FSP Booster X3 300w 12v PSU

Load Testing

In order for the results from all current and future PSU reviews to remain fair and comparable, Overclock3D uses a custom built Power Supply load stress tester.

The tester is capable of placing loads on the following rails:

 

+3.3v – 20a Load
+5.0v – 20a Load
+12v1 – 10a Load
+12v2 – 10a Load
+12v3 – 10a Load
+12v4 – 10a Load
(or 10-40a on a single +12v rail)

The results are collected from a Mastech MAS-345 Multimeter which logs its readings via RS232 to a PC.

Today i will be testing the FSP Booster X3 at 80% load (20 amps), which is as close to the maximum rated output of 25 amps as the tester can get before it trips the power supplies over-load protection.

At 80% load the +12v rail in the Booster X3 moved only by 0.05v, which is an amazing result, considering most high-end power supplies can’t even match this stability! This is just the kind of voltage stability that the latest graphics cards require for trouble free operation.

Efficiency Testing

Efficiency tests are performed by measuring the wattage consumed by the power supply at the mains against the power (in watts) consumed by the OC3D power supply stress tester.

The results may not be as accurate as those produced by professional testing equipment, but will certainly come in handy when comparing several power supplies against each other.

The Booster X3 300w was placed under a load of 240 watts. This counts for a total of 80% of the power supplies rated output. At this load, the power supply required 286 watts from the mains to produce the 240 watts required by our custom made power supply tester.

Therefore the efficiency of this power supply can be found by a simple equation: (240 / 286) * 100, which works out to be an efficiency rating of 83.9%

Noise Testing

As previously said in the review, the Booster X3 utilises 2x 40mm fans manufacturered by Protechnic Electronics. Unfortunately i have been unable to find any specifications on these fans, so rather than discussing figures lets take a look at (or listen to) the fact.

Under idle conditions the Booster X3 produces a silent hum which i’d estimate to be around 20-24dBA. With the unit installed inside my case, the noise level was reduced slightly to the point where it could barely be heard over the case fans.

When placed under load, the speed of the cooling fans increased dramatically causing the noise levels to also increase. After around 30 minutes at load I’d estimate the noise level to be around 33-35dBa. Smaller diameter fans are well known for producing a high pitched ‘squealing’ and this was certainly present in the cooling methods adopted by the Booster X3.