Reviewer: Jim Clark
Date: October 11, 2011
Article url: http://www.wegotserved.com/2011/10/11/hands-istarusa-xeal-is500r8p-500w-ps2-mini-redundant-power-supply/
Product page: http://www.istarusa.com/xeal/products.php?model=IS-500R8P
![IS-500R8P_07](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IS-500R8P_07-480x360.jpg)
Introduction
Xeal is the Industrial Power division of iStarUSA. From this division you will find power supplies of many different configurations ranging from Pico ITX power supplies to typical ATX power supplies to redundant Industrial Power Supplies. Basically, you won’t find these products at your local Best Buy. The redundant IPC models, which are designed for industrial servers, are what I am interested in today.
While designed for industrial environments, if you have a critical home or small business server that you rely on for 24/7 uptime, a redundant PSU may be on your shopping list.
Many of you may know (or guess) what a redundant power supply is. A very short primer follows:
A redundant power supply is a power supply that actually includes two (or more) units within it, each of which is capable of powering the entire system by itself. If for some reason there is a failure in one of the units, the other one will seamlessly take over to prevent the loss of power to the PC. You can usually even replace the damaged unit without taking the machine down. This is called hot swapping, and is an essential productivity backup for use in servers and other machines used by a number of people.
All this brings us to the iStarUSA/XEAL IS-500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply
![IS-500R8P_01 IS 500R8P 01 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IS-500R8P_01_thumb.jpg)
which is the subject of today’s discussion. Please note that I am not equipped to stress test a power supply, but hopefully I can give you idea of what you getting into with an item such as this particular type of power supply.
What’s In The Box?
Being an industrial product, you will not find fancy consumer packaging; just a plain cardboard box
![IMG_0969 IMG 0969 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0969_thumb.jpg)
with a UPC label designating this as an IS-500R8P.
![IMG_0970 IMG 0970 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0970_thumb.jpg)
Once opened, you will find the unit adequately encased for shipping protection.
![IMG_0971 IMG 0971 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0971_thumb.jpg)
First out of the box is a plastic bag containing two power cables, cable ties, hardware and brackets.
![IMG_0972 IMG 0972 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0972_thumb.jpg)
What follows are pictures from various angles of the power supply itself.
![IMG_0973 IMG 0973 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0973_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0974 IMG 0974 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0974_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0976 IMG 0976 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0976_thumb.jpg)
Being that this a hotswap redundant power supply, the modules are easily removable if needed.
![IMG_0977 IMG 0977 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0977_thumb.jpg)
A couple of pictures of each end of one module.
![IMG_0978 IMG 0978 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0978_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0979 IMG 0979 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0979_thumb.jpg)
An attempted shot of the backplane.
![IMG_0980 IMG 0980 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0980_thumb.jpg)
Finally, a shot of a module with the nameplate specs.
![IMG_0981 IMG 0981 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0981_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0982 IMG 0982 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0982_thumb.jpg)
What impresses me about this particular device and other iStarUSA equipment that I have dealt with previously is the attention to detail and general build quality. Built like a tank with the finish of a luxury vehicle.
The singular item I am sure you have noticed are those small fans. Small fans normally means big noise, something we will take a listen to shortly.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Universal Input, Active PFC
- Efficiency: 74% at full load
- Industrial Japanese components 40 degrees temperature
- Automatic Thermal Control (reduce Fan Speed)
- Backward Compatibility, -5V Available
- Industrial DIN-Connector for Reliability
- Remote Sensor on +5v & +3.3V
- Power Failure Alarm & Signals
- OPP (Over Power Protection)
- OVP (Over Voltage Protection)
- OCP (Over Current Protection) / module
- SCP (Short Circuit Protection)
- MTBF > 100,000 Hours
Physical Specifications
Model Name |
IS-500R8P |
RoHS Compliance Version |
Yes |
Output Wattage |
500 |
Connector Type |
Main Connector :: 20+4 pin
4pin 12V :: 1
8pin EPS 12V :: 1
Molex :: 8
SATA :: 4
Floppy :: 2
6pin PCIE :: 2 |
Dimensions (WxHxD) |
5.91" x 3.35" x 7.83"
150.1 mm x 85.1 mm x 198.9 mm |
Output Specifications
Output |
+3.3V |
+5V |
+12V |
-12V |
-5V |
5Vsb |
Max Load |
24A |
24A |
30A |
1A |
0.5A |
2A |
Min Load |
1A |
2A |
2A |
--- |
--- |
1.1A |
Regulation |
±0% |
±5% |
±5% |
±0% |
±5% |
±5% |
Ripple(mV) |
50 |
50 |
120 |
120 |
50 |
50 |
A couple of the items that stand out are
- the 74% efficiency rating
- the active PFC feature
- RoHS certification
- protection features
This item does not meet the 80% standard, but this is probably not the main focus for an industrial server power supply. In this segment, stability of the power output is all important, as well as the protection features offered by the IS-500R8P.
Installing the IS-500R8P and Usage
Prior to installation of the IS-500R8P, you have to install some mounting brackets on the power supply. To install one of the brackets, you need access to the inside of the power case, so we will need to remove the power supply modules.
![IMG_0983 IMG 0983 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0983_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0984 IMG 0984 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0984_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0985 IMG 0985 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0985_thumb.jpg)
First bracket installed:
![IMG_0987 IMG 0987 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0987_thumb.jpg)
Please note that for use with the case I was installing this unit into, that particular bracket needed to be removed.
Second bracket installed:
![IMG_0988 IMG 0988 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0988_thumb.jpg)
Third bracket installed:
![IMG_0990 IMG 0990 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0990_thumb.jpg)
It is now time to install this unit into a case, so first we need to remove the original power supply.
![IMG_0992 IMG 0992 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0992_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0994 IMG 0994 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0994_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0995 IMG 0995 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0995_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0996 IMG 0996 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0996_thumb.jpg)
Next, we need to remove the original ATX mounting plate
![IMG_0997 IMG 0997 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0997_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_0998 IMG 0998 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0998_thumb.jpg)
and install the IPC mounting plate.
![IMG_0999 IMG 0999 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0999_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_1000 IMG 1000 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1000_thumb.jpg)
Finally, we get to install the power supply case (note the removed bracket),
![IMG_1001 IMG 1001 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1001_thumb.jpg)
and attach the power cables.
![IMG_1002 IMG 1002 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1002_thumb.jpg)
One of the features that comes with this unit is a set of LEDs for module status.
![IMG_1003 IMG 1003 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1003_thumb.jpg)
![IMG_1004 IMG 1004 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1004_thumb.jpg)
If you happen to be an OEM supplier, you may want to mount the LEDs in the front of the case as status indicators. If you are building your own setup, you may mod the case yourself or simply stuff them inside the case.
In any event, these LEDs are duplicated on the back of the power supply.
![IMG_1006 IMG 1006 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1006_thumb.jpg)
Finally, the finished installation of the power supply. If you compare the picture of the ATX PSU and this PSU, you will notice a substantial increase in length.
![IMG_1005 IMG 1005 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1005_thumb.jpg)
To see how much wattage I using, I compared the UPS reading with the original Seasonic PSU
![opti24 opti24 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/opti24_thumb.jpg)
and the UPS reading with the iStarUSA PSU. It is interesting to note the lower reading with one module being in an “idle” state.
![is2 is2 thumb Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/is2_thumb.jpg)
At this point, you may have two important questions that you might ask. The first question might be is what happens when a module dies? Quite simply, you will get a visual indication from the LEDs discussed earlier and you get a audible indication from a rather loud beeping.
If a module goes South, it is safe to say you will know about it if you are in the vicinity of the computer. As far as the computer itself is concerned, there is an instant switch-over from one supply to the other. It has no “idea” anything happened.
The second question relates to the noise factor of those four little fans. If you have this unit in a closet, the basement, the garage, or some other remote location, you will not mind any noise generated from these items. If the computer is in your bedroom, or in your work area (office), you will soon begin to hate the IS-500R8P. These fans are not screamers, but they are quite noticeable.
As these power supply modules are designed for use in an industrial environment, such as a data center, this is not really a problem to be considered for that particular environment. For a home environment or a small business, location is everything!
The Verdict
I do not have the equipment or apparatus necessary to stress test a power supply unit. As such, I cannot provide a “performance” section. What I can say is:
- If you need a redundant power supply, here is one choice.
- From past experience with other iStarUSA products, they build industrial-quality products, so you should be able to expect their products to last and perform well.
- Make sure you locate the computer in an area where noise will not be a problem. Those fans in these modules are not silent.
- While this should be obvious, it is still best to state that iStarUSA does sell the individual power modules separately in case one does die on you.
- This units are designed for rackmount cases, partially due to the length of the unit and partially due the special IPC mounting plate that is needed, which you find mostly only with rackmount cases.
This leads me to the one question I always answer last: how much does this item cost? As you might guess, a redundant power supply unit is going cost more than your typical ATX power supply. At Newegg, this particular item will set you back $474.99, which is $25 off the normal price.
![is500r8p is500r8p Hands On: iStarUSA XEAL IS 500R8P 500W PS2 Mini Redundant Power Supply](http://www.wegotserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/is500r8p.png)