Installation and Testing:
 

Connecting the Test System

Thanks to the modular cabling, the PSU was easy to connect in the test system. The internal cable wiring is indeed a decent gauge yet not too stiff to work with. The PSU's modular sockets are color coded so you don't have to guess where to plug the correct cables. Modular power supplies are pretty easy to figure out these days. If the color coding doesn't help, the connectors themselves will indicate the correct ports due to the shapes. The nice thing about the modular connections is that they have a very snug fit and feel as though they make very good contact as well.

Two main tests were performed to see how the PSU holds up under idle or normal use and full loads. The first voltage readings were taken based on the test system at idle to get a good base reading. Naturally at idle, there were very small fluctuations ranging form .01 to .05V if any. The power supply was then tested further by overclocking the system to a very healthy 3.80GHz. This would typically reveal if voltages fluctuate, or droop, too much which can easily cause instability. Because the power supply is rated to 850 watts, there were almost identical .01 to .05V changes, but nothing above that. The 12V rails were the foremost voltages to change where as the 5V and 3.3V rarely ever moved. At one point, I could have swore the PSU let out a chuckle as I tried to push it.

At this point, the PSU was hooked up to a very expensive testing component to see if the chuckle becomes a whimper. Most the power supplies tested on this machine to date have been within 95 percent or higher of the designated wattage. Being a tried and true Antec power supply, nothing less was expected. As the load was increased from 50 to 100 percent, the 80mm fan began to spin up to expel any warm air and cool the PSU internally. The power supply performed perfectly and to spec. At 105% percent load, the Antec 850 Watt TruePower Quattro remained steady and true. Voltages were well within any acceptable range and displayed only the most minute rail droop if you want to call it that.

Voltages Fluctuate Less Than .1V

I expect to see power supplies fluctuate now and then when looking in the BIOS and especially when keeping an eye on the motherboard's included monitoring software. The BIOS usually reports voltages about as accurately as the software. No matter what kind of power draw was placed on the Antec 850 Watt Quattro, the voltages remained quite a bit more stable than expected. Even the voltage rails reported what I would consider excellent results not falling below each rail's rating. Usually, a small .1V change during a 100 percent load isn't really considered a droop. What I really look for are the rails and voltages that are too low for spec which can cause system instability. This power supply can crank out the watts and flexes a bit thanks to the quality internal components. A previously tested 1000 Watt Tagan power supply presented a lower drop than the 850 Quattro, but was still within good acceptable limits.

Note: Only one 12V Rail Shows

Summary and Conclusion:

Is the Antec 850 Watt TruePower Quattro power supply the ultimate 850 Watt power house? If you want that answered based on looks and appearance, the answer will depend on you. If you base that answer off of exceptionally stable rail voltages all the way to 100% load, then the answer is a very clear yes. Most users needing this kind of power have some serious hardware connected and demand serious results. There are far too many important components that you don't want to chance on a lesser power supply. This is exactly the audience the Antec 850 Watt TruePower Quattro will best suit. Of course, anyone can pick one up just for the racy appearance and great power.

In terms of appearance, if you like the perfectly balanced power supply without the lights and/or unusual appearance, then you won't be disappointed. The racy yellow stripes over black is something more unique and nostalgic. It's a refreshing look over the once mainstream power supplies that seem more like an out of control modder's creation. Everything from the paint to the cabling are top notch Antec quality without so much as a braid being over looked. As for the modular cabling, you'll be happy to know that they make very good connections being quite snug as opposed to loose. When it comes to this kind of wattage, you can't afford to have cabling intermittently making poor contact lest you damage your system.

It is with great pleasure that I recommend the Antec 850 Watt TruePower Quattro for the most serious users requiring the best stability and refinement for their intense gaming systems or servers. Dual graphics card users should seriously consider the 850 Quattro if you have experienced issues in terms of stability. This power supply is guaranteed to provide more than enough power even if you have dual 8800 GTX Ultras. This is one heavy duty power supply ready to handle whatever you feel like connecting to it. I'd like to extend a huge Thanks to Antec for giving us the opportunity to take the 850 Quattro for a test run and greatly improving my system.

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