EVGA SuperNOVA 650W G3 Power Supply Review

Efficiency, Differential Temperature and Noise

Efficiency

Efficiency is defined by the power output divided by the power input and is usually expressed as a percentage.  If a PSU were a 100% efficient (which none are) 650 watts of AC power going in would result in 650 watts of DC power coming out (with no waste heat to dissipate).  In the real world there are always inefficiencies and power is lost in the form of heat during the conversion process. Newer revisions to the ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide V 2.2 have continued to increase the efficiency recommendations for PC switching mode power supplies and now lists both required and recommended minimum efficiencies.

We measured the AC power input to the Supernova 650W G3 PSU with an Extech power analyzer while the total DC load was found by adding all the individual +3.3V, +5V, +12V, -12V and +5VSB loads together.  

The overall efficiency of the EVGA 650W Supernova G3 power supply is very good and meets the criteria for 80 Plus Gold certification, even while operating on 120VAC and at elevated temperatures.  

80 Plus Program

    Note: Tests conducted at room temperature (25°C)

Differential Temperature and Noise Levels

To simulate a demanding environment, some of the warm exhaust air from the PSU under test is recirculated back to the intake through a passive air duct, which allows the PSU air inlet temperature to increase with load, up to 40°C.  

The differential temperature across the power supply was calculated by subtracting the internal case air temperature (T in) from the temperature of the warm exhaust air flowing out the back of the power supply (T out).  

Thermocouples were placed at the air inlet and exhaust outlet. The ambient room air temperature was 23ºC (74ºF) +/- 0.5ºC during testing.

T out = temperature of air exhausting from power supply
T in = temperature of air entering power supply
Delta T = T out – T in

Sound pressure level readings were taken 3’ away from the rear of the case in an otherwise quiet room.  The ambient noise level was ~27 dBA.  

Note: The EVGA 650 G3 power supply was tested with the ECO Thermal Control System switched On (enabling fan-less operation).

* Fan not spinning

With the ECO Intelligent Thermal Control System engaged the PSU was silent throughout the first three tests. Once the cooling fan started to spin under a 75% load, the noise was still relatively quiet. Finally, at full load, with an elevated ambient temperature, the 650W G3 PSU cooling fan noise became noticeable but not loud.

(Courtesy of EVGA)