Wednesday, November 25th 2020
80 Plus Hikes its Testing and Licensing Fees, Could Affect Prices of Low-Volume PSU Models
The 80 Plus logo program, by Plug Load Solutions, has become a ubiquitous means for consumers to grade the functional quality of their PC power supply units (PSUs). The PSU is a vital component, as a durable one ensures you needn't replace it for years; and it reliably powers all the components in your PC. 80 Plus confines itself to the electrical switching efficiency of the PSU as a unit of grading, and assigns one of six grades, which are probably easier for consumers to grasp than grading by technically-superior certification agencies such as Cybenetics. An investigative article by Igor's Lab uncovers that licensing body has apparently significantly increased its licensing fees, which PSU manufacturers could pass on to consumers, especially in case of some of the lower-volume models.
The Igor's Lab article cites an 80 Plus licensing and certification policy document to reveal the cost-structure for certification, including what it costs for a manufacturer to enroll (a one-time license fee), and testing fees per unit. The "unit" here refers to an individual SKU, it is a flat fee and does not apply on a per-unit-sold basis. Per-SKU would mean each variant of a model has to be separately certified as it's a different SKU (for example, Corsair's HX series would be a model, and HX750W and HX850W would be "variants", and treated as two separate certifications).Plug Load Solutions has reportedly increased its per-SKU certification price by 3x. For a new model launched after 2021, this would mean an increase in flat licensing fees by tens of thousands of Dollars. If a manufacturer launched a PSU in 450 W, 550 W, 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, and 1000 W, they pay a flat $21,000. Interestingly, Igor's Lab reports that a manufacturer has to pay the licensing fees even for an OEM/whitebox PSU model that has already been certified by 80 Plus. The "OEM" here refers to the likes of CWT, Seasonic, HEC, Fortron, etc., who contract-manufacture PSUs for others. If a generic 650 W certified model is re-branded by a manufacturer, it incurs re-brand licensing fees. Find more interesting insights in the source link below.
Source:
Igor's Lab
The Igor's Lab article cites an 80 Plus licensing and certification policy document to reveal the cost-structure for certification, including what it costs for a manufacturer to enroll (a one-time license fee), and testing fees per unit. The "unit" here refers to an individual SKU, it is a flat fee and does not apply on a per-unit-sold basis. Per-SKU would mean each variant of a model has to be separately certified as it's a different SKU (for example, Corsair's HX series would be a model, and HX750W and HX850W would be "variants", and treated as two separate certifications).Plug Load Solutions has reportedly increased its per-SKU certification price by 3x. For a new model launched after 2021, this would mean an increase in flat licensing fees by tens of thousands of Dollars. If a manufacturer launched a PSU in 450 W, 550 W, 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, and 1000 W, they pay a flat $21,000. Interestingly, Igor's Lab reports that a manufacturer has to pay the licensing fees even for an OEM/whitebox PSU model that has already been certified by 80 Plus. The "OEM" here refers to the likes of CWT, Seasonic, HEC, Fortron, etc., who contract-manufacture PSUs for others. If a generic 650 W certified model is re-branded by a manufacturer, it incurs re-brand licensing fees. Find more interesting insights in the source link below.
75 Comments on 80 Plus Hikes its Testing and Licensing Fees, Could Affect Prices of Low-Volume PSU Models
www.techpowerup.com/review/gigabyte-gp-p750gm-750-w/single-page.html#component-analysis
This is for example a high efficient PSU build with some lower quality components. But if you wish, it can even be downgraded much more.
The design it self is modern, it is based on a LLC resonant converter design with SR and DC-DC and the layout looks very clean. However many low quality components are used, that's why it died.
Let me ask you another question. Without hearing about this article, would you buy a PSU without any 80+ certification? I wouldn't.
In that sense it inspires due diligence, and it takes years before a new 'norm' lands in the consumer world about how to go about certain purchases. So yeah, things will take a turn for the worse before they'll get better. A number of companies will be paying the increased fee, too - but they will have smaller margins and that will inspire cost cutting as well.
Its just a short wait for the first high quality, high efficiency PSU that gets marketed as 'We don't need that sticker, and we're still better'. Once that gains traction... The fact is, you don't pay a licensing fee, so for smaller volume products that's a pretty big thing.
80 Plus is no different from any other certification: you have to understand what it's about, it can be gamed, but it's there to filter out at least the worst offenders. It sets a bar for everyone, making it easier to find a good product. Well, efficiency was the problem to fix when 80 Plus started. PSUs were wasting like 50% energy back then. You need other problem taking care of, you need a different certification.
Ideally you's want ISO to come up with a series of specs for PSUs to adhere to. But until then, I'd rather have 80 Plus around, rather than having to rely on brand names.
Just take a couple of random PSU's and ask them yourself.
And for your examples, I'm sure you are aware of this but they are rebadges of Superflower platforms (I think?) that did get a cert separately. I don't know where that falls but it's not quite the same as "slap a label on it" This should not be marked low quality. If you have an understanding of Ohm's law, it is wrong. "More stable voltage" sure but stable current isn't a thing. It gives what is asked. The code repos that you need to pursue in court though are almost always in the far east. Sorry for stereotyping it to just China, the point was "hard to reach via the courts"
You still have not explained the logic behind your logic, meh NVM its moot.
EDIT--
From Princess Luna on that thread there: as in do your own research.
And it isn't exclusively China, as someone pointed out. Several OEMs have done it but none based anywhere with a western patent court system. Taiwanese based, it would seem. Different country (well, at least kinda) with a similar problem.
You sure you aren't the one that's hurt? Because you thought it was actually good? And if you don't believe me just ask jonnyGURU, I'm sure he will give you his opinion. Nope, they have nothing to do with the 80PLUS certification. If you want a 80PLUS certification on your product you need to send it to them and pay, simple as that.