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Product:
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I-Star TC-750PD2 750W PSU |
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Price:
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$251 (CDN) / $225 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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I-Star USA
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Author:
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Mars
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Date:
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June 21st, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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As we can see the aluminum heatsink is positioned right down the middle of the circuit board directly in line with the air
flow for maximum efficient cooling. In order to make 750w of reliable power you need top quality components such as heavy
gauge wire and large capacitors and toroids.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The output stage resistors and diodes are affixed to the aluminum heatsink for maximum heat dissipation. Space is at a premium,
and every square millimeter was used effectively, and had I-Star installed a rear cooling fan, the overall length of the PSU
would have been about 30mm longer. I-Star has even used a ferrite core on the AC input wires to prevent AC interference or as
it is often referred to “noise” a nice touch.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to get all of that 750w goodness through the PCB you need large high current carrying capable tracers, and here I-Star
did not cut any corners. This is evident in the fan they chose to use. The Sunon fan with the model number PMD1208PTB3-A (2) F.GN
has the following specifications:
- Model: PMD2408PTB3-A
- Rated Voltage (VDC): 12
- Power Current (AMP): 0.26
- Power Consumption (WATTS): 3.1
- Bearing: 2 Ball Bearing
- Speed (RPM): 3900
- Air Flow (CFM): 49
- Static Pressure (Inch-H2O): 0.30
- Noise (dBA): 42
- Weight (g): 100
As Stated previously the I-Star TC-750PD2 has dedicated quad 12V rails for added extra system stability and lower thermal dissipation,
and with an efficiency rating of over 80% it needs less power which helps to save on electricity bills and requires less cooling
requirements. Having dealt with car audio on a competitive basis I know all about power and efficiency, and when I look at the design
properties of this PSU it does have its merits. The only drawback about the cooling fan is that it is a bit noisy compared to some
retail PSU's I am familiar with, but then again this power supply is an “industrial” unit designed for servers that are usually in a
separate room where noise is not a factor. In some of my past reviews I have shown that you cannot have maximum cooling with minimal
noise.
Testing:
I will test the TC-750PD2 using the following hardware.
- Asus A8N32-SLI DLX
- 2 x BFG 7900GT SLI
- AMD 64 3500 (Venice) (OC’d to 2.4 Ghz)
- Plextor 716SA DVD Burner (S.A.T.A)
- 2 x Seagate 120Gb S.A.T.A Hard Drives (Raid 1)
- 1 x Seagate 160Gb S.A.T.A Hard Drive
- Fluke D.V.O.M
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Click image for larger view
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Conclusion:
After spending a few days testing the I-Star TC-750PD2 PSU under a variety of simultaneous conditions such as gaming,
DVD ripping, and running benchmark applications such as 3DMark05, this PSU did not fluctuate even a hundredth of a volt.
The TC-750PD2 PSU may not have enough flash and sizzle for some users, but for pure raw power this thing is a brute with
its quad 12v rails, SLI ready, and 750w of available power. The TC-750PD2 is strong enough to run the most demanding system
out there today. With the strong qualities that usually come from industrial or commercial type products this PSU is going
to be the one component that will not fail for years to come, and in the rare event it does it is back one of the longest
warranties in the industry at five years. The only issue for some users might be the amount of noise the cooling fan
generates, or the fact that the cables are not pre sleeved, as is a common feature in today’s retail market. I personally
have always chosen the steak over the sizzle when it comes to my purchasing habits. I find too many products that are out
there are loaded with wow factor, and do not perform all that well. Despite the two negatives I found, I am quite impressed
with I-Star TC-750PD2 PSU and I am award a final rating of 8 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review, be sure to visit the I-Star USA
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Top quality components
- SLI capable
- Native 24-pin motherboard connector
- Tidy wiring runs
- Solid construction
- Overbuilt quality
- Five year warranty
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Cons:
- Wiring runs are not sleeved
- Cooling fan is louder than most
- No use of modular cable design
- Price
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