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Another new year – and a raft of new hardware to analyse! Today are are looking at a new, high grade power supply from AeroCool. The GT-1050SG is a modular design which has achieved 80 Plus Gold Certification. The unit is very attractively designed and we will find out if the performance characteristics can match the eye catching appearance.
AeroCool are clearly trying to target the enthusiast user who has an eye for expensive sports cars. In Italy ‘GT' stands for Gran Turismo, meaning a high performance sports car designed for long distance driving. The deliberate association with high performance cars is nothing new in the technology world, but have AeroCool got it right?
Key Features
- Scheme “GT” designed for heavy use gaming PSU with luxury outlook.
- Compatible with ATX12V 2.3 and EPS12V 2.92.
- Low noise white 13.9cm fan with intelligent fan speed control.
- 80Plus Gold certified efficiency up to 90%.
- Smart modular cables with flat wires reduce the cable mess inside chassis and optimize air flow of your system.
- Two 12V 4+4/8pin CPU connectors support extreme high-end gaming and workstation motherboard by dual physical CPU units.
- Six PCIe 6+2pin connectors support 3-ways and Quad GPU.
- Active Power Factor Correction (PF>0.99).
- Extremely good voltage regulation (±3%) provides steady power input.
- Low ripple/noise DC output increases performance and decrease interference by clean power.
- High reliability: MTBF>120,000 hours.
- Low standby load meets ErP Direction 2013 version.
- Protections: Over Current(OCP), Over Voltage(OVP), Over Power(OPP), Over Temperature(OTP), Under Voltage(UVP), Short-Circuit(SCP), and Surge/Inrush current protections(SIP).
- Safety / EMI Approvals by CE, FCC, TUV.
- 3 years warranty.
The AeroCool GT-1050SG 1050W box fits in well with the ethic of a sports car theme. The racing stripe and colourful montage are certainly attractive.
Inside, the power supply is securely protected between foam blocks.
The bundle is extremely disappointing. AeroCool only include a brown box with some modular cables, a regional specific power plug and mounting screws. There is no user manual, cable ties, or felt pouch to store unneeded cables.
Sadly, the AeroCool GT-1050SG is not a pure modular design with some of the cables hardwired into the chassis.
There are a total of six 6+2 pin PCI E connectors included with the power supply. Four 6+2 pin PCIE connectors are hardwired into the chassis, across two cables. The other two are included as separate modular cables in the brown box. Ideally, we would have liked to see all of the PCI E connectors as modular cables.
There are a total of 6 Molex connectors and 8 SATA connectors which should cover almost every system build.
The hardwired cables are high grade and sleeved while all of the modular cables are flat, ribbon style to help improve airflow. Keeping these all the same style would have looked better aesthetically.
The AeroCool GT-1050SG 1050W looks very different to any other power supply we have reviewed before. Initially I wasn't that impressed with the design but it did grow on me. The power supply measures 150mm x 86mm x 180 mm (WxHxD).
The AeroCool GT-1050SG 1050W has a large fan in place, underneath the black grill. The GT badge in the middle really does look great. Both white side panels have ‘GT AeroCool Design' embossed into the material.
This white material is a durable plastic that is both very tough and resilient to scratches and fingerprints. The black area is metal.
One side of the AeroCool GT-1050SG is vented to help improve air flow. There is a power switch and socket at one side.
The other side of the power supply is the modular connector bay. The company have made the sticker read from both mounting positions as can be seen from the image above. The connectors are colour coordinated – with the PCI-e connectors in red and peripheral connectors in black. The Molex and SATA connectors are shared between all the cables.
As mentioned earlier, it would have been better if all the PCI E cables were modular, instead of hard wiring four 6+2 pin PCIE connectors. There is plenty of space here for more connectors.
The GT-1050SG is split into +12V1 and +12V2 which are rated at 60A each. The company claim the AeroCool GT-1050SG can deliver 1020W across the +12V output.
AeroCool are using a Young Lin DFS132512H 135mm. We have seen this fan used in quite a few units in the last year. It is a 7 blade, dual ball bearing fan rated at 12V, 3W, up to 1,700 rpm with a maximum noise output rating of 36.28dBa.
The design of the AeroCool GT-1050SG is by HEC, and the soldering quality is quite good throughout. The power supply has several rows of heatsinks separating the components. The modular daughtercard is attached to the main unit at the side of the PCB.
The AeroCool GT-1050SG uses two Teapo capacitors in the primary stage, these are rated 85c, 420V 390uF.
This is a little disappointing as we would expect to see premium Japanese 105c rated capacitors in a flagship unit like this. That said, we haven't had any problems with Teapo in the past (although they are not popular with some enthusiast users). Capacitors in the secondary stage are all rated to 105c which is slightly more reassuring, especially as many of them are mounted in a low airflow position.
The unit complies with OVP / UVP/ OTP / OCP/ OPP / SCP / SIP Safety certifications.
On this page we present some super high resolution images of the product taken with the 24.5MP Nikon D3X camera and 24-70mm ED lens. These will take much longer to open due to the dimensions, especially on slower connections. If you use these pictures on another site or publication, please credit Kitguru.net as the owner/source.
Additional technical assistance: Peter McFarland and Jeremy Price.
Correctly testing power supplies is a complex procedure and KitGuru have configured a test bench which can deliver up to a 2,000 watt DC load. Due to public requests we have changed our temperature settings recently – previously we rated with ambient temperatures at 25C, we have increased ambient temperatures by 10c (to 35c) in our environment to greater reflect warmer internal chassis conditions.
We use combinations of the following hardware:
• SunMoon SM-268
• CSI3710A Programmable DC load (+3.3V and +5V outputs)
• CSI3711A Programmable DC load (+12V1, +12V2, +12V3, and +12V4)
• Extech Power Analyzer
• Extech MultiMaster MM570 digital multimeter
• SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter (6-130dBa)
• Digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
• Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA
We are combining +12V output to get the results.
|
DC Output Load Regulation
|
||||||||||
|
Combined DC Load |
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V
|
+5VSB
|
-12V | |||||
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A | V | |
|
100W
|
1.55
|
3.38
|
1.78
|
5.06
|
6.65
|
12.15
|
0.50
|
5.05
|
0.20
|
-12.05
|
|
250W
|
3.45
|
3.36
|
4.40
|
5.04
|
17.17
|
12.12
|
1.00
|
5.02
|
0.30
|
-12.07
|
|
500W
|
7.04
|
3.33
|
9.11
|
5.01
|
34.63
|
12.07
|
2.00
|
5.01
|
0.50
|
-12.09
|
| 750W |
11.02
|
3.32
|
13.73
|
4.99
|
52.79
|
12.00
|
2.50
|
5.00
|
0.50
|
-12.11
|
|
1050W
|
21.13
|
3.28
|
20.18 |
4.97
|
72.43
|
11.94
|
2.50
|
4.97
|
0.50
|
-12.12
|
This power supply produced decent regulation across all outputs, even when delivering a full 1050W. All rails held within 3% of the reference voltage, in excess of the +/-5% threshold.
| AeroCool GT-1050SG | Maximum Load |
| 1125W |
We managed to get another 75W from the power supply before the protection circuitry kicked in. We are happy to report a safe shut down verifying that the overcircuit protection is doing its job.
Next we want to try Cross Loading. This basically means loads which are not balanced. If a PC for instance needs 500W on the +12V outputs but something like 30W via the combined 3.3V and +5V outputs then the voltage regulation can fluctuate badly.
| Cross Load Testing | +3.3V | +5V | +12V | -12V | +5VSB | |||||
| A | V | A | V | A | V | A | V | A | V | |
| 885W | 2.0 | 3.35 | 2.0 | 5.04 | 72.0 | 11.92 | 0.2 | -12.07 | 0.50 | 5.00 |
| 240W | 20.0 | 3.27 | 24.0 | 4.97 | 2.0 | 12.13 | 0.2 | -12.09 | 0.50 | 4.99 |
The AeroCool GT-1050SG handled the Cross loading tests very well and we didn’t experience any troublesome issues. All the voltages remained well within specification.
We then used an oscilloscope to measure AC ripple and noise present on the DC outputs. We set the oscilloscope time base to check for AC ripple at both high and low ends of the spectrum. ATX12V V2.2 specification for DC output ripple and noise is defined in the ATX 12V power supply design guide.
|
ATX12V Ver 2.2 Noise/Ripple Tolerance
|
|
|
Output
|
Ripple (mV p-p)
|
|
+3.3V
|
50
|
|
+5V
|
50
|
|
+12V1
|
120
|
|
+12V2
|
120
|
|
-12V
|
120
|
|
+5VSB
|
50
|
Obviously when measuring AC noise and ripple on the DC outputs the cleaner (less recorded) means we have a better end result. We measured this AC signal amplitude to see how closely the unit complied with the ATX standard.
| AC Ripple (mV p-p) | ||||
| DC Load | +3.3V | +5V | +12V | +5VSB |
| 100W | 15 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| 250W | 15 | 15 | 25 | 10 |
| 500W | 20 | 15 | 30 | 15 |
| 750W | 25 | 20 | 40 | 20 |
| 1050W | 30 | 25 | 55 | 25 |
Noise suppression of the AeroCool GT-1050SG isn't the best we have seen in recent months, but all output falls within the rated tolerance specifications. +3.3V and +5V peak between 25mV and 30mV. The +12V output peaks at 55mV.
|
Efficiency (%)
|
|
|
100W
|
82.65
|
|
250W
|
88.97
|
|
500W
|
91.89
|
|
750W
|
89.72
|
|
1050W
|
88.11
|
Efficiency is good, peaking at just under 92 percent at around 50 percent load. This drops to just over 88 percent at full load.
We take the issue of noise very seriously at KitGuru and this is why we have built a special home brew system as a reference point when we test noise levels of various components. Why do this? Well this means we can eliminate secondary noise pollution in the test room and concentrate on components we are testing. It also brings us slightly closer to industry standards, such as DIN 45635.
Today to test the Power Supply we have taken it into our acoustics room environment and have set our SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter (6-130dBa) one meter away from the unit. We have no other fans running so we can effectively measure just the noise from the unit itself.
As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refrigerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 Player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
|
Noise (dBA)
|
|
|
100W
|
<28.0
|
|
250W
|
<28.0
|
|
500W
|
29.7
|
|
750W
|
32.3
|
| 1050W | 34.1 |
The AeroCool GT-1050SG power supply is quiet throughout most of the power range, becoming audible only in the last 200W of total power output. Even when holding a 900W load, the Young Lin fan can barely be heard in a normal environment.
|
Temperature (c)
|
||
|
Intake
|
Exhaust
|
|
|
100W
|
35
|
39
|
|
250W
|
37
|
43
|
|
500W
|
38
|
46
|
|
750W
|
43
|
54
|
|
1050W
|
47
|
59
|
The large 135mm fan ensures there is plenty of airflow, rising to a maximum of 12c above ambient at full power load.
|
Maximum load
|
Efficiency
|
|
1125W
|
86.38
|
Pushing the PSU above its rated limits generates an efficiency level of around 86.38%. This is not a viable ‘real world’ situation, but its interesting nonetheless.
AeroCool have attempted to differentiate the GT-1050SG from the masses by creating a dramatically designed, curved outer shell. The ‘GT' branding is a direct link to the ‘Gran Turismo' – a high performance sports car designed for long distance driving. Many technology companies like to associate their products with sports cars.
Aesthetically there is much to compliment, although we think the styling and appearance may split opinion. Modders with an exposed side panel may not warm to the two tone white and black casing, preferring instead to opt for a plain black unit. That said, those enthusiast users with a high end white coloured chassis may find the matching design appealing. The materials on the outer shell do not attract fingerprints and it is also very resilient to rough handling.
Technically, the HEC design is capable and exhibits no glaring weakness. While we have seen better results in recent months from the market leading supplies such as the Corsair AX1200i or Seasonic Platinum 1000W, the AeroCool GT-1050SG delivers some good end results.
Load Regulation is solid and the unit passed the intensive Cross loading tests without a hitch. We managed to push the power output to around 1125W before it would shut down safely.
Ripple suppression isn't close to class leading, but the results are well with the industry rated tolerance levels and in this regard the unit passes this test without a problem. Efficiency is also commendable, hitting close to 92 percent at 50 percent load. The large 135mm Young Lin fan inside manages to ensure all the components are cooled without creating a racket, even in the last 20% of total load.
AeroCool do really need to work on their bundles however. This is the second power supply we have received from them which hasn't included a user manual, or any literature at all. They say first impressions are very important, and in this regard the package is disappointing. The lack of cables ties and storage pouch for the modular cables is also an unnecessary cost cutting measure.
The modular cabling is high grade, but we are disappointed that this design ships with quite a few hard wired cables. All of the PCI E cables for instance should ideally be modular. While we also appreciate the flat ribbon style modular cables the hard wired cables are traditionally sleeved and not flat. As AeroCool have placed such a focus on the appearance of this unit, why not make all the cables match?
The price point of this unit is actually quite competitive especially when considering many of the 1000W-1250W power supplies are priced around the £250-£270 mark. CCL are stocking the AeroCool GT-1050SG now for £159 inc vat.
Pros:
- Modular design.
- quiet under load.
- solid all round technical design.
- dramatically designed.
- decent price point.
Cons:
- Mismatched cable style between hardwired and modular.
- more modular cabling would be welcomed.
- very poor bundle.
Kitguru says: A very solid, well priced power supply with an eye catching design.
