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EVGA have earned a fantastic reputation over the years for their selected range of motherboards and graphics cards. Today we look at one of their high end power supplies – the SuperNova 1200 P2. This is a creation with OEM partner, Super Flower. The EVGA SuperNova 1200 P2 supply is full modular, 80 Plus Platinum certified and can be driven in a semi passive mode. The warranty is certainly exhibiting a confidence in the product that EVGA wish to pass onto the customer – ten years is not to be sniffed at.
EVGA are keen to point out that the SuperNova P2 1200 is built with long term reliability in mind. They have opted for premium grade Japanese capacitors and selected high grade components throughout the build. We have reviewed a handful of Super Flower designs in the past and they have certainly left us with positive impressions so far.
This unit is also Haswell compatible, using DC-DC converters for the generation of the minor rails.
EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 overview:
- Unbeatable 10 Year Warranty and unparalleled EVGA Customer Support
- Highest quality Japanese brand capacitors ensure long-term reliability
- Fully modular, to reduce clutter and improve airflow
- Double ball bearing fan for exceptional reliability and quiet operation
- Heavy duty protections
- NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire Ready
- 80 PLUS Platinum certified, with 92% (115VAC) / 94% (220VAC~240VAC) efficiency or higher under typical loads.
- ECO Intelligent Thermal Control Fan System (Zero Fan Noise < 45C)
The EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 box is plain, but effective enough in a retail store environment.
More details are shown on the back of the box.
Inside, the packaging is secure. All the extras are stored in a separate container at one side of the box, sandwiched between cardboard panels.
Inside the box is a regional specific power cable, a modular cable bag, mounting screws, and a handy ATX bridging adapter which allows the power supply to be used without load.
A user guide is also supplied, beside the power supply. We like how EVGA have presented the unit, enclosed inside a resealable felt bag.
The modular cables are all black with black sleeving. Top marks.
| Cable | Connectors |
| MB 20+4 pin | x1 (590mm) |
| CPU 4+4 pin | x2 (740mm) |
| PCI E 8 pin (6 pin) | x2 (740mm) |
| PCI E 8 pin (6 pin +2) | x6 (740mm) |
| SATA | x4 /12 total (540+90+90mm) |
| MOLEX | x5 (550mm+95mm) |
| FDD | x1 |
Plenty of power cables to suit the most demanding system builds, including those people running SLI and Crossfire configurations. Strange to see two of the eight PCIe power cables are only 6 pin however – not 6+2.
Understated and serious looking. The matt paint work is rough to the touch and as such doesn't attract fingerprints easily. There are two stickers on each side of the chassis detailing specifications. We will look at technical power details shortly.
This is a large power supply incidentally, measuring 85mm (H) x 150mm (W) x 200mm (L).
The finish of the chassis is superb with thick paintwork. It passed our ‘screwdriver' test without a problem. This involves running the head of a Philips head driver down the side of the chassis with light to medium force. After all, how many times have you accidentally connected with a power supply during a system build?
The fan is protected behind a thick grill system which is actually part of the chassis. The E logo is visible centerstage. There is a 140mm fan underneath this and we will crack the unit open shortly to get a closer look at the model.
If you are paying close attention you can see some attractive, subtle touches on the chassis, such as an ‘engraved' EVGA' logo along the top of the unit.
One end of the power supply is vented, to help improve air flow under load. There is a power switch and connector at the side, along with an ‘ECO' on/off switch. This is how you toggle the ‘semi passive' option on and off.
The modular panel has three rows of connectors, all nicely laid out and labelled. No faults here.
| EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 Power Supply | |||||
|
DC Output
|
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V |
-12V
|
+5Vsb
|
|
Max Output
|
20A
|
20A
|
99.9A |
0.5A
|
2.5A
|
| Total Power | 100W | 1198.8W | 6W | 12.5W | |
| 1200W | |||||
The single +12V rail can deliver 99.9A (lets just say 100A). No problems powering the most demanding graphics cards, such as the R9 295X2. The minor rails can deliver 20A on both +3.3V and +5V which is a little lower than some of the other 1200W supplies we have tested recently, including the Seasonic Platinum 1200W (25A on each). 20A is plenty however. The only negative is the +5Vsb which is rated 2.5A (12.5Q) – 3A really should be standard on a 1200 w unit (15W).
The fan is a ‘Globe' double ball bearing model, number RL4Z-B1402512EH. This is rated 12V, 0.6A with a maximum speed of 2,000 rpm, airflow 153.47cfm. Maximum noise rating is officially 39.5dBa. We will measure noise later in the review.
The EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 is created by OEM partner Super Flower. The primary side is using a full bridge topology with a LLC converter to help improve efficiency. The secondary side of the design incorporates a synchronous design for the rectification of the +12V rail with two DC-DC converters for minor rail generation. Soldering quality of the main PCB is good.
Transient filtering starts at the AC Receptacle which consists initially of a single X cap. The main PCB houses the second stage and features two CM chokes, two pairs of Y caps, two X caps and an MOV. Super Flower have built in a Transient Voltage Suppression diode to help protect against spiking.
The primary stage uses a pair of high grade 105C rated Japanese Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors. (KMQ series) These are rated 400V, 560uF – combining for a total of 1120uF. Secondary stage capacitors are all Japanese (Nippon Chemi-Con) and rated 105C. Top marks to Super Flower for not compromising here.
On this page we present some high resolution images of the product taken with the Fuji XT1 camera. 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 – 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 test the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 power supply with the fan in the ‘normal’ state.
|
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
|
3.32
|
1.75
|
5.03
|
6.65
|
12.18
|
0.50
|
5.02
|
0.20
|
-12.07
|
|
200W
|
3.13
|
3.32
|
3.50
|
5.03
|
13.50
|
12.16
|
1.00
|
5.01
|
0.20
|
-12.07
|
| 400W |
6.40
|
3.32
|
7.05
|
5.03
|
27.50
|
12.14
|
1.50
|
5.01
|
0.30
|
-12.07
|
| 600W |
9.80
|
3.31
|
10.77
|
5.03
|
41.70
|
12.11
|
2.00
|
5.01
|
0.30
|
-12.07
|
|
800W
|
13.25
|
3.31
|
14.55
|
5.02
|
56.40
|
12.08
|
2.50
|
5.00
|
0.50
|
-12.08
|
| 1000W | 16.55 | 3.31 | 15.75 | 5.01 | 71.40 | 12.05 | 3.00 | 5.00 | 0.60 | -12.08 |
| 1200W | 22.01 | 3.30 | 22.01 | 5.00 | 85.00 | 12.03 | 3.60 | 5.00 | 0.80 | -12.08 |
Load regulation is absolutely superb holding close to reference on all the rails.
| EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 | Maximum Load |
| 1333 Watts |
We managed to get another 133 watts from the power supply before the protection circuitry kicked in. The supply was undamaged and it was ready to fire up again when we dropped the load to a more realistic level.
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 | |
| 1190W | 4.0 | 3.33 | 3.0 | 5.03 | 88.0 | 12.01 | 0.2 | -12.02 | 0.50 | 5.02 |
| 240W | 19.0 | 3.32 | 22.0 | 5.00 | 2.5 | 12.09 | 0.2 | -12.04 | 0.50 | 5.02 |
The EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 power supply delivered a great set of results in the demanding Cross load test, as shown above.
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 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 200W | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 400W | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 600W | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 800W | 10 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| 1000W | 15 | 5 | 15 | 10 |
| 1200W | 15 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
These are some seriously good ripple suppression figures that any manufacturer would be proud to achieve. As good as we have seen, even in this high end sector. Bravo!
|
Efficiency (%)
|
|
|
100W
|
85.7
|
|
200W
|
88.8
|
|
400W
|
92.9
|
|
600W
|
94.4
|
|
800W
|
93.7
|
| 1000W | 92.8 |
| 1200W | 92.4 |
The overall efficiency results are excellent, peaking at 94.4% at 600W. This drops to 92.4% efficiency at full load, a very impressive result overall.
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
|
|
200W
|
28.0
|
|
400W
|
30.8
|
|
600W
|
31.9
|
| 800W | 32.7 |
| 1000W | 33.8 |
| 1200W | 35.5 |
The EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 is a very quiet power supply, barely registering on our equipment until 800 watts is demanded. Even then it is very quiet. At full load, the fan spins up to compensate, but if you need to deliver a constant 1,200 watts then you need to be thinking about a 1,500 watt or greater power supply anyway.
|
Temperature (c)
|
||
|
Intake
|
Exhaust
|
|
|
100W
|
35
|
38
|
|
200W
|
35
|
41
|
|
400W
|
37
|
44
|
|
650W
|
43
|
50
|
|
800W
|
45
|
52
|
| 1000W | 47 | 58 |
| 1200W | 50 | 62 |
Temperatures are well controlled as the fan spins actively once load hits 900W load and beyond.
|
Maximum load
|
Efficiency
|
|
1333W
|
91.6
|
Pushing the power supply above its rated limits generates an efficiency level of around 91.6%. This is not a viable ‘real world’ situation, but its interesting nonetheless.
The EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 is an exceptional high end design, and one of the best power supplies we have ever tested.
The box and packaging is the first indication that this is a premium product with no corner being cut to save on cost. The inclusion of the ATX power bridging adapter is inspired and a very useful tool to have when building and troubleshooting a system.
The EVGA partership with Super Flower is serving them well, the overall design is almost flawless and performance in all key areas is exceptionally good.
Load regulation is superb, ripple suppression is as good as we have seen, and the unit passed our intensive cross loading tests with flying colours. The quality of cabling is also excellent, although I was a little surprised to see two of the PCIe cables were 6 pin, not 6+2 pin. Not a huge issue really, but a weird thing to see with a 1200 watt power supply.
Internally no corners have been cut, Super Flower have used all of the highest grade Japanese Nippon Chemi Con 105c rated capacitors (KMQ series), designed for stability and long term reliability. It is always reassuring to see a company using high grade Japanese capacitors in both primary and secondary stages.
You can pick up the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 PSU from Overclockers UK for £199.99 inc vat. Considering it will deliver in excess of 1,300 watts while performing so exceptionally well in all key areas, it deserves our highest award. It is pretty much the best £200 you could spend for a new high end Crossfire or SLI system build.
Discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE.
Pros:
- excellent value for money.
- very tight voltage regulation.
- long cables, all high grade.
- ATX bridging connector included.
- great build quality.
- 105c Nippon Chemi Con capacitors.
- semi passive mode.
- delivered over 1,300 watts, sustained.
Cons:
- a couple of 6 pin PCIe power connectors (not 6+2 pin).
Kitguru says: It is difficult to fault the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200 power supply. Technially it outperforms most of the competition. A fantastic foundation for a new power hungry SLI or Crossfire system build.
