ActivePFC

[zztopp]

Hello. Just learned that my CoolerMaster 700w '80plus' PSU with 'ActivePFC' has damaged my video card, mobo, and possibly the CPU, voiding the mfr warranties. In just 4 months of operation and weel within the 5yr warranty for the PSU. Reason: voltage is outside tolerance for the components.

CoolerMaster has 'gone dark' since learning of my problem. I am unable to engage them for a remedy.

I have contacted 80 to learn more about that certification and would like to understand ActivePFC as well, before approaching the FTC.

In my actual experience '80Plus' and 'ActivePFC' are just buzzwords for an industry-wide deception.

Re CoolerMaster, you have been warned...

If you begin to notice your video display is 'wobbling' slightly, be advised. You may have much bigger problems than just your GPU.

 

[roonj]

According to Hardwaresecrets.com this power supply was tested and reviewed on July 14, 2009 and failed. It failed due to execessive noise generation on the 5v standby and both the 12v and -12v beyond 60% useage, specifically it failed at 80% and 100% usage test. It also failed on overprotection circuit in that it took 32amps to activate protection across 2 virtual rails when the rails were designed to reach only 19 amps.
The ATX specification and EPS specifications were therfore not met and the units were marketed anyway. CoolerMaster is/was advised of the results and apparently choose to ignore it and sell the units anyway.
Seems like a pretty easy case to win for damages.
Unfortunately this leads to who certified this unit within the federal requirements? Did they just rely on the fact that 3 other high end marketers used some of the same equipment and didn't actually test it, they just handed certification blindly,yes.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

roonj

I just read the review you referenced. Coolermaster has three 700 watt power supplies that are 80+ rated. Is the Coolermaster 700 watt power supply in the review the same model that zztopp has? I can't tell. ztopp never identified the exact model.

Here is a link to the Hardware Secrets review you referenced in your post:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/759/1

You interpretation of the technical review is interesting to say the least.

Here are links to additional technical reviews:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=141

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1570/cooler_master_ucp_700w_power_supply/index.html

http://www.hwreviewlabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=60

http://cluboc.net/reviews/power/coolermaster/Ultimate700/index.asp

What federal requirements are you referring to? Please post a link so I can have a look. I am not aware of any federal requirements. I'd like to read those requirements.

 

[zztopp]

COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Model
Brand COOLER MASTER
Model RS-700-AMBA-D3
Spec
Type ATX12V V2.3
Maximum Power 700W
Fans 135mm silent fan
PFC Active
+12V Rails Single
PCI-Express Connector 2 x 6+2-Pin
SATA Power Connector 9
SLI Certified
CrossFire Ready
Modular Yes
Power Good Signal 100-500ms
Hold-up Time 17ms min.
Efficiency > 85%
Energy-Efficient 80 PLUS Certified
Over Voltage Protection Yes
Overload Protection Yes
MTBF >100,000 Hours
Approvals NEMKO, TUV, CE, GOST, C-tick, UL, FCC
Features
Connectors 1 x Main connector (20+4Pin)
1 x CPU 4+4 Pin
5 x Peripheral
9 x SATA
1 x Floppy
2 x PCI-E
Features Modularized cable design to eliminate clutter and improve airflow inside the chassis
Two 6+2 pin PCI-e connectors for multiple graphic card set-ups
Energy efficient design that meets 80 Plus requirements
Single + 12V rail provides more power for over-clock
Compliant with Intel standard ATX 12V V2.3
Super silent operation with intelligent 135mm fan speed control
Protection: OVP / UVP / OCP / OPP / OTP / SCP / OLP
Unique combination of copper plates with aluminum heat sinks to efficiently cooled
Flat cable design for easier cable arrangement
High quality components including Japanese made capacitors
Silicon shock absorption rubber pads around the edges of the power supply
Green power design that meets energy star, blue angel and RoHS requirements
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts 5 years limited
Labor 5 years limited

 

[JohnnyLucky]

zztopp - thanks

roonj - The power supply model you referred to does not appear to be the same model zztopp is referring to.

Here are links to technical reviews of the model zztopp mentioned:

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/psus/2008/08/12/cooler-master-silent-pro-700w/1

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/power_supply/cooler_master_silent_pro_700w_modular_psu/1