NorthQ Giant Connector 850W PSU, 30% load

3.3V

5V

12V1

12V2

NorthQ Giant Connector 850W PSU, 50% load

3.3V

5V

12V1

12V2

NorthQ Giant Connector 850W PSU, 75% load

3.3V

5V

12V1

12V2

NorthQ Giant Connector 850W PSU, 100% load

3.3V

5V

12V1

12V2

NorthQ Giant Connector 850W PSU, 30-100% load voltage regulation test

3.3V

5V

12V1

12V2

CoolerMaster M1000 1kW PSU, efficiency graph

The power output of the Giant Connector proved to be very good and the voltage regulation circuit is trying to keep the lines as close to the specifications as possible. The 3,3V and 5V outputs appear to weaken at high loads but they stay well within specifications. It is natural for the 3,3V and 5V lines to weaken at the same time, as they are almost always coming out from a single line. The voltage regulation circuit of the unit reacts a bit too easily to load changes, but it does a good job at keeping the voltage output at nominal levels, well within the manufacturer’s specifications.

Efficiency wise, the Giant Connector has an average output of 80%, its specified rating exactly. We had hoped for more since the basic design was the same as the Giant Reactor which had extremely high efficiency readings, however we are pleased to see it could keep up to its specifications without problems. Below 50-60% load levels, the unit is quite silent and remains considerably cool, but unfortunately above 60% load the unit becomes clearly audible and ultimately loud, a clear sign that it relies on the 135mm fan for the cooling heavily. It seems our earlier concerns regarding the undersized heatsinks was correct and the use of larger heatsinks would aid the cooling of this unit substantially.