The NZXT Precise 650 was installed in the following system:
A64 3800+ X2 Manchester
(overclocked to 2.7Ghz)
Chaintech VNF4
2x512 OCZ PC3700
MSI 6600 PCIe
(overclocked to 500/1000)
2x74Gb Raptor HDD
16X NEC DVD+RW
Floppy Drive
Vantec Nexus
4 USB Devices
6 Assorted Fans (5 LED)
The power supply fan LEDs are not quite as bright as other fans used in my case, however the fan is operating at a reduced power to keep noise down. I couldn't hear it over the rest of the system.
To generate load conditions I ran the following simultaneously:
Windows Disk Defragmenter
Folding @ Home Client
Aquamark 3
This should load every component in the system for the duration of the test. At full load I measured the total system draw to be less than 450VA or just under 300W.
I use a Fluke digital multimeter to monitor the +5 and +12 output voltages at one of the 4 pin molex, and the +3.3 directly from the ATX connector. I recorded both idle and load readings.
There was very little fluctuation of the rails at all, even under load the voltage output varied only slightly. The difference between idle and load conditions was also not significant.
The NZXT Precise 650 is not my first experience with what I would consider a high-end power supply, and I have not come away from that experience disappointed. Everything looks simply awesome, from the finish on the power supply to the attractive nameplate on the grill, even down to minor details such as the shielded braid on the SATA cabling and LED cooling fan. My only regret is that most of these visual enhancements will go overlooked once installed in a case. Even with a side window, once you've stepped back a few feet it looks much like any other power supply.
As for features, the Precise is definitely not lacking in this area. Tops on my list are the active PFC, dual or combined +12v rails and split style connectors. Although I did not observe the power supply using the "Combined" mode on the +12v rails, and there was no explanation in the manual or on the box as to when a user might expect it to operate that way. The thing's got plenty of amps to go around, and the testing seems to confirm this. There was very little fluctuation observed, although putting it under such a (relatively) light load might be considered insulting to this power house.
If I were to pick something out just to... well, pick on, it would have to do with the cables. The SATA and ATX cables are very stiff due to the mesh and braid, so it makes routing them neatly inside the case a daunting task. Another gripe with the cables is that all the remaining lengths are not sleeved, and the resulting bulk can be a bit of a rat's nest when it comes to tidying up.
I did not have any operating issues with my system during this week of testing. In fact, the motherboard sensor readings have been much more stable than with my previous 450w supply. If there is one downside to a power supply of this caliber it's unfortunately the price. The cost is comparable to other high-end power supplies on the market, around $150 on a popular online reseller website as of the writing of this review. But if you need the power of a >600w supply and don't mind the minor cable issues, the NZXT Precise 650 makes an excellent choice to run your high-end rig.
Pros
Stunning good looks
Nice features
Awesome performance
Cons
Unsleeved cables
Stiff ATX and SATA cables
OCIA.net has awarded the NZXT Precise 650W our seal of approval.
Thanks to NZXT for providing the PRC-650W Power Supply for review.
