Performance and Testing
As you know, I do not have the specialized equipment for PSU testing (which costs thousands of dollars). So the best way I could do test the PSU is by using what we’ve got. My testing method involves comparing the voltage and power consumption reading during idle and at full load. I know it’s not the most accurate method technically, but I think this simple method should provide some ideas of the performance of the power supply in terms of stability and power consumption.
Efficiency Requirements for 80Plus Certification
The main thing to watch out for, is the fluctuation on the +12V line. If the +12V line drops to below 12V during full load or large fluctuations in the V readings … then we’re in trouble. The system may unstable and you might also get random reboots.
Idle
Voltage readings taken from ADIA64 at idle
- +12V : 12V
- +5V : 5V
- +3V : 3.328V
Load
Voltage readings taken from ADIA64 under load
- +12V : 11.904V (-0.096 change)
- +5V : 4.960V (-0.04V)
- +3V : 3.312V (0.016 change)
When the CPU and GPU is at full load, the system is drawing a decent amount of power. As you can see the power consumption for the CPU is around 246.26W (peaking at 283.58W), while the GPU uses around 344..87W of power (peaking at 351.09W). Both the +12V and +3V did drop a little, but nothing to worry about. While the +5V dropped ever so slightly from 5V to 4.96V.
During full load tests, the Cougar GEX X2 1000W power supply held steady at 11.904V with very little fluctuations, although I would have preferred a reading that’s closer to 12V. Having said that, and based on what we’ve seen, the Cougar GEX X2 is still a very solid and stable power supply.
Now lets move on to the Conclusion and Verdict!
