The FSP Hydro Ti Pro 1000W PSU Review: Titanium Shines for FSP's Flagship Power Supply

Power Supply Quality

As part of our testing, we also check output parameters are within specifications, as well as voltage ripple and line noise.

The electrical performance of the FSP Hydro Ti Pro PSU stands out as exemplary, particularly for a unit geared towards high-performance applications. This performance is a clear indicator of the design engineers' focus on optimizing the primary 12V rail. The 12V rail of the Hydro Ti Pro displays exceptional regulation, maintaining a variance of only 0.6% across its nominal load range. Furthermore, it showcases highly effective filtering, evidenced by a maximum voltage ripple of a mere 24 mV. In comparison, the voltage regulation and filtering on the 3.3V and 5V rails are also noteworthy, albeit slightly less refined than the 12V rail. These rails demonstrate regulation around 1.5% and a voltage ripple up to 18 mV for the 3.3V rail and 16 mV for the 5V rail. Despite this, these figures remain very comfortably within the design limits.

As part of our standard testing, we test the primary protections of all PSUs we review (Over Current, Over Voltage, Over Power, and Short Circuit). The FSP Hydro Ti Pro PSU showed reliable actuation of all protections. The Over Current Protection (OCP) on the 12V rail activated effectively at 122% of the PSU's maximum capacity. Additionally, the Over Power Protection (OPP) also functioned correctly, engaging at 127% under high load conditions, ensuring a strong safety net for the power supply.

Conclusion

The FSP Hydro Ti Pro PSU emerges as a notable choice for users seeking a top-performance power supply. Its build quality is impressive, characterized by a sleek, matte grey external finish, all-black ribbon cables, and a lack of ostentatious design elements, highlighting its focus on functionality. Despite its understated external design, the internal layout of the Hydro Ti Pro is meticulously organised, implementing advanced topologies and top-quality parts, indicative of FSP's reputation as an experienced manufacturer in the PSU market. The use of high-quality Japanese capacitors throughout the unit accentuates its reliability and durability.

In terms of power quality, the Hydro Ti Pro excels, particularly with its superior voltage regulation and filtering on the 12V rail. The PSU boasts extremely high energy conversion efficiency that, with an average efficiency of 95% across the entire load range (230 VAC input), establishes new performance records. The Hydro Ti Pro maintains its high efficiency even under heavy loads, a testament to its robust design. Even though the efficiency drop with an 115 VAC input is greater than 2%, the figures still are comparatively very high.

The thermal performance of the Hydro Ti Pro is outstanding, maintaining low internal temperatures even under heavy loads, thanks to its exceptional efficiency and selection of active components. The unit operates quietly at low-to-medium loads, with the fan remaining inactive until a 500-Watt load is reached, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments. As the load increases, the fan speed scales up smoothly, ensuring effective cooling without excessive noise. In practical scenarios, particularly with typical gaming or workstation PCs, the fan in this PSU model is engineered to remain inactive for extended periods due to its efficient design. This may lead some users, out of an abundance of caution or for peace of mind, to opt out of the eco-mode. By doing so, they can ensure the fan operates continuously at a minimum speed, despite it not being a necessity from a thermal management perspective.

Priced at $330, the Hydro Ti Pro might seem steep, but its premium performance justifies the investment, particularly when compared to less capable units in the same price range. The 10-year warranty further adds to its value, offering assurance in the PSU's long-term performance and reliability. With its blend of high-quality components, excellent efficiency, and reliable thermal and noise management, the FSP Hydro Ti Pro stands out as a solid choice for users who require a powerful, efficient, and durable PSU, although its higher price point may need to be weighed against individual budget considerations.