Certification and efficiency

Energy efficiency certification

Fractal Design markets the Ion+ Platinum series as their (yes, you’ve guessed it right!) 80 Plus Platinum power supplies. Certification is performed by an organization called 80 PLUS. But what does this mean “on paper”? It’s a program that was introduced in 2004 and intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs). Only products that offer more than 80% efficiency at 20, 50, and 100% load, and a power factor of 0.9 or more, are eligible. This means that the PSU will waste 20% or less electric energy as heat, reducing power consumption and bills as compared with less efficient designs.  

As you can see above, there are 80 Plus, Bronze, Silver, Gold (these three are from 2008), Platinum (2009), and Titanium (2012) certificates. Nowadays most computers with a single GPU don’t need more than a 600-650 W PSU, as power consumption has dropped over the years. The PSUs tested today are the most efficient at 50% load (330/430 W respectively), but the differences above and under this threshold are not significant. You don’t need to keep it exactly at half load, but for better noise performance, longevity, etc., it’s better to stay below the maximum wattage. The reviewed sample is 80 PLUS Platinum certified - up to 90~92% efficiency @ 115 V (at 20~100% loads) and has active PFC with a power factor of up to 0.99. It consumes < 0.3 W in its off-mode, complying with the ERP standard.

The main features are listed below:

• Fractal Design UltraFlex™ DC wires have game-changing flexibility for effortless cable-routing and connectors that twist and bend to fit your installation — not fight it
• Equipped with a custom-tailored Fractal Design Dynamic Series 140 mm fan with exceptionally low minimum speed and true long-life FDB bearing
• 80 PLUS® Platinum Efficiency for optimized electrical performance and reduced heat generation
• User selectable Zero RPM mode allows for either silent, passive operation in low load situations or continuous low speed fan operation for additional cooling
• Outstanding output quality with tight voltage regulation and extremely low ripple and noise
• Fully modular design for reduced clutter and maximum ease of installation
• Premium Japanese 105°C capacitors provide enhanced reliability and durability
• Compact 150 mm depth easily fits compact spaces with extra headroom for cable management
• Over Power Protection, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Under Voltage Protection, Over Current Protection and Over Temperature Protection
• Extra-long 600 mm 24-pin ATX cable and 700 mm 4+4 pin cable

Technical Specs below for 660W Variant:

Technical Specs below for 860W Variant:

Package contents

• Power Supply
• Modular cable kit in a storage bag
• User guide
• AC Power Cord (localized)
• Velcro cable ties and mounting screw pack

Below you can find a list of the supplied cables for the 660W variant:

And for the 860W one:

The 660W model can be spotted with a street price of 117.99 EUR, and the 860W variant for 139.99 EUR. Let’s see if they are worth it. Next page, please.