SAPPHIRE Expands Their PSU Line-up Adds New Pure PSUs

SAPPHIRE Launches PURE PSU range for PC Enthusiasts

Leading graphics supplier, SAPPHIRE Technology is now introducing a broader range of PC power supplies aimed at providing the very best specification of PSU for the PC builder, gamer and PC enthusiast at affordable prices.

Users of high end computers with expensive CPUs and using the latest motherboards and graphics solutions, including multiple GPU cards or multi-card setups, need a well designed PSU with well regulated outputs to ensure stable and reliable operation. Some power supplies with daisy chained outputs or multiple outputs from the same rail cannot offer the stability of supply to be sure of avoiding potentially expensive failure or the occurrence of frustrating PSU-related computer problems that are difficult to diagnose.

SAPPHIRE’s new power supply range carries the established PURE brand of its motherboard series, and offers a choice of power ratings. Top of the range is the PURE 1250W, designed for the real ‘power user’ and rated at 80Plus Bronze level. Next is the PURE 1050W, which delivers enough power for most multi-card users and has 80Plus Silver certification. These two products are the real enthusiast products with power in hand for even the most advanced rigs.

Another new introduction, demonstrating SAPPHIRE’s recognition that value for money is critical in today’s economic climate is the PURE 950W. Delivering over one Kilowatt of peak power, and with certification to the 80Plus Silver level, the SAPPHIRE PURE 950W is positioned at a price level to compete with supplies that have much lower specifications.

For the mainstream user, SAPPHIRE’s award winning 625W workstation PSU now joins the new introductions as the PURE 625W. This unit is conservatively rated at 625Watts and is also 80Plus certified. It is more than capable of powering a typical PC or graphics workstation even with multiple graphics cards.

SAPPHIRE PURE PSUs are future proofed with a modular cable system which includes the new ATX V2.3 12-pin connector block scheme supporting not just current but also future CPU and graphics requirements. Current PCI-Express graphics are supported by two cables with two 6+2 Pin (8 Pin) connectors each, not daisy chained but split chained. This makes for less cable clutter than having four cables each with one connector, but is superior to daisy chained solutions and allows, for example, two dual graphics cards easily to be connected. Barbed connectors reduce the risk of accidental disconnection.

Amongst the many features of the SAPPHIRE PURE PSU design is the use of aluminium capacitors to ensure power stability and reliability. SAPPHIRE PURE PSUs support Active PFC which improves the power factor up to 0.99, has greatly reduced AC harmonic distortion and saves energy. A specially designed 12 cm air intake reduces noise and maximizes heat dissipation, allowing optimal cooling to be achieved with the quiet, white LED lit, 13.5cm ball-bearing fan with speed control (450 – 2000 RPM). SAPPHIRE PURE PSUs are conservatively rated and, unlike competing products, will deliver full power over the unusually wide operating temperature range of 0-50 degrees Centigrade.

All SAPPHIRE PURE PSU’s are fully tested and certified to be compliant with CE, CB, UL, CCC, FCC, TUV, and RoHs standards. They are designed for global operation, working automatically from line voltages from 100-240V AC. They feature extensive safety protection, including protection against Over Loading, Current and Voltage Protection, Under Voltage Protection and Over Temperature Protection as well as Short Circuit Protection. They are also EMC safety certificated which means full-scale electromagnetic filtering protects the system against radiation interference.

For further details please visit www.sapphiretech.com

Source: SAPPHIRE

XFX Officially Joins The PSU Market With The XFX 850W Black Edition

Popular high end PC component manufactures XFX now adds “power” to its lineup with the introduction of the XFX 850W Black Edition Power Supply Unit (PSU).

Initially spotted back in May at COMPUTEX 2009, XFX's first power supply, the 850W Black Edition unit has now officially made its debut. The new PSU featuring XFX's traditional black and green design is a pimped out gamer-oriented modular unit providing 850W of continuous power, has support for the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards, is 80Plus Silver certified (up to 88% efficiency), boasts a single 12V rail (70A), and is cooled by a 135mm fan.



“The new XFX 850W PSU is a logical progression to the XFX line of graphics cards and motherboards,” explains Eddie Memon, vice president, marketing, XFX. “XFX is known worldwide for its dedication to the gaming community, and adding a superior power supply that targets the unique needs of gamers enables us to further reinforce that relationship.”

“Most important,” Memon adds. “XFX is known for its style as well as its performance. Our engineers were tasked with creating a best-in-breed PSU that also exudes a whole new level of cool. The sleek case and XFX green glow are quintessential XFX. XFX has always delivered the ultimate in gaming performance,” Memon concludes. “With the XFX 850W Black Edition PSU, we deliver the ultimate in gaming power in the ultimate PSU package.”

Benefits

• Specifically designd to support multiple, high-end graphic adapters
• Single, high-power +12V rail eliminates the problems associated with multiple +12V power distribution
• Industrial grade components insure high reliability and long life
• High efficiency not only helps protect the environment but also allows the XFX 850W PSU to run cool and quiet
• Combining both fixed and modular cables delivers superior performance and flexibility

Key Features

• 850W of continuous power at 50°C
• Tight voltage regulation (±3%)
• High efficiency operation up to 90% (80 Plus Silver)
• Single, high power +12V rail (up to 70A/840W)
• DC to DC voltage Regulator modules for +3.3V and +5V
• High quality Japanese brand capacitors (105°C)
• Solid polymer caps provide enhanced reliability and stability
• Quiet 135mm ball bearing fan provides superior cooling
• Supports multiple high-end graphic adapters (NVIDIA SLI & ATI CrossFire Ready)
• Supports the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards
• Active PFC with Universal AC input
• Detachable modular cables
• Energy Star 4.0 and RoHS compliant
• 5-Year Limited Warranty, subject to registration

XFX 850w Black Edition Reviews:

• DriverHeaven - XFX Black Edition 850W Power Supply
• Hardware Canucks - HWC Exclusive: XFX Black Edition 850W Power Supply Preview
• Hexus - XFX launches 850W Black Edition PSU

OCZ Z-Series Gold Power Supplies Now Available

OCZ Technology Announces the Immediate Availability of the Z-Series Gold Power Supplies, Featuring 80-Plus Gold Certifications



OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory and PC components, today announced the immediate availability of the Z-Series power supplies, the latest high-end enthusiast offering excelling in both performance and ultimate efficiency. Featuring industry-leading 80+ Gold Certifications, the Z850 and Z1000 PSUs offer the highest efficiency on the market combined with a power output to meet exceptional system demands. The Z-Series is the ideal solution for today’s high-end gaming systems and professional workstations, and are now shipping to OCZ’s widespread resellers.

“The Z-Series is the culmination of close to two years of development time within our Power Management division” commented Ryan Edwards, Director of Product Management at the OCZ Technology Group. OCZ power supplies now stand at the very forefront of efficiency and performance, offering end-users the ultimate solution for their future-proof builds. The Z-Series offers maximum-performance without compromise, cutting-edge power conversion efficiency, a single +12V rail to support overclocking efforts, optimal thermal management, a standard ATX footprint, extremely low audible fan noise, and modular or non-modular configurations.”

The Z-Series power supplies are immediately available in 850W and 1000W configurations to meet the system needs for high-end gamers, professionals, and enthusiasts. The industry-leading Gold Certified Z1000 (1KW) and Z850 (850W) PSUs deliver over 90% efficiency at typical load, making them an excellent contender for high-end PCs and workstations that require maximum wattage and efficiency. Both the 1000W and 850W are available in modular and hard-wired configurations, offering choice and variety for case-modders, enthusiasts, and overclockers.

OCZ Z1000 1000W 80+ Gold PSU

OCZ Z100M 1000W Modular 80+ Gold PSU


OCZ Z850 850W 80+ Gold PSU


OCZ Z850M 850W Modular 80+ Gold PSU

Featuring exceptionally clean DC output, a sophisticated architecture, and a complete array of connectors for your PC needs, Z-Series PSUs can power an impressive cross-section of high end components while contributing to energy savings. The Z-Series offers the most efficient design in its class, and comes backed by an industry-leading 5-Year warranty commitment and technical support for ultimate peace of mind. The Z-series is available at Newegg.com retailing for $299.99 (Z1000M), $289.99 (Z1000), $239.99 (Z850M), and $219.99 (Z850).

For more information about OCZ 80 Plus Certified PSUs, please visit 80plus.org

Source: OCZ Press Release

BFG Launches New PSU Trade-Up Program

Popular power supply and video card vendor BFG Technologies has announced a new PSU trade-up program, designed to allow customers the option of upgrading their BFG powers supplies to a more powerful model within 100 days of purchase.

BFG Power Supply Trade Up Program

The BFG Power Supply Trade Up Program is designed to give our valued customers a one time opportunity to upgrade their current BFG power supply to a more recently released BFG power supply and only pay the difference in cost (plus any applicable shipping and taxes).

This program only applies to BFG power supplies purchased after June 1, 2009. This program may not be available to all customers, and rules/restrictions may apply. The Program is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada.

Please read the Trade Up Program Terms & Conditions and the Trade Up program FAQs for additional details before you begin this process.

Before the process can begin
In order to participate in the BFG Trade Up program, you must have created a profile on BFGTech.com and have completed registration for an eligible product. Visit http://www.bfgtech.com/productregistration.aspx to sign up and/or register products.

Please note; these steps are just an overview. More detailed instructions will be given to you via email throughout the process.

Step 1:
You will have 100 calendar days from the date printed on your original receipt or invoice to apply for the Trade Up program with an eligible BFG power supply. Once you are logged into your account on BFGTech.com, you can view your registered power supply(s) in the My Profile > My Products tab. Eligible power supplies will be noted with, “This product is eligible for Trade Up”. Click on the Details link to get more information and/or start the Trade Up process.

Step 2:
Once you determine that you want to apply for the BFG Trade Up program, you will confirm the email address we have on file and submit the initial application.

Step 3:
BFG will receive your application. Once we have confirmed that the requested Trade Up product is available, we’ll send email to confirm the price you will need to pay. You’ll then have 15 days to ship your old power supply to us using a trackable carrier such as FedEx or UPS.

Step 4:
BFG receives, tests, and visually inspects the power supply you sent in. If approved, you’ll be sent an email with a coupon code to use towards your Trade Up purchase on the BFG Trade Up Store. If the application is denied, BFG will contact you to explain why before shipping the rejected power supply back to you.

Step 5:
Once you get the coupon code, you’ll go to the BFG Trade Up Store to complete the purchase of your Trade Up power supply.

As part of a special limited time offer BFG will abe allowing current customers a chance trade-in their current BFG PSUs. The new trade-up program will normally only apply to BFG power supplies purchased on or after June 1, 2009 however for a limited time BFG Technologies is allowing current customers that have purchased their PSUs on or after January 1, 2009 and can provide proof of purchase to trade in their currently eligible and working BFG power supply for an upgraded model through June 12, 2009. Several restictions apply to both the limited time off and the trade-up program so read the information carefully. See this page for complete details.

Antec Launches Two High-End 80+ Power Supplies

Earlier this week Antec debuted their newest and most advanced family of power supply units, the Signature Series. The new line is available in 650W and 850W models. The new Signature line is 80 Plus Bronze certified and feature several innovations that distinguish them from the competition.

One of them is that they use active DC-to-DC voltage regulation, as opposed to the standard passive magnetic amplifier method, providing for shorter transient response times and greater system stability. In addition, the Signature Series boasts an advanced cooling system with a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled fan, that ensures quiet and efficient operation in any condition.

Other features of the Signature Series include a dual power circuit board (PCB) layout and a hybrid advanced cable management system that uses modularized cables only for connectors that are of second importance. Main connectors such as the 24-pin ATX one, and the PCI-E power connectors are fixed.

The Signature 650 and Signature 850 are available now and will retail for (a rather steep) estimated street price of $249.00 and $299.00, respectively. The PSUs are backed by Antec's Quality 5-Year Warranty for parts and labor.

Ultra Sues 22 Competitors Over Modular Power Supplies

Ultra Products Inc. was the first to patent this modular power supply technology in 2004, , and is now seeking triple damages from 22 of its competitors.

Ultra filed the suit in the United States District Court of Florida Orlando Division and named as defendants no less than 22 of the top power supply makers. Named in the suit as defendants are Antec, Inc., Channel Well Technology Co. Ltd., Channel Well Technology Co. U.S.A., Inc., Corsair Memory, Inc., Enhance Electronics Co. Ltd., E-Power Technology/PCMCIS, SPI Electronic Co. Ltd., FSP Group USA Corp., Koolance USA, Mushkin, Inc., OCZ Technology, Sea Sonic Electronics Co. Ltd., Silverstone Technology, Inc., Spire-Bytecom Fanner Corporation, Tagan Technology Co. Ltd., Tagan Technology Co., Thermaltake Technology Co. Ltd., Thermaltake, Inc., Topower Computer Industrial Co. Ltd., Topower Computer U.S.A., Inc., Zalman Technology Company Ltd. and Zalman USA, Inc.

Unlike most other patent infringement lawsuits, Ultra Products is not seeking an injunction against the 22 other companies. Ultra argues that since the other manufacturers were informed in 2006 and early 2007 (shortly after the patent was granted) they willfully infringed on Ultra's intellectual property. Thus, Ultra is seeking up to triple damages against the power supply manufacturers -- the maximum allowed by law.

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