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The Fractal Design Integra R2 750W didn't deliver outstanding performance in any single area, however it has clearly been designed to achieve a very tight price point.
The efficiency of the power supply is commendable, it achieved 88 percent peak efficiency and meets bronze certification with flying colours. Ripple suppression while far from class leading was also well within the industry rated tolerance levels and the 12V rail in particular was strong.
Unfortunately the power supply feels and looks like a budget unit. Paint is easily scratched and marked, and while all of the cables are sleeved, we noticed some imperfections on the sleeving in multiple areas. It really isn't reassuring to see such a poor job on the sleeves. The fact they aren't the ‘easier to route' flat style cables may put some people off as well. Obviously we can factor in the competitive pricing, but still, the cabling quality was far from stellar.
When we initially opened the box to get it tested, we heard a little rattling sound and as mentioned earlier in the review, we noticed that a plastic corner of the fan had snapped off and was able to move around inside the chassis. We can only blame the terrible packaging of the power supply inside the box. Fractal haven't used thick foam to hold it in place and they are only protecting it inside a thin layer of bubblewrap. This is clearly inadequate.
The biggest issue I had with the power supply was not the lack of modular cables, but the noise of the fan under load. With a load over 300 watts, the fan sped up dramatically and emitted a lot of noise, which became quickly irritating.
Internally, the build quality is acceptable, although they have had to cut costs by using Chinese TEAPO capacitors throughout. Realistically we can't be too critical of this, because for the price we do expect cost cutting measures to be implemented.
Right now the Fractal Design Integra 750W can be picked up from DABS for only £60 inc vat. At this price many people will be willing to overlook some of the shortcomings mentioned above.
Pros:
- Very competitively priced.
- efficient for a Bronze certified unit.
- Decent ripple suppression especially on +12V rail.
Cons:
- very poor sleeving quality.
- not modular.
- very loud fan under load.
- inadequate packaging to protect unit.
Kitguru says: At £60 it seems unfair to be too critical, but fan noise and sleeving quality is a major turn off for us. For people on a very tight budget however it has many redeeming features.
