Antec, Cooler Master, and Thermaltake are well established brands in the computer power supply market. In this article, we'll be examining some of their high end power supplies catering to users with multi-core and multiple GPUs. The participants include Antec's Signature 850w, Cooler Master's UCP 900w and Thermaltake's Toughpower CM 1000w. They will be strapped to our new power supply test system and will be evaluated on efficiency, noise, ripple, and voltage regulation.

Antec Signature 850w (SG 850)

While it's not their highest capacity power supply, the Signature series is definitely Antec's flagship line of power supplies. Clad in a black steel shell, it almost looks nondescript... like any other power supply. It doesn't have a giant fan, LED's or a special paint job: it looks like it's just about getting down to business. It features an SLI certification for almost all dual video card setups save for the 8800 Ultra, GTX 285 and GTX 295. This will be interesting since we're going to be loading it up with our triple 8800 GTX test rig.

Features:

• 80 PLUS® Bronze Certified – 82% or more efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% load
• DC to DC Regulator Modules: ensure supreme system stability
• 80mm cooling fan uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for whisper-quiet operation
• Highest quality Japanese fan and capacitors ensure long-term reliability
• Dual density PC board layout provides better airflow, reduces electrical noise, and allows heavier components
• Advanced hybrid cable management improves airflow and reduces clutter
• Universal Input and Active PFC allow the Signature 850 to operate efficiently on any power grid in the world
• AQ5 - Antec Quality five-year parts and labor warranty
• Safety: UL/CUL, TUV, CE, CB, CCC, FCC Class B, C-Tick
• Industrial grade protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits (SCP), over voltages (OVP), over power (OPP), over temperature (OTP), and over current (OCP)
• MTBF: 100K Hours Min At Max. Load 230VAC And 25°C Ambient Conditions.
• Turn-on Delay Time: 500ms max at any condition
• Hold-up Time: 17mS min.@115Vac/60Hz respect to +5V o/p (95%)
• Overshoot: Any overshoot at turn on or turn off shall be less than 10% of the normal value.
• Net Weight: 6.14 lbs
• Size: 3.4" (H) x 5.9" (W) x 7.1" (D)