Super flower leadex iii 650w review in Spanish (complete analysis)

Super Flower is a Taiwanese manufacturer of power supplies with years of experience and an extensive catalog highlighting a family of products: the Leadex. These fonts are known to be 'rebrandeadas' by the manufacturer EVGA in some of their best-selling series such as the G2 or G3. Today we will have in our hands the Super Flower Leadex III Gold, the brand's latest release with an interesting set of features. Intrigued to see what it offers? Keep reading and you will find out!

We thank Super Flower for trusting us with this source for review.

Technical Specifications Super Flower Leadex III 650W

External analysis

The box is presented in the extravagant design of Super Flower, with the front dominated by the butterfly of its logo. At the rear, the company not only flaunts its characteristics but also 5 own patents.

One of the differential features of the source is its new fan control system, which allows the user to choose between two different semi-passive modes and one active mode. Specifically, the "O" mode is a more aggressive semi-passive than the "I" mode, the latter will keep the fan off for less time, and finally "II" mode will leave the fan always active. Later we will discuss its operation.

The Leadex III comes perfectly protected by thick foam, and the wiring is included in a case similar to that of almost all sources in this range.

The external appearance is similar to that of previous generations of Leadex, and we find it quite interesting, not being excessively extravagant but not too bland.

On the front of the Leadex III we find the switch that allows us to switch between the different ventilation modes (O, I, II). We like to see such a non-restrictive front, in the sense that almost the entire surface is ventilation holes.

It is obvious that a source of this level would have to be 100% modular, but… how will your cables be? Let's see it.

Cabling management

The cables included with the Leadex III are fully meshed, with the exception of the SATA and Molex, which, as almost all companies do, are flat to facilitate handling in the box. At the termination of the ATX, PCIe and CPU cables we find capacitors, which add great rigidity to the cabling and can cause headaches for most users during assembly.

Regarding the number of cables included, we have very good figures in CPU-PCIe for a 650W source, as these are the few that include 2 8-pin CPU connectors, recommended for processors from the AMD X399 platform and Intel X299 ( Intel LGA1551 and AMD AM4 are not necessary although some boards allow it ).

In any case, we are somewhat disappointed that the company has not opted for the use of 16AWG gauge wiring, or PCIe wiring with 1 single connector, as other companies are already starting to do. The use of 18AWG and 20AWG by Super Flower implies that 2 different PCIe cables should be used with maximum power graphics cards, such as an RTX 2080 Ti or a VEGA 64, making it difficult to organize the wiring in those rare but existing cases.

Regarding the number of Molex and SATA, the latter are somewhat limited in the 550 and 650W version, having only two cable strips of 3 connectors each (6 in total), this would be valid for, for example, 3 nearby disks in the box and 1 liquid cooling with the connector physically removed.

Speaking now of its length, this is more than adequate in all cases, including SATA and Molex strips.

Internal analisis

Naturally, the manufacturer of this Leadex III is Super Flower itself, although there are many exceptions within the brand, which frequently resort to "outsourcing", that is, leaving the role of manufacturing to other companies, such as HEC. This occurs in its lower ranges, so this is not the case here.

This is an internal design very similar to the previous Leadex II and Leadex, which already had very high internal quality levels.

And as is also to be expected, we have an internal design that makes use of DC-DC converters on the secondary side and LLC on the primary side, so we can expect good voltage regulation and high efficiency.

The primary filtering is quite strange, since unlike the usual 2 X capacitors and 4 Y capacitors, we have 3 X capacitors and 2 Y capacitors (we wrongly mark 4 in the photo) . We do not know the reasons for this decision and if it is something important, we assume that Super Flower knows what it is doing.

Additionally we have the NTC + Relay to protect the source from the high current peaks that occur at its start, and the MOV (varistor) to counteract the effects of power surges.

The primary capacitor is a Nippon Chemi-Con up to 400V, 105ºC, and with a capacity of 470uF. This capacity seems small in principle, but in the performance tests we will see that it is actually more than enough to offer a good hold-up time, in fact it is much higher than expected.

On the secondary side, we have only Japanese capacitors, mainly from Nichicon, plus several solid Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors.

The welding quality is decent, it doesn't look as good as it should but it won't cause any problems for us.

On the modular connection board we have several capacitors, part of them are solid capacitors from the Taiwanese Teapo. Before anyone puts their hands to their heads, we want to highlight two things:

• Being solid capacitors, being from a decent company like Teapo, they will last longer than any Japanese electrolytic. The modular connection board does not have “critical” capacitors or that they suffer from great stress, so there will be no problem over time. Super Flower does not lie in its marketing, as it explicitly indicates that 100% capacitors are used Japanese on the main board of the Leadex III, while indicating that the modular board are used "Teapo or Japanese capacitors"

Cleared up? Let's keep going.

The source fan is a Globe Fan with dynamic fluid bearings, we have very good references of this fan in terms of durability and silence, and thus we have been able to verify it in its operation. It is a fan that is among our top 5 of what is seen in PSU.

And as a conclusion, the interior of the fountain remains in line with its competitors, that is, modern and quality. At this price level there are no major differences in internal quality among most PSUs, with the exception of some, generally sold by questionable brands.

Cybenetics performance tests

Cybenetics is a company born in 2017 to offer an alternative to the 80 Plus certifying tests. The company seeks to offer more stringent and demanding certifications, with a greater number of tests, covering more loading scenarios and, in short, with a more complete methodology than that of 80 Plus (which, in fact, is quite simple). In addition to the ETA efficiency certification, they offer LAMBDA loudness certification, something that 80 Plus does not offer.

In addition to all this, for all the sources that test they offer a public report and accessible to everyone with the results of a large number of performance tests that have nothing to do with certification and efficiency but are useful to know the quality and performance of the power supply.

For this reason, for several months we have included Cybenetics tests in all our reviews whenever we can, due to three reasons:

1. Cybenetics equipment, valued at tens of thousands of euros (perhaps close to € 100, 000), is light years away from the humble and too basic performance tests we can do with the web team. use the data from your performance tests as long as they are given the proper attribution. Using this data allows us to give a much better view of the quality of the source, in addition to having the didactic purpose that users understand the tests and analyze for yourself the quality of a source's performance.

Having said that, let's go with a small explanation of the meaning of the different tests that we are going to show.

Cybenetics testing explained

As the tests carried out by Cybenetics have some complexity, we explain in these tabs what is measured and what is its importance.

This is information that we will include in all our reviews with data from Cybenetics so, if you already know how the test structure works, you can continue reading. If not, we recommend you take a look at all the tabs to find out what each test is about. ?

• Glossary of terms Voltage regulation Ripple Efficiency Loudness Hold-up time

Let's go with a small glossary of some terms that could be somewhat confusing:

• Rail: PC sources that follow the ATX standard (like this one) do not have a single outlet, but several, which are distributed in " rails ". Each of those rails outputs a specific voltage, and can supply a specific maximum current. We show you the rails of this Thor in the image below. The most important is 12V.

  

  Crossload: When testing a power supply, the most common is that the loads made on each rail are proportional to their "weight" in the power distribution table of the source. However, it is known that the actual loads of the equipment are not like this, but are usually very unbalanced. Therefore, there are two tests called "crossload" in which a single group of rails is loaded.

  On the one hand, we have the CL1 that leaves the 12V rail unloaded and gives 100% at 5V and 3.3V. On the other, the CL2 that 100% loads the 12V rail leaving the rest unloaded. This type of testing, of limit situations, truly shows if the source has a good regulation of voltages or not.

The voltage regulation test consists of measuring the voltage of each source rail (12V, 5V, 3.3V, 5VSB) in the different load scenarios, in this case from 10 to 110% load. The importance of this test lies in how stable all voltages are maintained during testing. Ideally, we like to see a maximum deviation of 2 or 3% for the 12V rail, and 5% for the rest of the rails.

What does not matter so much is 'what voltage is it based on', although it is a fairly widespread myth, it should not matter to us that the 11.8V or the 12.3V are around for example. What we do demand is that they be kept within the limits of the ATX standard that governs the correct operation rules of a PSU. The dashed red lines indicate where those limits are.

Vulgarly, it can be defined as the "residuals" of alternating current that remain after the transformation and rectification of the household AC into low-voltage DC.

These are variations of some millivolts (mV) that, if they are very high (being able to say that there is a "dirty" energy output) can affect the behavior of the equipment components and in some cases damage fundamental components.

A very guiding description of what a source's ripple would look like on an oscilloscope. In the graphs below what we show is the variation between peaks like the ones seen here, depending on the source load.

The ATX standard defines limits of up to 120mV on the 12V rail, and up to 50mV on the other rails we show. We (and the community of PSU specialists in general) consider that the 12V limit is quite high, so we give a "recommended limit" of just half, 60mV. In any case you will see how the majority of sources that we test give excellent values.

In the transformation and rectification processes from household alternating current to the low voltage direct current required by the components, there are various energy losses. The efficiency concept allows quantifying these losses by comparing the power consumed (INPUT) with that delivered to the components (OUTPUT). Dividing the second by the first, we get a percentage. This is precisely what 80 Plus proves. Despite the conception that many people have, 80 Plus only measures the efficiency of the source and does not do any quality testing, protections, etc. Cybenetics tests efficiency and sound, although it altruistically includes the results of many other tests such as the ones we showed you in the review.

Another very serious misconception about efficiency is believing that this determines what percentage of your "promised" power the source can deliver. The truth is that the "real" power sources announce what they can give at the START. In other words, if a 650W source has 80% efficiency at this load level, it means that if the components demand 650W, it will consume 650 / 0.8 = 812.5W from the wall.

Last relevant aspect: the efficiency varies depending on whether we are connecting the source to a 230V electrical network (Europe and most of the world), or to 115V (mainly the US). In the latter case it is less. We publish Cybenetics data for 230V (if they have it), and since the overwhelming majority of sources are certified for 115V, it is normal for 230V to fail to meet the 80 Plus requirements advertised by each source.

For this test, Cybenetics tests the PSUs in an extremely sophisticated anechoic chamber with equipment worth tens of thousands of euros.

It is a room isolated from outside noise almost entirely, suffice it to say that it has a 300kg reinforced door to illustrate the great isolation it has.

Within it, an extremely accurate sound level meter capable of measuring below 6dbA (most have at least 30-40dBa, much more) determines the loudness of the power supply in different load scenarios. The speed the fan reaches in rpm is also measured.

This test basically measures how long the source is able to hold on once it is disconnected from the current while at full load. It will be a few crucial milliseconds to enable a safer shutdown.

The ATX standard defines 16 / 17ms (according to test) as a minimum, although in practice this will be more (we will not always be charging the PSU at 100% so it will be greater), and there are usually no problems with lower values.

We recommend you take a look at the test report published by Cybenetics:

Link to full Cybenetics report Cybenetics official website

Voltage regulation

The regulation of voltages in the minor rails is excellent, there is simply a deviation somewhat higher than desired in 5VSB, but it is not a problem.

As expected, in 12V we also have a really good voltage regulation, with a deviation that does not even reach 0.5%.

Curly

Ripple is the same story on minor rails, again we have very good values ​​except for one rail, the 3.3V, which today is practically irrelevant (the results of said rail do not matter to us as long as it remains below the ATX limit).

In 12V, we have a practically non-existent ripple, with a minimum of 5mV and a maximum of 11mV, laugh values ​​that make us think that the capacitors in the cables are a useless addition: even if the ripple on this rail had doubled the numbers They would still be excellent (and obviously without causing any additional limitation to the VRM of the motherboard or graphics card in cases of overclock).

Efficiency

Super Flower has done a good job in terms of efficiency, since despite being certified at 115V (like almost all sources), it manages to achieve the efficiency levels required to obtain 80 Plus Gold at 230V, that is, 90% at 20% load, 92% at 50% load, and 89% at 100% load.

Despite this, this source fails to achieve Cybenetics ETA-A certification, the expected one, but instead retains an ETA-A-. This is because it does not meet one of the conditions required for level A, which is a power factor greater than 0.93 (gets 0.922). Said in Christian, the source simply stayed at the gates of the ETA-A certification level because it has not reached a quite irrelevant value (and that is that a 0.01 difference in power factor is a joke).

Fan speed and loudness

Fan speed tests reveal the Leadex III's aggressive semi-passive mode, which in its "I mode" leaves the fan fully off at up to 80% load, then grows reasonably smoothly between 600 and 1600rpm.

Hold-up time

Hold-up time Super Flower Leadex III 650W (tested at 230V)	24.90 ms
Data extracted from Cybenetics

The hold-up time is simply excellent, with values ​​that far exceed those required by the ATX standard, so we can be sure that there will be no problems making the transition to battery in a UPS, for example.

Our experience with the semi-passive mode and fan control of the Super Flower Leadex III

We will now discuss our experience with the Leadex III ventilation control. We are facing a source with Cybenetics LAMBDA-A ++ loudness certification, the highest, which undoubtedly sets the bar very high.

Semi-passive mode activated (Zero RPM Fan mode: ON)

As always, we start by leaving you with an explanation of what hysteresis is in a fan and why it seems important to us that all semi-passive sources include this feature.

Explanation of the concept of hysteresis

Hysteresis is a scientific concept that is very important, for example, to study magnetism. In this case we are going to move away from that world and make a simple explanation applicable to the control of a fan in a power supply.

These graphics are entirely invented number and interval dramatizations for illustrative purposes.

When there is no hysteresis setting on a semi-passive source, the temperature required to turn on your fan is the same as to turn it off. Therefore, if we are (for example) in a game session and the source reaches the necessary temperature point, its fan will turn on. If the load is maintained or reduced slightly, the source is expected to drop below this point in temperature, causing the fan to turn off. It is also foreseeable that soon afterwards the temperature will reach the ignition point again.

This behavior we describe very easily causes fan on and off loops that are harmful to the fan , reducing the durability benefits of the fan that a semi-passive mode should offer, while the source is “half-cooled” and the loudness is “reduced to half” too.

When the semi-passive mode is controlled more intelligently and a hysteresis setting is entered (especially if there is a digital microcontroller in charge of regulating this mode), the point at which the fan is turned on is not the same as it takes to Turn off. That is, an example with the graph above: we force the source to turn on the fan at 60ºC, but it will not turn off until the source reduces its temperature to 55ºC. In this way, we achieve several things:

1. Getting the source fan to continuously keep the fan on for as long as necessary, which is much more positive in every way than the loops described above. Avoid loud spikes in these ignition loops, versus continuous operation at acceptable revolutions. Offer much better cooling to the power supply.

Unfortunately, the majority of power supplies on the market with semi-passive modes include a simple one, basically due to its low production cost, ease of implementation, and the little that most reviewers seem to care about this aspect . In any case, with sources that offer long warranty periods and good efficiency, the semi-passive mode type should not be a big concern.

In the case of this Leadex III, the manufacturer indicates in its charts that hysteresis is used to avoid the problems mentioned above. Still, it is still an analog controlled source so we have come to observe some situations of unwanted on / off loops of the fan.

However, we have hardly noticed this effect compared to most sources with analog semi-passive modes, and we have generally had a good experience coupled with the fact that both semi-passive modes are very aggressive as evidenced by tests of Cybenetics performance.

Semi-passive mode off (Zero RPM Fan mode: OFF)

In its active ventilation mode, the Leadex III's fan starts operating at around 700 rpm. Despite the fact that it is not a particularly low rpm in a fan of this diameter, the operation of the fountain is extremely quiet, a few centimeters away it is practically imperceptible.

As soon as we apply a significant load with our test equipment, the revs already increase towards 900, but it still remains more than reasonable. Therefore, those looking for better internal cooling of the PSU will have no problem with this mode.

Final words and conclusion on Super Flower Leadex III 650W

Super Flower seeks to maintain the good reputation of its Leadex range with this third update, in which they have clearly focused on offering good electrical performance and as low a noise level as possible.

Specifically, the Cybenetics data shows magnificent results in terms of curling, voltage regulation, efficiency and hold-up time. But what is most striking without a doubt is the loudness data, which shows an extremely aggressive semi-passive mode in the sense that it keeps the source fan fully off at no less than up to 80% load.

In addition, there is also good news for those users more prone to an active ventilation mode that keeps the source better cooled, as it turns out that the fan used by Super Flower is surprisingly quiet and very durable (and you can choose between two semi-passive modes and one active thanks to a front switch).

Added to this is a very high level of internal quality, surpassing one part of the competition and equalizing the other, thanks to the use of quality components in all aspects. We also have characteristics of the range in which it is found, such as modular cabling, a 7-year warranty or its 80 Plus Gold efficiency certification.

We recommend you take a look at our updated guide to the best power supplies.

Regarding its negative aspects, the most notable could be some decisions regarding wiring, such as the use of capacitors in the cables, or the distribution of the PCIe connectors that is not the best for maximum power graphics. It is not particularly worrying, so we can conclude that, seeing its good balance of characteristics, this Leadex III leaves us with very good impressions for its price.

And speaking of price, the Leadex III has a RRP of 85 euros for the 550W model, 100 euros for the 650W, 110 euros for the 750W and 125 euros for the 850W. The PVP of the 550W version seems to us sensational, and it will be sufficient for most mono-GPU configurations, while the rest of the versions are reasonably priced and quite competitive. Finally we highlight that it is already available in some Spanish stores at a price even lower than its RRP…

Advantage

• Excellent internal quality and performance, with hardly any problems. 7 years warranty. Cybenetics LAMBDA-A ++ loudness certification, highest, and Cybenetics ETA-A- and 80 Plus Gold efficiency. Excellent price for 550W model and quite good for the 650W, 750W and 850W. Very aggressive semi-passive mode (keeps the fan off up to 80% load), with the option to choose between 2 different semi-passive controls and 1 active control that will keep the fan always active. Quality fan, thanks to which users who want to use an active mode will not perceive more noise than with a semi-passive mode. 2 EPS connectors in the 650W version, when it is something that is normally included from 750W upwards.

Disadvantages

• Somewhat limited number of SATA connectors (6) in the 550 and 650W versions. Wired with capacitors in the cables. Distribution of the PCIe connectors, when using 2 connectors per cable, and due to the type of wiring used, it is recommended to use two different cables on high powered graphics like an overclocked Vega 64 or RTX 2080 Ti.

The Professional Review team awards you the Platinum Medal and Recommended Product.

Super Flower Leadex III 650W

INTERNAL QUALITY - 96%

SOUNDING - 96%

WIRING MANAGEMENT - 84%

CYBENETICS PERFORMANCE - 96%

PROTECTION SYSTEMS - 90%

PRICE - 94%

93%

A source that stands out for being equal to the competition in almost all aspects, but it is above the majority of competitors in two fundamental aspects: the sound and the price. In summary, a balanced, reliable and silent source at an excellent price.