Ion+ 680P design

As far as PSU designs go, the Fractal Design Ion+ 680P keeps things simple. No lights or mixing things up it keeps to the basics to focus on the internals. With a two-piece design with a slight change in tone between the top and bottom, it's sleek and to the point considering you don't see it most of the time, it's not exactly a necessity.

As for the connector side, it's quite a standard setup, although fairly limited in combination. However, an 860W PSU might not need all too much in total. But the supply combines the ATX 12V and PCIe into the same range of connectors, which gives you only that much for both CPU and GPU combined. That will be plenty for most standard builds as the Fractal PSU comes with two 4+4 pins and six 6+2 pins.

Fractal Design Ion+ 680P source: BGFG

You also get plenty of SATA and peripheral options with four individual connection ports. On the side facing into your PC case as well, you can find the "zero RPM mode" switch, giving you flexibility to the noise levels, although you may not require much attention anyway when it comes to performance.

From the main power side, there's not much but the off-on switch and plenty of ventilation to exhaust out the back of your system. That is also where the incredible cooling comes into play. Featuring a huge 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, that comes with little impediment to keep temps down for a top performance choice.

Ion+ 680P size

There's not much too different in the sizing of the Ion+ 680P as it offers up a standard ATX form factor. Unlike the RM1000X Shift, it doesn't need any considerations when building it into your case. But it's also not a small form factor choice, as you compare the ATX vs SFF standard it's not the ideal pick for something small.

With dimensions of 150 x 150 x 86mm, it is a more standard fit and a lot more compatible with a wide range of choices making it an easy fit. But beware of the cables as usual, be sure to fit all the modular cables you need before having to reach into the basement and blindly figure things out.

Sound and efficiency of the Ion+ 860P

The sound and efficiency are where the Ion+ 86-P prospers, making it a top choice for both quiet and efficient operation. Especially with the newer standard from Cybenetics rewarding it with an A+ and Platinum for those functions respectively. That makes it both basically silent in operation as well as ensuring most of the electricity you pay for actually is used for running your PC.

In terms of the Cybenetics testing done on the PSU, we can see in detail what it does to gain that award. There we see that at 115V it averaged an efficiency of 89.952% with the 5VSB efficiency lower at 76.311%. Whilst the average noise output was only 18.05 dB(A). Whilst at 230V that improves even more, as the average efficiency sits at 91.727% and 5VSB goes to 76.109%, while the noise averages up to 17.99 dB(A).

What GPUs to pair with the Fractal power supply

As an 860W power supply, it's the less conventional wattage compared to the 50W increments you see others utilize. Even still that makes it a rather powerful choice for anything you might want to pair with it. Considering even the top-end graphics cards, which are the ones dictating your power needs, only ask for 850W this PSU can handle anything really.

In that case, we'd suggest the AMD RX 7900 XTX or even RTX 4080 Super to go with the Ion+ 860P. Giving it great efficiency and performance to keep your system nice and quiet. They have a TDP of 355W and 320W and suggest an 800W and 700W PSU respectively. So you can easily achieve it with this power supply and have a good run for years to come.

Warranty and support

Fractal Design offers up a strong warranty for its power supply as you'd hope for. With the part integral to the safety of your entire system you do want to make sure you can trust it and have help if needed. In that case, the Ion+ 680P has a 10-year warranty giving you reassurance for many years from the first time you build with it. Allowing you to get many systems powered with it and get a great value for your money.

Conclusion

The Fractal Design Ion+860P, in general, is a strong choice for a power supply. With a high power rating and top-of-the-line efficiency, it makes for a universally great power source. Especially when it comes to a long-term commitment so you can also enjoy an efficient use of power for your money. However, at this point, there is a second-generation choice that you can enjoy with minor improvements of considering what new-generation graphics might need.

Is the Fractal Design Ion+ 680P worth it?

Today it's not going to be worth getting considering there is a 2nd generation choice you can get hold of. But also if you are after an ATX 3.0 PSU with native support for the latest choice of hardware that can save you plenty of distress it's not the choice either. But for efficiency and low noise, it is a top choice option.

RM1000X Shift design

Of course, the first thing you notice on this power supply is the shifted power connector locations. Instead of sitting on the opposite end of your AC cable, the connectors are now on the side of your side panel. No more reaching into the base of your PC case and fumbling around to try and unplug or plug in that cable you forgot. This PSU makes it a lot simpler where you can now see the cables and access them more easily.

Overall the RM1000X Shift is an excellent choice of power supply for your current or any future builds. With such a high wattage it will power even the top end of hardware. But it also does so with great efficiency and without much noise on top.

But this is very much case-dependent, if you already had easy access it might not be too big of a difference. But it does affect most standard choice cases and makes life just that bit simpler. As long as the case is compatible, the sizing and connections are different than the standard as we'll see below.

Corsair RM1000X Shift, source: BGFG

Being a 1000W PSU there is plenty of power behind it but also a lot of cables included. There is a total of seven PCIe connectors for all your GPU or add-in card needs. Plus it includes the 16-pin connector as a native PCIe 5 PSU, making it a lot easier to use on your next best GPU particularly Nvidia ones that opt for the new standard.

One drawback of the original cables included with the power supply is the short distance between the peripheral connectors. So if you're looking to connect up further away components it might be a bit more difficult. But being a fully modular PSU makes it a lot simpler to swap out for custom cables, but do make sure they are compatible with the pin out of the power supply.

RM1000X Shift size

The RM1000X Shift is a standard ATX PSU but with a bit of extra length added on. As it extends to 180mm, less of a cube than most lower power supplies but should still mostly fit any standard cases. Especially considering there are no power cables at the front to interfere with anything in front of it.

But there is also a consideration for the PC case compatibility. With the connectors next to the side panel, now you have to make sure you have enough room for your connectors. For a good clearance amount, it is suggested you have a case 210mm (8.3") wide in total. So those cases that we struggle to close with our rat's nest cables won't quite make the cut. Or it might be easier with the modularity and ease of access to the power supply.

Corsair RM1000X Shift, source: BGFG

Sound and efficiency

Corsair has put the power supply through its paces. The RM1000X Shift is both rated by 80 Plus and Cybenetics to a Gold standard, whilst the latter also gives it an A sound rating. The Cybenetics results also provide insight into how the PSU works. It runs at a temperature range of 30-32°C (86-89.6°F) and keeps incredibly quietly doing so.

As the testing shows, at 115V the average efficiency was 88.494% with the average 5VSB efficiency at 76.997%. Whilst the fan keeping the temps down only produces an average noise output of 23.62dB(A). Whilst at 230V the average efficiency is up at 90.176% as the 5VSB is up at 78.295% and doing so with slightly less noise at 23.59dB(A).

What GPUs do we recommend for the Corsair PSU?

As a 1000W PSU, there are no modern GPUs the RM1000X Shift can't handle. Even the top-end Nvidia or AMD GPUs don't need anything more. That means you can easily pair it up with the best RTX 4090, RTX 4080 Super, or RX 7900 XTX quite easily.

It's especially useful for the top choice Nvidia graphics cards considering the 12VHPWR connector that comes with the unit. That means it's a lot cleaner without the use of any adapters that might not look too nice out front or cause any issues that the cable was known for before.

Warranty and support

The great thing about the Corsair RM1000X Shift is that it comes with a ten-year warranty. It gives you great peace of mind that you can get it fixed so many years down the line. Considering it is a 1000W PSU it means it's a future-proof choice for any of your future builds, saving you a decision and purchase down the line. It also comes with a great protection system for good transient response and properly set overcurrent and overpower protection. That means you shouldn't be getting any problems with your power but even then you can get support if you do have any issues.

Conclusion

Overall the RM1000X Shift is an excellent choice of power supply for your current or any future builds. With such a high wattage it will power even the top end of hardware. But it also does so with great efficiency and without much noise on top. Its main difference and innovation is the side connectors making it a strong choice for building and managing your cabling. As long as you are willing to pay the extra $30 or so for the privilege.

Is the Corsair RM1000X Shift worth it?

When you need all the power for a good safety margin, along with some strong efficiency, and minimal noise then the RM1000X is a worthy purchase. As long as you take advantage of the side connectors as well, since the markup over the standard choice can be pretty hefty. It brings with it a great design and build quality that does cost a bit more than most but should last you plenty of builds and years.

When it comes to building or upgrading a PC, one of the crucial decisions lies in selecting the right power supply unit. Now, PSUs come in different shapes and sizes, and you need to choose the one that is suitable for your build. Many people, especially beginners, get confused between SFX and ATX PSUs, but the difference between the two isn't that much.

Well, we have tested both types and have enough knowledge to let you know what differentiates the two. So, without any further ado, let's dive in!

SFX vs ATX PSU - what's the difference?

Let's take a look at some major differences between SFX and ATX PSUs.

Size

The biggest difference between SFX and ATX PSUs is the size. ATX PSUs are larger in size and have been the standard form factor for PCs for many years. A standard ATX PSU typically measures 150mm in width, 86mm in height, and 140mm in depth.

On the other hand, SFX PSUs are smaller in size and are hence compact. These typically measure 100mm in width, 63.5mm in height, and 125mm in depth.

Usually, full-tower or mid-tower cases are designed to accommodate both SFX and ATX power supplies. However, compact, SFF, and mini-ITX cases are meant for only SFX PSUs due to their small size. Therefore, keep the size of your case in mind before getting a PSU.

Cooling capabilities

Generally, ATX power supplies tend to have better cooling capabilities than SFX power supplies. This is primarily because ATX PSUs are larger and can accommodate larger fans and heatsinks, which allows for more effective heat dissipation. On top of that, cases that can accommodate ATX PSUs typically have more room for airflow and ventilation, something that further aids in cooling the PSU.

SFX power supplies, on the other hand, are smaller and have less space for cooling components. While the latest SFX PSUs offer improved cooling, they may still be prone to heating up more quickly under heavy loads compared to their ATX counterparts.

Portability

SFX power supplies are small in size, so they weigh less than ATX PSUs. This is why they are preferred for portable PC builds, as they don't significantly increase the overall weight of the PC, thus allowing you to carry it easily wherever you go. On top of that, if you ever plan to upgrade to a bigger PC case in the future, you can easily fit your SFX PSU inside it.

SFX vs ATX PSU - which one should you choose?

Now, coming down to the main question, which one should you choose? Well, it all depends on your requirements.

If you have a large PC case, then it would be better to opt for an ATX PSU. This is because they usually have better cooling capabilities, and your case can accommodate them as well. As Intel claims, too much heat can cause your overall system to slow down, and an ATX PSU with a large fan can definitely help out with this. On the other hand, if you're looking for a compact PSU that is small in size and doesn't weigh a lot, then you'd want to opt for an SFX PSU. In case you want to explore some options, you can check out our top picks for the best SFX power supplies.

Should the PSU fan spin when turned on?

Usually, PSU fans spin only when needed. When you're engaged in a task that isn't drawing much power, the fans won't spin as there won't be enough heat generated.

How often should PSU be replaced?

A high-quality PSU can last between five and ten years. However, you should replace your PSU as soon as it starts performing poorly, as a faulty power supply can end up damaging other components.

PSUs are the least interesting components in any build, but they hold the most important role: They power the entire rig and safeguard other components from shorting out in case of power surges. That said, ATX 3.0 PSUs follow the latest standard and offer better efficiency and higher power threshold to cater to the next generation of components. 

To help you learn more about it in detail, we’ve put together this guide that will walk you through what ATX 3.0 is and whether you should make the leap or not. So, let’s get right to it, shall we?

What is ATX 3.0? 

ATX 3.0 is the latest standard for power supply units released in March 2022 by Intel. This was a major update to the standard in over 20 years, and the last change was made in 2003 with ATX 2.0. 

So, the question arises: Why was the standard upgraded? This was done to accommodate the high power consumption of the new generation of hardware, such as the Nvidia RTX 3000 and 4000 series GPUs. These powerhouses have high power draws, and in case of intense workload, power spikes can take it even above the normal threshold. So, to reduce the risk of disruption, the ATX 3.0 standard came with a couple of changes that would help better manage this situation. 

The ATX 3.0 standard mainly introduced a new 16-pin power connector denoted by 12VHPWR. In the previous standards, there were six or 8-pin power connectors, which delivered 75W and 150W, respectively. However, according to Intel, the ATX 3.0 power connectors can provide up to 600W for any PCIe 5.0 GPU. So, as you can see, this was a massive leap in terms of performance and was made specifically to handle the requirements of next-generation hardware.

However, increased power handling capacity isn’t the only aspect that underwent an overhaul. The new standard also ensures better stability due to the increased power threshold and increased efficiency, which reduces overall costs and streamlines communication for efficient power management. 

Should you upgrade to an ATX 3.0 PSU? 

Many people jump on the new technology bandwagon, and understandably, the latest improvements have their appeal. However, just because something is new doesn’t mean you need to get your hands on it. 

For example, if you have an Intel 12th-generation processor with an AMD RX 5700 GPU, you are probably fine with the PSU you already have, as it is most likely capable enough to handle your setup's total power draw. So, upgrading the PSU just because the latest standard is introduced wouldn’t make much of a difference and would only result in additional costs that could be used to upgrade other components such as the RAM, SSD, CPU cooler, and so on. 

On the other hand, if you’re making a new build that includes all the latest hardware, such as Nvidia’s RTX 40 series GPU or AMD’s 7000 series GPU paired with Intel 14th Gen, then going for an ATX 3.0 PSU would make sense as you’d need an option with a high power handling capacity and stability. 

So, the answer to this question depends on your requirements, which can change from scenario to scenario. The best thing to do is to gauge the total power draw and see whether replacing the PSU with an ATX 3.0 PSU would be a better investment in the long run. 

What is the difference between ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO?

The main difference between ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO is that the latter has a 10-pin power connector that delivers 12V compared to the former's 16-pin power connector, which handles significantly more power. 

Due to the limitation of ATX12VO, the PSUs following that standard aren’t compatible with older ATX motherboards. On top of that, since the ATX12VO has a single 12V rail, components with varying voltage levels, such as 5V, run the risk of getting burnt or circuiting. 

Verdict

To conclude, the ATX 3.0 standard is the latest update in the long-standing ATX design, and if things go down the same path, we could be looking at a couple of years before the ATX 3.0 is replaced. It is designed to handle higher power consumption and offer better energy efficiency and stability. 

So, if you plan on installing a power-hungry GPU in your build, investing in a good ATX 3.0 PSU would be better to ensure the rest of your components can operate optimally and eliminate any potential power disruptions.

If you’re interested in checking out PSU upgrade options, check out our best high-end PSU guide, which has the best picks available on the market.