Skyhawk PSU ATX12V & EPS12V Compliance

Implications and Conclusion

After taking a good look at everything before us, Legit Reviews knew the SkyHawk “Power One” PSU’s were not what they claimed to be. They do not meet Intel ATX 12V Version 2.0 or Intel EPS 12V Version 2.1 guidelines.

As our forum readers know, we removed our article on this unit over the weekend as rumors of these issues began circulating through the community. During this time period, we contacted SkyHawk and gave them the opportunity to investigate the matter internally as well as provide us with a clear explanation of the issues. After consulting with their overseas headquarters, they responded with the following statement. The English is not perfect, but I’d rather directly quote someone than misquote them.

SkyHawk’s Response:

“From the Intel design guides V2.01, 12V it said :”the 12V rail on the 2×2 power connector should be a separate current limited output”. But, it does not say that the PCB layout should be separate as requirement. What we designed on PCB is that we put the 2x12V. V2.01 all together and that’s why the ATX12V. 2.01 has been listed on the retail box. Our PCB supports 2x12V. V. 2.01 output ,its current and voltage comply to what Intel recommend which are all true. In brief, on the design, we did not meet this standard. But, on its function, we did . In order to correct this discrepancy, we took 2 steps. First, we are changing the design into 2×2 power connectors. Secondly, we will re-mark on our retail box said it’s compatible only.”

SkyHawk came right out and told use they didn’t meet the standard. Since e-mailing SkyHawk they are going to change the 12V rail on the 2 x 2 power connector, hopefully to meet the requirements of UL and EN 60950. SkyHawk is also going to re-label their box saying it’s compatible with the ATX Guidelines. What about the EPS guidelines that state they must be separate? What exactly is the difference between saying ATX12V 2.0 and ATX12V 2.0 Compatible on the box going to mean for consumers? What about all the power supplies they are selling right now that aren’t what they say they are? Many questions are left without an answer. We dropped a note to our many friends over at Intel (as they help write the standards) and got this in response.

Intel’s Comments:

The ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide available at www.formfactors.org are for a family of power supplies intended for use with the ATX and BTX Specification for motherboards and chassis. It should not be inferred that all ATX12V power supplies must conform exactly to the content of the document. However, those power supplies which do not meet those guidelines cannot claim ATX 2.01 compliance.

Intel can’t legally comment on our specific situation, but made it clear that ATX 2.0 compliance can’t be on the box or marketing material if it does not meet the guidelines set for them.

Update & Conclusions:

SkyHawk contacted Legit Reviews on 3-21-2005 and asked us to please update our compliance article with some new information. SkyHawk has informed Legit Reviews that any customer unhappy with the ATX12V 2.0 or EPS12V 2.1 compliance on one of the mentioned power supplies can contact their retailer for a refund. SkyHawk also let LR know that they have put a request in to change the design of the power supply. So, expect PowerOne power supplies to have some new wording on the box and some internal adjustments.

I would like to thank SkyHawk for the way they dealt with this issue and pending the release of the new models the situation seems to be over. We are glad that the error was caught quickly after launch and was resolved in a very timely manner.

If you have any further questionsplease feel free to post on the Official SkyHawk Compliance Thread in our forums.