Modular Power Supply 650W Chieftec A80

Evaluating the effectiveness of modern computer power supplies, the most attention is paid to their coefficient of performance (COP) at a given load — usually means of 20%, 50% and 100%. At the same time, not less important requirement, established by standard 80PLUS should be considered. That means — the preservation of this level of performance for all occurring in the world supply voltage variations, that is in the range of 100-240 V.

The standard rules of 80PLUS at different levels (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.) are performed for two voltage 115 V and 230 V. In both cases, the normalized PS should show the efficiency of not less than specified for each category level. Not usual power supply CTG-650C model of the new A-80 series from the Chieftec company is interesting in that it has officially claimed efficiency of 85% or more, but only for nets 220-240 V.

As the advantages of such solution can immediately be noted a lower price, due to less stringent requirements to support a range of supply voltages, a disadvantage — lack of generally accepted 80PLUS. At present, a series of PSU Chieftec A80 includes nine models, ranging from 350 to 750 W, with three of them — with 550, 650 and 750 watts — have a modular design (from the other models are distinguished by the letter C in the title).

Retail packing of PSU 650W Chieftec A80 is fairly simple, while at the same time, there is a certain design approach, and the information content of the external design is also more than sufficient. Delivery includes power supply, power cord, a set of detachable modular cables, user manual and paper fasteners.

PSU CTG-650C has classic design with a large frontal cooling fan: «Cellular» vent perforation of the outer plane (where the power switch and power connector cable), built-in cable harness and connectors for the modular cables on the opposite side, decorative grille with logo on the fan on the bottom of the plane, three blank walls of the removable cover.

The supply connectors of CTG-650C model are:
A non-removable 20 +4 pin motherboard power, 450 mm;
A non-removable 8 (4 +4)-pin power connector ATX12V/EPS12V and one 4-pin CPU power, 550 mm + 150 mm;
Two 8 (6 +2) pin power connector PCI-E, 450 mm;
Two cables with three power connectors SATA, 450 mm + 150 mm + 150 mm;
Two cables with two 4-pin peripheral power connectors (Molex) and 4-pin power connector Floppy, 450 mm + 150 mm + 150 mm

Applied in the construction 7-bladed 120mm fan with plain bearings is marked S1202512L and is produced by well-known Chinese company Globe Fan. The nominal voltage of the model is 12 V, the maximum current 0.18 A, the maximum speed of 2000 rev / min, the maximum noise of 34 dB, the maximum air flow 50 CFM, dimensions of 120x120x25 mm.

The test results in the automatic cross-load mode have shown that CTG-650C demonstrates the stability of the entire load range. Testing of the power supply on the static load mode with manual adjustment, conducted during the characterization for plotting efficiency, has confirmed such result: the minimum (one or two percent) deviation from the nominal voltage is observed at maximum load.