EP-1200P10 xScale

I can remember almost a year ago when 1.0 kilowatt power supply units first hit the market. Around that same time, people were testing their SLi and CrossFire setups, and with rumor of Quad-SLi later becoming a reality it seemed like everyone would be using this much power into the future. Looking back, I am thankful the motherboard manufacturers essentially killed this idea, since it really seems ridiculous to need four video cards for anything. But for those who live and die by the virtual sword (gaming), there are cost-friendly solutions such as the ePower Technology EP-1200P10 xScale 1200W PSU.

Certainly by now we can all agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with the newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call upon this much power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop manufacturers from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. ePower Technology builds several products for other manufacturers, such as Mushkin, but today it is our mission here at Benchmark Reviews to pick-apart the mighty 1200W ePower EP-1200P10 xScale PSU. With more connections and power than any modern computer could consume, we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Complete with four PCI-Express cables and twelve serial ATA connectors, the ePower EP-1200P10 xScale is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU teams and quad-core system setups. With a sustained output of 1200W over six +12V rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the EP-1200P10 xScale is very capable of driving today's highest-end systems. With these kinds of features, this unit will have no problem accommodating the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

The latest trend seemed to be 80-Plus efficiency, but since most PSU's are at least this efficient the label has lost meaning. And then without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. The ePower EP-1200P10 xScale does not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers (such as Hiper) are following suit. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues.

About the company: ePower Technologies

Founded in 1990, E-Power Technology is a leader in high performance PC power supply technology. Headquartered in City of Industry, California, the company has grown from a small supplier of PC power supply into a diversified manufacturer of high technology products including PC gaming, server, workstation and industrial power supply.

E-Power Technology products are currently used in a variety of professional and consumers markets including industrial server, PC gamer and general computing applications. The Silent Engine Power Supply is evident in every product we deliver - from superior development, to product availability, product reliability and value.

ePower Technologies Specifications

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