Team Red Or Team Green? Evga Z12 Vs Z20: An Epic Battle Of Rgb Water Blocks For The Ultimate Pc Build
What To Know
- However, if you have a more modest system or are on a tighter budget, the Z12 still offers excellent performance and reliability at a lower price point.
- Both the EVGA Z12 and Z20 are capable of handling overclocked systems, but the Z20’s higher power output and more robust cooling solution make it the better choice for extreme overclocking scenarios.
- Yes, both the EVGA Z12 and Z20 come with an adapter that converts two 8-pin PCIe connectors into a single 12-pin connector, allowing you to use them with graphics cards that require this newer power connector.
In the realm of high-performance PC components, few brands command as much respect as EVGA. Their power supplies, in particular, have earned a reputation for delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and efficiency. The EVGA Z12 and Z20 are two of their flagship models, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of both power supplies to determine which one emerges as the ultimate victor.
Power Output and Efficiency: A Battle of Titans
The EVGA Z12 and Z20 are both 80+ Gold certified, indicating their high efficiency in converting AC power to DC power. However, the Z20 takes a slight edge in terms of power output, delivering a maximum of 1200 watts compared to the Z12’s 1000 watts. This additional wattage gives the Z20 more headroom for powering high-end gaming PCs or workstations with multiple graphics cards and other power-hungry components.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Adapting to Diverse Needs
Both the EVGA Z12 and Z20 offer a wide range of connectors to accommodate various system configurations. The Z12 provides eight PCIe connectors for graphics cards, while the Z20 boasts an impressive twelve PCIe connectors, ensuring compatibility with even the most demanding multi-GPU setups. Additionally, both power supplies come with an ample number of SATA and Molex connectors for storage devices and other peripherals.
Cooling Performance: Maintaining Optimal Temperatures
Effective cooling is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of a power supply. The EVGA Z12 and Z20 employ different cooling solutions to achieve this goal. The Z12 utilizes a single 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, while the Z20 features a dual-fan configuration with two 100mm fluid dynamic bearing fans. In practice, both power supplies deliver excellent cooling performance, keeping temperatures under control even under heavy loads.
Build Quality and Certifications: A Testament to Excellence
EVGA has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality power supplies, and the Z12 and Z20 are no exception. Both models are built using premium components and undergo rigorous testing to ensure exceptional reliability. They also come with various certifications, including 80+ Gold, Cybenetics Gold, and ErP Lot 6, further attesting to their adherence to stringent industry standards.
Warranty and Customer Support: Ensuring Peace of Mind
EVGA offers a comprehensive warranty program for both the Z12 and Z20, providing peace of mind to consumers. The Z12 comes with a 10-year warranty, while the Z20 boasts an impressive 12-year warranty. Additionally, EVGA’s customer support is renowned for its responsiveness and helpfulness, ensuring a positive experience for customers who encounter any issues.
Environmental Impact: A Commitment to Sustainability
The Verdict: A Clear Winner Emerges
After meticulously comparing the EVGA Z12 and Z20 across various aspects, it’s evident that the Z20 emerges as the superior choice. Its higher power output, more extensive connectivity options, and dual-fan cooling solution give it a clear advantage over the Z12. Additionally, the Z20’s longer warranty and EVGA’s exceptional customer support provide added peace of mind.
Deciding Factors: Tailoring Your Choice to Specific Needs
While the EVGA Z20 is the overall winner, the choice between the two power supplies ultimately depends on your specific requirements. If you have a high-end gaming PC or workstation with multiple graphics cards and other power-hungry components, the Z20’s higher power output and more extensive connectivity options make it the ideal choice. However, if you have a more modest system or are on a tighter budget, the Z12 still offers excellent performance and reliability at a lower price point.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1. Which power supply is better for overclocking, the EVGA Z12 or Z20?
A1. Both the EVGA Z12 and Z20 are capable of handling overclocked systems, but the Z20’s higher power output and more robust cooling solution make it the better choice for extreme overclocking scenarios.
Q2. Can I use the EVGA Z12 or Z20 with a graphics card that requires a 12-pin connector?
A2. Yes, both the EVGA Z12 and Z20 come with an adapter that converts two 8-pin PCIe connectors into a single 12-pin connector, allowing you to use them with graphics cards that require this newer power connector.
Q3. Which power supply is quieter, the EVGA Z12 or Z20?
A3. The EVGA Z12 is generally considered to be quieter than the Z20, as it utilizes a single 135mm fan compared to the Z20’s dual-fan configuration. However, both power supplies offer excellent cooling performance, so the noise difference is likely to be minimal in most situations.
