Testing
The following system was used to test the Power Supply:
– Processor: Intel i5 6600K @ 4.5 GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z270 Professional Gaming i7
– RAM: Ballistix Tactical Tracer 16GB DDR4 @ 2666MHz
– GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Founder’s Edition
– SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB
– HDD: WD 1TB Blue
– CPU Cooler: SilverStone Tundra TD02-E with NoiseBlocker eLoop B12-PS
– Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe White
– OS: Windows 10 64-bit
The above system has a power consumption of approximately 495W when in full load and 67W when idle, in order to test the efficiency of the Power Supply, the power draw of the system was measured at the wall socket. Also, the voltages were measured on the +12v +5v and +3.3v using a multi-meter.
To load the system to its maximum, the stability test of the AIDA64 Extreme (5.99.4900) was used and also paired with Intel Burn Test V2.
The Power Supply was tested with the system both at idle and at maximum load.
Power Supply efficiency
For rail voltage tolerance levels, ATX (Power Supply Design Guide) specify that a 5% variable fluctuation is acceptable.
Voltage oscillation idle
Voltage oscillation load
The noise level was measured at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 5 db.
Final thoughts
The FSP Hydro PTM 650W Platinum is available for around 100 USD or 140 EUR in all main online retailers. The power supply has great build quality both on the outside and inside, with quality components used. In terms of the internal layout, the passive cooling is done by two metallic heatsinks while the active cooling is done by the 135mm Protechnic Electric fan.
While other manufactures will use traces on the back of the PCB for their high end units, FSP decided to use wires for many of these connections. This will not affect the overall quality and performance of the power supply; however, it might create additional noise sources due to the airflow having to pass through the wires. The cables are completely flat and this includes the ATX 24-pin motherboard cable, a rare sight these days as many manufactures will have a regular sleeve over this cable.
The performance of the Hydro PTM 650W is great, the efficiency of this unit when in load, reaches a value of 90.1% and 84.4% when at idle.
In conclusion, the FSP Hydro PTM 650W Platinum offers plenty of good features to be considered, including good efficiency, all black and flat cables and a 135mm Protechnic Electric fan. The overall build quality is good and the design is unique, the rounded rectangles being present even as the pattern for the exhaust grill of the power supply.
The only inconvenient of this power supply is the price, at 140 Euro and 100 USD, this unit is competing with Seasonic’s Focus Plus Platinum units, that are cheaper and have a better sound performance. In addition, the soldering can be improved and traces be used instead of wires for a better look and perhaps, a lower noise.
