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Antec explains: continuous power vs. peak power PSUs

by Parm Mann on 16 July 2009, 10:36

Tags: Antec

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We tend to assume that the vast majority of HEXUS readers know what they're looking for when shopping for a power supply unit (PSU), and our in-depth reviews are always a great source for information.

If, however, you've only just discovered what a power supply is, you might find Antec's newly-launched mini site to be useful. It's called "Continuous Power vs. Peak Power", and it aims to educate consumers on the different standards of power ratings.

It might be obvious to most, but here's the gist of things. "Continuous Power describes the real power a PSU can output continuously. This means that a PSU with 500 watts of Continuous Power can maintain stable, continuous output within the maximum load of 500 watts. A PSU with 500 watts of Peak Power, however, can only maintain such output for a few seconds," says Antec.

Still struggling to wrap your head around it? Antec's provided graph should clear things up.

Antec reckons "many brands on the market use misleading power efficiency labels or model names to confuse consumers". That might be the case, but it's worth noting that other well-regarded PSU manufacturers such as Corsair and Enermax also accurately depict continuous power ratings.

Nonetheless, it's a useful message for consumers and Antec's mini site can be viewed at antec.com.



HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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Hmmmm nice bit of info to have, but without actually telling us what brands don't use a continuous power rating, it's kind of a pointless marketing tool more than anything helpful. Glad to know Corsair rate theirs the same though as that's what I use!
funke_munke
Hmmmm nice bit of info to have, but without actually telling us what brands don't use a continuous power rating, it's kind of a pointless marketing tool more than anything helpful. Glad to know Corsair rate theirs the same though as that's what I use!

Since when did marketing have to make sense?

They won't list the manufacturers that do because it's a long list of reputable names. Go to any etailer like scan and you will be hard pressed to find a supply that doesn't use continuous power rating.
shaithis
Go to any etailer like scan and you will be hard pressed to find a supply that doesn't use continuous power rating.

One name - EzCool! :lol:

Their “continuous” rating is as reliable as a person with narcolepsy trying to be a night guard.
CAT-THE-FIFTH
Their “continuous” rating is as reliable as a person with narcolepsy trying to be a night guard.

Nice :laugh: