1. Introduction
We have tested many OCZ power supply products but none of them ever had the modular cabling system. The new ModXStream series comprises two models the 780W and 900W, and have all the potential features to become your next best friend when choosing a real PSU. What can you expect from the OCZ ModXStream 780W power supply?
- OCZ ModXStream 780W Power Supply
The OCZ ModXStream Series is a new line of power supplies designed to offer consumers a combination of OCZ’s legendary PSU architecture and an efficient modular cable management system. Available in 780W and 900W models, the high efficiency ModXStream offers the industry’s highest performing modular power supplies on the market.
As a gamer or case modder, modular cabling is a necessity when building a cool and orderly system. To optimize airflow and eliminate cable mazes, the ModXStream power supply is equipped with EZMod technology to allow complete customization of your power system by utilizing only the cables you require.
The ModXStream was engineered to be the quietest PSU available so gamers can hear their games and not their PC. Kept ultra-cool with a load-controlled 120mm fan, the powerful ModXStream still remains virtually silent and supremely cool even at peak loads.
Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and enthusiasts. Complete with 2(780W)/4(900W) PCI-Express cables and six serial ATA connectors, the rock solid ModXStream is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU and setups. With a sustained output of 780W or 900W and four +12V rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the ModXStream is the superlative solution for and driving today's higher end systems.
The OCZ ModXStream provides Universal Input and Active PFC (Power Factor Correction) to effectively regulate input voltage across worldwide power grids and maintain an economical, yet stable supply of power.
All OCZ ModXStream power supplies come backed with an industry-leading three year OCZ PowerSwap Warranty for the ultimate peace of mind.
- Features
- 780W & 900W Configurations
- OCZ PowerWhisper™ Technology
- Internal 120mm fan
- Blue LEDs
- 3 year warranty backed by OCZ’s exclusive PowerSwap™ replacement program. No more endless return-for-repair loops!
- Technical specifications
- 150 x 140 x 86mm
- ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V
- OCZ ConnectAll™ universal connectors
- High efficiency
- > 80% @ 115V (Typical load)
- > 80% @ 230V (Typical load)
- Overvoltage/Overcurrent/Short-Circuit protection
- Active PFC
- MTBF:100,000 hours
- 100~240Vac 10-5A 50/60Hz
2. The Retail Package
OCZ, for our testing purposes sent us the retail package of the ModXStream 780W Power Supply with part number (OCZ780MXS). Its retail price is €169. The retail package is simple, and includes the PSU itself, a power cord, cables and a printed manual.
The PSU is standard size (150 x 140 x 86mm) certified for ATX v2.2. The PSU has a 120mm semi-translucent cooling fan which lights up blue when operating. Case modders will love the bright blue color for their designs :-).
The external black coating has a good looking finish and adds points to the overall look and design. The rear of the OCZ PSU has the perforated honeycomb design, which helps keep the PSU cool, as well as drawing air through its 120mm from the case and blowing it out the back.
At the side we find a label with all the PSU specs and ratings:
The ModXStream has a total of four +12V rails. Each +12Vv rail supports 20A with a total of 80A at 720 watts. Each of the +3.3V and 5V rails support up to 30A each for a total of 175 watts. That is a peak total of 895 watts. So we can say that most SLI and Crossfire users are covered.
The ModXStream series include modular cables, but unfortunately there are no labels on the black braided leads to indicate which cable goes where exactly.
Only the cables supplying power to the motherboard are pre-attached. We didn't like the fact that 20+4 cables do not "clip" together, so when installing and removing you have take care:
There are numerous cables included to cover all your needs.
3. Testing
To test the PSU, we put our system under heavy load using CPU+3D with 3D Mark 06 v1.0.2. Our test PC was as follows:
- ASUS M2N32Pro WS + AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ AM2
- Gainward 8800GTX
- 2x1GB Crucial PC2-8000
- 1xWD 80JB SATA I
- 1xSeagate 80GB SATAII
All PSU ratings were monitored with Everest Ultimate Edition v3.0. The following table lists the industry wide specifications for DC Output Voltage Regulation.
After running 3D Mark 06, the monitored outputs showed us how much deviation the PSU rails had produced. A summary of the results is given in the following table:
|
Minimum |
Maximum |
Average |
CPU1 |
% |
0 |
100 |
54,9 |
CPU2 |
% |
0 |
100 |
39,2 |
CPU Core |
V |
1,34 |
1,34 |
1,34 |
+3.3 V |
V |
3,25 |
3,26 |
3,25 |
+5 V |
V |
4,89 |
4,93 |
4,92 |
+12 V |
V |
12,22 |
12,30 |
12,28 |
The results are very good. All ratings are within the specifications, while even at full load, the voltage only changes by 0.01~0.08V. Adding a second VGA card will not trouble this PSU.
4. Conclusion
OCZ Technology has many PSU lines for all categories of users. Before the ModXStream series, all previously tested OCZ PSU products had not included the modular cabling system. That was a point negative point in all of our conclusions. The ModXSteam series now covers that need. While the product has not been rated "SLI/CrossFire" Ready, it can without any doubt handle both VGA setups. And to boot, OCZ offers the 3 years PowerSwap replacement program warranty!
Overall, the ModXStream 780W is a nice PSU that most users will find quiet and stable. The retail price of €169 is on the high side, but then again, buying a stable and trustful PSU does cost something extra.
- The Good
- 780Watt output
- Active PFC design
- 3 years warranty replacement
- Looks great with backlight fan
- ATX v2.2 certified
- Plenty of connectors
- Modular cabling system
- Light weight
- Stable voltages under heavy load
- The Bad
- High priced (depends on you budget :-)