Enermax Revolution 85+ 1020W PSU review

Specifications and features

Enermax recently updated its line-up of PSUs and added two new models in the high-end PSU series. This time around they were able to lower prices on the Kilowatt model a little bit, yet make the unit a tiny bit more efficient.

The two new models are the Revolution85+ 920W and 1020W which both come with four powerful and stable 12V rails., courtesy of Enermax:

"At just 175mm deep, the housing is exceptionally compact for this PSU class. It accommodates four incredibly stable 12V rails where each rail is equipped with an over current protection (OCP) and delivers up to 35 Amps. The combined power of all 12V rails offers 99 per cent 12V output capability. As high-performance graphics cards and processors draw their power predominantly from the 12V rails, the Revolution85+ is the first choice power supply for high-end performance and gaming systems.

Forward-looking Design - Further areas of application of the premium Enermax PSU are workstations (multi-CPU socket compatible) and servers. The Revolution85+ complies with the most current standard available for server power supplies, following the official “Server System Infrastructure PSU Design Guide 2008” (SSI PSDG 2008) rev. 1.2. As in the consumer space, with these applications, the efficiency plays a major role. Most current processors and graphics cards come with effective energy saving functions. But these modes may cause a compatibility issues with power supplies, because the PSU has to ensure stable operation, even below 1W load. Therefore Revolution85+ is equipped with the “Zero Load Design” and anticipates forthcoming revisions of the SSI PSU design guides. Furthermore, due to the implementation of the new internal PSU topology, Enermax has reduced the energy losses at normal and low load by several percentage points: Revolution85+ now reaches a peak efficiency of 92 per cent (80PLUS® Silver certified)."

Like its other current PSU series, Enermax has equipped the new Revolution85+ models with its Twister fan. The patented bearing technology not only ensures a quiet and smooth rotation, but is, in comparison to other ball bearing fans, designed to be much more robust and durable, offering up to 100,000 hours MTBF.

Now, Enermax is putting a pricetag like so:

• The Revolution85+ 920W is just 259.90 Euro incl. VAT, reduced from 295 Euro for the Revolution85+ 950W.
• The Revolution85+ 1020W will cost just 299.90 Euro (MSRP incl. VAT), down from 319 Euro for the Revolution85+ 1050W.

Alright, so let's talk a little bit about what this PSU has to offer. Enermax is known and reputed by their higher-class power supplies. Especially the more high-end series -- kick total ass. This translates itself into the most stable and ripple free power supplies. This is the marketing induced feature set as provided by Enermax:

Yes, it's absolutely stuffed full with features. This PSU is released in 920W and 1020W models. Today we check out the 1020W model - targeted at the enthusiast PC builders out there with a demand for heavy graphic cards.

The PSU comes with four separate 12V rails each allowing a 35 AMP peak, and that's a lot. Another 120W is available on the +3.3V and +5V rails and a little extra on the 5V VSB and -12V rail totaling everything up at 1020 Watts, but the PSU has reserves as it can provide a stunning 1120W of peak power.

The PSU is labeled with a Silver class power energy efficiency, what that tells us is that the PSU efficiency is exceptional for a PSU in the 1020W Watt range -- efficiency ranges from 87% to 91% over a wide range of load utilization at 230V.

The unit is kept cool by a silent 13.9cm fan. But let's head onwards to the product gallery and walk through this unit guided by photos.