Our testing methodology for PSUs is straightforward, using a multi-meter and high-precision wattmeter and power analyser. The multi-meter and wattmeters are installed on the +12V, +5V, and +3.3V output rails. There are three distinct cables in a PSU that deliver +12V: PCIe, EPS, and Peripherals cables. We will be testing all +12V outputs in all three cables using a wattmeter.
With this, we can compare whether the +12V output for the PCIe cables, EPS cables, and peripherals has differences, particularly at higher loads. We also have a wattage and power meter for the entire system to monitor the total wattage pulled by the entire PC. The test computer's configuration is as follows below which is on an open-frame testbench.
Efficiency Graph
For the MONTECH CENTURY II 850W, wherein the peak efficiency is at 40% load, I will be using a mixture of software to achieve 40% load that pulls approximately 340~350W. I will also be checking voltage regulation at >50% load.
Results
I have tested the +3.3V, +5.0V, and +12.0V outputs of the power supply unit. As mentioned above, the +12V on three different cables has been tested. In all three load scenarios, the CENTURY II 850W showed impressively tight voltage regulation, particularly the +12V delivered on the EPS, PCIe, and Peripherals cables which are all under 1%. See the table below to see the voltage deviation in three load scenarios tested.
Voltage Regulation
Across all load scenarios testing, the +12V readings on the PCIe and EPS cables have the tightest voltage regulation. This means the CENTURY II 850W delivers stable power for the +12V PCIe and +12V EPS-connected components, the graphics cards and motherboard, in all load scenarios tested.
Acoustics
The CENTURY II 850W is one of the most silent power supply units I’ve tested this year, probably because of its unique grille mesh design that has smaller openings that dampen noise compared to PSUs with larger vent openings. At idle, less than 10% load, the sound meter gets a reading of 45 dBA. At >50% load, the reading goes up to 53 dBA. Considering that the FSP VITA GM 1000W had a reading of 55 dBA at >50% load, it goes to show that the CENTURY II’s vent design dampens noise. Our test system is in an open test bench without any form of sound insulation. In a typical desktop chassis wherein the PSU bay would likely have a fan filter at the bottom, noise should be even lower. There's also no coil whine observed from our tested power supply unit.
With this, we can compare whether the +12V output for the PCIe cables, EPS cables, and peripherals has differences, particularly at higher loads. We also have a wattage and power meter for the entire system to monitor the total wattage pulled by the entire PC. The test computer's configuration is as follows below which is on an open-frame testbench.
CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K (stock)
Cooling: Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS EXTREME X
Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3070 EAGLE OC
Memory: KLEVV CRAS XR5 RGB DDR5-6000 2x16GB Kit
Storage: ADATA Legend 960 Max 1TB / 2TB Seagate SkyHawk 5900 RPM
Cooling: Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS EXTREME X
Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3070 EAGLE OC
Memory: KLEVV CRAS XR5 RGB DDR5-6000 2x16GB Kit
Storage: ADATA Legend 960 Max 1TB / 2TB Seagate SkyHawk 5900 RPM
Efficiency Graph
For the MONTECH CENTURY II 850W, wherein the peak efficiency is at 40% load, I will be using a mixture of software to achieve 40% load that pulls approximately 340~350W. I will also be checking voltage regulation at >50% load.
Results
I have tested the +3.3V, +5.0V, and +12.0V outputs of the power supply unit. As mentioned above, the +12V on three different cables has been tested. In all three load scenarios, the CENTURY II 850W showed impressively tight voltage regulation, particularly the +12V delivered on the EPS, PCIe, and Peripherals cables which are all under 1%. See the table below to see the voltage deviation in three load scenarios tested.
Voltage Regulation
Across all load scenarios testing, the +12V readings on the PCIe and EPS cables have the tightest voltage regulation. This means the CENTURY II 850W delivers stable power for the +12V PCIe and +12V EPS-connected components, the graphics cards and motherboard, in all load scenarios tested.
Acoustics
The CENTURY II 850W is one of the most silent power supply units I’ve tested this year, probably because of its unique grille mesh design that has smaller openings that dampen noise compared to PSUs with larger vent openings. At idle, less than 10% load, the sound meter gets a reading of 45 dBA. At >50% load, the reading goes up to 53 dBA. Considering that the FSP VITA GM 1000W had a reading of 55 dBA at >50% load, it goes to show that the CENTURY II’s vent design dampens noise. Our test system is in an open test bench without any form of sound insulation. In a typical desktop chassis wherein the PSU bay would likely have a fan filter at the bottom, noise should be even lower. There's also no coil whine observed from our tested power supply unit.
