NZXT C1500 Platinum 1500W PSU Review
Power Efficiency and Ripple Testing
Voltage Ripple and Efficiency Testing
When reviewing new power supplies at OC3D, we use our dedicated SunMoon PSU Tester, one of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) tools in the company’s arsenal. Here we can see exactly how well a unit functions. We look at both a PSU’s efficiency and power stability. To do this, we utilise bespoke PSU testing equipment to give us an in-depth look at each power supply’s performance. This kind of data collection is not possible when using a PSU with standard PC components.
Power Efficiency
Given its 80+ Platinum and Cybenetics Titanium efficiency ratings, we knew that NZXT’s C1500 was going to perform well on our SunMoon testing unit. This power supply sits amongst the best performing power supplies that we have ever tested. That’s great news for anyone who’s energy conscious. That efficiency results in lower power bills and lowered PSU heat output. Both of those are great things.
We tested the C1500 in two ways. We first tested it with its Zero Fan mode enabled, and then with it disabled. When Zero Fan mode is disabled, this PSU will have its fans operating at all times. This slightly reduces this PSU’s efficiency levels at lower wattages, but not by much. At higher loads, both modes have fans spinning, making their efficiency levels identical.
Voltage Ripple
Voltage ripple is often underlooked by consumers, being best described as the stability of specific voltages that the PSU delivers. A PSU with bad ripple will see voltages vary a lot more. In extreme cases, this can can damage components or shorten their lifespans. Voltage ripple stability is one of the many reasons why you should buy a high-quality power supply. That means buying from a reputable brand and avoiding anything that isn’t 80+ certified.
An important thing to note here is that none of the PSUs in this graph are “bad”. Even bottom of the chart units like the original Corsair RM1000 (2014) bring usable within your system without any issues. We used this specific power supply within one of our main workstations for years, and we had no trouble with it. As we said before, only extreme levels of voltage ripple is dangerous.
Voltage ripple is an area where the NZXT C1500 Platinum excels. Voltage ripple is fairly consistent across load levels, with the C1500 being amongst the best ultra high wattage PSUs that we have tested.
