BFG EX-1200

So then, the product we are testing today is BFG's latest and greatest flagship power supply. Its price is just under 250 USD, and it's a serious piece of gear. It will be a challenge, a really big challenge for us to stress this PSU to see how it keeps up with our components. No worries though, I have a wicked nearly demonic plan to bring down the PSU to it's knees where it will beg me ... seriously beg me to stop ... "Hilbert please don't .. Hilbert  ... noo".

Lame puns aside, we'll stress it alright. But first let's have a chat as to what BFG is offering for the 250 buckaroonies.

First of you get a 1200 Watt PSU. I certainly do not hope that you'd need 1200 Watt from your PSU, but here's why I like the phat PSUs so much: I like reserves. That's it. I will probably never ever (and I hope so) use more than 1 KW. But I want to be sure that if install some new gear, I have plenty of reserves in that PC, as I do not want power distribution to be an issue what so friggen ever, no Sir.

Especially for those who overclock and play around with 2 or 3-way SLI or Quad SLI and Crossfire a lot ...  really, you should have the same policy as I have. One thing can be said, the PSU we're showing you today is made for the extreme gamers and hardware enthusiasts among us. It's ready for some brute gaming, as it has no less than four PCIe voltage rails available which may individually peak (not continuous) to 40 AMPs. Yes you read that right, 40A x 4 which is sweet. But let's have a look at that power distribution for a second.

Dang - not bad huh? Notice the huge Ampage on all lines. Good stuff, peak ampage especially on all 12V rails stand out with 40 AMPs per rail.

According to BFG's sales sheet EX power supplies have the lowest minimum load requirements and the best +5VSB efficiency on the market. BFG Tech uses all Japanese capacitors for longer life and gold-plated pins for superior conductivity. Just like their previously released ES-800, the EX-1200 has the BFG exclusive Frequency Conversion Technology. Apparently it emulates virtually any size power supply and is at least 80% efficient, even with loads as low as 10% of the units maximum capability. In our test we'll show you that indeed the PSU is very efficient.

The unit is rated at 1200 watts continuous at 40°C and 98 amps on the 12 volt rail. The unit also has a separate +5VSB which provides better efficiency when the unit is in standby or powered down. Which we can confirm, as powered down we noticed only 2 Watt power consumption. The PSU tested today comes from the new EX series of BFG PSU's. There definitely are some distinct differences. New components, high quality, style & design are the things that come to mind when you'll first have the PSU in your hands.

Specifications

• ATX12V 2.2/EPS12V 2.91
• Quad +12V Rails
• Silent 135mm Intake Fan
• Efficiency: > 80% Typical
• MTBF: > 100,000 Hours at 25°C, > 20,000 Hours at 40°C
• 1200W Continuous Rated at 40°C
• PCI Express Ready
• Safety Approval: UL, CB, TUV, CE, and FCC
• Dimensions: 15cm W x 8.6cm H x 16.5cm D (5.9" W x 3.4" H x 6.5" D)

A highly efficient (we actually estimate ~85% efficiency) product with nice long sleeved cables. Fact is that BFG feels so confident this is a fantastic product that they even will give you a lifetime (!) warranty. Unfortunately here in Europe that warranty will be ten years thanks to EU legislation.

For those who are into SLI / Crossfire setups, the product comes with six PCI Express connectors for multiple graphics card support; with three of them are compatible with the newer 8-pin socket which can deliver 150 Watt per connector to your graphics card.

• 1 x 24-Pin (20+4-Pin) Motherboard Connector
• 1 x 4-Pin CPU 12V Power Connector
• 1 x 8-Pin CPU 12V Power Connector
• 1 x 8-pin (4+4) CPU 12V Power Connector
• 3 x 6-Pin PCI Express Connectors
• 3 x 8-Pin (6+2-pin) PCI Express Connectors
• 9 x 4-Pin Molex Connectors
• 2 x 4-Pin Floppy Connectors
• 12 x SATA Connectors

Also you'll spot twelve serial ATA connectors allowing you to connect up to twelve serial ATA devices without needing special adapters, next to that 9x 4-pin Molex and 2x floppy and obviously a 4 & 8-pin connector for the mainboard / CPU.

The box .. the bundle

Along with a nice ATX form factor power supply you'll receive in that box plenty of cabling and connectors. Included in Box are:

• 1 x 1200 Watt Power Supply Unit
• 7 x Modular Cables
• 5 x Velcro straps
• 1 x US Power Cable
• 1 x Users Guide
• 4 x Mounting Screws

So yes, basically this PSU sums up to being an A-grade (Guru class) 1200 Watts PSU, completely ready for SLI/Crossfire GFX solutions and multi-core (server) systems. The PSU itself is build in accordance with all modern specifications, ATX12V Version 2.2 and EPS12V Version 2.91, including 8-pin 12V connection specification ( newer PCIe 2.0 power design). And all that at roughly $249.99.

Let's have a look and check the PSU out.