OCZ Z1000M Overview (1000W)

OCZ's Z-series Z850 and Z1000 are the oldest available 80Plus Gold PSUs for high-end PCs. They're also the only OCZ models with 80Plus Gold in OCZ's range of products. Are they able to keep up with the more modern PSUs? We'll see, but OCZ makes their package a bit more interesting with a generous supply of cable ties, two power supply cable (for different power grids), and a nicely written user's guide. In addition, the standard 5-year warranty isn't too shabby. The Z1000M that we will review today is SLI-ready, has active PFC, and as the "M" suffix indicates it includes modular cable management. The PSU case has a length of 16cm.

Cables and Connectors
Fixed/Modular Main 24-pin 55cm
ATX12V/EPS12V 4+4-pin 60cm / 8-pin 60cm
PCIe 6x 6/8-pin 60cm
Peripheral 3x SATA 50-80cm / 3x SATA 50-80cm / 3x SATA 60-90cm
3x Molex 55-85cm + Floppy 15cm

There are two very long 8-pin connectors for the CPU, which is nice to see. In contrast to that the six 6/8-pin PCIe connectors are a common configuration for a 1000W PSU. We'd might like to see OCZ offer one more cable with Molex connectors, as there are only three on a single cable. All cables have a length of more than 50cm, and as usual the mainboard cables are fixed.

Globe Fan is the manufacturer of the large fan in the OCZ PSU. The model number is RL4Z B1352512H, a ball-bearing type with a maximum rotation of 1500RPM. This is a common choice Sirtec-manufactured PSUs.

Internally, you can see the typical Sirtec design with an 80Plus Gold configuration. We find the DC-to-DC converter, Infineon transistors with a low DS resistance, and a good looking EMI-filterung stage including a MOV. For safety functions OCZ uses a PS224 from Silicon Touch. The heatsinks seem to be small, but they should be enough for a strong cooled and very efficient power supply. Some outgoing cables on the left side are pinched by two cables ties, which isn't the best way of doing things but should work well enough.

Meet The Candidates OCZ Z1000M Regulation and Ripple
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  • Marlin1975 - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    How about more reviews on items that most would use, not a very small subset.

    I have a 600wat power supply and only bought that due to sale/coupon over the 500watt. My HTPC has a 380 etc...

    Test the PS's that are lowwer priced but still 80% rated and see if they really hold up for most builders.
  • Minion4Hire - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    It has been a while since they did a large mid-range PSU roundup, but different people are in the market for different products.

    The thing is that the vast majority of mid-range power supplies ARE perfectly adequate for the vast majority of users in that market segment. Some are better, some are worse, but everything will generally come out okay. But if you're going to drop +$200 on a power supply it BETTER damn well perform! Of course if someone is looking to spend $20 on a 500W PSU for a gaming rig then they'll get what they're paying for.
  • Taft12 - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    If modular is a requirement (and it should be for mid-range+) Seasonic M12II 520W or 620W is probably the best you can do in the $75-100 range.
  • michaelheath - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    Minion, Taft, those are good responses but don't really address Martin's point: Why would I, a reasonable enthusiast who has a quad core CPU, a decent single GPU, a hard drive or two and a DVD burner, really care about what's going on in the 1000w+ PSU market? Other than pure curiosity? I need a 550w power supply at worst, and I too would like to see more reviews reflect the need of the majority of users. This article was interesting, but it's ultimately useless for ~95% of the readers viewing it.
  • MeanBruce - Friday, December 10, 2010 - link

    Useless is right!

    AnandTech for SSDs and Smartphones and Applegear.

    JonnyGuru.com for Power Supplies.

    Tom Logan at Overclock3D for cases, cooling, and motherboards.

    Experience is Everything!

    Experience is Everything!
  • poohbear - Sunday, December 12, 2010 - link

    Totally agree. Xmas is coming n we're all shopping, n they do a 1000wt psu review? This review is for da .01% of users out there, by da reviewers own admission, why even bother?
  • Martin Kaffei - Monday, December 13, 2010 - link

    3x 550
    http://www.anandtech.com/show/3985/three-550w-psus...

    1x 460
    http://www.anandtech.com/show/3962/seasonic-x460fl...

    1x 380
    http://www.anandtech.com/show/3902/antec-earthwatt...

    1x 300
    coming soon
  • RagingForces - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    Thanks for the article. I am in the market for these type PSUs and am glad to see a roundup article. This is why I come to Anandtech :)
  • Vicey - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    I'm surprised that the AX1200 by Corsair wasn't included as to be honest that is the only PSU in the 1200W range I'd consider buying.
  • dajeepster - Thursday, December 9, 2010 - link

    I'm surprised too... I have both the Corsair AX1200 and the OCZZ1000

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