The Lian Li EDGE EG1000 1000W ATX 3.1 PSU Review: Power On The Edge

Power Supply Quality

The Lian Li EG1000 Platinum exhibits fairly good voltage filtering, with the 12V rail showing a maximum ripple of 42 mV, the 5V rail at 22 mV, and the 3.3V rail at 24 mV. The overall voltage regulation is within acceptable limits, with the 12V rail at 0.9%, the 5V rail at 1.4%, and the 3.3V rail at 1.1%. These are not record-setting figures, but the power quality is very good, even considering this is a top-tier product.

During our thorough assessment, we evaluate the essential protection features of every power supply unit we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). The over-current protection (OCP) results are satisfactory, with the 3.3V and 5V rails reacting at 118%, while the 12V rail is significantly slack at 137%. The over-power protection (OPP) response is a bit lax, kicking in at 132%.

Conclusion

The Lian Li EG1000 Platinum ATX 3.1 PSU positions itself as a premium power supply unit targeting enthusiasts and high-performance system builders seeking something out of the ordinary and aesthetically superior to most other designs. Its unique L-shaped design caters specifically to dual-chamber chassis, offering a distinctive approach to modularity and cable management. However, this design choice might not resonate with a broader audience, as it deviates from the conventional PSU form factor, potentially limiting its compatibility with standard ATX cases and user acceptance. Its unconventional shape, which extends the PSU's length to 182 mm, could pose installation challenges in some cases. However, the unit is primarily marketed towards cases specifically designed to accommodate this kind of unit.

Build quality and aesthetics are where the EG1000 Platinum stands out from the crowd. Aside from its unique L-shaped chassis, the all-black, fully modular cables featuring individually sleeved wires and pre-installed wire combs are possibly the aesthetic highlight of this unit. The integrated USB hub may be redundant for most users. Still, it can be very useful for PC builders wanting to integrate many devices with a motherboard with only one or two headers available. Lian Li designed the EG1000 Platinum to be elegant and pleasant to look at, not extravagant.

Thermally, the EG1000 Platinum performs adequately but not exceptionally. During both cold and hot testing, the 120 mm Hong Hua fan, while reliable, struggles to maintain lower internal temperatures due to its size and the PSU's compact internal volume. The fan's linear speed profile ensures it ramps up appropriately with increasing load. Still, the unit becomes noticeably loud at higher speeds, which could be a concern for users seeking a quieter system even when heavily loaded. Even with the slight hints of thermal stress at maximum load, the unit manages to stay within safe thermal limits, but it does so at the cost of higher noise levels under heavy loads.

Electrically, the EG1000 Platinum delivers solid performance and power quality. It meets the 80Plus Platinum efficiency requirements, even though it just barely clears the threshold for an input voltage of 115 VAC. The average nominal range efficiency is fairly good but not high for a Platinum-certified unit. Voltage regulation and ripple suppression are both very good, with the unit delivering a stable and good quality power output under any operating conditions.

Overall, the Lian Li EG1000 Platinum ATX 3.1 PSU is a well-built, reliable power supply with a few caveats. Its unique design and premium components are offset by potential installation challenges and noise issues under heavy load. While it offers good electrical performance and modularity, its appeal may be limited to users with specific chassis requirements. For a price of $190, it provides fair value but may not be the best choice for every PC builder.

https://www.newegg.com/lian-li-edge-series-eg1000-black-1000-w/p/1HU-01PP-00008