OCZ Powerstream 420W/520W are NOT ATX12V 2.0 compliant

Hi,

Just wanted to make you aware that the OCZ Powerstreams 420W/520W are not ATX12V 2.0 (this is different to ATX 2.0 which gets quoted alot) but ATX12V 1.3 compliant as confirmed by OCZ Tech Support:

Quote:

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The PowerStream 600W is ATX12V 2.01 compliant, while the 520W and 420W models are ATX12V 1.3 compliant, as we mention on the PowerStream product page.

Sincerely,
Technical Support Specialist

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Antec's Website

What is ATX12V v2.0?

This is the latest “desktop” motherboard and power supply specification released, a significant update to v1.3. Some notable changes have occurred:
• SATA power connectors are ‘official.’
• The mainboard power connector has changed from 20 pins to 24 pins to better handle loads on the PCI Express bus.
• The 6 pin Aux Power connector has been dropped.
• Circuitry has been upgraded to dual +12V outputs to maintain greater stability to the CPU and peripherals. In addition, overall +12V output has been increased to compensate for PCI Express expansion cards.
• A minimum efficiency of 60% under light load is now required. This is a significant improvement.

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At this time it is undetermined if these PSUs are actually BTX compliant as a spec for BTX PSUs has not been ratified tho it is expected to be based on the ATX12V 2.0 spec:

http://www.antec.com/pdf/article/ATX12v2.html

They are obviously still quality PSUs but there has been recent confusion with regards to what type of PSU is required for PCI-Express and SATA. Also I am unsure how 'future-proofed' these PSUs are if BTX is incorporated as an industy standard.

If this matters to you its best to check if your PSU is ATX12V 2.0+ specification rather than ATX 2.0.

ps3ud0 :cool:

The only thing missing from the 520w and lower end models is the dual 12v rail, which isn't really a big deal IMO.

Also has a lower efficiency of 63% whereas the new spec requires 70% @ load - tho I guess that really nothing ;)

With regards to OCZ sadly they have had conflicting information on their website regards these PSUs and I wanted to ensure ppl are aware of this issue...

If your on the lookout for a new PSU it may be prudent to get one that adheres to the newer spec, as that is what new mobos request for power considerations now. It may mean its more useful in the long term - who knows.

If you already have a decent single rail PSU it should be more than fine, Id personally recommend a OCZ or a PCP&C if you already have one...

Just want to make ppl aware that there are subtle differences in the new PSUs that are out and they would be wise jsut to double check certain specs so they dont get duped...

ps3ud0 :cool: