PSU with power monitoring

[porina]

I'm looking at getting a PSU to run a test bench, and want some kind of power monitoring and reporting. These PSUs also connect to the PC by USB, and can report info about power usage. Use cases will probably cover single CPU + GPU in competitive overclocking (sub ambient cooling, not LN2), as well as other testing scenarios where power monitoring is of more interest.

 

I already own two from Corsair HXi series which are fine. I don't have to get another one so am looking around to see what else is there. I notice the NZXT E-series also offers the same, and might offer more useful breakdown of power. Looking at the software it seems able to break out CPU, GPU and other. presumably depending on which connector is used. E.g. Power over EPS assumed to go to CPU. Power over PCIe assumed to go to GPU. I don't recall that being a function offered by Corsair HXi.

 

A quick trip to the tier list puts the Corsair HXi series in A+, the NZXT E-series in A. One requirement I have is that the PSU should have two EPS connectors, and it looks like I'd have to go to 850W PSU to get that from NZXT.

 

Is there any reason I shouldn't get the NZXT? Are there other digitally reporting PSUs I should consider?

 

 

[LukeSavenije]

nzxt e-series is a focus based unit

 

but unlike the others, it's actually modified and has a working ocp

[porina]

3 minutes ago, LukeSavenije said:

nzxt e-series is a focus based unit

 

but unlike the others, it's actually modified and has a working ocp

Is that good? I'm not familiar with the OEMs of PSUs or their topologies.

[PopsicleHustler]

Asus ROG Thor got OLED screen that shows wattage.

[porina]

5 minutes ago, PopsicleHustler said:

Asus ROG Thor got OLED screen that shows wattage.

Looks nice but doesn't appear to have any obvious reporting ability back to the system.

[LukeSavenije]

45 minutes ago, porina said:

Is that good? I'm not familiar with the OEMs of PSUs or their topologies.

the focus has problems with overcurrent protection and ripple, but the nzxt e doesn't, that just applies to direct copies from for example xfx

[porina]

7 minutes ago, LukeSavenije said:

the focus has problems with overcurrent protection and ripple, but the nzxt e doesn't, that just applies to direct copies from for example xfx

So it's ok then? Again, it's listed under "A" in the current tier list so I would hope it is ok.

 

What would be the symptom of OCP problems? Sudden system shutdown?

[Velcade]

You could hook an UPS up to your test bench and get power draw graphs

[Frenky]

Or just get a power meter for in the socket in the wall. Would do exactly the same

[Stefan Payne]

I use my COrsair HX750i with HWinfo.

No idea if that works with the NZXT.

[LukeSavenije]

21 minutes ago, porina said:

So it's ok then? Again, it's listed under "A" in the current tier list so I would hope it is ok.

 

What would be the symptom of OCP problems? Sudden system shutdown?

it's okay, but not as good as the hxi

[porina]

 

23 minutes ago, Frenky said:

Or just get a power meter for in the socket in the wall. Would do exactly the same

Already got one, but it only gives total power. Corsair HXi can also show conversion efficiency, and split between 3.3V, 5V, 12V rails. NZXT one looks like it can even split the 12V rails to CPU/GPU. Similar applies to @Velcade suggestion of UPS to do same.

21 minutes ago, Stefan Payne said:

I use my COrsair HX750i with HWinfo.

No idea if that works with the NZXT.

I already have two HXi PSUs in other systems so I'm familiar with that. The NZXT is interesting because it seems able to split out the power rails more than the HXi does.

[unsungheroist]

corsair axI series full digital controller with internal reporting.. in my opinion within 90% accuracy 

[porina]

41 minutes ago, unsungheroist said:

corsair axI series full digital controller with internal reporting.. in my opinion within 90% accuracy 

I'm aware it is essentially a higher end offering to the HXi, but does it report any differently? I think I'd rate quantity of information over quality of PSU in this use scenario.

[seon123]

45 minutes ago, unsungheroist said:

in my opinion within 90% accuracy 

How tf is accuracy an opinion? Either you have a load tester or another way to measure the actual output, and use it to compare to the software reading. Alternatively, you just have absolutely no way of knowing how accurate it is. 

[porina]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I've ordered the NZXT now. I'm sold on the reporting side which will potentially aid my testing.

[Guest]

4 hours ago, porina said:

I'm aware it is essentially a higher end offering to the HXi, but does it report any differently? I think I'd rate quantity of information over quality of PSU in this use scenario.

Yes.  The AXi is completely different.  It's fully digital and reports per rail.

 

HXi is an analog PSU with digital monitoring.