How good is this PSU Brand Name Cougar MX-Series MX650 650W PSU ATX12V 80+

[lexluthermiester]

it’s still group regulated

There is nothing wrong with that method of circuitry in a PSU. It's a well proven and solid way of delivering power.

it’s still obsolete technology

Opinion, nothing more.

 

[EarthDog]

CX is up to five years, even their ultra budget VS line (great for desktops but you can do better for gaming) is 80 plus at 30c with a three year warranty.

Corsair Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to all Corsair products except Corsair PC gaming systems. You can find warranties for PC gaming systems on the Corsair Systems Warranty page. How to Make a Warranty Claim Ove...

help.corsair.com

 

[eidairaman1]

inb4 the EVGA reference !

Just a reminder: You get what you pay for. So if you get lucky, you got real lucky.

Yeah considering not all EVGA are Seasonic based, some are CWT/HEC...

 

[dirtyferret]

Again, it will work, but there are better units out there for less. As soon as the OP returns and posts a budget, we can dig in a bit deeper. But, that unit isn't "good" according to experts.

It will work when you are pulling 250-300w while gaming which covers the majority of people.

start of rant
Even with a Intel Core i7-7820X @ 4.3GHz, the RTX 2080 you are at 400w while gaming. Here's an issue I saw on another thread where someone was looking at a 550w unit and some nitwit (I don't recall who) said you should look at a 1000w unit to "future-proof". Someone is going to see 750w on that evga and bypass a solid 650w unit because of that higher number on the EVGA so they can "future-proof" while needing to pull 400w of power. That amount of power is going to generate a lot of heat and we know the EVGA goes out of spec at high heat (and my guess only peaks at 750w) and with its mediocre main cap, junk secondary caps, no overtemp protection (according to JG)and a fan that won't last more then two years; the buyer will be shopping for a new PSU sooner rather then later (and lest hope its the only new thing they will need to shop for).

Meanwhile the solid 650w stays within spec at even 45c, can maintain a constant 650w in spec and even peak to 725w at 40c, has proper protection, better caps and a better fan yet gets bypassed because it has the smaller number. Sure it may be loud (compared to a quality unit) but it will work and it will last.

From my experience people tend to stick in the neighborhood of their power demands. If your last two video cards have been the GTX 660ti and GTX 960, it's doubtful you are breaking the bank for a RTX 2080ti. If you want to future proof, buy a better PSU (instead of 550w bronze w/ 3-5 warranty get a gold/platinum 550w with 7+ year warranty) rather then a unit with a larger meaningless number on it.

end of rant

Corsair Limited Warranty

This warranty applies to all Corsair products except Corsair PC gaming systems. You can find warranties for PC gaming systems on the Corsair Systems Warranty page. How to Make a Warranty Claim Ove...

help.corsair.com

CX and CX-M Series PSU Models:

• Wattages of 400W, 430W, 500W, and 600W have a 3-year warranty
• Wattages of 450W, 550W, 650W, 750W, and 850W have a 5-year warranty

the 400w, 430w, 500w, and 600w have all been replaced with the 450w-850w units. You are correct if you are able to find one of the older units, they have the three year warranty (I would not recommend that)

Yeah considering not all EVGA are Seasonic based, some are CWT/HEC...

off the top of my head most are superflower with some by FSP and one or two by seasonic that were replaced by superflower. Some are HEC like the N1 750w in discussion, I don't recall them using channel well (they may for one unit). Superflower also outsourced some of their evga units to other factories.

 

[Schmuckley]

Cougar isn't super-awful.
Probably the same as a Thermaltake.
There's more than Seasonic and SuperFlower..
Antec is good, Siverstone...
Pretty sure most Thermaltakes are HEC or CWT.

-Typed from a Rosewill that's really a SuperFlower unit..lol!
Other PSU is Antec, though.

Hey, I think Cougars are Enermax. Wow, where did that come from?

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Yeah considering not all EVGA are Seasonic based, some are CWT/HEC...

GQ units were FSP too - or at least they were about a year ago.

 

[EarthDog]

CX and CX-M Series PSU Models:

Well aware. I liked your previous post and used that link to support it.

As far as lexy... let it go. The guy has an opinion on a product based on ?????? (he has yet to support his assertion, even when asked)... I'll trust JG and every other reputable review rather than some forum randos without supporting facts.

I'm waiting to hear back from the OP, personally...

 

[Schmuckley]

I can confirm that it does happen. The cause is not always obvious either.

I just had a SuperFlower 750w unit fail on the 12V GPU rail.
(Rosewill) Pretty sure it was a cheap fan controller that caused it.
Took out mobo.

 

[dirtyferret]

Opinion, nothing more.

True but it is the opinion of one of the top PSU reviewers in the industry so it does carry some weight to it.

There is nothing wrong with that method of circuitry in a PSU. It's a well proven and solid way of delivering power.

The former is also an opinion if we are to take OK-wolf's statement as an opinion. As for the latter I will quote Aris on the issue (below) and simply state while cross load testing may not be real world testing for a lot of people you can't argue from a quantitative analysis that DC-DC do perform better in cross load testing as to ATX rail spec.

"In this regulation type, +12V and 5V are generated together, and both of them feed their output voltage error to the regulator controller. This means that if the load is unbalanced between the rails, then the regulator controller will have a very hard time retaining a proper regulation. For example, if the load at +12V is high and the load at 5V is low, the voltage on the second rail will be raised, because the regulator controller tries to raise the +12V rail's voltage. But because the latter is tied to 5V, both of them are raised. This is why most group-regulated PSUs fail to keep their rails within +/-5 percent tolerance during cross-load tests. "

Well aware. I liked your previous post and used that link to support it.

As far as lexy... let it go. The guy has an opinion on a product based on ?????? (he has yet to support his assertion, even when asked)... I'll trust JG and every other reputable review rather than some forum randos without supporting facts.

I'm waiting to hear back from the OP, personally...

I like Lex, he's a level headed guy. I just don't see what he sees in that unit. As far as the OP goes, I think hes avoiding the question for a reason which is he doesn't like our answers. The thread probably should be locked as its already going off the rails but at least no one is trolling.

GQ units were FSP too - or at least they were about a year ago.

GQ and GD (same PSU platform as the Be Quiet Pure Power 11 although they market the 12v as split)

 

[eidairaman1]

Cougar isn't super-awful.
Probably the same as a Thermaltake.
There's more than Seasonic and SuperFlower..
Antec is good, Siverstone...
Pretty sure most Thermaltakes are HEC or CWT.

-Typed from a Rosewill that's really a SuperFlower unit..lol!
Other PSU is Antec, though.

Hey, I think Cougars are Enermax. Wow, where did that come from?

Erm its about the OEM, Antec is not an OEM

 

[PatrioTFreedom45]

That list is a joke and has been ripped apart multiple times on jonnygurus forums as do most PSU lists. 64k asked a question which you have yet to answer.

What are you looking to power?
Any future upgrades that will require more power?
What is your budget?
Where do you shop? Specific web store would help.

XFX AMD RX 570 graphic card . I was thinking about getting a 570 Rx 8 graphic card and have them in both Express Expansion slots in the future

 

[EarthDog]

XFX AMD RX 570 graphic card . I was thinking about getting a 570 Rx 8 graphic card and have them in both Express Expansion slots in the future

Again, budget please? What country are you in/where are you buying from? Please answer all questions asked of you.

 

[PatrioTFreedom45]

Again, budget please? What country are you in/where are you buying from? Please answer all questions asked of you.

USA Kentucky. Income disabled vet. Budget for any PSU max 70 USA dollars new or used. Min budget 50 bucks

 

[Schmuckley]

USA Kentucky. Income disabled vet. Budget for any PSU max 70 USA dollars new or used. Min budget 50 bucks

Okay. $50-$70

Antec Value Power Series VP650 Plus, 650W Non-Modular, 80 PLUS Certified, Thermal Manager, CircuitShield Protection, 120mm Silent Fan with 3-Year Warranty - Newegg.com

Buy Antec Value Power Series VP650 Plus, 650W Non-Modular, 80 PLUS Certified, Thermal Manager, CircuitShield Protection, 120mm Silent Fan with 3-Year Warranty with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze Power Supply - Newegg.com

Buy Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze, ATX12V & EPS12V, Direct Output, Smart & Silent Fan Control, 5 yr Warranty Power Supply with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Open Box: Rosewill HIVE Series, HIVE-650S, 650W Fully Modular Power Supply, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified, Single +12V Rail, SLI & CrossFire Ready, Black - Newegg.com

Buy Open Box: Rosewill HIVE Series, HIVE-650S, 650W Fully Modular Power Supply, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified, Single +12V Rail, SLI & CrossFire Ready, Black with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Never good to skimp on a power supply.

Used on ebay:

ANTEC EARTHWATTS EA-650 PLATINUM 80 PLUS 93% EFFICIENT ATX 12V PSU POWER SUPPLY | eBay

This can reduce your electricity bill up to 25%. In addition, the EA-650 Platinum provides 650W of continuous power. Antec EA-650 PLATINUM Overview. Antec EA-650 PLATINUM Specs. It works on 100 to 240 VAC.

www.ebay.com

 

[dirtyferret]

USA Kentucky. Income disabled vet. Budget for any PSU max 70 USA dollars new or used. Min budget 50 bucks

don't go used unless you know the seller

my first choice would be this but its over $70 if you include tax

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Bronze-Certified-Modular-CP-9020102-NA/dp/B01B72W0A2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SRNCEA8NKHLC&keywords=550w+power+supply&qid=1582565040&sprefix=550w%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1

600w unit, bronze and can handle two RX 570 video cards. Nothing special but better then garbage and will keep you under $70 with tax

https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Bronze-Modular-Warranty-110-BQ-0600-K1/dp/B01MTJTO2O/ref=sr_1_6?crid=SRNCEA8NKHLC&keywords=550w+power+supply&qid=1582565040&sprefix=550w%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-6

if you can scrape together another $10

Amazon.com : 550w power supply

this unit actually got a decent review and in theory gives you plenty of power while it does break $70 with tax I don't really trust a no-name main cap

https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-256-Color-Supply-Warranty-PS-SPR-0700NHFAWU-1/dp/B0754S3TXS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=4A5LJP50IRYZ&keywords=650w+power+supply&qid=1582564083&sprefix=650w+%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExT05TUUtTNUJOMFlaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDI0NzEzMVZGUTRNVE5aVDZFViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODUwMDczMUxVUFJGV1ZEVVZWQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Okay. $50-$70

Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze Power Supply - Newegg.com

Buy Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze, ATX12V & EPS12V, Direct Output, Smart & Silent Fan Control, 5 yr Warranty Power Supply with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

FYI, that Seasonic S12iii is almost $80 out the door ($78 after tax and shipping), not made by seasonic, and made poorly (look at the customer reviews for that entire series). You would better off with the S12ii for the exact same amount of money which is made by seasonic but group regulated.

 

[Solid State Soul ( SSS )]

Might i add the new EVGA GD 500W for 60$.
Its 80 plus gold efficiency and 500 watts is plenty enough for a mid-range single GPU build
its also backed by a 5 year warranty and EVGA's excellent customer support

EVGA 500 GD 100-GD-0500-V1 500 W Power Supply - Newegg.com

Buy EVGA 500 GD 100-GD-0500-V1 500 W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Non-Modular Active PFC Power Supply with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

 

[dirtyferret]

Might i add the new EVGA GD 500W for 60$.
Its 80 plus gold efficiency and 500 watts is plenty enough for a mid-range single GPU build

EVGA 500 GD 100-GD-0500-V1 500 W Power Supply - Newegg.com

Buy EVGA 500 GD 100-GD-0500-V1 500 W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Non-Modular Active PFC Power Supply with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

good find

 

[PatrioTFreedom45]

Okay. $50-$70

Antec Value Power Series VP650 Plus, 650W Non-Modular, 80 PLUS Certified, Thermal Manager, CircuitShield Protection, 120mm Silent Fan with 3-Year Warranty - Newegg.com

Buy Antec Value Power Series VP650 Plus, 650W Non-Modular, 80 PLUS Certified, Thermal Manager, CircuitShield Protection, 120mm Silent Fan with 3-Year Warranty with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze Power Supply - Newegg.com

Buy Seasonic S12III 650 SSR-650GB3 650W 80+ Bronze, ATX12V & EPS12V, Direct Output, Smart & Silent Fan Control, 5 yr Warranty Power Supply with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Open Box: Rosewill HIVE Series, HIVE-650S, 650W Fully Modular Power Supply, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified, Single +12V Rail, SLI & CrossFire Ready, Black - Newegg.com

Buy Open Box: Rosewill HIVE Series, HIVE-650S, 650W Fully Modular Power Supply, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified, Single +12V Rail, SLI & CrossFire Ready, Black with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Never good to skimp on a power supply.

Used on ebay:

ANTEC EARTHWATTS EA-650 PLATINUM 80 PLUS 93% EFFICIENT ATX 12V PSU POWER SUPPLY | eBay

This can reduce your electricity bill up to 25%. In addition, the EA-650 Platinum provides 650W of continuous power. Antec EA-650 PLATINUM Overview. Antec EA-650 PLATINUM Specs. It works on 100 to 240 VAC.

www.ebay.com

Thank you.

 

[EarthDog]

Don't be my avatar, Patriot... follow Dirtyferret here.

 

[lexluthermiester]

True but it is the opinion of one of the top PSU reviewers in the industry so it does carry some weight to it.

Perhaps, but it is NOT the end all be all of what there is to say, see below.

The former is also an opinion if we are to take OK-wolf's statement as an opinion.

Except that the functionality of such is not in question as the design works, has been working stably for a long time and will continue to work for a long time. That is a fact. One person calling it "Obsolete" is an opinion, one that should be taken with a generous helping of salt.

 

[dirtyferret]

That is a fact. One person calling it "Obsolete" is an opinion, one that should be taken with a generous helping of salt.

You can choose to take as much salt as you want with anyone's opinion what you can't deny is the opinion of someone who worked as one of the top professional PSU reviewers in the industry carries more weight then the opinion of you or I. You also can't deny the opinion of one of the other top PSU reviewers (who also reviews PSU for the very forum you are on) when he states
" Group regulation is usually used in low-capacity and budget PSUs " and "Independent regulation is used in higher-capacity and performance PSUs, where cost reduction isn't the top priority " especially when you are talking a 750w unit which is not a "low-capacity" unit by any stretch.

You also can't deny and seem to be avoiding;
this particular unit failed to remain in ATX spec (making it a danger to PC hardware) in the JG hot box test.
the main cap is only rated for 85c and from a mediocre company
the secondary caps are cheap chinese junk
the fan is cheap junk
the PSU is built by a company with a history of cutting corners to meet price point over performance

You want to stand on a soap box and circle the wagons on group regulation power supplies, go for it. You have nowhere to plant a flag on this PSU in terms of performance or build quality where you can say "at least you have this going for you" other then if you are lucky enough to have this PSU fail on you within two years, evga may send you another one.

 

[EarthDog]

Perhaps, but it is NOT the end all be all of what there is to say, see below.


Except that the functionality of such is not in question as the design works, has been working stably for a long time and will continue to work for a long time. That is a fact. One person calling it "Obsolete" is an opinion, one that should be taken with a generous helping of salt.

An obsolete design is an obsolete design. That said it still works, but isnt optimal...and that's the point when I brought it up. A psu was suggested that least two reputable reviewers didnt rate high and doesnt fall into what many would define as a "good" psu. Am I splitting hairs? It's possible... I know it will work. It isnt powmax, apevia, diablotek, etc... I get that. There are just higher quality units passing more difficult testing out there for the same money or less. We've got a decent budget to work with and can get the OP something better is the point.

Now... for my money...Corsair 650W VS will do the job. It isn't pretty, but is more efficient and also isn't lipstick on a pig like the N1.

Anyway, OP, you've seen an eyeful in this thread, lol... hopefully you learned something about PSUs. There are great choices here listed by dirrtyf and SSS that will fit your budget and a better choice over that N1.

 

[Schmuckley]

You can choose to take as much salt as you want with anyone's opinion what you can't deny is the opinion of someone who worked as one of the top professional PSU reviewers in the industry carries more weight then the opinion of you or I. You also can't deny the opinion of one of the other top PSU reviewers (who also reviews PSU for the very forum you are on) when he states
" Group regulation is usually used in low-capacity and budget PSUs " and "Independent regulation is used in higher-capacity and performance PSUs, where cost reduction isn't the top priority " especially when you are talking a 750w unit which is not a "low-capacity" unit by any stretch.

You also can't deny and seem to be avoiding;
this particular unit failed to remain in ATX spec (making it a danger to PC hardware) in the JG hot box test.
the main cap is only rated for 85c and from a mediocre company
the secondary caps are cheap chinese junk
the fan is cheap junk
the PSU is built by a company with a history of cutting corners to meet price point over performance

You want to stand on a soap box and circle the wagons on group regulation power supplies, go for it. You have nowhere to plant a flag on this PSU in terms of performance or build quality where you can say "at least you have this going for you" other then if you are lucky enough to have this PSU fail on you within two years, evga may send you another one.

Is that Jonnyguru or Phaedrus? Next up is Shilka in my book.

I can pick a PSU myself, due to years of guidance by the above 3.

PS: I've seen Phaedrus give his opinion by taking a sledgehammer to a Diablotek before in a video.

Cheap bulgity caps, Pah!

 

[dirtyferret]

Is that Jonnyguru or Phaedrus? Next up is Shilka in my book.

Jeremy Schrag (aka Oklahoma Wolf) who was the lead reviewer for Jonnyguru for years.
Jonny Gerow (aka Jonny Guru) hasn't done a review or been a part of the site that bears his nickname for a least seven years, he works for Corsair, which is probably the last time I can recall a review from Phaedrus. Doesn't he just post stuff on overclock.net every now and then? He does clearly know his stuff as well.
I'm not familiar with "Shilka"

 

[Schmuckley]

Jeremy Schrag (aka Oklahoma Wolf) who was the lead reviewer for Jonnyguru for years.
Jonny Gerow (aka Jonny Guru) hasn't done a review or been a part of the site that bears his nickname for a least seven years, he works for Corsair, which is probably the last time I can recall a review from Phaedrus. Doesn't he just post stuff on overclock.net every now and then? He does clearly know his stuff as well.
I'm not familiar with "Shilka"

Shilka knows his stuff. As it so happens, I do too, somewhat.