Introduction and Features

The Enermax Galaxy PSU is big – both in size and capacity. It can deliver up to 1,000 watts to support multiple processors, multiple video cards and literally dozens of optical and hard disk drives. And it does all this with style and above average efficiency.

Right out of the box you know the Enermax Galaxy 1,000W power supply unit (PSU) is something special.  It’s big, heavy, and comes with enough cables and connectors to wire a small house.  The Galaxy was designed to support up to four quad-core CPUs, four graphic cards, and 24 drives; all at the same time.  It features a full set of hard-wired, sleeved cables along with up to eight modular cables for maximum flexibility.  Dual fans keep all the internal bits cool with minimal noise.  The Galaxy 1,000W PSU incorporates a triple transformer design, with a dedicated output just for the CPUs.  Active PFC, universal AC input, and operating efficiency over 80% are just icing on the cake.

 

Enermax Galaxy 1000W / 1 kW Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 38

 

The Enermax Galaxy PSU is available in either an 850W or 1,000W model.  Our friends at Coolergiant Computers sent us the top of the line 1,000W unit (1kW) for this review.  Coolergiant Computers, Inc. is the USA subsidiary of Enermax, which has been manufacturing power supplies and other high-end computer products for the PC industry since 1990.  Enermax has its own R&D design team and manufacturing facilities in Taiwan with branch offices strategically located throughout the world with warehousing and distribution capabilities.

 

Enermax EGA1000EWL 1,000W PSU Key Features:

 

  • 1,000 watts continuous power output
  • 2007 EPS12V compliant
  • Five +12V outputs (up to 900W combined +12V)
  • Dual cooling fans (one 80mm, one 135mm) for quiet operation
  • Both hard wired and modular cables for maximum flexibility
  • NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire Ready
  • Triple transformer design for maximum stability
  • PowerGuard self diagnostics with status, alert, and reset
  • Continuous operation up to 50ºC
  • Strong +5VSB output (up to 6A)
  • High-Efficiency 80-85% (20-100% load)
  • Active PFC with Universal AC line input
  • 3-Year warranty 

 

Enermax Galaxy 1000W / 1 kW Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 39

 

The Galaxy PSU comes individually boxed and includes a power cord, 13 modular cables, cable storage pouch, mounting screws, Enermax lanyard, and a detailed User’s Manual.

 

Enermax Galaxy 1000W / 1 kW Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 40

 

The Enermax Galaxy 1kW power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions.  In addition to measuring the power going in and coming out I looked at voltage regulation, electrical noise (AC ripple), sound level, efficiency and cost.  Here is a list of the equipment used during testing.

 

Enermax Galaxy 1000W / 1 kW Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 41

 

  • FLUKE 87-III True RMS digital multimeter (Accuracy +/- 0.05%)
  • WattsUp? Pro — digital wattmeter (Accuracy 3% of full scale)
  • Hitachi V-650F 60 MHz dual trace oscilloscope (Accuracy +/- 3%)
  • Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
  • FLUKE  52-II digital thermometer (Accuracy +/- 0.3ºC/0.5ºF)
  • Extech Model 407736 digital sound level meter (Accuracy +/- 1.5 dB)
  • AccuLab V1-10kg digital balance (Accuracy +/- 1g)
  • Homemade PSU load tester — selectable loads (up to 470W)
  • CSI3710A Programmable DC load (up to 150W each)
  • CSI3711A Programmable DC load (up to 300W each)

Establishing a controlled load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  In addition to my own home-made load tester, I’m now using four programmable DC loads for greater flexibility and accuracy.  This new combination can place up 1,400 watt load on the unit being tested.  This is just the beginning — watch for more details as we continue to upgrade the PCPerspective.com PSU test lab and review process… 🙂

 

 

« PreviousNext »