Evaluating the effectiveness of modern computer power supplies, the most attention is paid to their coefficient of performance (COP) at a given load — usually means of 20%, 50% and 100%. At the same time, not less important requirement, established by standard 80PLUS should be considered. That means — the preservation of this level of performance for all occurring in the world supply voltage variations, that is in the range of 100-240 V.



The standard rules of 80PLUS at different levels (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.) are performed for two voltage 115 V and 230 V. In both cases, the normalized PS should show the efficiency of not less than specified for each category level. Not usual power supply CTG-650C model of the new A-80 series from the Chieftec company is interesting in that it has officially claimed efficiency of 85% or more, but only for nets 220-240 V.


As the advantages of such solution can immediately be noted a lower price, due to less stringent …

OCZ company representatives have proudly announced the release of their new SSD child of Agility 4 series. Agility4 series embraces four models which correspond to the 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB volume capacity parameters. Agility4 developers claim that their new series is the balance of performance, speed and reliability at the same time.



The new series is based on Indilinx Everest 2 controller and is equipped with SATA III interface. SSD Agility4 is built on flash-memory chips of MLC NAND type which are destined to sustain up to 2 million hours of fail-proof operability. These chips support TRIM and SMART technologies and are sure to involve ECC option to monitor and remove all detected errors. The other peculiar feature of Agility4 SSDs is the availability of DRAM cache-memory of 1 GB volume capacity. In addition, SSDs have an integrated option of automatic encoding according to AES algorithm.


It should be mentioned that each individual model in a series proves …

Aerocool Advanced Technologies has launched one more brand PSU series. This time the line of products has been entitled Templarius Imperator to correspond to its magnificent design. Magnificence is seen in an elaborate combination of style and color: instead of traditional black and gold colors, the manufacturer has implemented white and silver colors of casing. More dramatic effect is ensured by the built-in white LED backlight.



Templarius Imperator is represented by five models of 550W/650W/750W/850W/1150W power. All tenderfoot power supply units correspond to 80Plus standard, though there are variations within the classes. Thus, the senior model of 1150W power features 80Plus Gold certificate due to its high efficiency level (more than 90%); 850W and 750W models are known to demonstrate up to 88% efficiency that allowed them to get 80Plus Silver certificate. Junior models 650W and 550W feature 80Plus Bronze standard, since their average efficiency level does not go higher …