Protection Features
OCP (Normal @ 29.6°C) | 12V: 127.80A (127.80%), 11.986V 5V: 28.6A (143.00%), 5.033V 3.3V: 29.9A (149.50%), 3.319V 5VSB: 4.6A (153.33%), 4.892V |
OCP (Hot @ 45.2°C) | 12V: 122.40A (122.40%), 12.000V 5V: 29.9A (149.50%), 5.015V 3.3V: 28.5A (142.50%), 3.322V 5VSB: 4.4A (146.67%), 4.894V |
OPP (Normal @ 29.9°C) | 1483.43W (123.62%) |
OPP (Hot @ 45.1°C) | 1445.66W (120.47%) |
OTP | ✓ (135°C @ Heat Sink) |
SCP | 12V to Earth: ✓ 5V to Earth: ✓ 3.3V to Earth: ✓ 5VSB to Earth: ✓ -12V to Earth: ✓ |
PWR_OK | Proper Operation |
UVP (Full Load @ 90V) | ✓ |
UVP (No Damage @ 80V) | ✓ |
Conducted Emissions EN55032 & CISPR 32 | ✓ |
NLO | ✓ |
Fan Failure Protection | ✗ |
SIP | Surge: MOV Inrush: NTC & Bypass Relay |
The 12V rail’s OCP triggering points are generally set correctly, as they are set below 130% and effectively protect the PSU under stressful conditions, given the significant difference between normal and high temperatures. On the contrary, the 5V rail’s OCP triggering points are set sky-high, and the opposite applies; OCP is set higher at high temperatures than at normal ones. The 3.3V rail’s OCP triggering points are also set high, but here, at least, the triggering point is lower under high temperatures.
The over power protection’s triggering points are conservatively set, and there is a 3% (give or take) difference between normal and high temperatures. The rest of the essential protection features are present except fan failure, which is not present in most desktop PSUs (unfortunately).
EMC Pre-Compliance at a Glance
Every electronics device, including PSUs, can be an EMI source, which, depending on the amount of EMI emitted, can affect the proper operation of nearby devices. EMI can, in some extreme cases, even render them unusable. Some standards have been established to minimize EMI noise. The corresponding standards for IT (Information Technology) products are CISPR 32 and its derivative EN 55032, which is for products sold in the EU. In the EU, every product featuring the “CE” marking has to comply with the EN 55032 standard. CISPR 32 and EN 55032 standards divide devices into two classes, A and B. B-class equipment is for domestic environments, so their permitted EMI emissions are significantly lower than for A-class devices.
Our equipment for EMI readings:
- Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 (loaded with all options)
- Tekbox TBLC08 LISN
- Tekbox TBFL1 transient limiter
- Tekbox EMCview software
CISPR 32 / EN55032 Limits | ||
CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class A Conducted EMI Limit | ||
Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Conducted Limit (dBuV) | |
Quasi-peak | Average | |
0.15 – 0.50 | 79 | 66 |
0.50 – 30.0 | 73 | 60 |
CISPR 32 / EN 55032 Class B Conducted EMI Limit | ||
Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Conducted Limit (dBuV) | |
Quasi-peak | Average | |
0.15 – 0.50 | 66 – 56 | 56 – 46 |
0.50 – 5.00 | 56 | 46 |
5.00 – 30.00 | 60 | 50 |
CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class A 10-Meter Radiated EMI Limit | ||
Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Field Strength Limit (dBuV/m) | |
30 – 88 | 39 | |
88 – 216 | 43.5 | |
216 – 960 | 46.5 | |
> 960 | 49.5 | |
CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class B 3-Meter Radiated EMI Limit | ||
Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Field Strength Limit (dBuV/m) | |
30 – 88 | 40 | |
88 – 216 | 43.5 | |
216 – 960 | 46.0 | |
> 960 | 54.0 |
Please note that the ATX spec allows a 4 dB margin for conducted and radiated emissions. This means that if a PSU exceeds the limits but stays within the 4 dB margin, it meets the corresponding ATX spec requirement (8.1 Emissions).
EMI Results
The PSU’s conducted emissions are in control.
Would you go for this one or the NZXT C1200 3.1?
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been waiting for this review forever haha. One question: for your note on the lack of protection feature “The matter that Montech needs to take into account is the unit’s protection features, where I noticed some unusual settings in the over current protection on the minor rails that need to be corrected accordingly.”, what type of users/use cases will need to pay attention to this and may potentially want to opt for a unit with better protection? Thanks.
I am afraid there is not much a user can do to avoid issues with not properly tuned protection features. There is no way to constantly monitor the PSU or avoid situations where a rail can be overloaded by a part malfunction, for instance. This is why I pay so much attention to protection features.
Thanks for the response. That is *slightly* concerning then haha. Would you have any insights regarding the Super Flower Leadex III 1000 Watt unit? It’s now this 1200W Montech unit for $130 or that 1000W Leadex III unit for $110 for me. $20 difference. Great deal on both. I know you did a review on the 1300W unit and that one also did not seem to have flying colors with it so I guess it’s time I pick my poison haha. Thanks.
Leadex units are made by SF itself, not from another OEM, so typically they are pretty good PSUs. About the protection features on this specific unit, not sure though until l check it.
Would you just err on the safe side and get a Corsair RM850x Shift then? It is also in the same price range for me. I was interested in these 1000W+ units because of their prices, but if neither the Montech Century II nor Super Flower Leadex III 1000W ATX 3.1 have solid protection features, I’d rather get a less wattage unit for better protection. I only have a 5070 Ti. Thanks.
Thank you for the reviews.