Overclocker Cafe - OCZ ModXStream 780w PSU Review

OCZ ModXStream 780w PSU review

Manufacturer: OCZ Technology
Supplier: OCZ Technology
Street Price: $180

by Dean Barker (7/10/2007)

Introduction

Skimping on a power supply is a quick recipe for disaster since a PSU going down can sometimes take some beloved (and expensive) components with it. The flip side is that running out and dropping $300 or more on a 1000 watt high end power supply may simply not be in the cards for many of us. OCZ has always been a manufacturer who is quick to recognize a need. The need in this case is a high wattage power supply that doesn't cost as much as a processor. Enter the OCZ ModXStream power supply line. Offered in both 780 and 900 watt configurations, the ModXStream looks to bring clean power to the market for a lower wattage and lower priced alternative. That is of course if you can truthfully call 780 watts "low wattage." Simply put, unless you are running a Quad Core system with a couple of Radeon HD 2900 XTs in Crossfire, 780 watts will do you just fine while still giving you plenty of room to grow with future upgrades to your system.

Today, OCZ Technology has sent over a sample of their new 780 watt ModXStream for us to put through a few rounds of regular Joe abuse and testing. With features running far deeper than just power output and price, the ModXStream has a lot going for it. Let's take a closer look.

Specifications

Power Output: 780 watt and 900 watt models available

Dimensions: 150 x 140 x 86mm

Internal 120mm Blue LED cooling fan

20+4 pin ATX power connector

4+4 pin connector for ATX or EPS 12v V2.91 systems

Active PFC

Over voltage protection

Over current protection

Short circuit protection

100~240Vac 10-5A 50/60Hz

+3.3v (28A), +5v (30A), +12v1 (20A), +12v2 (20A), +12v3(20A), +12v4 (20A)

Three year warranty

What you get

Old habits are hard to break in doing reviews. It's a power supply so don't expect too much in the way of a bundle. The expected power cable and manual are included as well as four black case screws for mounting. The bundle you see are the modular cables that we'll get too shortly.

What you got

A very practical consideration when buying a power supply that gets overlooked too often is its size. High wattage units have a tendency to be larger than usual with more and bigger internal heatsinks. A good example of how large PSUs can get is the Thermaltake ToughPower 1200 watt unit which is almost two inches longer than the OCZ unit on deck today. The OCZ ModXStream keeps things real with a standard 150 x 140 x 86mm outer shell. There will be no problems mounting this power supply in a case with a top mounted blow hole.