Not all OCZ StealthXStreams are epsilon platform?

[rogue1979]

I have seen the OCZ StealthXStream line of power supplies criticized heavily on this forum and others.

Most people are saying that they are based on the questionable epsilon platform which has shown the voltages to go way out of spec when pushed close to maximum output.

Apparently the relatively inexpensive 400-watt StealthXStream doesn't suffer from the same problem.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/794/7

 

[jonnyGURU]

It's a CWT. Cool if all you need is a 400W.

 

[rogue1979]

Ahhhh, Channel Well Technology, that makes sense.

How would that compare to the Seasonic SS-350ET as far as quality and max power output?
I think the SS-350ET is bronze certified, but in the review the OCZ StealthXStream 400-watt wasn't too far behind.

I know this has been covered before, but aren't most quality power supplies most efficient when running in the 75% range? If so, I would venture to guess a quality 400-watt would run just about any dual-core with a single gpu?

 

[Beanie46]

Originally posted by: rogue1979


I know this has been covered before, but aren't most quality power supplies most efficient when running in the 75% range?

Typically, 50-60% of rated load is the sweet spot for efficiency for power supplies. That is seen from various tests done by JonnyGuru.com, HardOCP.com, HardwareSecrets.com, and the 80 Plus organization, 80plus.org.

In fact, the StealthXStream 400W was tested by 80Plus, and its top efficiency was right at 50% of load, while at 75%, it was well into the downward end of the efficiency curve. But, we're talking about just a point or two here, nothing drastic at all. It peaked at 83.96% efficiency at 50% load, and is down to like 81% or so at 75% efficiency.


Here's a link to 80Plus's test of the 400W StealthXStream power supply, in .pdf format.

 

[yh125d]

We usually recommend against most OCZ PSUs, not just the StealthXtreme line. It's not because all OCZ's are bad, it's because they use several different manufacturers and it's hard to keep track of which models are from lower end manuf's like Sirfa and which are from better manuf's like this CWT model