Power Supply Unit FSP Raider RA550 Review

Power supply units with 80Plus Bronze standard were rarity in earlier times and distinguished themselves by rather high cost. Nevertheless, nowadays customers are able to acquire PSU models with this standard for quite a moderate price. This is explained by the surplus congestion of products in the market and the need to supply different consumer groups with high-end, but at the same time, cheap PSU solutions. FSP Raider RA550 is characterized exactly by moderate price and high efficiency index. This allowed the very model of PSU to receive 80Plus Bronze marker.

Design and Framework

First of all, it should be mentioned that FSP Raider series is presented by several models which include RA 450W, 550W, 650W and 750W. PSU model under consideration, RA550 cannot boast a refined design template. Quite the contrary, it is developed in a classical design, with the provision of specifications on the side and rear plates. The casing is made of thin hard steel which is covered by a scratch-proof paint. Cooling system integration consists of a large frontal fan and a grid on the external face. This face also accommodates startup button and power cable socket. Such integration is considered to be standard for this class of products.

FSP Raider RA550 is differentiated by the availability of integrated secondary power cables; they are shaped in the form of a single plait and located from the opposite side. The cable kit has got 6+2-contact PCI-E sockets and six SATA sockets. The length of all cables reaches up to 60 cm to facilitate PSU installation even in large chassis.

The initial delivery set of FSP Raider RA550 consists of a power cable, fixing elements, and a detailed user manual. No other additional accessories are stipulated by the manufacturer.

Cooling System

This model employs 120 mm fan D12SM-12 that operates on slide bearing from Yate Loon Electronics manufacturer. The nominal fan voltage equals to 12V, while the maximum current equals to 0.3A. The fans are able to achieve the rotational speed of 1650 rpm, producing the noise level of not more than 33 dB. The range of operational voltage fluctuates between 6.5-13.8V. There are no fan trims which would facilitate the airflow formation.

Specifications

PSU RA550 employs an integrated MIA IC chip with FSP Multiple Intelligence Ability technology. This chip is destined to control the majority of operations realized by the PSU; those operations include the performance optimization and system security. Security system accomplishes a range of functions, embracing protection from overvoltage or lack of voltage, from current overloading, short circuit and power overloading.

The model boasts Post SR technology, the major task of which is to optimize the initial bus loading 3.3V, 5V and 12V for various assignments. Primary conversion line employs step-type scheme with a huge electrolytic capacitor. The claimed by the manufacturer efficiency index approximates 85% which is a rather surprising peculiarity for the middle-budget models.

Other key peculiarities of FSP Raider RA550 can be listed as follows:
— dimensions: 150x140x86 mm;
— gross weight: 1.6 kg;
— cable grooming: integrated;
— shutdown: automatic, ATX logics;
— compatibility with standards: Nvidia SLI, ATI CrossFireX, ATX 12V 2.31, EPS 12V 2.92;
— voltage protection: SCP, OCP, UVP, OVP;
— PFC: active, PF>0,99.