Load Regulation, Line Regulation and Cross-Loading
DC Output Load Regulation
Of course one of the first things we want to see is how well this PSU can regulate the DC outputs and maintain stable voltages. To simulate real world and maximum loading conditions, the Corsair AX1200i PSU was connected to the load testers and supplied with a constant 115 VAC. In this test we are interested in seeing how well a PSU can maintain the various output voltages while operating under different loads.
The ATX12V V2.2 tolerance for voltages states how much each output (rail) is allowed to fluctuate and has tighter tolerances now for the +12V outputs. I have also included a second table of expanded tolerances (±1% to ±6%) for reference.
The following tables list the DC voltage results at the different loads for the AX1200i PSU while operating on 115 VAC, 60 Hz.
The AX1200i produced excellent load regulation on all of the outputs across a broad range of loads. All of the main outputs stayed close to ±2% of the nominal voltage instead of the recommended ±5%, even while delivering 1,200 watts; very good!
DC Output Line Regulation
In this test we are interested in seeing how well a PSU can maintain the various output voltages while the AC input line voltage changes. In the previous Load Regulation test, the AC line voltage was held constant at 115 VAC. Now we will look at how much the DC outputs change as the load is held constant and the AC line voltage is changed from 120 VAC down to 90 VAC.
The Line Regulation test was performed with the combined DC loads set to 900W. The AC input voltage to the power supply (via the Extech power analyzer) was adjusted using a Powerstat variable autotransformer with virtually no measurable change in the DC outputs; again, very good.
Cross-Loading Test
Cross-loading refers to imbalanced loads. If a PC pulls 400W on the +12V outputs and only 20W (or less) on the combined 3.3V and +5V outputs, the resulting voltage regulation may suffer.
In the first test we put a heavy load on the +12V output and a light load on the remaining outputs. The AX1200i PSU had no problem delivering 90A on the +12V rail under these conditions. Even with this large imbalance, the voltages all stayed well within spec. This is pretty much what we have come to expect from newer PSUs that use DC-to-DC converters to produce the +3.3V and +5V outputs from the +12V rail, which makes them relatively immune to cross-loading problems.
In the second test we reversed the cross-load and placed a heavy load on the +3.3V and +5V outputs with a light load on the +12V rail. Once again, the PSU passed this test without problems and all the voltages remained in spec.
Lee and or PCPER I am a bit
Lee and or PCPER I am a bit confused about the PSU test bench as described in this article. ‘Up to 2000W’ but also mention real-world test.
Which tests are you using the PC-based load for and which tests are you using simulated loads for ?
Or are you using both?
Many of the top review sites are using the imported ATX tester or home brew resistor grids which is not a ‘real world test’ (but a simulated one) and I am interested as to how you are pulling off a real world PSU test
Additionally, testing in open air versus mounted in a warm PC chassis, typically pushed against a wall or under a desk.
Thanks.
The PCPerspective PSU test
The PCPerspective PSU test bench uses a combination of six Progammable DC loads and up to three different banks of precision load resistors to create the various loads (up to 2,000W max). The real-world testing is stated because we mount each PSU in a modified case and recirculate some of the warm exhaust air back to the inlet to "simulate" real-world operating conditions. The loads are not real-world (actually much more precise and programmable) but the test environment is, temps gradually increase as the load increases just like in a real PC – the best of both worlds.
Hi I’m Carlos , I have a
Hi I’m Carlos , I have a Corsair AX1200.
ME DAMAGE IS A POWER SUPPLY CAPACITOR , THE POWER SUPPLY NOT OPERATE MORE. I’M FROM ARGETINA AND I CAN NOT GET THE CAPACITOR (2.2uf 450V) FROM THE +5VSB PCB. HOW CAN I FIX THE `POWER SUPPLY???
There is a led on the dongle
There is a led on the dongle that flashes between red and green, what is its meaning?
Thanks