Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The FSP Hydro G is a standard size ATX power supply. In terms of dimensions, this power supply stretches out 17.0cm, which is a bit long for this sort of wattage in 2016. Considering we have seen power supplies down to 14.0cm in length at higher power output and efficiency certifications, the Hydro G could look to trim a bit from the edges. It should be noted fully modular power supplies generally take up more room compared to their semi-modular or non-modular counterparts by a centimeter or two, as this extra real estate is used for the connector board at the back. We will explore what this looks like later when we delve into the FSP Hydro G 850W. For most ATX or eATX chassis, this sort of length will be almost a non-issue. However, for smaller mATX or mITX cases, the extra length may be more difficult to deal with, even if it is only a few centimeters. On the other hand, with cases like the Fractal Design Define Nano S, these full sized ATX power supplies can be easily accommodated, so in the end your mileage will vary.
From the top there are some huge diagonal slants to allow air into the fan. The bottom is barely shielded at all, with just some metal bars running across the 135mm internal fan. This should stop larger debris and objects from entering, all while not impeding airflow significantly. Otherwise, the sides of the power supply are finished in a smooth black, where fingerprints are seen quite clearly. You probably will not be touching your power supply too often, but this may bother some still. The sides have the standard labels showing the FSP logo and the Hydro G name. The sides are also oppositely oriented from each other, and it will appear in the correct orientation when looking from the left side. At the back, we have exhaust vents in a similar diagonal fashion. This allows excess heat to leave out the back of the power supply. The external casing of the power supply is held together with four screws on the sides, with one screw having a warranty seal over it. The only way to get inside this unit is to fry the five year warranty -- no foreshadowing intended.
Starting from the back, we once again have the diagonal slants. The sizing of the slants vary from each adjacent opening in a line, and this creates a unique pattern, unlike the standard honeycomb or circles we have seen. A more uniform mesh design is generally favored not for its aesthetics, but rather the fact it maximizes airflow, while minimizing air resistance. The back vents play an essential role in allowing heat to flow out the back, and having better airflow means it will get out as efficiently as it can. Most modern power supplies have an automatic full range (100V-240V) AC line voltage selection, so you will not need to manual flip an additional switch, and this product is no exception. Therefore, the back only has a single power switch and a standard power input. Thankfully, this is not a C20 plug, like the ones we have seen on some FSP units, so any standard cable will work with the Hydro G 850W.
Like most of the recent power supplies we have covered here at APH Networks, the FSP Hydro G 850W is a fully modular power supply. This means all cables are completely detachable from the main unit. While some users may question the necessity of this for the essential cables like the ATX 24-pin and the ATX 4-pin/EPS 8-pin, there still is benefits to having this. For example, I would argue this makes cabling easier, since users can pre-route the cables without needing the power supply installed right away. Secondly, there are a few third party manufacturers who provide sleeved cables for power supplies, and this is only made possible by fully modular units. On the other hand, there is a higher, but very negligible, electrical contact loss at the connectors compared to permanently fixed cables. At the end of the day, preference will make the final call, and I wholeheartedly prefer fully modular units.
The rear cable connection panel is clean, with similar connectors grouped together and laid out logically. They are clearly labeled, so you know which plug is for what. On the left side, we have five connections for the peripheral outputs for a total of twelve SATA/six Molex/two floppy. Next we have three PCI Express connectors, arranged in an L-shape. Underneath this area is another 8-pin CPU output to connect to an ATX 4+4 connection. Finally, to the right of the CPU output are the motherboard pins. FSP has also ensured the CPU connector cable does not fit into the PCI Express plugs, and vice versa, so they should be commended as such. In addition, it is great to see FSP provide this many connectors, which should be sufficient for most users, and even power enthusiasts too.
The external build quality of the FSP Hydro G 850W is quite good, and this is great to see from a company who both designs and manufactures the unit. We will take apart the Hydro G in a moment. Otherwise, the fit between the top and bottom panel is quite good, with very little gaps in between. The edges are finished off nicely, and is comparable to other units we have seen in the past. Of course, what matters is the inside, and we will see what they are like soon enough.
The voltage specification label for the FSP Hydro G 850W is on the top panel. There are two main virtual rails. Up to 25A can be delivered via the +3.3V rail for a total of 82.5W. The +5V rail can deliver 25A too, bringing the output to 125W in this area. The total combined output for the +3.3V and +5V rail is 150W. In other words, your power allocation combination must fall within the limits of the listed specifications. Meanwhile, a single powerful +12V rail delivers up to 70.83A (849.96W) to reduce operating overhead compared to multiple +12V rails. Overall, the combined power output for the whole Hydro G 850W is an unsurprising 850W. Just to note, the 0.04W difference is only due to the precision of the numbers on the label. Again, your power distribution in your system must fall within the limits provided -- it must not exceed 82.5W on the +3.3V rail, 125W on the +5V rail and 150W combined for both, 849.96W on the +12V rail, and 850W combined between the positive rails. All these confusing numbers aside, this configuration allows for flexible power demands. It should be sufficient to accommodate most users, and the overall distribution is reasonable for an 850W power supply.
The FSP Hydro G 850W is 80 Plus Gold certified, which means it is certified to be at least 87%, 90%, 87% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load, respectively. Higher certifications for other PSU lineups available at press time include 80 Plus Platinum and 80 Plus Titanium. Now I am just waiting for 80 Plus Diamond or Sapphire, haha.
A total of ten modular cables are included out of the box. All of the cables are flat ribbon cables, and are generally quite easy to bend. The cables, however, separate in odd fashions, due to the fact some wires cross about, and some users may complain about this. However, for a flat cable, it is acceptable. These wires are 18AWG, which should be able to handle most high currents found through PCI Express and ATX/EPS connections.
The following modular cables are included out of the box:
- 1x ATX 20+4 pin, 60.0cm
- 1x ATX/EPS 4+4 pin, 70.0cm
- 3x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors each, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x SATA, 4 connectors, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 2x SATA/Molex, 2 SATA and 2 Molex each, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter, 10.0cm between final two connectors
- 2x SATA/Molex/Floppy, 2 SATA, 1 Molex, 1 floppy each, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter, floppy 4-pin attached to the end of the daisy chain
These measurements are specified from the manufacturer. Most users should have no problems using these cables with the Hydro G 850W, even if the power supply is in the basement of the case. Fifty centimeters is the general standard between the power supply connection and the first connector, and all of these cables meet this requirement, including the peripheral cables. The 15cm spacing between connectors is quite adequate between multiple drives. I still question why power supply manufacturers even include floppy connectors nowadays, as floppy drives are practically relics now.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
