Epilogue
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 1000W is a highly efficient PSU, scoring Platinum in the Cybenetics ETA scheme. At the same time, it keeps its noise output low. I would like to see higher efficiency numbers at light and super-light loads, but its average efficiency is pretty high overall. The APFC converter also operates well, even at 230V, where most APFC converters are not tuned properly. Load regulation on the minor rails could be tighter, and ripple suppression at 12V under full load should be better. These two dropped the average performance, especially the increased ripple at 12V at 100% load. On the other hand, the unit’s transient response is very good, under both normal and high loads (the ones required by the ATX v3.1 specification).
Regarding build quality, I didn’t find anything out of order. On the contrary, the soldering quality is good and the use of Elite capacitors is fine with me, since this brand is among the best alternatives to the typical Japanese capacitor makers. Thanks to the new Cybenetics capacitor performance database, we have actual data on this hot subject and will no longer base our conclusions on rumors spread on the internet anymore.
I will soon add more tests regarding the PSU’s protection features, and EMC pre-compliance testing will return soon. I know I keep adding stuff to my reviews, and the day only has 24 hours, but thankfully, I have a bunch of competent engineers in the lab who help me with all testing.
Before investing in a new power supply, read my Best ATX v3.x PSUs article to check all alternative PSU offerings. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.
- Delivered full power at 46°C
- High build quality
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe CEM 5.1 compliant
- Efficient platform
- Silent operation
- Properly set 12V OCP and OPP
- Within 1% load regulation at 12V
- Good ripple suppression on the minor rails
- Good transient response on all rails (normal loads)
- Good transient response at 12V at high loads (ATX v3.1)
- High enough PF readings
- Efficient 5VSB rail
- Low vampire power
- Increased hold-up time
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- 12+4-pin PCIe connector set at 600W
- Quality (Rifle bearing) fan
- Adequate distance between the peripheral connectors
- Increased ripple at 12V at 100% load @ 45°C
- Relatively loose load regulation on the minor rails
- Lower than 70% efficiency with a 2% load
- Highly set OCP triggering points on the minor rails
- Increased inrush currents at 230V
- No fan failure protection
Also why did fsp also saving cost on bigger NTCs? 160A+ inrush is very high for my liking 🧐
Too high for my liking*
Imo, pretty overpriced for the build quality it offers.