A venerable power supply brand expands its range to 120mm fan with detachable cable models. The Liberty line aims for high efficiency and low noise as well, and offers up a big serving of functional luxury. Their marketing team is bent on Big Ideas this time around: Eternity cables in the Liberty power supplies. We examine the 500 and 620W models.
Nov 2, 2005 by Devon
Cooke
| Product | Enermax Liberty EL500AWT / EL620AWT 500 / 620W ATX12V 2.2 Power Supplies |
| Manufacturer | Enermax Technology Corporation |
| Distributors (USA) | Maxpoint Coolergiant Computers Inc. |
| Market Price | US$125 (500) / US$190 (620) |
No More Limits! So says the marketing material for the
Enermax Liberty, as though computer users everywhere are held in bondage by
their power supply. The Liberty is the company’s first power supply with
a 120mm fan, and their first offering with modular cables.
Modular cables are still somewhat of a novelty. We have seen a number of modular cable power supplies in the
past, but none has seemed so complete as the Liberty. This isn’t just a basic
model whose cables happen to come off; there are lots of small touches even
a storage case for spare cables that suggest serious thought about its design.
There are three models in the Liberty lineup, which differ mainly in output
capacity and the number of cables included. We received samples from both of the distributors in the U.S. The 500W
model came from Maxpoint,
and the 620W model came from Coolergiant.
There is also a third model rated for 400W.
Just in case any readers are unaware of the brand, here’s a quick recap from an earlier Enermax review:
Enermax is one of the very first names that comes to mind when you think of computer power supplies. They were the first to merchandise the power supply as more than a mysterious gray box that hums in the back of the PC. With their signature metallic paint, shiny wire grills, and classy sleeving for cables, they have long been among the most visible of PSU brands.
Of course, with the surge in retail power supply mechandizing over the past couple of years, none of the above mentioned traits are outstanding any more. As you will see, with the Liberty, they’ve upped the ante without resorting to non-functional bling. The Liberty is definitely targeted at the high end, with a focus on functionality. In addition to screws,
cables and the power supply, our samples came with a soft carrying case
for spare cables, a thick, multilingual manual, a pair of Enermax branded stickers,
and an Enermax branded keychain.
A huge retail box…
…holds lots of goodies. Highlights include a cable pouch and a keychain.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
| Feature Highlights of the Enermax Liberty (from Enermax’ | |
| FEATURE & BRIEF | COMMENT |
| Full compliance with the highest standard to desktop power requirements. Split 12V rails provide most stable current to CPU, GPU, MB and drives. | What split rails actually mean. |
| Full support of Dual Core systems (incl. Pentium D EE and Athlon 64 X2) & Dual CPU systems. | I would hope so… there’s no electrical difference between a single core and a dual core CPU. |
| Convertible design to power up ATX/BTX systems and support dual CPU entry-level server/workstation. | 20 and 24-pin main connectors are supported, as are 4 and 8-pin AUX connectors. |
| PF value up to 0.99 to provide stable and clean power under 100-240VAC by auto switching. | A power factor this high can only be achieved with active power factor correction. |
| High efficiency of about 80% under wide load range (30-100%) minimizes your electricity bill. | 80% is a good target. |
| Special design 12cm fan combines silence and cooling by intelligent speed control. | Enermax’ first 120mm fan power supply. |
| Protected by OCP, OVP, UVP, OLP, SCP, OTP for maximum safety. Full rated power under 0-40°C/32-104°F ambient temp. | OCP: Over Current Protection OVP: Over Voltage Protection UVP: Under Voltage Protection OLP: Over Load Protection SCP: Short Circuit Protection OTP: Over Temperature Protection The 40°C spec is a sign of realistic power ratings. |
| Smarter cable choice and better cable routing for a neat and tidy case. | No More Limits, remember? |
| Unique 4-pin Molex + SATA connectors in pairs give you free choice on using either PATA or SATA devices. | Cables sets reflect the way they are actually used. |
| Support of Dual PCI-E graphics cards, SLI or CrossFire. | Two PCIe connectors, and enough power for both. |
| Toughest EMI shielding protects your system and near-by appliances. | EMI shielding is required to pass international certification tests. |
OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
| Enermax Liberty EL500AWT (500W) | ||||||
| AC Input | 100-240VAC / 50-60Hz / 7.5 – 3.5A | |||||
| Maximum AC Current | 10A @ 120V / 6A @ 240V | |||||
| DC Output | +3.3V | +5V | +12V1 | +12V2 | -12V | +5VSB |
| Maximum Output Current | 28A | 30A | 22A | 22A | 0.6A | 3.0A |
| Maximum Combined | 160W | 384W (32A) | 7.2W | 15W | ||
| 477.8W | 22.2W | |||||
| 500W | ||||||
| Enermax Liberty EL620AWT (620W) | ||||||
| AC Input | 100-240VAC / 50-60Hz / 9.5 – 4.0A | |||||
| Maximum AC Current | 10A @ 120V / 6A @ 240V | |||||
| DC Output | +3.3V | +5V | +12V1 | +12V2 | -12V | +5VSB |
| Maximum Output Current | 28A | 32A | 22A | 22A | 0.6A | 3.0A |
| Maximum Combined | 170W | 432W (36A) | 7.2W | 15W | ||
| 597.8W | 22.2W | |||||
| 620W | ||||||
The output ratings for our two samples are quite similar. On the
individual rails, only the +5V rail has changed,
by a paltry 10W. So where does the extra power in the 620W model come from?
Some of it comes from a 48W increase in the combined rating for the +12V rails,
but most of it is in the combined 3.3V + 5V + 12V1 + 12V2 rating. This means that the extra power is distributed fairly evenly through the main voltage lines.
One nice thing about both models is the strong +5VSB (standby) rail. Not enough current capacity here can be an issue for those who like to use lots of peripherals; this rails
supplies power even when the computer is “off” and is often used to
power external USB devices.
One oddity is the 22A rating of the +12V rails: Intel’s main justification (in ATX12V v.2xx PS Design Guide)
for two 12V rails is to keep the current on any individual
rail below 240VA. It seems odd that the 12V lines should be rated above
20A (20A x 12V = 240VA). In real usage, neither rail is ever likely to approach its rated maximum,
so the point is mostly moot, but it does make the “separate” rails
kind of pointless.
PHYSICAL BASICS
The black and gold color scheme of the Liberty is classy. Thanks to the
contrast of the two colors and the bulls-eye shape of the wire fan grill, the
eye is immediately drawn to the hub of the fan, where a golden sticker
displays the manufacturer’s name. Gold thread is also found running
through the cable sleeves.
Open intake, open exhaust: A good combination.
Modular cables and an exhaust vent occupy the inside face.
The various intake and exhaust vents are all quite unrestrictive and open,
which is a good sign for cooling. As usual, the main exhaust is located on the
outside face of the power supply so that heat is exhausted outside the system. There is also an auxiliary vent on the inside vent above the cable sockets.
This area is often poorly cooled in power supplies with 120mm fans, and letting
air escape from here is probably a good idea. However, some users of the
Seasonic S12 power supplies have complained that vents in this location allows hot
air to be re-circulated inside the case, and heats up the optical
drives. The vents on the Liberty is much bigger than the ones on the S12.
The almost-standard hex-stamped exhaust vent.
INSIDE THE LIBERTY
The photos below show the interior of the 500W model, but the 620W version
looks almost identical, with one important difference which will be touched
on later.
Gold heatsinks are nestled between numerous coils and other components.
The two main heatsinks are on the small side, but have a fair amount of surface area and many fins.
They should do a decent job of moving heat away from the vital components without
impeding airflow too much. Their gold color is a little unusual perhaps
it is the black and gold color scheme extended to the internal design!
Modular cables keep the interior fairly uncluttered.
The tidiness of the modular cables also seems to extend to the interior of
the power supply. Thanks to a PCB that supplies power to all the detachable
cables, there are far fewer cables to clutter the interior. Almost all
of the power drawn from the power supply passes through this PCB, so it
probably benefits from the exhaust vent located beneath it.
The only visible difference between the 500W and 620W models: A plastic airflow deflector.
Both of our samples came with the same fan; a medium speed, ball bearing model
branded with the name “Silence”. Its 0.30A rating is quite high for
a medium speed fan. Although the frame is black, the blades are clear plastic.
The visual effect of the fan spinning underneath the gold fan grill is
interesting.
A Google search of the fan’s model number turned up several hits for fans made
by Globe Fan,
a large OEM fan manufacturer known to do business with Enermax. Although
Globe’s web site does not provide detailed enough information to positively
identify the fan, Globe is certainly the manufacturer.
Both the 500W and 620W use this fan model.
CABLES AND CONNECTORS
There are a total of ten cable sets in the 620W model. The main ATX cable and
the +12V AUX cable are not detachable. All cables are sleeved up to the first
connector, except for the lower half of the AUX cable.
- 22″ cable for main 20+4-pin ATX connector
- 22″ auxiliary 4+4-pin 12V AUX connector
- 26″ cable for monitoring the internal fan speed
- 3 x 28″ cable with two 4-pin IDE drive connectors
and two SATA drive connectors - 2 x 33″ cable with two 4-pin IDE drive connectors, two SATA drive connectors,
and one floppy connector - 2 x 21″ 6-pin auxiliary power connector for PCI Express
The 500W model has one less cable, a 28″ cable with two 4-pin IDE drive connectors
and two SATA drive connectors. According to the web site, the 400W model has
two less.
Eight cable sockets: Six Multipurpose, and two reserved for PCIe cables.
All of the detachable cables use a six-pin socket that is physically but not
electrically compatible with the standard PCIe connector. This is a little dangerous, since the PCIe cables do use standard PCIe sockets and it is possible to hook the cables up incorrectly. Fortunately, the two PCIe sockets are well labeled and color
coded, so conscientious users should have no problems hooking things up correctly.
There is still a chance for absentminded mistakes, but no amount of labeling
can force everyone to actually read the labels…
The two different types of connectors are color coded.
Top to bottom: +12V AUX, fan monitor, ATX, 2 x PCIe,
5 x Accessory cables.
The individual cables are of average length, but there is no shortage of spare
connectors. Because the SATA and IDE cables have been combined, there are a
total of 10 SATA and 10 IDE connectors (8 each for the 500W model). It is difficult
to imagine running out of connectors.
The mysterious “convertible” cables mentioned in the features
description refer to the ATX and AUX connectors, which can accommodate
different headers. The ATX connector has 24 pins by default, but can be
taken apart to maintain compatibility with the 20-pin connectors found
on older motherboards. The AUX12V connector starts out as an 8-pin EPS connector
meant to be used with dual-CPU workstations, but it can be separated into two
4-pin pieces, one of which is compatible with the common 4-pin AUX12V connector
that desktop boards use.
The most unusual feature of the Liberty is what Enermax calls eternity. Sort of…
The icon above is actually
a good description of how it works. The “E” is actually Sigma,
the mathematical symbol for sum, which is immediately followed by the SATA logo
and an image of the standard connector for IDE drives. Hence:
SATA and IDE connectors together on a single cable. (Editor’s Note: Eternity cables for no-limits Liberty PSU? The marketing boys must have decided big ideas are the way to sell this thing.)
Because the main use for these connectors is powering hard drives, it makes
sense to have only a single cable that can power either interface. So, instead
of having two sets of cables, one of which is unused most of the time, the two
connectors come in pairs, so that every cable can be useful. Systems with a
mix of PATA and SATA drives also benefit, since the same cable can be used to
power either kind of drive.
IDE and SATA connectors are side by side on the same cable.
There is a “squeeze tab” on one side of the IDE connector for easy removal.
| CABLE COUNTERPOINT by Mike Chin Devon likes the mixed 4-pin and SATA power connector arrangement that is summed up by Enermax’s marketing term ” Eternity”. I don’t. The very close spacing of the two different connector types means they can’t all be used simultaneously. That means some connectors will be left dangling in spite of the cable management that’s promoted by making them detachable. Even if the spacing was more appropriate, dangling unused connectors would be inevitable if only drives of one interface type are used. Since the cables are detachable, I’d prefer to have one cable that’s all SATA and another that’s all 4-pin Molex, and perhaps one that is mixed. I’d also want the option to assemble my own custom cable sets, which is something the Antec Neo Power 480 offered. That concept seems to have fallen by the marketing wayside. |
TEST RESULTS
For a fuller understanding of ATX power supplies, please read the reference
article Power Supply Fundamentals & Recommended
Units. Those who seek source materials can find Intel’s various PSU
design guides at Form
Factors.
For a complete rundown of testing equipment and procedures, please refer to
SPCR’s Revised PSU Testing
System, as well as SPCR’s
PSU Test Platform V.3 for information about efficiency testing. The
testing system is a close simulation of a moderate airflow mid-tower PC optimized
for low noise.
In the test rig, the ambient temperature of the PSU varies proportionately
with its output load, which is exactly the way it is in a real PC environment.
But there is the added benefit of a high power load tester which allows incremental
load testing all the way to full power for any non-industrial PC power supply.
Both fan noise and voltage are measured at various standard loads. It is, in
general, a very demanding test, as the operating ambient temperature of the
PSU often reaches >40°C at full power. This is impossible to achieve
with an open test bench setup.
Great effort has been made to devise as realistic an operating
environment for the PSU as possible, but the thermal and noise results obtained
here still cannot be considered absolute. There are too many variables in PCs
and too many possible combinations of components for any single test environment
to provide infallible results. And there is always the bugaboo of sample variance.
These results are akin to a resume, a few detailed photographs, and some short
sound bites of someone you’ve never met. You’ll probably get a pretty good overall
representation, but it is not quite the same as an extended meeting in person.
REAL SYSTEM POWER NEEDS: While our testing loads the PSU to full output
(even >600W!) in order to verify the manufacturer’s claims, real desktop
PCs simply do not require anywhere near this level of power. The most pertinent
range of DC output power is between about 65W and 250W, because it is the power
range where most systems will be working most of the time. To illustrate this
point, we conducted system tests
to measure the maximum power draw that an actual system can draw
under worst-case conditions. Our most powerful Intel 670 (P4-3.8) processor
rig with nVidia 6800GT video card drew ~214W DC from the power supply under
full load well within the capabilities of any modern power supply. Please
follow the link provided above to see the details. It is true that very elaborate
systems with SLI could draw as much as another 100W, perhaps more, but the total
still remains well under 400W in extrapolations of our real world measurements.
SPCR’s high fidelity sound
recording system was used to create MP3 sound files of this PSU. As
with the setup for recording fans, the position of the mic was 3″ from the exhaust
vent at a 45° angle, outside the airflow turbulence area. The photo below shows
the setup (a different PSU is being recorded). All other noise sources in the
room were turned off while making the sound recordings.
INTERPRETING TEMPERATURE DATA
It important to keep in mind that fan speed varies with temperature,
not output load. A power supply generates more heat as output increases, but
is not the only the only factor that affects fan speed. Ambient temperature
and case airflow have almost as much effect. Our test rig represents a challenging
thermal situation for a power supply: A large portion of the heat generated
inside the case must be exhausted through the power supply, which causes a corresponding
increase in fan speed.
When examining thermal data, the most important indicator of cooling efficiency
is the difference between intake and exhaust. Because the
heat generated in the PSU loader by the output of the PSU is always the same for a given power level, the intake temperature should
be roughly the same between different tests. The only external variable is the ambient room temperature. The
temperature of the exhaust air from the PSU is affected by several factors:
- Intake temperature (determined by ambient temperature and power output level)
- Efficiency of the PSU (how much heat it generates while producing the required output)
- The effectiveness of the PSU’s cooling system, which is comprised of:
- Overall mechanical and airflow design
- Size, shape and overall surface area of heatsinks
- Fan(s) and fan speed control circuit
The thermal rise in the power supply is really the only indicator
we have about all of the above. This is why the intake temperature is important:
It represents the ambient temperature around the power supply itself. Subtracting
the intake temperature from the exhaust temperature gives a reasonable gauge
of the effectiveness of the power supply’s cooling system. This is the only
temperature number that is comparable between different reviews, as it is unaffected
by the ambient temperature.
On to the test results…
Ambient conditions during testing were 21°C and 19 dBA. The 500W and 620W
models were tested separately, but, except for the efficiency tables, only the
data for 500W model is shown. For lower output levels, the two models measured
almost identically, typically within a single measurement unit. Differences
of more than a single unit are noted in the data table.
| OUTPUT & EFFICIENCY: ENERMAX LIBERTY EL500AWT 500W | ||||||||||||
DC Output Voltage (V) + Current (A) | Total DC Output | AC Input | Calculated Efficiency | |||||||||
| +12V1 | +12V2 | +5V | +3.3V | -12V | +5VSB | |||||||
| 12.23 | 0.97 | 12.22 | 1.74 | 5.18 | 1.00 | 3.42 | 0.00 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 40.4 | 58 | 69.6% |
| 12.23 | 1.92 | 12.23 | 1.74 | 5.17 | 1.99 | 3.41 | 1.92 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 64.8 | 85 | 76.2% |
| 12.24 | 1.92 | 12.21 | 3.32 | 5.17 | 2.97 | 3.42 | 1.91 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 89.6 | 114 | 78.6% |
| 12.22 | 3.87 | 12.18 | 5.01 | 5.16 | 3.91 | 3.41 | 3.79 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 148.3 | 186/div> | 81.0% |
| 12.21 | 5.75 | 12.16 | 6.51 | 5.17 | 4.77 | 3.40 | 5.58 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 201.4 | 248 | 81.2% |
| 12.22 | 6.70 | 12.16 | 8.19 | 5.15 | 6.63 | 3.40 | 6.41 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 248.5 | 308 | 80.7% |
| 12.21 | 7.90 | 12.15 | 9.86 | 5.14 | 8.46 | 3.39 | 7.77 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 299.9 | 375 | 80.0% |
| 12.22 | 11.67 | 12.14 | 12.77 | 5.13 | 10.24 | 3.39 | 9.53 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 400.5 | 512 | 78.2% |
| 12.20 | 16.34 | 12.12 | 14.42 | 5.11 | 12.78 | 3.37 | 11.21 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 499.4 | 660 | 75.7% |
| NOTE: The current and voltage for -12V and +5VSB | ||||||||||||
| OUTPUT & EFFICIENCY: EL620AWT 620W | ||||||||||||
DC Output Voltage (V) + Current (A) | Total DC Output | AC Input | Calculated Efficiency | |||||||||
| +12V1 | +12V2 | +5V | +3.3V | -12V | +5VSB | |||||||
| 12.14 | 0.96 | 12.13 | 1.73 | 5.15 | 1.00 | 3.42 | 0.99 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 42.2 | 60 | 70.3% |
| 12.14 | 1.91 | 12.13 | 1.73 | 5.15 | 1.98 | 3.41 | 1.92 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 63.6 | 85 | 74.8% |
| 12.13 | 3.85 | 12.13 | 1.73 | 5.15 | 2.96 | 3.41 | 1.93 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 92.7 | 117 | 79.2% |
| 12.11 | 3.84 | 12.09 | 4.99 | 5.14 | 4.84 | 3.42 | 3.79 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 150.6 | 183 | 81.0% |
| 12.10 | 5.71 | 12.07 | 6.70 | 5.14 | 4.75 | 3.40 | 5.57 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 200.7 | 246 | 81.6% |
| 12.11 | 6.68 | 12.06 | 8.12 | 5.13 | 7.56 | 3.39 | 6.45 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 247.9 | 305 | 81.3% |
| 12.09 | 8.74 | 12.04 | 9.62 | 5.12 | 8.47 | 3.38 | 7.75 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 302.2 | 375 | 80.6% |
| 12.07 | 11.53 | 12.00 | 12.63 | 5.10 | 12.02 | 3.38 | 10.31 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 401.2 | 506 | 79.3% |
| 12.04 | 16.25 | 11.95 | 14.24 | 5.10 | 14.35 | 3.36 | 12.92 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 500.4 | 647 | 77.3% |
| 12.01 | 18.80 | 11.90 | 18.80 | 5.08 | 18.56 | 3.34 | 16.10 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 619.8 | 835 | 74.2% |
| NOTE: The current and voltage for -12V and +5VSB | ||||||||||||
| OTHER DATA: ENERMAX LIBERTY EL500AWT 500W / EL620AWT 620W | ||||||||||
| DC Output (W) | 40.4 | 64.8 | 89.6 | 148.3 | 201.4 | 248.5 | 299.9 | 400.5 | 499.4 | 619.8* |
| Intake Temp (°C) | 25 | 26 | 28 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 37 | 40/39* | 43/42* | 47* |
| Exhaust Temp (°C) | 27 | 30 | 33 | 37 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 49/47* | 55/52* | 62* |
| Temp Rise (°C) | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9/8* | 12/10* | 15* |
| Fan Voltage | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 8.7 | 10.3 | 11.7 | 11.7* |
| SPL (dBA@1m) | 21 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 30 | 35 | 38 | 41 | 44 | 44* |
| Power Factor | 0.96 | 0.99 | 0.97 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.99* |
| NOTE: The ambient room temperature during testing * Data in italics is for the 620W model. | ||||||||||
ANALYSIS
The output and efficiency tables for the two samples are so close that except for the highest power measurements, they could have come from two test runs of the same power supply. For this analysis, the comments below apply generally to both samples.
1. VOLTAGE REGULATION
The samples displayed similar voltage regulation. Generally, the voltages were
high, especially the +3.3V rail which was almost 4% high for much of the testing.
All lines dropped by 1~2% from minimum to maximum load, so voltages actually
became closer to ideal as the load increased. In all the measurements conducted, only two readings dropped below their nominal voltage values, and these
were at the highest loads.
There is a small possibility that these high voltages could drop closer to nominal
levels as the power supply ages, since the contact resistance of the connectors
could increase due to corrosion or wear.
2. EFFICIENCY at the lowest 40W load was around 70%, but
it quickly improved at higher load. By 150W output, efficiency
was above 80%. Enermax claims 80% efficiency between 30-100% load, so we were
able to verify the lower end of this claim. At maximum output, both samples dropped
below 80% efficiency. This is very good performance.
Enermax’ efficiency claim is based on an operating temperature of
0-40°C. Because the intake (ambient) temperature for loads above 400W was
>40°C, the sub-80% efficiency that we measured does not technically
disprove Enermax’ claim. In general, most systems draw 65-200W, so typical efficiency should
be around 80%.
3. POWER FACTOR was excellent thanks to the active power factor correction
circuit, approaching the theoretical maximum of 1.0. Power factor is important to consider when choosing an uninterruptable power
supply (UPS) because a high power factor reduces the VA required by the system.
It can also reduce the AC current that is drawn by the power
supply. A power supply with active power factor correction
is less likely to blow a fuse when it is used on a busy household circuit.
4. TEMPERATURE AND COOLING
The internal cooling of the Liberty was adequate but not particularly special.
As mentioned, the operating temperature is rated for 0-40°C, which was exceeded
at >400W output in our test setup. Systems that consistently draw this amount
of power require better system cooling than our PSU test box provides. However,
in real usage very few systems even peak near 400W; sustaining
this kind of power output in a single system is practically impossible.
400W was also the point when the airflow deflector in the 620W model began
to make a difference in the internal temperatures. Above this level, the exhaust
temperature of the 620W model tended to be 2-3°C cooler than the 500W model,
with a corresponding decrease in thermal rise. This is not a large difference,
but it is probably enough to provide the extra combined capacity that the 620W
model boasts, since the thermal gap between the two models seemed to widen as
load increased.
5. FAN, FAN CONTROLLER and NOISE
The noise level of the Liberty at lower loads was modest. At 21 dBA@1m, it should be quiet enough
for the majority of users. The fan began to ramp up once the internal temperature
hit 32°C, or 150W load in our test setup, and it became fairly noisy by the time the output was
raised to 200W. This kind of behavior is still above average.
Although low in volume, the quality of the fan noise at low speeds was
fairly rough. I would characterize it as a low growl. As the fan increased in
speed, the growl got louder and gradually turned into a low hum. Even at higher
speeds, the predominant noise was low frequency.
In a medium powered system, the Liberty may well be able to do its job
without ever needing to increase the fan speed. A quiet
system could be built around it. But if noise is the primary concern, there
are better choices. To use the Liberty for a very quiet system, a fan swap is probably necessary.
| MP3 Sound Recordings of the Enermax Liberty EL500AWT Enermax Enermax Enermax There was no need to make recordings at higher power levels; it’s simply too loud. |
| Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives Seasonic Seasonic Antec |
| HOW TO LISTEN & COMPARE These recordings were made with a high To set the volume to a realistic level (similar to the original), try playing the Nexus 92 fan reference recording and setting the volume so that it is barely audible. Then don’t reset the volume and play the other sound files. Of course, tone controls or other effects should all be turned off or set to neutral. For full details on how to calibrate your sound system to get the most |
CONCLUSIONS
Enermax has made a good effort to make sure there are “No more Limits”
on cable clutter or confusing cable configurations. The plentiful and intelligently
designed modular cable system is the best feature of the Liberty. Freedom
from noise is also available, at least up to ~150W output, which may be plenty good enough for many systems. The overall acoustic performance is similar to that of the Enermax Noisetaker series, which made our Recommended PSU lists. The acoustics are good, but not ground-breaking, due partly to the somewhat complex sonic signature of the fan.
There are plenty of nice touches, notably the storage case for spare cables
and tasteful aesthetics. Efficiency is also excellent, although not in the champion category. The high efficiency and active PFC help keep the Liberty environmentally
friendly.
When it comes down to it, the Liberty is a good all-round power supply that
raises the bar for how cables should be managed and does a good job of everything
else. There is always room for improvement, but the Liberty doesn’t have any
obvious weaknesses. Of course, this is SPCR, so we’d improve the noise level
first…
Much thanks to Maxpoint
and Coolergiant
for samples of this power supply.
* * *
