AKASA PowerMax 1000 V2
Background
AKASA has long been a name synonymous with cooling. Its current PSU line-up is sub-divided into ultra-quiet, efficiency, and performance ranges, with the 1,000W PowerMax relegated to second place, behind the 1,200W model.| AKASA PowerMax 1000 V2 | |
|---|---|
| Rated output power | 1,000W @ up to 30°C |
| Power specification | ATX 2.2/EPS12 v2.92 |
| Power switch | Yes |
| Input voltage (AC) | Autoranging 100-240v, 50-60Hz |
| Fan(s) | 1 x 135mm |
| Operating temperature range | 0-30C |
| Cable runs |
24-pin EATX (split) |
| Max. currents |
+3.3V: 25A |
| Max combined 3.3V & 5V output | 200W |
| Dimensions (W x H x L) | 150 x 86 x 160mm |
| Warranty | 3-year |
| Price | £117 |
AKASA opts for the non-modular approach, keeping costs down. Priced at an e-tail £117 the 1kW PowerMax V2 is one of the cheapest big-name manufacturers, and we've only seen relatively unheard-of suppliers tout lower pricing.
AKASA includes extra-long, sleeved cables. In particular, the 24-pin ATX is 760mm long - 170mm longer than the Corsair's - and it'll make for easy attachment in the very largest of chassis.
The PSU is rated to 1,000W, obviously, but at up 30°C, intimating lower tolerances than Corsair's. The fan is quite similar - a 135mm dual-ball-bearing model that's temperature-controlled, spinning at between 600rpm through to 1,800rpm, depending upon load.
The PowerMax appears in AMD's CrossFireX certification but not in NVIDIA's three-way or twin-GPU 9800GX2 SLI.
Now, there's a reason for that - AKASA doesn't include the necessary number of connectors or, indeed, combined 12V voltage to run, say, three GeForce 9800 GTXs - there's 420W on each of the twin 12V rails but only 225W can be apportioned to the PEG runs. Not clever thinking, really, given the capacity.
We'd like to see a revised model with a greater number of 6+2 PEG connectors and higher amperage on the 12V lines. You could, of course, use PEG-to-Molex connectors to make up the deficiency, but that's not an elegant solution for a 1kW PSU.
AKASA also uses high-quality industrial capacitors, rated to 105°C, and backs the PowerMax up with a three-year warranty, which, however, is two years below Corsair's.
The package is made up of a brief user's manual, cables ties, screws, and a UK plug. What more do you need, huh?
The AKASA PSU is the same width and height as the Corsair but is shorter, measuring 160mm vs. 200mm. Being non-modular, the PowerMax has, arguably, a cleaner aesthetic, but, ideally, we'd like the option to be able to choose our cable runs.
Nothing much to see on the back, so let's get on to the performance numbers.