Cold Test Results

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs - 2014 Pipeline post.

As expected, the performance of the 650W and the 750W versions of the Onyx is very similar, with the performance curves only slightly leaning to the right of the power axis for the higher wattage model. Both units have exactly the same nominal load range (20%-100%) efficiency, which is 88%. The energy conversion efficiency is excellent for 80Plus Bronze certified units, with remarkably high efficiency readings at lower and higher loads, but the peak efficiency of the units was not high enough to warrant them a better efficiency rating.

The internal operating temperatures of the Riotoro Onyx PSUs are very reasonable,  considering the power output and efficiency rating of the units. Their thermal control appears to be very simplistic, with the fans adjusting their speed according to the internal temperature of the units. The fan of the 650W model displays a “ladder” behavior, increasing its speed in steps in relation to the load, where the fan’s speed in the 750W model increases slightly more linearly. This is of no practical consequence to the users though as the sound pressure levels are about the same for an equal power load. 

External and Internal Design Hot Test Results: Hot Box at 45-50ºC
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  • fanofanand - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    Once upon a time I made the mistake of buying a high-end PSU from a relatively new outfit that was created by former execs and engineers from a high-profile component manufacturer. Everything seemed brilliant. Excellent power characteristics with nary a ripple, fully modular design, it seemed fantastic. Two years later it crapped out on me taking a few components with it (yes it was hooked up to surge protectors and a UPS). When I went to go back to the manufacturer whatdya know, they were already gone. I was left in the lurch with several fried components and no recourse for my warranty. Never again, I will stick with the known quantities on PSUs. It is a far more important component than many give it credit for.
  • feelingshorter - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    Had a Corsair PSU years back, started making a buzzing sound closer to the end of it's warranty. Corsair replaced it but the new PSU still made that buzzing sound. Bought a SeaSonic X650 back when it first came out for for $115-$120 (expensive b/c it was the first 80 plus gold at the time) and it has been rock solid without any electronic buzzing. I agree with your statement, I can't trust a new company either. Had a Nvidia graphics card fail and the company, BFG Tech disappeared. They offered a "life time warranty" and the card was barely past 2 years. No thanks. BFG Tech also sold PSUs and I was wondering if we are talking about the same company.
  • fanofanand - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    Nope, the company was Tagan, and I bought it based off this review (Gee thanks Anandtech.....)

    http://www.anandtech.com/show/2357

    I had the 700 watt version as I was one of the suckers who thought my 8800 and Q6600 "needed" 700 watts. I figured if their top end version was among the best of the best, surely their 700 watt would be just as solid. Apparently not.
  • BrokenCrayons - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    Anandtech and any other hardware reviewer can't really test long term reliability. They sample a single unit (potentially cherry picked by the vendor if the reviewer doesn't buy retail parts) which is never a statistically significant number and test it over the course of a short period of time. There's nothing AT can do to test for years' long operational capabilities.
  • fanofanand - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    Oh I know, I'm not actually blaming Anandtech, just taking a cheap shot. :)
  • Samus - Thursday, March 23, 2017 - link

    I purchased a PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750 Quad 10 years ago based on an anandtech review. Still have it, still works, and it was on a miner 24/7 for 4 years.
  • fanofanand - Friday, March 24, 2017 - link

    Cool story but how is that relevant? PC Power and Cooling wasn't an unknown entity ten years ago.
  • Galid - Monday, March 27, 2017 - link

    That is a complete sophism, sorry it happened to you, the new kid on the block deceived you back then but that is a fallacious argument. I beleive MILLIONS peoples made money, great investments on what used to be new back in the days. My father used to invest in apple when it was new, some peeps went in to say ''this is a dangerous investment, we don't know nothing about them''. He also invested 1500$ on Bombardier back when it was a new company. He made 180k$ from that even if it was risky

    The new honda accord 2017 is worse/better than the honda accord 2016, this is an example of a sophism, you can't use that as an argument.

    If we base life on argumenting like that, maybe you shouldn't walk on the sideways, there are reports of people that died hit by a car or just slip on the ice.

    Maybe you should move from your home if you have carpet/wood in it, there are reoprtedly homes that caught fire.

    Maybe you should stop doing anything because there are reports about people getting in real danger doing just about anything in life including but not limited to: breathing, swimming, walking, looking at the sky, watching TV, sleeping, etc...
  • Galid - Monday, March 27, 2017 - link

    You know, life is risky, you won't get out of it. Don't try to dodge EVERY risky moves because well, your life WILL be boring. If you really care about risks, huddle in the corner, we'll feed you, give you protection and you'll live being 120 years old. But what a life...
  • Ascaris - Sunday, April 9, 2017 - link

    "You know, life is risky, you won't get out of it."
    You contradict yourself. If life is risky, how is he going to live forever as you say?

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