By: Jonathan Kwan
March 29, 2024
"Just admit it, deep down inside, you are a big fan of him," one of my friends told my other friend, referring to me. "No I am not, I do not like him!" my other friend quickly shot back, then looks at me. "Also, what is your Instagram?" Does what someone literally say always reflect what they actually think? In this case, I do not think so, and neither does anyone else around us. In reality, this happens not just with people, but also with things we interact with on a daily basis. Here at APH Networks, we are quite familiar with the FSP Hydro G series power supplies, and even more so with the FSP Hydro series in general, covering seven of such models -- not including the one we are reviewing today -- since we first reviewed the Hydro G 850W in 2016. Since then, we have covered two more specifically in the Hydro G series, including the Hydro G Pro 750W in 2020 and Hydro G Pro 1000W in 2021. Today, we have yet another Hydro G Pro PSU in our labs, but despite still carrying the identical Hydro G Pro designation and no explicit revision number as part of the name, the latest version is ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compliant. At first glance, it looks like a minor revision of something we are very familiar with, albeit with a different wattage rating. However, just like my friend who claims one thing but is actually something else on the inside, does the FSP Hydro G Pro 1200W only look like all the Hydro G Pro models we have reviewed in the past on the outside, but is actually completely different on the inside? Read on to find out!
Our review unit of the FSP Hydro G Pro 1200W arrived in a medium-sized brown corrugated cardboard box from the company's American headquarters in Chino, California, USA. Using UPS Standard, our Hydro G Pro 1200W arrived in excellent condition to us here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for our review today.
Inside the shipping box is the FSP Hydro G Pro 1200W's retail box. The retail box design is the same as the Hydro G Pro 1000W and Hydro G Pro 750W I reviewed in 2021 and 2020, respectively, which makes sense. This also means it has not changed much since the original Hydro G. As you can see in our photo, the photo of the power supply itself is shown prominently with some outer space orbital-themed effects. Otherwise, the gold-and-black color scheme is reserved and pragmatic; FSP's logo is printed at the top left corner, while the Hydro G Pro branding and 1200W rating is seen at the bottom. Some arrays of icons show off its features. The left array includes an 80 Plus Gold badge, Cybenetics Gold certification, full modular design, and Japanese brand electrolytic capacitors. The right section includes 10-year warranty and Off-Wet Technology. A removable band highlights its ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 specifications. The remaining sides have a little more detail in presentation, which you will find more photos, feature highlights, performance graphs, and specifications.
One thing to note, as far as I know, this specific model is not Cybenetics Gold certified, and FSP does not make this claim anywhere else other than the logo on the box. Previous Hydro G Pro models are Cybenetics certified, so it may be just a copy-and-paste error when using old templates.
Before we move on, let us take a look at the specifications of the FSP Hydro G Pro 1200W, as obtained from the manufacturer's website:
Rated Output Power: 1200W
Form Factor: ATX
80 PLUS Certification: Gold
Input Voltage: 100-240V
Input Current: 15-8A
Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
PFC: Active PFC
Efficiency: ≥90% at typical load
Fan Type: FDB Fan, 120mm
Dimensions(L x W x H): 150 x 150 x 86mm
Operation Temp.: 0-50℃
Protection: OCP, OVP, OPP, SCP, OTP
The FSP Hydro G Pro 1200W's retail packaging can be opened by a flap attached at the side. Upon opening the box, you will find everything neatly organized. The power supply is securely clipped between two foam brackets. Out of the box, you will receive the Hydro G Pro 1200W power supply itself, modular cables, AC power cable, four screws, three Velcro straps, power supply jump starter, product manual, 12VHPWR installation insert, and some stickers. Everything is presented well and appropriate for a PSU of this class.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
