OCZ OCZ600SXS 600W StealthXStream Power Supply Review

 

OCZ OCZ600SXS 600W StealthXStream Power Supply Review

I recently took a look at a Foxconn motherboard that I used for a recent system build, I also needed a reliable power supply for it as well and choose an OCZ 600Watt StealthXStream PSU. I choose this PSU for two main reasons, quality and efficiency, since I know and trust OCZ products it was one of my first choices, but since the system would be running 24/7 at full load I was also looking for a way to possibly save a little money. So I choose this particular power supply because of the known quality, the fact that it is 'green' and also because it was relatively inexpensive compared to the others that were available at time of purchase.

I've had this power supply installed for almost two months now running 24 hours per day, 7 days a week at almost 100% load all the time and have not had one problem. Even at 100% load in conditions that are not the greatest, this power supply has remained stable and quiet working to keep the system up and running.

 

 

 


OCZ OCZ600SXS 600W StealthXStream Power Supply Review

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Sponsor: Nobody!

 

 

 

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

OCZ 600W StealthXStream Power Supply

OCZ StealthXStream / 600W / Active PFC

Designed for the value-minded gamer seeking simple but powerful performance, the StealthXStream includes OCZ?s acclaimed reliability and feature-sets with a lower price point. Ideal for system builders and enthusiasts who prefer a low-key PSU, the StealthXStream focuses on performance and quality made affordable for even the tightest budgets. It also excludes flashy LEDs ensuring the power supply does not pose as a distraction in your case.

The StealthXStream is kept supremely cool with a large 120mm fan features a standard ATX power supply form factor resulting in a compact footprint to accommodate virtually all computer towers. With a sustained output of 600W and four +12V rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the StealthXStream is well-suited for and driving today's higher end systems. The rock solid StealthXStream is built to provide sufficient output to power dual GPU and CPU platforms, complete with two PCI-Express cables and a 4/8 CPU auxiliary connector which are wrapped in a flexible mesh promoting a tidy environment inside the case.

The OCZ StealthXStream 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 StealthXStream power supplies come backed with an industry-leading three year OCZ PowerSwap Warranty for the ultimate peace of mind.

Specs:

-600W Configuration

-OCZ PowerWhisper? Technology

-Internal 120mm fan

-3 year warranty backed by OCZs exclusive PowerSwap Warranty 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:

1 x 20+4Pin ATX

2 x 4-pin CPU

(supports double CPUs/supplies stable voltage)

2 x PCI-E

5 x 4-pin Molex peripheral

1 x 4-pin floppy

3 x S-ATA

-High efficiency

80% @ 115V (Typical load)

83% @ 230V (Typical load)

-Overvoltage/Overcurrent/Short-Circuit protection

-Active PFC

-MTBF:100,000 hours

Part Numbers:

600W – OCZ600SXS

Price: $84.99 at time of review from NewEgg (there's also a $25.00 MIR that will bring the price down further)

A Better Look at Things

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In OCZ style the packaging is done stylish yet exciting, there's lots of information and pictures all over the box so you'll know exactly what's inside and what you're getting.

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As expected the PSU is packed very well, all wrapped in bubble wrap for protection during transit. In addition to the PSU we have the main power cable, user manual and mounting screws if needed.

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The OCZ StealthXStream has lots of ventilation holes to keep I running nice and cool, the 120mm fan on the bottom is made to be quiet yet move a lot of air around to keep things cool.

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Of course on one side is the identification and specifications label. If we hop on over to Johnny Gurus website and look up the UL# E243823 we find this information:

Modstream and Powerstream models built by Topower.

GameXstream built by FSP. Evostream built by 3Y.

It doesn't mention the StealthXStream but it's that same UL number.

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And of course we have a few connections, more than enough for most basic even higher end systems to run off of.

1 x 20+4Pin ATX

2 x 4-pin CPU

2 x PCI-E

5 x 4-pin Molex peripheral

1 x 4-pin floppy

3 x S-ATA

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Installation, Testing and Comparison


This system was a major upgrade from the previous single core AMD3500+ CCTV security system.

When installed and running the system consists of:

Foxconn 975X7AB-8EKRS2H Motherboard

Intel C2D E4500 w/GlacialTech 5750 Silent Cooler

2GB Super Talent PC2-6400

4xHDD (3x400GB – 1x500GB)

DVD/RW

MSI Nvidia 6200 Vid Card with Zalman VGA Cooler

GeoVision 16 channel 480FPS CCTV Capture card

3×120 mm fans

Vizo Propeller 2 System Cooler

OCZ 600Watt StealthXStream Power Supply

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During the time running this system I checked it often with my trusty multimeter, I know it's not the greatest way to test power supplies, but considering this system was under full load 24/7 for almost two months now I think that counts as 'real world' testing and if it was going to fail it would have by now, or any fluctuations would have been seen during this time on the power rails. The average user will not be running their PSU at almost 100% load 24 hours per day 7 days a week recording/capturing/storing video from 16 cameras, most users will hardly ever see full load on their systems even with hardcore gaming. The system as I configured it runs between 80% and 90% load all the time, depending on what the capture card is doing, even those figures are something that most users won't do with a dual core system normally or even gaming.

So I stuck my multimeter in there and got these results:

IDLE:

12v- 12.29v

5v – 4.98v-4.99v

LOAD:

12v- 12.25v-12.27v

5v – 4.99v

Under load you can see the 12v rail fluctuated a little bit, but that was only for the first couple minutes of powering the system on and getting everything running, after that time the 12v rail stabilized at 12.25v and stayed there for the majority of the time, but it did jump to 12.26v every so often, for the most part though it was stable at the 12.25v. The fluctuations in voltage coincided with the load on the system, so that's normal.

While I was building the system I also ran Orthos Stress Prime to achieve load as well for several hours, I got the same results for the voltages.

The one small problem that I ran into was the 5 Molex connections, the system that I built required more than that so I had to use a couple Molex splitters to accomplish what I needed to do.

Summary:

With the OCZ 600watt StealthXStream Power Supply we've got a nice combination of low price, quality, efficiency and stability that is hard to beat.

My use for this power supply might not be typical of most systems out there so the lack of Molex connections for me might not affect most other people out there as it did me.

DragonSteelMods gives the OCZ 600W StealthXStream Power Supply a 4.5 out of 5 score and our Recommended Award as well.

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Pros:

-Stable power

-Quiet

-Easy installation

-4x 12v rails @ 18a each

-High efficiency

-Low price

Cons:

-Might not have enough connections depending on system configuration

 

 

review# 452