To test the Magnum, I used a multimeter to check the voltages on the 5v and 12v lines and, in the case of the 3.3v, I used a software monitoring program. Voltages from the monitoring program on the 5 and 12v rails were cross referenced with the ones taken with the multimeter. Differences between the readings were usually a difference of +/- .05v. I also included the reading given by the power supplies integrated read LCD panel for comparison.
Test System: Processor: Intel P4 530J 3.0Ghz Memory: 512mb Hard drives: 1 WD Caviar 80gig 1 Maxtor 120gig Graphics Card: Prolink GeForce 6200 256mb PCI-E Motherboard: ASUS P5LD2 Optical Drives: 1x Hitachi DVD-ROM 1x Lite-On CD-RW Fans: 2x 80mm blue LED fans
To test the unit, I ran it under typical day to day use, then under a load of running several programs simultaneously, then running a set of games.
Test Load (programs running simultaneously): Ad-Aware SE Personal scanning system Spybot - Search & Destroy scanning system AVG running a virus check 2 instances of Mozilla Firefox, v.1.0.6 running, each with seven open tabs. Trillian chat client running v.3.1 basic Adobe Photoshop CS Winamp v. 5.093 playing a CD and using the ‘Beat Harness’ Visualization Microsoft Word - 3 open documents. Nero Burning ROM v. 6.3.1.20 burning a CD.
Lowest Reading – Highest Reading
Line
Lowest
Highest
LCD
12
12.08
12.11
11.95 - 12.00
5
5.12
5.14
N/A
3.3
3.36
3.38
N/A
As you can see, the Magnum’s LCD panel is a little off from the actual voltages.
Conclusion:
Pros: Sturdy design Stylish LCD info panel SATA support 24 pin ATX support Quite operation PCI-E Graphics card support UV Cable Sleeving
Cons: Limited LCD viewing area Won’t fit into some cases No AUX connector Tight fitting plugs Short cables
The XG Magnum is a sleek looking power supply that is complimented by its sturdiness and features. Its few flaws are easily offset by the unit's near silent operation and cool operation. The rear LCD is a great idea, it’s just not a good implementation, a front drive bay display would be much more functional along with more accurate voltage readings. I’d recommend this unit to people looking for a power supply for a silent pc, home theater pc, or for those of you who don’t want to have a roaring system. I’m just a little worried about the external radiator block; afraid something could fall on it and snap it off but the cage surrounding the heatsink seems to be fairly sturdy.
Rating: 8/10
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