The Raidmax RX-700AT 700W 80Plus Titanium Power Supply Review

Conclusion

With the Monster Power RX-700AT, Raidmax is reaching out to a very specific segment of the market, the very small segment of power users that want top tier PSUs with exceptional efficiency. However, most 80Plus Titanium PSUs that have found their way into the retail market are behemoths with three times higher power output than what most home and gaming PCs require. Andyson’s platform that the RX-700AT is based on is one of the few that combines top tier efficiency with a reasonable power output, making it a more marketable choice for most home and gaming PCs.

Aesthetically, the Monster Power RX-700AT is simple and subtle, which should ideal for most users who usually prefer the PSU and its cables hidden away from sight rather than standing out. The use of per-wire sleeving on the smaller cables however is of questionable value, as it increases the stiffness and bulk of the wires, having a negative impact on cable management. Some modders do find per-wire sleeving aesthetically appealing though.

The quality of the PSU has left us with mixed feelings. On one hand, the RX-700AT is based on a very good platform and is using some of the best quality parts currently available, most of which are severely oversized for a PSU with this kind of output. It can easily reach its maximum output operating in adverse conditions, without a significant performance drop. On the other hand, the manufacturer only offers a two-year warranty, which is very little for a PSU of this class. Top tier PSUs usually have a warranty that lasts at least five years. The assembly quality of the RX-700AT could also be improved.

The performance of the RX-700AT also is a complicated topic. We were not surprised that the PSU could not meet the 80Plus Titanium efficiency ratings with an input voltage of 230V AC as bery few designs can currently do so and Andyson’s platform seems to have been designed with 115V AC input in mind. It has excellent voltage regulation and good power quality on all of the voltage rails but, conversely, these performance figures are unimpressive for a top-tier PSU with such a price tag. With the unit operating in room temperature, the internal temperatures are low, especially considering the very small heatsinks of the PSU, prolonging the life of the PSU itself and reducing the fan’s noise levels. If the ambient temperature is very high, the small heatsinks of the PSU shift the cooling burden towards the fan, which can become quite loud under high loads. Overall, the performance of the RX-700AT is rather unbalanced and strongly depends on the specifics of the application, or liable to the specific needs or expectations of the user.

There is only one major issue with the Monster Power RX-700AT and that is its retail price. With a price tag of $160 plus shipping, the RX-700AT is hardly a competitive product. 80Plus Titanium certified units are few and very expensive, but it is easy to find high quality 1000W+ 80Plus Platinum certified PSUs retailing at this price point, or units with a similar power output with better features and much longer warranties retailing for significantly less. Raidmax is obviously aiming for the small group of users who feel that they need the top tier efficiency of an 80Plus Titanium PSU. In that case, considering that most 80Plus Titanium certified models currently cost well over $200, the RX-700AT is a choice to consider, with good power output and an equitable price tag.