FSP X3 Booster: a dedicated 300W PSU for your Graphics Cards

Cases & PSU/Power Supplies by piotke @ 2006-08-09

Today we test a dedicated power supply which relieves your main PSU from the load created by the latest high end VGA Cards. The X3 Booster allows you to use to re-use your older PSU and still run the latest hardware. Find out of the X3 can handle a high end Crossfire setup in an overclocked Core 2 system.

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Noise level & Conclusion

Noise level

Just as almost every other PSU this one needs to be cooled as well, the X3 uses two 40mm which are located at the front of the unit, luckily, contrary to what I feared, these fans were quite silent.

Noise level was recorded with SmartSensor SL4001A. The sensor was placed ~65cm away from the case. The lowest dBA reading in the test room was ~37,8 dBA.

With the X3 running the level increased to 41,5 dBA, it?s more likely that your VGA cards will have louder coolers. A subjective listening test reveals that the 40mm are audible but there?s only the sound of air movement, no mechanical noise.

Pricing and conclusion

Madshrimps (c)
The X3 booster installed and running ...


With a price tag of $70~80 (Froogle) it?s a very affordable solution for those who already have a decent power supply for the rest of their system. For your money you get a dedicated VGA power supply that will fit almost any case. It has a straight forwarded installation with everything you need to avoid a cable mess?And it even looks good too. The blue LEDs in front adds a nice extra touch.

I would like to thank Heidi from Fortron Source (Europe) for providing us with this sample.

Questions/Comments: forum thread
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