Corsair HX620W Power Supply Running 791W - Can't Break It!!

[Apoptosis]

When I was benchmarking the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 CrossFireX configuration I was getting rips and fragments in 3DMark Vantage.... all the other benchmarks fwere finishing with no problems. Thinking there was a driver issue I started to look into the drivers, but then looked at the power meter in the wall...

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So here is the test system with the power supply right next to the card since the PCIe connectors are too short... This power supply never came with 8-pin connectors from the factory, but the guys over at Corsair made a set up for me back when they first came out. I've been using this power supply since July 2006 and was reviewed here, so keep in mind this thing has been through hell and back. Having said that look at the Wattage this 620W power supply was handling...

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The power supply was actually running 750-800W for a good hour without failing... I couldn't believe it and I have to be honest and say that I tried to push it to it's limit. I gave this power supply the editor's choice back in 2006 and just now pushed it to the point that it shows signs of weakness. It didn't fail or crash the system, but the benchmarks were not being rendered right. I'm so impressed by these PSU's and I had to share this with you guys... 791W on a 620W rated power supply... That's 171 Watts over the rating or 27.6% more!

I'm going to upgrade the test bench power supplies, but a big thumbs up to the HX Series from Corsair... Over two years on the test bench and hundreds of reviews later it finally shows signs of age... insane!

[stopthekilling77]

Knew i got mine for a reason

[vicaphit]

That is pretty impressive! If I ever need to build another machine, and corsair still hasn't made one better, I will go with the HX620W

[Apoptosis]

They have the TX750W and HX1000W, so you might want to go with one of those so it lasts longer as I just showed the HX620W PSU can be pushed beyond what the system needs. I have a TX750W here in shrink wrap... never had a need for it... Guess we will have some PSU reviews coming up.

[vicaphit]

Well, I have the Ultra X3 that I won here, but I don't even come close to utilizing it. The X3 will be the component that I will move from computer to computer until I finally build something that needs more power.

[skier]

awesome, and i'm actually getting the TX750 in UPS on Thursday (for a review not through LR!)

[stev]

WOW. It seems that Corsair has memory can handle OCing and now the PSUs can too!

That little box must have been pushing some heat out the back with the fan. Nice spot light on something being observed.

[geokilla]

That's insane man. However, I just thought of something. If it's pulling 791W, then assume 80% efficiency, that means 633W. Assuming that Corsair rates their PSU by how much efficient watts it can generate, 791W from the wall doesn't seem too crazy. I have no idea how PSU ratings are like though so take my quick calculations with a grain of salt. Maybe other members can clarify on that.

Is there a difference between the TX750 and the HX620?? The HX620 seems to be priced more than the TX750 whenever I check the PSU prices.

Nate, maybe you should put the TX750 up for a contest or as a prize for the Folding War that I heard was coming up.

[Alathald]

The HX620 is a modular design while the TX750 isn't, many enthusiasts (including myself) are willing to pay the price premium for better airflow and cleaner case that goes with having a modular PSU...

[DMB2000uk]

That's insane man. However, I just thought of something. If it's pulling 791W, then assume 80% efficiency, that means 633W. Assuming that Corsair rates their PSU by how much efficient watts it can generate, 791W from the wall doesn't seem too crazy. I have no idea how PSU ratings are like though so take my quick calculations with a grain of salt. Maybe other members can clarify on that.

That is a good point, with AC-DC efficiency taken into consideration it doesn't sound as impressive

Depending on how that load is actually split across the rails, depends on how in/out of spec it could be running.

But a bigger PSU is deffinately needed in this case.

Dan

[skier]

other differences between the TX750 and HX620:
the HX620 has 3 independant 18A 12v+ Rails, whereas the 750 has a single 60A Rail(6 AMPs more than the 620)
the 620 is modular, and the 750 is not(and the 750 has a ton of cables)
some of differences in cables: 620: 2 6-pin PCIe connectors; the 750: 4 6+2 PCIe connectors; and the 750 has a 4+4 motherboard connector, whereas the 620 has separate 4pin, or 8 pin motherboard connector

price: TX750: $179.99, on "sale" on newegg for $119.99 and includes a free 8GB flash drive, or $99.99 after the $20 MIR
620HX: $189.99, on "sale" on newegg for $154.99 and $124.99 after MIR

modular design is a major point which makes the 620HX more expensive, as it would otherwise have ~20 cables(TX750: 24!)

[Apoptosis]

That's insane man. However, I just thought of something. If it's pulling 791W, then assume 80% efficiency, that means 633W. Assuming that Corsair rates their PSU by how much efficient watts it can generate, 791W from the wall doesn't seem too crazy. I have no idea how PSU ratings are like though so take my quick calculations with a grain of salt. Maybe other members can clarify on that.

Is there a difference between the TX750 and the HX620?? The HX620 seems to be priced more than the TX750 whenever I check the PSU prices.

Nate, maybe you should put the TX750 up for a contest or as a prize for the Folding War that I heard was coming up.

hate to sound like a broken record, but we don't hand out review samples period...

[mr_noname111]

My HX 520 is powering my 9800gx2 without a problem! Even though, eVGA recommends a 600W psu

Love them