Cybenetics Introduces Easy PSU Efficiency and Noise Badges

[btarunr]

Cybenetics, the company behind the Cybenetics power supply rating system, introduced a new certification badge system that makes it a lot easier to gauge the efficiency and noise of a PC power supply unit when making a purchase decision. Unlike competing PSU certification services, Cybenetics doesn't just use brute 12 V switching efficiency to gauge the quality of a PSU, but takes into account the efficiency of the individual voltage domains, power-factor correction, vampire power (losses), etc., to present a more complete measure of a PSU's efficiency. Cybenetics also offers a logo program to gauge the noise output of a PSU, so you know a PSU isn't cutting corners with noise in pursuit of switching efficiency, and has sufficient heatsink mass to afford a quieter fan.

Cybenetics Efficiency logo grades resemble precious metals and gems, much like sports medals. It begins with "Standard," and goes through "Bronze," "Silver," "Gold," "Platinum," "Titanium," and "Diamond." The first table below shows what it takes to qualify for each of these. It's important to note that the grading system takes input AC voltage into account (110~120 V or 220~240 V AC), and there are different parameters for each input voltage type. For PSUs that support both 110 V and 220 V AC inputs (automatic switching), it's likely that it comes with two efficiency logos. Noise output is a more universal rating, and depends entirely on how quiet the PSU is. Since its inception, Cybenetics tested and certified over 770 PSU models, and is testing many more.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[watzupken]

I don't find the 8 badges shown in the picture any easier to figure out the PSU efficiency and noise level. In fact, without reading the legend/ definition, you will be wondering what the blazers is Standard, Standard ++? Then you have A++, but not A. Perhaps they have taken a page from Intel's 14nm +++++.

Standard looks like Bronze, Standard ++ looks more Gold than the Gold rating badge itself.

 

[Caring1]

So how much are they charging for this "program"?

 

[elghinnarisa]

what about this is any easier though?
Just looking at them tells me almost nothing without having to remember a bunch of random defined attributes.
Not to mention that the scale is at least for me, not intuitive. Platinum is a far more expensive element than diamond and I would never think diamond would place higher on the list because of it. Except if you assume that they mean brilliant diamonds, proper excellent cut jewels. But I don't, at least not per default. I think of the cheapo industrial ones im used to using.

Whats so wrong with just slapping a sticker on a PSU that states the overall efficiency and noise directly? "87-89% overall efficiency, 15-20 dB(A)" Nice and easy, quick to read, easy to compare, no wasted space or work in doing a fancy sticker.

But then again, these things are never about making it easy to pick and choose, its about making it sound as fancy as possible to sell more crap.

 

[destruya]

Why Diamond? Why not Palladium? Keep with the metals motif. People will realize Palladium is ~DA BEST~ simply by the pricing.

Besides, it USED to be that most 80+ Gold units were something you could unreservedly recommend, but nowadays it's by no means a guarantee of a good unit.

 

[PrEzi]

IMHO the old rating system is old and needed to be adjusted or changed. I actually like that they not only test the 12V efficiency, but also the PFC, 5V rail and losses... Noise or soundproofing is an added bonus.
Basically anything below gold and A you would need to have a good reason to buy (e.g. strict budget, office PC etc.).

 

[Mistral]

Splendid initiative. Now hire a designer that bloody understands how to efficiently communicate information, rather than "someone on Fiverr to make it pretty".

 

[Crackong]

Put 2 more labels on the product with + /++ / +++ and call it "easy"

 

[LTUGamer]

They should realise PSU tier badging based on DC quality measurements

Just pass, the lowest tier:
+5V Regulation: ±5% Ripple: 50mV
+12V Regulation: ±5% Ripple: 120mV
+3.3V Regulation: ±5% Ripple: 50mV

Tier 4:

+5V Regulation: ±3% Ripple: 30mV
+12V Regulation: ±3% Ripple: 60mV
+3.3V Regulation: ±3% Ripple: 30mV

Tier 3:

+5V Regulation: ±2% Ripple: 20mV
+12V Regulation: ±2% Ripple: 30mV
+3.3V Regulation: ±2% Ripple: 20mV

Tier 2:

+5V Regulation: ±1% Ripple: 10mV
+12V Regulation: ±1% Ripple: 15mV
+3.3V Regulation: ±1% Ripple: 10mV

Tier 1:

+5V Regulation: ±0.5% Ripple: 5mV
+12V Regulation: ±0.5% Ripple: 10mV
+3.3V Regulation: ±0.5% Ripple: 5mV

Ofcourse, these are not the all specs needed to define PSU DC quality, but more charecteristics could lead to confusion

 

[Tsukiyomi91]

Question is... will this replace the 80 PLUS Certification or is this just another add-on to the list of making things more complicated?

 

[tripleclicker]

It really is an emoji world nowadays.

= Platinum
= Diamond
= Gold
= Silver
= Bronze
= Risktaker

 

[GeorgeMan]

Question is... will this replace the 80 PLUS Certification or is this just another add-on to the list of making things more complicated?

Maybe it'll eventually replace it.
www.techpowerup.com/275155/80-plus-hikes-its-testing-and-licensing-fees-could-affect-prices-of-low-volume-psu-models

It really is an emoji world nowadays.

= Platinum
= Diamond
= Gold
= Silver
= Bronze
= Risktaker

When is gonna TPU get it fixed that forum emojis can be shown in news replies?

 

[Frick]

what about this is any easier though?

The purpose wasn't to make it easier than 80+ but better. And this change is probably better than Cybenetics original scheme:

Just looking at them tells me almost nothing without having to remember a bunch of random defined attributes.
Not to mention that the scale is at least for me, not intuitive. Platinum is a far more expensive element than diamond and I would never think diamond would place higher on the list because of it. Except if you assume that they mean brilliant diamonds, proper excellent cut jewels. But I don't, at least not per default. I think of the cheapo industrial ones im used to using.

Whats so wrong with just slapping a sticker on a PSU that states the overall efficiency and noise directly? "87-89% overall efficiency, 15-20 dB(A)" Nice and easy, quick to read, easy to compare, no wasted space or work in doing a fancy sticker.

Not a bad idea actually.

But then again, these things are never about making it easy to pick and choose, its about making it sound as fancy as possible to sell more crap.

That's what reviews are for. Telling you what to buy I mean. We still need reviews, but an updated version of 80+ is a good thing.

 

[elghinnarisa]

The purpose wasn't to make it easier than 80+ but better. And this change is probably better than Cybenetics original scheme:

Not a bad idea actually.



That's what reviews are for. Telling you what to buy I mean. We still need reviews, but an updated version of 80+ is a good thing.

Holy cow, yes it is indeed a large improvement compared to the previous badges.

Its a improvement to the 80+ system sure, but even then it makes it rather pointless if one has to look up reviews as well. I do that either way but then it kinda loses the whole idea behind it, doesn't it?

The table they show in the picture for example. If they were to just smack that on the side of the box and highlight the result relevant to that product, that would be way easier. You get a easy overview of how that specific product fared in the tests conducted on it. Otherwise one would have to reference such a table almost all the time either way.

 

[crmaris]

For efficiency six levels, starting from Bronze up to Diamond.
For noise seven levels, starting from Standard up to A++ (Standard, Standard+, Standard++, A-, A+, A+, A++)
For chassis soundproofing, there are only three levels: Standard, A, and A+

Cybenetics provides a FULL report including part analysis, cable length, detailed results at high temperatures, ripple, hold-up time, etc for both 115V and 230V in most units, And these tests are conducted by pros using calibrated equipment. Anyone can read the report and decide whether the product meets its demands or not.

Cybenetics is not another review site but a certification agency. For more details and for an opinion, YES you need to read reviews

 

[dj-electric]

For efficiency six levels, starting from Bronze up to Diamond.
For noise seven levels, starting from Standard up to A++ (Standard, Standard+, Standard++, A-, A+, A+, A++)
For chassis soundproofing, there are only three levels: Standard, A, and A+

Cybenetics provides a FULL report including part analysis, cable length, detailed results at high temperatures, ripple, hold-up time, etc for both 115V and 230V in most units, And these tests are conducted by pros using calibrated equipment. Anyone can read the report and decide whether the product meets its demands or not.

Cybenetics is not another review site but a certification agency. For more details and for an opinion, YES you need to read reviews

Good luck with the revised program. You are doing a wonderful thing.

 

[Vayra86]

Oh wow yeah I'm sure this will fly... Were they on LSD, or just delirious from working from home?

I'll act like the stupid customer now okay?
Yellow badge gives you a 230V audio device it seems, just like A++. They're both ++ though, so obviously, a non-++ rated device is something that looks like a WIFI signal banging up against a wall.

Diamonds are teal now, Titanium is dark grey and Platinum is obviously a darker silver .
Bronze has gone the way of the dodo, so you can forget any meaningful relative idea to 80+ certifications. Basically, if you're not reading the full spec behind each badge, they might as well be selling fridges, TV's or Cyborgs.

Oh by the way, ALL badges that are not audio devices or problematic wifi signalling, are perpetuum mobile devices, as the logo shows for Platinum etc. below. They apparently also recycle themselves.

Where can I sign up?

For efficiency six levels, starting from Bronze up to Diamond.
For noise seven levels, starting from Standard up to A++ (Standard, Standard+, Standard++, A-, A+, A+, A++)
For chassis soundproofing, there are only three levels: Standard, A, and A+

Cybenetics provides a FULL report including part analysis, cable length, detailed results at high temperatures, ripple, hold-up time, etc for both 115V and 230V in most units, And these tests are conducted by pros using calibrated equipment. Anyone can read the report and decide whether the product meets its demands or not.

Cybenetics is not another review site but a certification agency. For more details and for an opinion, YES you need to read reviews

Good marketing story but no, just no. The reality is that there's too much crap on the market and certification so far has done nothing to prevent that - and neither will making dozens of badges help customers in making an educated choice.

This is tried and tested by many many food companies. We have tons of certifications for healthy food, but we don't eat healthier for it. The stickers do still help to draw customers to whatever is easiest and cheapest to market. Supermarkets are STILL selling far too much sugar and the same cert. stickers are on less healthy alternatives than just untreated food. We know this. Cybenetics knows this. Commerce knows this. Let's not play dumb.

You nailed it with your last sentence. People need to read reviews. If you believe so many badges are useful, you can't possibly believe customers will understand all of them. Its a paradox.

You know what helps? Videos showing PSUs that blow up or give excessive ripple at normal loads. Naming and shaming. Its fun to watch and not another layer of meaningless complexity.

 

[Chrispy_]

This feels very xkcd to me.

 

[Space Lynx]

too bad stock at reasonable prices no longer exist. and probably won't in the coming 2-3 years. even if we beat covid, there are rising markets that are willing to pay as much as USA customers, so the manufactures no longer have to come here just because that is where the profit is. i used to see platinum and titanium psu's at 150-170 range, and its non-existent now or not in stock and has been that way for 15 months straight lol

 

[R0H1T]

Why not Palladium?

I personally would prefer Uranium or Plutonium, but that's just me

 

[ironwolf]

No Unobtanium efficiency badge?

 

[Turmania]

If this is made to simplify things, I'm more confused.

 

[hat]

If this is made to simplify things, I'm more confused.

I feel like this has to do with the 80 Plus certification apparently... becoming more expensive or something? So now there's a competing standard.

 

[Vayra86]

If this is made to simplify things, I'm more confused.

Thats the whole point of these ideas. Confusion sells.

 

[bug]

No Unobtanium efficiency badge?

I'm sure there is one, but they couldn't get it to post it here

Also the editor might want to revise this:

It begins with "Standard," and goes through "Bronze," "Silver," "Gold," "Platinum," "Titanium," and "Diamond"

"Standard" is not about efficiency, it's about noise. Efficiency begins with "Bronze".

Imho, 80Plus did it right first: it told you you were getting 80% efficiency no matter what. It went downhill from there. But tbh, when you want to look at more than one parameter, it's pretty much impossible to convey the result using a simple badge.