Akasa Venom Power Modular 750W PSU Review

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Akasa is a versatile company, offering a multitude of computer related products. They have also been a player in the PSU market for several years; however, their high-performance products had not been updated in quite some time, until the recent release of the Venom Power units. The new Venom Power units offer modular cable management and the company promises high performance and aesthetics to enthusiasts. Today we will see if Akasa can hold their promise as we have the 750W version of the Venom Power series in our labs for review.Manufacturer features and specifications

Application	750W PC Power Supply
Designed for	AMD / INTEL based systems ATI-AMD / NVIDIA graphics
Form factor	ATX 12V 2.3
Dimensions	150 x 158 x 86mm (W x L x H )
Typical efficiency	Over 80%
Power Factor Correction	Active PFC
Fan	135 x 135 x 25mm, thermal control
Motherboard connector	1 (20+4pin )
ATX12V connectors	1 (4+4pin)
PCIe 6+2pin connectors	2
SATA connectors	6
Molex 4pin connectors	6
FDD 4pin connectors	2
AC power input	240V AC
Protection	Over Power / Voltage / Current Protection
Product code	AK-PA075AM01

750W Output Specification
Voltage	+3.3V	+5V	+12V1	-12V	+5Vsb
Max. Load	24A	30A	62A	0.5A	3A
Combined Wattage	170W		744W	6W	15W
750W MAX.

Read more: Akasa Venom Power Modular 750W PSU Review by VR-Zone.com

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The Akasa Venom Power unit is supplied in a standard cardboard box covered in striking artwork. Although the artwork is not complex, the bright neon green theme instantly captivates a browsing eye. Details on the unit’s features and specifications can be found on the rear of the box.



Inside the box, the power supply is well packed, protected by two polystyrene foam covers and wrapped inside a nylon bag. The modular cables are left unprotected, yet physical damage on cables during transportation is highly unlikely.



Akasa kept the bundle down to the very basics. The bundled modular cables are all sleeved and every connector is black. There is no bag for the modular cables supplied with the Venom Power unit. Other than the modular cables, the purchaser will only receive a standard AC power cable and four mounting screws.

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From just one glance on the Venom Power, any experienced user can tell that Akasa focused a significant amount of attention and resources on making this power supply aesthetically appealing. The chassis of the 750W unit measures only 158mm deep, no larger than what the ATX design guide recommends, and is sprayed with a smooth matte black paint.



A striking decorative sticker based on the series logo and the power output of the model covers the right side of the power supply.



Akasa opted with placing the label with the unit’s electrical specifications and approvals at the top side of the unit. This sticker will only be visible in cases which have their power supply compartment located at the bottom of the system.



The rear is entirely perforated to allow for the air pushed by the cooling fan to escape towards the outside of the case. The unit uses a standard A/C power cable and on/off switch. It is interesting to note that this power supply can only be used with an input of 220-240V, not internationally.

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At the front we can see the connectors for the modular cables. The connectors are all black, with labels under each connector. This unit offers the following number of connectors:



Native cables
24-pin ATX connector
4+4 pin ATX12V CPU connector
6 pin PCIe connector

Modular cables
2 x 6+2 pin PCIe connectors
6 x SATA connectors
6 x Molex connectors
2 x Floppy connector

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Akasa entrusted a heavily customized Young Lin Tech DFS132512H 135mm cooling fan to handle the needs of their Venom Power unit. It is a high speed (1700RPM) sleeve bearing fan of proven quality. The company dyed the fan’s blades with a striking neon green color and installed a vented fan frame which helps directing the airflow.



Now that is an OEM we do not get to see frequently lately. The Venom Power 750W unit is an Andyson design and appears to be a slightly bolstered version of their F-Series design.



The filtering stage of this power supply is rather basic, although it should be more than adequate considering this unit is meant to work only with a 220V input. Starting at the back of the A/C outlet and continuing on the PCB we counted two Y-type capacitors, two X-type capacitors, two ferrite coils and a surge suppressing MOV.



The primary capacitor is a commercial grade product made by Teapo and is rated at 420V/390μF. The secondary side capacitors are all supplied by Teapo, making this power supply an all-Taiwanese affair.



The heatsinks of the power supply are somewhat thin but offer ample heat dissipation surface considering the unit’s specifications and class. The bridge rectifier can be found resting on its own dedicated heatsink under the primary side heatsink.

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In order to provide you with the most professional and accurate reviews, we are using the following equipment to test the performance of power supplies:

• Modified SECC steel case with thermal generation and control components installed
• Custom USB controlled DC load, 2.2KW maximum power drain
• 3KVA VARIAC
• Lutron DW-6091 Power Analyzer
• USB Instruments Stingray Oscilloscope
• SL-5868P digital sound level meter
• CompuLAB interface
• MyPClab thermal interface
• Labjack U3-HV interface
• Custom calibration box
• Custom software

More information about our testing equipment and methodology can be found in this article.



The Akasa Venom Power 750W unit successfully completed all of our tests without any operational and/or performance problems. The electrical performance of the power supply, although not extraordinary, is definitely good for its league with the voltage ripple sustained at less than 50% of the ATX design guide recommended limit and the voltage regulation maintained at about 2%.



From the efficiency chart of the Venom Power, we can realize why this power supply bears no 80Plus certification. It appears that the model fails to reach 80Plus Bronze standards and, even though it barely meets 80Plus when fed from a 230VAC power source, “plain” 80Plus is only granted if tested under



Considering the class and output of the Venom Power 750W unit, the thermal performance is good, although it obviously suffers from the drop of efficiency under heavy loads.



All things considered, the acoustics performance of the Venom Power 750W unit is relatively good given the product’s efficiency and high speed cooling fan. The power supply will remain virtually inaudible while operating under low and medium loads. If however the load exceeds 70% of the unit’s capacity, the speedy fan becomes obviously loud, even annoying if the power supply is left heavily loaded for prolonged periods of time.

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Quality (30% of the total score)

The overall quality of the Akasa Venom Power 750W modular power supply is very good. Externally, the power supply is very well made, with no imperfections impairing the aesthetics and/or the reliability of the unit. Internally, Andyson did a good job assembling the power supply and the quality of the components is well above average, although the soldering quality can be improved. The OEM also appears a little too fond of glue, which however insures the mechanical cohesion of the unit.

Quality Score 9.0/10

Performance (40% of the total score)

The overall performance of the Venom Power 750W unit has left us with mixed feelings. While the power supply performs very well electrically, delivering very good voltage stability and regulation, the efficiency and thermal performance are not in par with the class this unit is aiming at. Although it is not unacceptable, the electrical efficiency of the Venom Power is inferior than that of 80Plus Bronze certified units, which in turn impairs the thermal and acoustics performance of the power supply. Acoustically, the power supply is silent while nominally loaded but turns very loud quickly if left heavily loaded for prolonged periods of time.

Performance Score 7.5/10

Value (20% of the total score)

The Akasa Venom Power 750W can be found retailing for about 75€ (100 USD / 125 SGD) at the time of this review, a relatively good price for a 750W modular power supply, yet not outside the grasp of competition. Many products with similar capabilities retail at or near that price, which creates stern market competition for the Venom Power. Nonetheless, considering the unique appearance, modular design and good quality of the power supply, it offers fairly good value for money.

Value Score 8.0/10

Aesthetics (10% of the total score)

Aesthetics are obviously the trump card of the Venom Power 750W modular PSU, which is clearly designed in order to be different from any other product. Besides the very good paint job and the aggressive stickers, the neon green colors create a striking visual effect, especially in cases utilizing UV lights. If paired with other Venom series products (such as the Venom Voodoo cooler or the Venom Toxic case), it would certainly create a captivating visual theme.

Aesthetics Score 9.5/10