though Molex connector ends which I seem to only find in Hiper power supply units. Conversely, Kingwin has taken a page from the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 and used an 8-pin design with detachable side, which easily allows it to revert back into a six pin connector.

Please continue on to our next section, which reveals how Benchmark Reviews goes about testing power supplies.

Power Supply Load Testing

I am well aware of what the more knowledgeable readers think about these power supply reviews: impractical and often useless. Benchmark Reviews is working hard to change that impression. Recording voltage with a digital multimeter alone offers no value to the test, since power fluctuates a great deal in the span of a single millisecond. Because of this, Benchmark Reviews has taken a corrected approach to testing PSU's and hopes to offer the best analysis possible.

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 supply's are comprised of several different variables, such as maximum output, energy efficiency, voltage regulation, and current ripple. Each of these variables must be analyzed with unique tools, which makes it properly review a power supply unit without them.

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 power supply units worth $100-$300. 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. Additionally, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA 900W LCD UPS reports the total power load drawn by the system. Used together, the Oscilloscope. LCD UPS, and digital multimeter will offer readers the best measurement of power stability any review site could reasonably offer.

Test System

• Motherboard: ASUS P5K3 Deluxe (Intel P35 chipset) with version 1001 BIOS
• Processor: Intel E6550 Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz operating at 3.31GHz
• System Memory: Corsair PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit @ 1888MHz
• Cooling: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Exposed Copper Heatpipe CPU Cooler
• Video: FOXCONN GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB overclocked to 600MHz Core / 900MHz RAM
• Audio: HT Omega Claro Plus+ AD8620BR Op Amp HD Sound Card
• Hard Disk 1: Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA
• Optical Drive: Toshiba Samsung SH-S203 SATA 20x DVD R/W
• Enclosure: Lian Li PC-B25B Black Aluminum Mid-Tower ATX Case
• Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 (optimized to 16 processes at idle)

A/C Power Draw Index

During testing, the test system described above consumed the following power statistics:

Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular Power Supply Unit

198W Idle (0% CPU utilization / 2D low power GPU)
306W Fully Loaded (100% CPU utilization / 3D high power GPU)

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 v3.05 Interface Software
• Extech 450 Auto ranging Digital Multimeter
• CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA 900W LCD UPS
• ATITool v.26 Video Card Overclock Utility
• Folding@home v6.00 Beta 1 Console Client

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. Over time, there have been many changes to the test environment in terms of system hardware and software versions. We understand that consistent in our testing methods is very important in order for the results obtained to be comparable.

At the start of every test, the Velleman PCSU-1000 Oscilloscope is calibrated with 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. These readings are displayed several times per second, so a visual inspection of the most common (average) reading is recorded for our test results.

After the results have been recorded from the light idle load, our test system then receives heavy load by utilizing ATITool to scan for artifacts and two Folding@home console clients. ATITool forces the video card into high-power 3D mode, and the Folding@home clients cause 100% CPU utilization on each core. After many months of research, these two programs have proven to create more power draw than anything else available, including the combined EVEREST System Stability Test. After another minute of heavy load the power supply is again measured, and the AC power ripple and 12V DC voltage regulation results are recorded.

ABT-800MA1S Test Results

In the test results below, it might 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. 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 AC RMS ripple was 24.5 mV under light idle load. Note that this result is at the average of readings 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 AC RMS ripple was 64.41 mV under heavy load. Note that this result falls within the least favorable of test results we have collected under heavy load.

AC Ripple Waveform at Heavy Load

Under heavy load, the Kingwin ABT-800MA1S measured an average AC RMS ripple much higher than the ripple at light idle load, which is considerably poor. The waveform data recorded during the heavy load measurement is represented in the chart below:

AC Ripple Waveform Data at Heavy Load

Because the Mach 1 800W Modular PSU Power Supply Unit offered higher than average AC ripple results in the idle readings, I didn't really expect them to get any better; and they didn't. 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

At a glance, the Kingwin ABT-800MA1S offered average AC ripple fluctuation at idle but very poor ripple when placed under heavy load, with less favorable deviation in DC peak-to-peak voltage regulation. These idle readings were taken with a 25% load of 198W and the stress readings were taken with a 38% load of 306W on the 800W rated power supply output.

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.

Mach 1 Final Thoughts

The ATX12V Design Guide v2.2 states in section 1.2.2 that power supplies must measure a minimum 70% efficiency under typical load, with 80% efficiency as the recommended guidance. Kingwin may be compliant with this guideline, but there is clearly a difference between following the rule and defining it. What is most unfortunate is how there are some products we review that far exceed even 80 PLUS standards, and then there are others that wouldn't qualify.

In a small way it is unfortunate then that so many review sites tout the "certification", because most of these sites don't take into consideration how misleading their articles can be. Of the many different power supply companies I test, it is usually the more commercial names that use the 80-PLUS logo as a marketing tool. In all actuality, power supplies can cheat the efficiency rating system by several different tactics: use high amperage 3V and 5V rails, which then compensates for 12V inefficiency. Now if someone dropped the nearly worthless 3V rail and could still remain 80% efficient, that would be impressive.

When Intel Corporation drafted the ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide v2.2 back in March of 2005, they probably didn't expect fuel and utility prices to grow over 300%. Take into account the growing power consumption needs of modern consumer electronics and personal computers, and the need for highly-efficient components becomes critical. This is why 80 PLUS seems to be the buzz word of choice for most power supply manufacturers. Unfortunately, most consumers buy into the hype, and don't realize that the 80-PLUS certification is little more than a paid stamp of approval. If enthusiast are to take the 80-PLUS certification seriously, they will need to publish independent test results; something that is impossible to provide since the organization does not conduct any product testing.

Kingwin ABT-800MA1S Conclusion

Kingwin offers an appealing package, and presentation is well laid out. As far as power supply packaging, the Mach 1 is par for the course. It's once you open the retail package that you begin to see some new looks and a few features that seem otherwise unique to the industry.

The finish on the Mach 1 is nothing too glitzy, but the gunmetal finish which Kingwin describes as nickel plated is more than enough to satisfy even the most discerning consumer. When you factor in the blue LED 140mm cooling fan and back-lit connection receptacles, the ABT-800MA1S is quite the looker.

Power supply units are one of the few computer components which historically have been built solid. Kingwin has decided to make their first power supply product a modular version, but nevertheless it has kept with tradition and offers a rugged product. Although the cables are susceptible to damage or breakdown, as with any wire or cable, the Mach 1 is otherwise heavy-duty.

The Kingwin ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU recorded poor AC ripple under heavy load, however the DC regulation remained impressive. The lack of active Power Factor Correction has certainly played a role in the Mach 1, which has proved itself to be capable but more fashion than function in the long run. The most important item on my list of recommended improvements would be to add active PFC, but I would also like to see some refinement in the performance category as the AC ripple and DC voltage regulation are not what I consider to be a fine example of power supply technology for a 2008-era product.

At the time of this writing, the lowest price available online was $147.99. Based on this price, the value falls directly within the average of all 800W power supply units presently sold. Considering the rugged connectors and convenient modular cables, this is more product than you will find at comparable prices.

Kingwin offers an attractive power supply unit for gamers and anyone else wanting to show off their hardware, and the Mach 1 certainly holds its own in regards to functionality. However in this day and age you have to make a product that shines on the inside just as much as the outside, and the ABT-800MA1S just doesn't do it. Rated for 800W maximum peak output, this modular power supply will handle most anything you put to task, but don't expect refinements such as high efficiency or active power correction on this unit. In conclusion, I can recommend the Mach 1 to gamers and hardware enthusiasts for the attractive looks and convenience features, but those who scrutinize the performance such as overclockers may need to look for something that offers more functionality than fashion.

Pros:

+ Four 12V+ power rails
+ Variable length cable groups
+ Convenient EZ-Grip connectors
+ Attractive backlit receptacles
+ High-quality construction
+ Great component cooling
+ Attractive metal finish
+ NVIDIA SLI-ready certified PSU

Cons:

- Poor (but within ATX spec) AC ripple under load
- No active Power Factor Correction

Ratings:

• Presentation: 9.00
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 8.75
• Functionality: 8.00
• Value: 7.25

Final Score: 8.45 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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