We have had the luxury of reviewing many OCZ products on Driverheaven in the last year. OCZ are a Californian based company who have expanded from their "core" business of manufacturing high quality memory modules into other key areas such as developing and selling power supplies. This leads me nicely into today's review, the new OCZ Powerstream 600w PSU. Months ago I had a look at their 420w powerstream model and came away very impressed indeed as this supply not only held its rails very well under sustained load but maintained the high standard of build quality and attention to detail we associate with OCZ products. The PowerStream range is made for OCZ by ToPower under a close manufacturing deal that means OCZ are the only supplier that will have the PSU with these specs.

General Specifications:

OCZ sent me this power supply direct from the USA HQ and unlike the 420w i reviewed before was set up for the UK market with no user switchable option - marked "220VAC only". Interestingly enough there was a red sticker over the power input asking the user to alter the switch to either 110v or 220v.

On the surface the unit has the same high gloss chrome "Titanium" finish identical to the 420w model.

The OCZ Powerstream uses "PowerWhisper" technology which under general use keeps the noise levels below 23.0db, its certainly quiet in use which is an important asset for those who hate fan whir.

Measuring noise levels with a room ambient of 20.5db with the OCZ 420w, 520w and 600w give the following noise level statistics.

Noise levels never exceed 30db under extended full load which is excellent for such a beefy supply, its worth mentioning that the 420/520 and 600 PSU can handle peak loads of 520/620 and 700w respectively for approximately 60 second intervals.

The OCZ PowerFlex features for fine-tuning, the three adjustable power rails (+3.3V, +5V and +12v). An LED sits below each of the three adjustment rails, a green light indicated voltage is within 5% of optimal, a yellow light indicates undervoltage, and red indicates overvoltage. Its important to keep these as close as possible to the reference figures if you wish to ensure total system stability specifically when overclocking.

The OCZ Powerstream offers 6 independent DV output rails combining with OCZ powershield technology for more stable voltage and cleaner power output.

The OCZ powershield EMI control technology with copper shielded power leads provides extreme current stabilisation and is an ideal solution for high resolution application such as PC games, video editing and 3d graphic design.

The internals are well laid out with sectional anodized black aluminium heatsinks helping to keep temperatures under control. Sectional design allows great air flow across all axis, the air isnt trapped into one direction, easy flow is achieved throughout the whole supply.

The powerstream's universal "ConnectAll connector" offers all in one connectivity.

20-pin + 4-pin for ATX12V to 24 pin + 4/8 pin) for BTX/EPS12v. The OCZ powerstream also includes 2 connectors for high-end graphics cards, 1 connector for PCI Express, and 2 serial ATA connectors on two seperate cables.

 

Next: Torture testing

Select 1. OCZ 600w Powerstream 2. Torture Testing 3. Conclusion