Stealthy Yet Strong: OCZ StealthXstream 600W Power Supply Review- Page 1/4
June 20, 2007
By
Thomas Soderstrom
The most important component in any performance system is a quality power supply. While many builders take power supplies for granted, far too many of our readers have made their first forays into the SysOpt Forum after experiencing the sinking feeling that accompanies blown components killed during a power supply failure. And in many cases, a low-quality power supply -- which can be subject to a variety of failures -- may be to blame.
Known in large part for its high-end, overclocking-friendly RAM, OCZ appreciates that its users also need stable power to reach the maximum potential of their overclocked components. As a result, OCZ for years has offered high-grade power supplies sporting the same sort of flashy features found in its memory.
But the company also realizes that many customers lack the cash for flash and would rather have basic-looking parts with quality insides -- and even better if they can afford some enhancements like low-noise operation without much in the way of added cost. Today, we consider its latest PSU designed to meet those needs, the StealthXstream.
A power supply's ability to maintain stable voltage levels under high and shifting loads is SysOpt's first criteria for determining its ultimate worth. Will OCZ's new 600W StealthXstream survive? We're also interested in finding out whether other indicators of quality design, such as low noise and high efficiency, make the StealthXstream worthy of additional consideration? And does OCZ market the unit at a price that will make its overall quality a good value?