OCZ ZS Series 650 W Power Supply Review

Conclusions

The OCZ ZS Series 650 W proved to be an outstanding mainstream power supply. It can really deliver its labeled wattage at high temperatures, and we could pull up to 780 W. Voltages are closer to their nominal values than required (3% voltage regulation), noise and ripple levels are low, and it provides  terrific efficiency for the market to which it is targeted, between 84% and 86% when we pulled between 20% and 80% of the unit’s labeled power (i.e., between 130 W and 520 W), and 82% at full load (650 W). Remember that several power supplies with 80 Plus Bronze certification we’ve tested weren’t capable of sustaining 82% efficiency at high temperatures. Another highlight of this unit is the presence of eight SATA power connectors.

The negative points of this power supply are the short distance between SATA and peripheral power cables, the absence of a floppy disk drive power connector (who needs that, anyway?), and pricing. At USD 90, we can’t say it is cheap. However, if you live in the US, you can get a USD 20 mail-in rebate, helping to soften the blow.

In summary, it is an excellent unit, and we recommend it.