| ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Power | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Wednesday, 15 August 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EP-1200P10 xScaleI can remember almost a year ago when 1.0 kilowatt power supply units first hit 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. But for those who live and die by the virtual sword (gaming), there are cost-friendly solutions such as the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU.
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 the 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. 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. ePower Technology builds several products for other manufacturers, such as Mushkin, but today it is our mission here at Benchmark Reviews to pick-apart the mighty 1200W ePower EP-1200P10 xScale PSU. 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. 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 PCI-Express cables and twelve serial ATA connectors, the ePower EP-1200P10 xScale is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU teams and quad-core system setups. With a sustained output of 1200W over six +12V rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the EP-1200P10 xScale 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. 
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 ePower EP-1200P10 xScale does not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers (such as Hiper) are following suit. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues. 
About the company: ePower TechnologiesFounded in 1990, E-Power Technology is a leader in high performance PC power supply technology. Headquartered in City of Industry, California, the company has grown from a small supplier of PC power supply into a diversified manufacturer of high technology products including PC gaming, server, workstation and industrial power supply. E-Power Technology products are currently used in a variety of professional and consumers markets including industrial server, PC gamer and general computing applications. The Silent Engine Power Supply is evident in every product we deliver - from superior development, to product availability, product reliability and value. ePower Technologies Specifications
Closer Look: EP-1200P10 ExteriorFrom the moment I first opened the box containing the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU, I knew my photographs would not turn out correctly. The chassis on the ePower EP-1200P10 xScale is a smoke-anodized finish with a grained texture. Even with the flash down low, the light reflected is just enough to show the directional "scratches" in the finish; while at the same time showing how the anodized finish can appear both very dark and yet nearly chromed both at the same time.
ePower Technology has cleverly designed the finish of the EP-1200P10 xScale to be both flashy and reflective, while at the same time being finger-print friendly. The rough patterned finish does an excellent job of hiding prints, smears, and smudges, while at the same time offers a great looking alternative to black paint.
From the image above you can see that the EP-1200P10 xScale does not have as many cooling vents as other power supply units. Apparently, designing an efficient 1200W PSU also means that you don't have to put holes all over the chassis.
The rear of the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU is by far the most interesting. Most enthusiasts are still arguing about whether split or single 12 volt rails are better. How would you like to have the power supply that agrees with you no matter which side of the argument you are on? That's the ePower EP-1200P10 xScale! I could be incorrectly stating this, but I suspect ePower Tech is the first manufacturer to release such an option in a consumer product. Do you need to concentrate 84 amperes of energy onto one rail, or would it be wiser to let six rails handle this load? It might be dangerous to leave this kind of power in the hands of consumers, but ePower lets you determine what you need. Rounding out the back end is an 80mm cooling fan and oversized master power switch. Active power factor correction replaces the antiquated 110/220 switch, and also adds a higher level of power efficiency to the product.
Another few vents occupy the opposite side of the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU. I image that this is a glimpse of the future, because one day we will see power supplies so efficient that they require no active cooling. One day I predict personal computer power supplies will resemble the modular power adapters (power bricks) that we use for notebook computers. A consumer will merely take their cube shaped component and plug it into a PSU receptacle. If this idea ever comes true, make sure to quote Benchmark Reviews.
At the front of the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale, there is a large grommet protecting an even larger array of cables and wires. Additionally, this 1200W PSU has an 80mm intake fan to compliment the exhaust fan at the rear of the chassis. For some reason, ePower Tech included a few additional cooling vents beside the intake fan. I'm not certain if this actually helps or hurts cool air intake, but since this unit runs so cool to begin with the chance of these vents creating any measurable impact is unlikely.
Closer Look: Cables and WiringBy remaining non-modular with the cables and wiring, the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU can be a bit overwhelming once it is installed into the computer chassis. The image below is an excellent example of the many cables and connections the ePower EP-1200P10 xScale offers, but it also depicts the numerous cable groups which you will have to find a home for. Of the many different cable groups, only the 20+4-pin ATX main, P4 (12V AUX), and 8-pin EPS are sleeved with a nylon weave over them.
Each sleeved cable group on the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale is sealed with shrink wrap over a terminating ring. This provides excellent durability for these wires, and should provide years of worry-free service.
ePower Technology knows power supply design better than I do, but I have to wonder what they were thinking when they decided on twisted wire groups for the Molex connections on the EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU. Below is an example of such a calamity; something repeated with many of the other wires in this unit.
Seeing so many dedicated wires for fans is something new to me, but ePower's EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU has three of them. I suppose that in the event a particular motherboard doesn't support all of the fans installed, you can utilize these connections for thermal-controlled power.
I remember first seeing the cool looking molded fiber-braid cables when I reviewed the Mushkin HP-580AP Modular 580W PSU one year ago. I now know that ePower Technology designed and built the hp-580AP, which featured some of the best modular cables I have ever seen. In the EP-1200P10 xScale however, there are four: all for the PCI-Express 6/8 pin connections.
ePower Technology has designed the PCI-Express connectors on the EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU to be 8-pin by design, with a detachable side reverting it to the (soon to be legacy) six pin connector. 
The EP-1200P10 xScale also comes with a few items you don't normally see with power supplies. Aside from a heavy-gauge main power cord (that is 1200 watts of power coming from the unit after all), there are four SATA to 4-pin Molex adapters. These adapters are a first for me, but they will help convert one of the dozen SATA connectors so that you can add to the six 4-pin Molex which are already present.
PSU Load TestingPower 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 units 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 beginning now 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
Test Equipment
Test MethodologyOur 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 ResultsIn 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. 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 281.3 mV, and the AC RMS ripple was 17.9 mV under light idle load. Note that these results are slightly 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 370.3 mV, and the AC RMS ripple was 23.9 mV under heavy load. Note that these results are among the best results we have collected under heavy load. AC Ripple Waveform at Heavy Load
Under heavy load, the Technology EP-1200P10 xScale measured an average AC RMS ripple just barely higher than the ripple at light idle load, which is extremely good. The waveform data recorded during the heavy load measurement is represented in the chart below: AC Ripple Waveform Data at Heavy Load
Because the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU offered above-average results in the idle readings, I didn't really expect them to get any better; but this PSU recorded excellent results into the heavy load tests. Here are the average AC RMS ripple measurements under heavy load for other power supplies we have recently tested:
The power dropped down to no less than 11.81 V, which means that even under heavy load there is very little chance that system stability will be affected. Under light idle load conditions the DC regulation averaged 0.31 Vpp, and deviated slightly more under heavy load to a measured 0.44 Vpp. The DC regulation data recorded at light and heavy load is displayed in the chart below:
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 ThoughtsTo me, the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU was a hard read. What I originally thought to be just another high-wattage PSU turned out to have more features and functionality than I had seen in the past; even despite the lack of modular cables. I first scoffed at the myriad of loose cables, but then I later realized that for the money, you are getting more out of the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale. 
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 twisted wire design for a tightly-sleeved or molded cable design will not have any effect on performance or functionality; it will just look better. Repositioning the ventilation holes and making more of them might allow for a single fan at the rear of the unit instead of two. Otherwise, this unit survives my inspection with no real flaws to be found. EP-1200P10 ConclusionThe retail packaging managed to contain plenty of important product features and specifications, but the text was obviously a poor translation. On the front of the box there were plenty of catch phrases, such as Silent Engine, but I have no idea what these referred to since there is no mention elsewhere. Even the name "xScale" was a mystery to me since it's not on the unit itself. A polished finish on the EP-1200P10 xScale adds some luster to the smoky reflection beaming from the chassis. While the kaleidoscope of colors and compositions used in the cables, wires, and connections is a mismatch at best, the overall appearance is very appealing and closer to success than to disaster. Power supply units are one of the few computer components which historically have been built solid. ePower Technology has kept with tradition and offers a rugged product with the EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU, something only a non-modular product could assure. The ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU measured some of the best AC ripple and DC voltage regulation readings I have seen. Additionally, the selectable combined or split 12-volt rail feature will certainly come in handy for those operating quad-SLi configurations. Active power factor correction is just icing on the cake, since the list of features extends well beyond efficiency and convenience. Presently the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale is listed on our price comparison tool for $265.87, making it among the most affordable 1200W PSU's available. Although I suspect that only the most elite hardware enthusiasts and hardcore gamers will ever be shopping for a product like this, the value is unbeatable and opens the door for those interested in future-proofing or upgrading their existing system. Everything a serious hardware enthusiast or hardcore gamer could ever want is available in the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU. The best part is probably the price, since the bulk of 1000W units are selling for the same as this 1200W unit. Additionally, the switching 12-volt rail support and highly-stable ripple and regulation make the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale a great choice for a high-output power supply. Pros:
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