We’ve actually reached that point in time where the 80 PLUS standard has become so used that people tend to expect that all PSUs from respected brands are at least 80 PLUS certified and that’s actually a good thing that even at entry-level scene, most PSU brands and OEMs have actually been creating products that meet the very basic of 80 PLUS certification. But what is the 80 PLUS Certification? What does it mean?
We’ve noted recently that besides the Seasonics, besides the Thermaltakes and the Corsairs, we’ve been seeing a good boost in presence from FSP and they’ve been heavily promoting their high-efficiency power supplies as well as some innovative new models also feature high-efficiency rating and as their position in the market is to be one of the most affordable brands around, we believe sharing what the 80 Plus certification means for a brand and its products and this would shed a bit of light on the topic as well as FSP’s credibility as a PSU brand.
The 80 PLUS Certification
80 PLUS is a certification program intended to promote energy efficiency in computer power supplies. The certification requires a product to have more than 80% efficiency in 20%, 50%, and 100% of the rated load. This guarantees that any certified product will only expend 20% of power consumed as heat at the specified load levels which leads to reduced electrical consumption and thus result in savings compared to less-efficient PSUs.
Over time, technology has advanced where 80% efficiency has become easily attainable and brands have started upping their game make 80 Plus Gold efficiency the minimum that they roll-out for mainstream models. To give you an idea on the values needed to be attained by these products, please check the figure below.
80 Plus test type | 115V internal non-redundant | 230V internal redundant | 230V EU internal non-redundant | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Percentage of rated load | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
80 Plus | 80% | 80% | 80% | 82% | 85% | 82% | ||||||
80 Plus Bronze | 82% | 85% | 82% | 81% | 85% | 81% | 85% | 88% | 85% | |||
80 Plus Silver | 85% | 88% | 85% | 85% | 89% | 85% | 87% | 90% | 87% | |||
80 Plus Gold | 87% | 90% | 87% | 88% | 92% | 88% | 90% | 92% | 89% | |||
80 Plus Platinum | 90% | 92% | 89% | 90% | 94% | 91% | 92% | 94% | 90% | |||
80 Plus Titanium | 90% | 92% | 94% | 90% | 90% | 94% | 96% | 91% | 90% | 94% | 96% | 94% |
Figure 1.a – 80 Plus efficiency chart – Wikipedia
As you can see we have up to 80 PLUS Titanium rating that requires a product to be at least 90% efficient on the specified loads. That’s a pretty tall order but thankfully these are the power supplies we will be seeing more of in the future. Power supplies with higher efficiency generally produce less heat as they deliver power more effectively without loss that turns to heat. A brand that passes these numbers may receive the applicable 80 PLUS rating and they can use the logo on their product.
The process to get the certification begins when a company that wants to be advertise their product as 80 PLUS certified sends a sample unit to the 80 PLUS facility. The product is then tested and given a rating. Once rating is complete, 80 PLUS awards the brand the right to use the appropriate rating on their product.
The 80 PLUS certification is voluntary and a company MAY CHOOSE NOT TO undergo certification even if their product meets 80% +/- efficiency.
What it Means
The 80 PLUS certification program is conducted by an independent body and is the most popular efficiency rating in the world, honestly the only one that matters for the PC DIY industry. The 80 PLUS organization does give the aura of being a non-biased and honest organization and that has led the industry to hail them in high-regard and they have held a very distinct meaning for PC builders since 2004. Today, the 80 PLUS standard means a product stands is of good quality because it takes a good design and build quality to create an efficient power supply able to deliver the standards of the 80 PLUS program. This means a product bearing the logo, especially higher ones are going to be of great quality.
There are issues about fake certification badges out there right now and for the most part, the 80 Plus organization does not bother with these brands. Ultimately it falls to the user to be able to discern the real badge from fake ones.
FSP 80 PLUS CERTIFIED Power Supplies
Aside from the new Aurum PT Platinum rated PSUs, FSP’s classic Aurum line receives an overhaul with the Aurum S. Now serving the mainstream market, these 80 PLUS Gold unit used to be the flagship of FSP’s lineup but now serve a wider audience.
FSP’s most basic PSU also gets 80 Plus BRONZE rating which is a nice touch given its price orientation.
If you’re looking for a new power supply make sure to look for the 80 PLUS certification. Its not a feature but its a sign that the product you buy will be able to meet and deliver the performance you want from a good power supply, ultimately leading to a more long-lasting system with less heat and less electrical consumption.