_Klay_ Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 The DeepCool GamerStorm DQ-M V2L 850W uses a new platform from Channel Well Technology (CWT), which has the codename GPX. In essence, GPX platform is a downgraded GPU design (which we have seen in the Bitfenix Whisper line and the older DeepCool GamerStorm models). Its goal is to offer high enough performance at a lower price, meaning that it doesn't use the same high-quality parts that the GPU design utilizes. With higher quality FETs and a stronger boost diode, the GamerStorm DQ-M V2L 850W could be included in our Best Power Supplies article, but performance alone isn't enough. The design needs to be reliable enough to last for years to come, even under tough operating conditions, and it should also retain its good performance over time, because even PSUs age. DeepCool's new power supply line looks interesting, but it doesn't pose any threat to the highly po[CENSORED]r Corsair RMx and Seasonic Focus Plus Gold lines. DeepCool decided to expand its GamerStorm brand with a new PSU line, with the codename DQ-M V2L. This line consists of three members with capacities ranging from 650W to 850W. Compared to the original DQ-M line, which is based on the top-notch CWT GPU platform, the DQ-M V2L uses the inferior CWT GPX platform with some modifications, which allow for higher performance and increased reliability. The latter is depicted on the ten-year warranty that supports these new PSU models. Finally, all DQ-M V2L units feature a single +12V rail design, contrary to the DQ-M members, which had several +12V rails. The GPX platform is a downgraded version of the GPU design, so we didn't expect to find top-notch quality parts and, in some areas, e.g., in the APFC converter, indeed this is the case. Compared to other 850W units with similar specs, this one uses a notably weaker boost diode in the APFC circuit, and on top of that, the quality of the FETs that CWT used is not high. For example, the Silan Microelectronics FETs are also used in the much more affordable Corsair CX450 (the one made by CWT). It would be ideal if CWT used Infineon or On Semiconductor FETs, but this would affect the production cost. The good thing is that a full-bridge topology is used, while the GPU platform uses half-bridge. Briefly, a full-bridge topology can deliver more power, with the proper components, and it has lower energy losses than a half-bridge configuration. Nonetheless, in radiated EMI, the half-bridge converter has the edge over the full-bridge converter. Manufacturer (OEM) Max. DC Output 850W Efficiency 80 PLUS Gold, ETA-A (88-91%) Noise LAMBDA-S+ (35-40 dB[A]) Modular ✓ (Fully) Intel C6/C7 Power State Support ✓ Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load) 0 - 50°C Over Voltage Protection ✓ Under Voltage Protection ✓ Over Power Protection ✓ Over Current (+12V) Protection ✓ Over Temperature Protection ✓ Short Circuit Protection ✓ Surge Protection ✓ Inrush Current Protection ✓ Fan Failure Protection ✗ No Load Operation ✓ Cooling 120mm Sleeve Bearing Fan (HA1225H12S-Z) Semi-Passive Operation ✗ Dimensions (W x H x D) 150 x 85 x 160mm Weight 1.53 kg (3.37 lb) Form Factor ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92 Warranty 10 Years FOR Full power at 47 degrees Celsius Good overall performance Efficient Highly efficient 5VSB rail Long hold-up time Fully modular Large enough distance between peripheral connectors AGAINST Low-quality FETs used Weak boost diode in the APFC converter Noisy Poor transient response at 3.3V Lower than 70% efficiency with 2% load Not compatible with the alternative sleep mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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