Rick said:
Troll. Either that or he's confusing their GameXStream line
(which has been out only a few weeks) with their previous
ModStream or PowerStream lines.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/07/11/stress_test/page21.html
OCZ unit failed test.
We had problems with testing our first sample and are working with the
manufacturer on the reasons why. In the meantime, OCZ representatives
have told us the following:
*"We are proactively working with the editors at Toms Hardware Guide to
*understand what happened to the PowerStream test units during the "Live
*Stress Test." These units were tested under full load in our facility
*for 48 hours prior to being sent to Germany. We have also not witnessed
*any of these anomalies with customers in the field. To proactively
*address the issue the power supplies are being sent back to our labs in
*the United States for a complete diagnosis. OCZ remains committed to
*the design and manufacture of high end power supplies that address the
*unique needs of gamers, high power users, and enthusiasts."
"Not witnessed...with customers in the field"....this is not true. Two
went belly up, quickly, in a fairly standard system: A8N-E, single
6600GT, 2 x 512, etc.
The rest of that paragraph, apparently written by a publicist or
attorney: I see "bullshit bingo" terms such as "proactively" and
"committed" "unique"...
http://www.bullshitbingo.net/cards/bullshit/
Test results:
OZC PowerStream (600 watts)
Test Phase 1
Increase load from 20% to 100% of nominal load limit
*Failed*
OZC PowerStream (600 watts)
Test Phase 2
Steady load at 100% nominal load 600 watts
*Failed*
Note from PC Power/Cooling CEO:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/07/11/stress_test/page23.html
Statement From PC Power & Cooling
We would like to take the opportunity of including a statement from CEO
of PC Power & Cooling that we just received.
An honest power supply rating is for CONTINUOUS operation at FULL LOAD.
24 hours is a very short test. There should be no complaints! A PSU
should actually run at full load for weeks and months with no problems.
The voltages and output ripple should be within ATX specs at full load.
The tests are NOT too tough. In fact, they're easy, because they are run
at nominal input line voltage and room temperature. I suggest that tests
be conducted at low line voltage and high line voltage using a variac.
These tests would demonstrate the PSU's input operating range and
whether or not the PSU could withstand the sags and surges in today's
world at full load.
Another legitimate test condition is to run the PSUs at full load with
the ambient temperature elevated about 15C to represent the real-life
condition in the computer, rather than the condition on the test bench
(many power supplies have exaggerated wattage claims based on low
ambient temperature assumptions). One more important test would be a
dynamic load test (instantaneous pulse of the +12V output). This would
demonstrate a PSU's ability to handle multiple hard drive access
(servers) or quick changes in CPU and video power loads (gaming PCs,
especially SLI).
In conclusion, the stress tests being conducted by Tom's Hardware are
more than fair. Products that do not pass should be redesigned or
de-rated to realistic power levels.
Doug Dodson, CEO, PC Power & Cooling
In the above from PCPC, I see some product design/engineering comments,
but no "we have not witnessed any problems in the field" "proactive"
bullshit. No hardware manufacturer has a zero percent defect
rate...certainly not OCZ, based on my direct observation.
HTH,
BC
PS: despite their "proactive" work, OCZ did not follow up on what the
problem with their units was, the solution, etc....
