Rating: 90%
Review Title: USB Connection is a great innovation.
Comment by JohnAHind at 10:40am 27th October 2007
Verdict: The USB connection makes this PSU a standout. However 800W is excessive and I would go for one of the lower rated versions of the Odin GT.
At last we can actually monitor how much current our computers are drawing under different conditions and eliminate PSU overload from the possible causes of any instability. This is a standout feature of the Odin GT range.
There are some things not to like however, mainly the half-assed modularity. Having hard-wired MB connectors is acceptable (although it does remove one of the benefits of modularity, the ability to swap out the PSU without dismantling all the internal wiring). But having two of the Graphic Card connections hard wired and two modular is just dumb - there is plenty of room for four modular connectors on the back panel. Also I would like more than 4 drive connectors, with less doubling and trippling of connectors on the cables. Finally, one external fan channel is stingy when there are four temperature measurement channels, and the fan connector should be four-pin PWM rather than DC for efficiency.
A rather picky point, but detail is everything at this price point: The rating label and the modular connector decal are opposite ways up. Gigabyte should supply these decals separately for user attachment so we can fit them right way up regardless of case design and can mount the rating decal on a surface that is not hidden.
A couple of extra features would be welcome on the USB management connection:
1. Measurement of input current and power - this would enable calculation and display of efficiency.
2. Ability to set the current limiters on the individual output channels. This would be a useful safety feature reducing the chances of damage or fire in the event of a short-circuit.
- John Hind
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