700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU power supply testing

[eva2000]

I recently received a brand spanking new retail version of the 700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU power supply from OCZ. Note there's a misprint on web page saying 4x +12v rails with 15A/each. It should be 4x +12v rails with 18A/each.

This new quad +12v railed power supply is outsourced from Sparkle/FSP a different manufacturer than the PowerStream units (Topower) and is meant to be both ATI Crossfire and nVidia SLI ready with separate +12v rails for each of the two PCI-E power connectors. The only place that mentions the rail distributions for the 4x +12v rails is actually on the power supply itself. You can compare this to the 650W Silverstone SLI rev1 power supply i used here on the below system prior to swapping to the 700W OCZ GameXStream.

The honey comb casing allows more air circulation for cooling the power supply. It seems when turned on you can really feel the air being pushed out the honey comb side vents!





Full Specs:

• 600W and 700W Configurations
• OCZ PowerWhisperâ„¢ Technology
• Multi-GPU ready
• Internal 120mm dual ball bearing Protechnic Electric MGA12012HB-025 2500rpm 38dba fan
• 3 year warranty backed by OCZ’s exclusive
• PowerSwapâ„¢ replacement program.
• 150 x 140 x 86mm
• ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V
• OCZ ConnectAllâ„¢ universal connectors:
• 1 x 20+4Pin ATX
• 1 x 4-pin/8-pin CPU
  (supports double CPUs/supplies stable voltage)
• 2 x PCI-E
• 6 x 4-pin peripheral
• 2 x 4-pin floppy
• 6 x S-ATA
• High efficiency
• Active PFC
• 80% @ 115V (Typical load) /
• 83% @ 230V (Typical load)
• Overvoltage/Overcurrent/Short-Circuit protection
• Active PFC
• MTBF:100,000 hours
• 100~240Vac 10-5A 50/60Hz
• Manual stated specs on the rails are shown here and OCP specs here . But there might be a typo or mistake in some of the listed specs as you can see the rail ratings on 600W vs 700W heh. Will ask OCZ to clarify them and update this info here

Cables:
- 4pin molex and FDD power connectors are organised into 2x cables each with 3x 4pin moldex + 1x FDD connectors.
- 2x cables each with 3x SATA connectors
- Included is a velcro strap to organise the cables too.


Nifty features:
There's a few nifty features i really like on this GameXStream power supply.

1. Ever hurt your finger tips/hand trying to pry off a 4pin molex ? Well how about easy to grip 4pin molex connectors
2. Need to use 4pin or 8pin cpu connector ? Well OCZ allows you to split or combine them to do away with any adaptors!
3. 2x PCI-E connectors each labeled as PCI-E 1 and PCI-E 2. When using single card ensure you use PCI-E 1 connector

Full pictures:
http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/pow...xstream/html1/


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Antec PSU Tester Results
Link: http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/pow...xstream/html2/
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2x 120x38mm Delta 3amp fans + 1x 120x38mm Panaflo 0.6amp fan = 6.6amp load
+12v = 12.16v
+5v = 5.06v
+3.3v = 3.361v

1x 120x38mm Panaflo 0.6amp fan = 0.6amp load
+12v = 12.20v
+5v = 5.04v
+3.3v = 3.361v

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System Configuration:
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• Intel Pentium D Extreme Edition 3.46Ghz 955XE 65nm 2x2MB Cache SL94N (provided by Universal Abit Taiwan)
• Cooled by Swiftech G4 Storm / Thermochill 120.3 with 3x 120x38mm Panaflo Fans /MCP650 on Kayl custom 100W psu
• Abit AW8D 975x 11 bios (provided by Universal Abit Taiwan)
• 256MB BFG 7800GTX stock HSF with HeavyH20 473(525)/1350 bios
• 2x512MB Corsair PC5400ULv1.5 3-3-2-8 DDR2 singles
• 80GB Seagate Barracuda IV 7200 PATA hdd
• Pioneer DVR-105 DVD-RW
• Mitsumi Black 1.44MB FDD
• 700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU psu (retail psu provided by OCZ)
• WinXP Pro SP2 / 84.56 Forceware / Intel INF 7.2.2.1006

Additional fans:

• 60x25mm Sunon fan (4.9W)over NB passive heatsink
• 80x25mm Sunon high speed exhaust fan (4.3W) on motherboard tray
• 120x25mm Thermaltake fan (0.4A) over memory modules
• 120x38mm Panaflo High Speed fan (0.6A) on Zalman fan bracket cooling BFG 7800GTX stock hsf video card

Wattage calculation:
3.46Ghz 955XE rated at 1.25-1.4v vcore with 130W at stock. AUTO Vcore in bios = 1.2875v bios /1.24v uGuru windows
256MB BFG 7800GTX ~125W
1x PATA hdd ~11W
Additional fans = 21.2W @ 12.00v

Using calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp system totals approximately:
955XE @stock with 1.3v vcore = 489W (100% utilisation) or 416W (85% utilisation)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.4v vcore = 629W (100%) or 535W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 659W (100%) or 560W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 689W (100%) or 586W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 721W (100%) or 613W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 753W (100%) or 640W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 669W (100%) or 569W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 699W (100%) or 594W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 731W (100%) or 621W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 763W (100%) or 649W (85%)
955XE @4800Mhz with 1.55 vcore = 741W (100%) or 630W (85%)
955XE @4800Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 775W (100%) or 659W (85%)

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System Test Results
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Note:

1. The Abit AWD8 bios and uGuru windows monitoring apps report both +12v (24pin) and +12v (4pin) voltages whereas for DMM readings i will only be able to obtain one value off a molex.
2. I'm running 17x204FSB due to an issue i have running >231FSB i suspect it might be 955XE cpu having issues as i tried both Abit provided AW8-Max 955x and AW8D 975x motherboards and same 231FSB limitation in that any >231FSB, quad prime after 15-20mins or quad superpi will error out on AW8-Max or reboot on AW8.

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@17x204FSB at 1.2875v bios = 1.24v windows

Readings according to Bios / uGuru Windows / DMM

Idle
+12v (24pin) = 12.31v / 12.30v / 12.24-12.25v
+12v (4pin) = 12.31-12.37v / 12.24-12.31v-12.36v / 12.24-12.25v
+5v = 5.11-5.14v / 5.10v / 5.06v
+3.3v = 3.31-3.33v / 3.30-3.32v / Not measured

Load with Quad Stressprime 2004
+12v (24pin) = 12.31v / 12.30v / 12.21-12.23v
+12v (4pin) = 12.31-12.37v / 12.24-12.31v-12.36v / 12.21-12.23v
+5v = 5.11-5.14v / 5.10v / 5.07v
+3.3v = 3.31-3.33v / 3.30-3.32v / Not measured

DMM Datalogging via RS-232
My new Digitech QM1538 Digital Multimetere (DMM) has windows datalogging function via RS-232 serial connection. I had to buy a RS-232 to USB adaptor since Abit AW8D doesn't have a serial port. Straight from QM1538 user manual:

With the high technology of the integrated Ó-Ä converter, QM1538 Data Logger provides the high accurate way on the data testing and data logging which can conveniently change the ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, Resistant, Capacitance, Frequency, Temperature, etc. to the digital signals for computer. With the highly insulated optical RS-232 connector, you can transfer the records to the computer for further processions.

QM1538 Data Logger can automatically test and adjust the suitable values on each range accordingly. During the voltage, resistance and current testing, it can also be set to test a specified range by the push buttons.

The QM1538 Data Logger can easily test and log the data on the voltages from 0.1mV to 600V, resistance from 0.1 Ohm to 40M Ohm, currents from 10µA to 10A, capacitance from 10pF to 100µF, frequencies from 1Hz to 10MHz, temperatures from .50°C to 750°C.

Not all the data transferred to the computer can be viewed on the digital and analogue ways, but can also be recorded, saved, automatically graphed and then processed and printed.

Electric function specifications
* Accuracy is indicated with ±(% reading+ digits), environmental temperature 23± 5°C, Humility < 75%

DCV:
* 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V : ± (0.5% + 5)
* 600V : ± (0.8% + 5)
* Input Impedance : 10MÙ (about 10GÙ at 400mV range)

Still @17x204FSB at 1.2875v bios vcore, I logged both windows idle and quad stressprime load using datalogger to obtain +12v rail min/max/average values over a 3min interval for idle and 20min interval for load testing.

Idle vs Load

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Now this is where there's problems with the DMM data logging it seems when i overclock the cpu the data logger abruptly disconnects from logging and crashes itself even while quad stressprime 2004 continues to run. The PWM1 to PWM4 temps are very high doing quad stressprime reaching 68-73+ C on the motherboard

@4711Mhz at 1.5875v bios / 1.53v windows idle / 1.45v under load vcore. Dam too much drooping of the vcore

Idle vs Load


Unfortunately, had to stop quad stressprime as PWM temps were 68-73+ and datalogging disconnected abruptly. The load screenie was the last screenie i made before datalogging disconnected.

The system total wattage @4700Mhz at 1.45-1.55v vcore is very close or just a tad over the max combined load that this psu is rated for @680W combined. Wonder if this is what is causing the datalogging to crap out ? Or just plain old heat on the cpu and PWM causing instability ?

955xe @4700Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 669W (100%) or 569W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 699W (100%) or 594W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 731W (100%) or 621W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 763W (100%) or 649W (85%)

Rail fluctuations:
The 955XE is a beast of a cpu rated at 130W just at stock. Increasing vcore and overclocks really do draw quite an amount of juice off the psu! I will be retesting with a Pentium D 920D which is rated at 95W at stock so should be fun to see the differences and impact on the GameXStream power supply

Despite the huge power draw, the all important +12v rail has around 0.175 to 0.330% fluctuation and +5v rail seems to jump +0.01v under load or +0.197% from my DMM readings at each overclocked setting

Will know soon if the psu or cpu is maxed out as my Kayl custom phase change unit is complete and soon to be shipped to me http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?p=41359#post41359




.

[phi|os]

I just got this PSU on monday, and it is helping out a lot. I'm getting more outta my system already. It's a very nice upgrade from the rosewill I had before it. Nice review eva.

[Cooper]

I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?

[dogsx2]

I'm thinking of getting one but until I see 1900cf oc'ed and dc cpu oc'ed, I'll just wait.


Nice results so far eva.

[eBoy0]

Good review eva, though i see yours doesn't overvolt as much as mine.

[alexio]

Looks promising so far

Is there any way to combine molexes so you have a sort-of single rail psu? Any way you can find out which molex comes from which rail?

[Cooper]

alexio you can load this unit 100% from any single 12V connector. Rails divided virtualy - PSU itself has only one powerfull rail

[dietwaterrr]

thanks for the great review.

[Elisha]

doesn't have adjustable rails right?

[RyderOCZ]

doesn't have adjustable rails right?

No it does not

[eva2000]

Yeah no adjustable rails but even a power hungry 955XE @4.7Ghz only pushes the +12v down to 12.14v under full load heh

I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?

not sure of weight when it was fully packed and noise it's fairly quiet actually but with so many fans in the above test system if does cover up the psu noise heh.

[Elisha]

i guess since DDR1 is gonna be obsolete soon there is no need for a higher 3.3v rail to supply the mobo anymore since DDR2 uses less than the value of the 3.3v rail for max potential.

[mtzki]

Great review there. iirc there's a OCZ EvoStream psu coming out soon. Oriented towards OCers, e.g. has adjustable rails.

[jagt]

Hm.. This is technically the same PSU as the Forton/Source Epsilon 700w, yeah? In any case; the Epsilon is quite alot cheaper.

[Cooper]

Hm.. This is technically the same PSU as the Forton/Source Epsilon 700w, yeah? In any case; the Epsilon is quite alot cheaper.

You maybe refering to 600W model.
Actually OCZ and FSP Epsilon - both 700W - cost about the same.

[RyderOCZ]

Great review there. iirc there's a OCZ EvoStream psu coming out soon. Oriented towards OCers, e.g. has adjustable rails.

The EVOStream won't have adjustable rails, we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

[Hardware-Addict]

we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

I assume that you're talking about the "old news", right Eric ?
[ a "leet" power guy ] { Dr_H here Eric }

[uOpt]

The EVOStream won't have adjustable rails, we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

Will it be a singl-rail, or at most dual-rail design?

[RyderOCZ]

Will it be a singl-rail, or at most dual-rail design?

I don't even have that info yet, this is very early stages....my info is just that we are working on a PSU with adjustable rails

[jagt]

You maybe refering to 600W model.
Actually OCZ and FSP Epsilon - both 700W - cost about the same.

Uhm, no, I meant the 700W model. But the Epsilon is a tad cheaper here atleast, but that might change. Still a few months before I'm in the marked for a new PSU

[LikwidKool]

I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?

I put my GX on my wife's baking scale and it weighs 4.03lbs.

As for noise, load and idle are no different. It is SILENT!!!!

Here's my short little review It is nothing like George's but then again what is!?

[eva2000]

I put my GX on my wife's baking scale and it weighs 4.03lbs.

As for noise, load and idle are no different. It is SILENT!!!!

Here's my short little review It is nothing like George's but then again what is!?

Hehe.. 661Ws huh... love the pics

[LikwidKool]

Yeah I am packing a punch hugh!

[dogsx2]

4.03lbs to be exact vs 5.14lbs of the Power Stream

Has the rule of " the more a psu weights, the better it is"? 4lbs is a lightweight.

[gocchin]

Awesome writeup as always eva.

I received a GameXtream from OCZ Canada early last week. Out of the box using a DMM, I found my rails to be tuned a little on the low side. However they are solid rails. PSU has great molex connectors and is a little on the loud side under load. The 20+4 pin connector no longer connects together as it did on the powerstreams, they just kinda sit next to each other... I did also find it to be a bit lightweight but it is physically shorter than the powerstream and is still constructed quite well.

I feel the fan controller in the unit ramps up too quickly. While I was testing it under load, it was pretty loud even though the air coming out the back of it was still reasonably cool. I initially tried it in my P180 setup which is a silent watercooled project hoping that the 120mm fan would be a good replacement for the 2 x 80mm fans that were in my 600w Powerstream... let's just say that an S12 has gone in there now for silence purposes...

I'll be using this unit to bench Yonah and Merom and I'm sure it will shine performance wise!