The FSP Hydro G 750W Power Supply Review
by E. Fylladitakis on March 3, 2016 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- PSUs
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- 750W
- FSP
- Modular
Final Words
Wrapping things up, FSP designed the Hydro G series specifically to attract advanced users and enthusiasts who want high quality and high performance PSUs, but do not require massive levels of power. More specifically, FSP is hoping that the Hydro G units will find their way into high-end gaming systems that are using up to three high performance graphics cards (two for the 750W version we reviewed today).
As gamers often build for aesthetics as well as performance, FSP spent a considerable portion of their time and resources to design a visually pleasing and unique PSU. The satin black finish may be prone to fingerprints, but it is very smooth and subtle, while many users will appreciate the all-black, flat cables. Our only negative remark lies with the heavily advertised changeable side stickers, which although changable, can only be used once and cannot be removed since they're standard stickers. However they do get the job done, just as long as user is happy with their first color selection.
From an engineering standpoint FSP generally creates high quality products, and the Hydro G is no exception. As a matter of fact, it may very well be a testament to what the company can achieve. The design is very clean and the PSU itself is very well made, using excellent quality components. The five-year warranty may not be extraordinary for a unit of this class, but it certainly is reassuring.
The overall performance of the Hydro G PSU is excellent. Acoustics seem to be the primary focus of the design, as the Hydro G 750W PSU remained inaudible almost across the entire load range in room temperature testing. Nevertheless, FSP is not afraid to ditch the acoustics performance if the temperatures get high, ensuring the stability and longevity of the PSU. The electrical conversion efficiency is not extravagant for an 80Plus Gold certified model, neither is the quality of the power output, but they should be more than satisfactory even for demanding users.
Ultimately the FSP Hydro G is a high quality, very well made product that offers excellent overall performance. It would mostly match the needs of those that want a product that combines aesthetics with good overall performance focused on low noise operation. The current MSRP price of $120 for the 750W version is a little high, considering that many competitive products retail for $10 to $30 less, but the PSU can be found retailing for as low as $80 after rebate, which is a very good deal for such a model.
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MrSpadge - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Because the PSU likes water spilled on it, I guess.Shadowmaster625 - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Why have "Hydro" in the name if it doesnt have any liquid coolant in it?Murloc - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
because it sounds cool (pun intended)LiviuTM - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
more likely from the "Hydro Dynamic bearing", I guess.geniekid - Friday, March 4, 2016 - link
They should get into aftermarket cooling. "FSP Hydro Extreme - the ultimate air cooling solution."DanNeely - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
"The number of connectors per cable is a bit unusual though. For example, one cable has four SATA connectors, another has two SATA and two Molex connectors, and two of them have two SATA, one Molex and one floppy connector each. There is no cable with just Molex connectors on it. "It might be unconventional, but in principle I kinda like it; much better than every cable being identical. I was wiring up a new box a few days ago, and ended up using a cable with 4 or 5 sata connectors to power a single SSD and via a sata to molex adapter the case's built in fan controller; while having to stuff the rest out of sight in the very cramped space behind the mobo. I'd probably only have put molexes on 2 of the cables though because they're getting somewhat rare. Wiring a floppy connector in at all is rather surprising; virtually nothing has used them for years.
Also, that description adds up to 10 sata connections 4+2+2+2, not 12 as in the summary table.
nagi603 - Monday, March 7, 2016 - link
Other manufacturers have somewhat better mixes for their modular ones. My Seasonic X400 has shorter cables with only 2 sata connectors on it, and also one with 2 molex connectors. Either would have worked for you. The mixed ones of FPS are bad because in a high-power build, you plan to use a lot of sata connectors tipically, or a lot of molexes. Not both.rhysiam - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Thanks for the review!Just a suggestion, could you chart the claimed 80 Plus standard on the "Energy Conversion Efficiency" charts? I know we can look it up and compare that way, but it would be much easier to have a unit's performance and 80 Plus (Gold in this case) standard on the chart for comparison. Thanks.
mauler1973 - Saturday, March 5, 2016 - link
When I click on the newegg link for the product it goes to toms hardware site address before going to newegg. What's the deal?Oxford Guy - Friday, March 11, 2016 - link
"Their designs are usually found in advanced mid-range units, such as the Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 series"The Dark Power Pro 10 series had high-end units made by Seasonic in it, not just FSP models. They came with advanced features like a Lunpen filter and a premium fluid bearing fan. The series topped out at 1200 watts.