Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words & Conclusion

It has been clearly mentioned several times before that our PSU evaluations are focused on the entire experience rather than on scientific data sets. Having said that, we do a test on demanding hardware and fine-tune and match that arrangement in order to get figures that are comparable to those seen in the real world. We must admit, however, that it is difficult to exceed 750 Watts of load these days, no matter how many components we throw at a computer. That in and of itself creates a conundrum, as the install/user-based for this type of power supply (860W) is getting smaller and smaller with people having only one GPU. One trend, on the other hand, has reverted, and with graphics cards such as the GeForce RTX 3090 and RX 6900, we are once again seeing devices that exceed 300-350 Watts when not overclocked. As a result, the energy-saving trend that we have been witnessing for years appears to be turning backwards once more. This is a disturbing development, to say the least.

Efficiency

As with any power supply, half of the maximum load rating is the point of equilibrium or the sweet spot where it will be most efficient, and in this case, it is 92 percent efficiency, as seen in the graph below (230 Volts). So the 400~450 Watt range is actually a sweet spot in terms of power consumption, as your usual gaming PC with one dedicated (yet high-end) graphics card would require around that amount of power during a long gaming session (I am talking high-end, not enthusiast-class). More efficient power supplies are available in a variety of colors, ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Over the years, it has essentially become a marketing tool, as variances of a few percent are all that is needed to make a significant difference in terms of profitability. Your electric bill will likewise reflect the same percentual change in this case. Below we have plotted the wattage differential based on 50% PSU load versus the energy consumption (wall side).

Maximum Watt (PSU)	50% Watt	80plus	Bronze	Silver	Gold	Platinum	Titanium	Volts
860	430	538	506	483	467	457	448	230v
	430	538	506	489	478	467	457	110v
Rate 23 cents per kWh / 230V
EUR/USD cost (50% load ) 5 hours day / 5 days week / year	EUR/USD	45	42	40	39	38	37	230v
EUR/USD cost (50% load) 24/7	EUR/USD	786	740	707	684	669	655	230v

Let's say you game 5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a full year. During gaming, you'll consume 350 Watts (= a fair estimation).  We assume you pay 23 cents for each kWh of energy (the average going rate in the EU, but that varies per country). As you can see, from 80plus to Titanium, the difference is seven EUR/USD for thirteen hundred hours of gaming per year. My overall advice is to go with silver or gold; platinum/titanium power supplies often carry a big price premium. I do want to state, though, that efficiency also says something about build quality. Follow your instinct, I'd say. Now, this plot and math is based on gaming. Of course, if you'd have your PC active 24/7 for mining, you'll want as efficient PSU as possible as coming from 80plus to Titanium you'll save roughly 129 USD/EUR per year (depending on kWh prices).

Stability

Stability-wise we cannot protest whatsoever, at half load and max load voltages remain drop dead in sync. But we'll trust that some other reviews will show some additional ripple tests yet have no doubt the product will come out as clean. We love the massive single +12V rail.

Aesthetics

With its black accents, the ION+ 2 series has a striking appearance. The cables are provided in a sleeving that is dark black in color and are very flexible. It is also pleasing to note that the plastic connectors themselves are entirely black in color. The use of modular designs is the way to go. You only utilize what you need in terms of wiring, and you keep the inside as clean and tidy as possible. It is that easy. Overall, it's a really nice-looking power supply.

Pricing

The product as tested costs roughly 150 USD/EUR for the 860W unit, and we do feel it is well invested. The power supplies do include a 10-year warranty.

Final words

The ION+ 2 platinum is an updated version of Fractal Design's popular and award-winning ION+ 860P model, the two models that are nearly identical in almost every way, not only in terms of features but also in terms of internal components and even in terms of layout and topology. Revision 2 produces somewhat tighter rails and lower noise levels when compared to its predecessor so this is not a purely cosmetic upgrade. We embrace Titanium and Platinum rated power supplies, yes we do. However recommending them to the avid gamer is just not completely appropriate as a recommendation, as really these PSUs are all about energy efficiency. If you game a few hours a day on your PC, you'll have gained a few bucks per year in energy saving compared to say a Silver or Gold certified model. However, if you are that guy that has a 24/7 rig active all the time, here's where efficiency matters the most and where we can recommend it, as at that point this PSU can even save and make you money over time. That's the honest answer and the conundrum you are facing. We'll plea one more thing in favor of titanium certified PSUs though, the more efficient often means the cleaner and more stable the power delivery is, they also run less warm (heat lost in a PSU is energy being wasted). Overall, the ION+ 2 Platinum 860W is a very good power supply unit;  it might not really be necessary to upgrade from the ION+ to the ION+ 2, but if you are looking for an 80 Plus Platinum model, this line is without a doubt among the best available, and as a result, it is recommended. At 150 bucks pricing aside, of course, this is an excellent power supply, we can find little that bothers us. You also receive a 10-year warranty with this product so to that extent it is guaranteed to be long-lasting as an investment. The Fractal Design ION+ 2 Platinum 860W is at a feature level that will appeal to many and from what we observe, quality hardware (with superb looks).

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