The Gigabyte UD1000GM PG5 1000W PSU Review: Prelude to ATX 3.0

Cold Test Results (~24°C Ambient)

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs - 2014 Pipeline post.

GIGABYTE’s UD1000GM PG5 obviously earned its 80Plus Gold certification rating with an AC input of 115 VAC. It is not required for a product to meet the certification requirements for any given input voltage and most manufacturers do seek to meet the requirements at 115 VAC, where the requirements are substantially lower and it is therefore easier for them to be certified. The UD1000GM PG5 has an average nominal load range (20% to 100% of the unit's capacity) efficiency of 91.1% when powered from a 230 VAC source, which drops down to 89.5% when powered from a 115 VAC source. It fails to meet the half-load 92% efficiency requirements of the 80Plus Gold certification when powered by a 230 VAC source but does meet the agency’s requirements for a 115 VAC input – even if only barely.

The GIGABYTE UD1000GM PG5 has a semi-passive thermal control circuitry, meaning that the fan will not operate when the unit’s load is very low. The fan will start when the load is a little under 300 Watts. While the internal temperature of the PSU remains reasonably low at all times, the fan becomes clearly audible at half load and downright loud once the unit is loaded, reaching its maximum speed at 90% load with the unit operating at room temperature.