Last year we reviewed a 750W power supply unit from Formula V Line – very affordable, but at the same time built according to the standards of ten years ago. Although the kilowatt model from this manufacturer also costs a little for its characteristics, it is immediately obvious that this is a product of a completely different level.
⇡#Technical characteristics, design, price
The specifications of the hero of the review include abbreviations of familiar standards, but with nuances. Thus, the manufacturer mentions 80 PLUS Gold certification, but with the addition of 230V EU, which means that the power supply is designed for an input voltage of 200 V and operation is not guaranteed when the level drops below this level.
The description of the new product also includes the words “ATX 3.1 Ready” and “PCIe 5.1 Compatible”, but nothing is said about the possibility of briefly exceeding the full output power by 100%, and the power through the 12+4 connector by 200%, which is provided for by new versions of the ATX standard. Together with the streamlined wording, this suggests that the Formula V Line APMM-1000GM has not been tested for such a possibility. It should also be noted that the maximum power of the 12 V line is 948 W, and the power supply produces 1 kW only when using small lines simultaneously with 12 V.
The PSU is assembled in a compact case with a depth of only 140 mm. Abundant perforation turns half of all surfaces of the case into a cage, which is freely blown by a 120 mm fan. There is no fan speed switch.
The 12+4 connector for powering video cards in the Formula V Line APMM-1000GM complies with the 12VHPWR standard, not the new 12V-2×6. Its signal contacts are configured for 600 W. In addition to the 12VHPWR output, the new product has a typical number of universal eight-pin connectors – five.
The power supply comes with long cables in insulation that imitates individual braiding. The total number of connectors is more than enough for most users. However, the cross-section of all conductors (including the 12+4 cable) is 18AWG at most, which is confirmed by the weight of the cables.
During the review period, the device was available in retail for 10,310 rubles. This is a very low price for a kilowatt power supply with claims to “golden” efficiency.
⇡#Internal organization
The Formula V Line APMM-1000GM is based on the platform of Dongguan SANR Electronic Technology (Casecom). We have not yet come across products from this OEM in power supplies of recent years, after the migration to the ATX 3.0 standard. Although the hero of the review is certainly aimed at a budget buyer, we are glad to note that here (unlike the APMM-750BM) no archaic solutions are used. Everything is made according to the standards of modern “golden” models.
The protective components at the input of the power supply are represented by a two-stage EMI filter and a starting current limiter based on a thermistor and a relay. The only thing missing is a varistor for protection against impulse overvoltage. The power factor correction circuit is active.
The 12V line converter is built using a half-bridge topology with LLC, and synchronous rectifiers are installed on the secondary side. In turn, the small 3.3V and 5V lines are derived from the 12V line using DC-DC converters.
The PFC circuit uses two Japanese capacitors from Toshin Kogyo. The remaining electrolytic capacitors are from Chinese companies Hangcon and Chengx.
The fan manufacturer is unknown, but according to the Formula V Line APMM-1000GM specifications, it runs on a hydrodynamic bearing.
⇡#Testing methodology
The testing methodology adopted in 3DNews is described in a separate article, which is recommended for reading to understand the design of computer power supplies and their most important characteristics. Refer to it to find out why it is needed and how this or that component mentioned in the review works, and how to interpret the test results.
⇡#Test results
When the main load falls on the 12 V line, the energy efficiency of the Formula V Line APMM-1000GM corresponds to at least the “gold” level of 80 PLUS across the entire load range available to the test bench. Small lines – 3.3 and 5 V – have reduced efficiency due to the need for double conversion.
The power supply fan always rotates, but at a low speed – about 800 rpm – with consumer power up to 800 W.
Voltage stabilization on the 12 V line is flawless. In turn, the voltages of 3.3 and 5 V deviate from the standard by no more than 3%.
The ripple swing on the 12V and 5V lines is 32mV and 14mV respectively, which is an excellent result.
⇡#Conclusions
The hero of the review is quite cheap for a 1 kW power supply unit with a “golden” efficiency, but the results of the autopsy and tests removed all suspicions from the Formula V Line APMM-1000GM. The new product is designed in general terms the same as similar products from more famous manufacturers, and there are no complaints about its performance. The low cost of the APMM-1000GM is manifested only in the nominal support of the ATX 3.1 standard, and most importantly – thin cables. Fortunately, the most important of them, 12VHPWR (aka 12V-2×6), is a universal product that can be easily replaced with a more reliable one.