Cougar revamped their CMX line for a third time, but again failed to make any changes to the model numbers, only adding a version identifier instead. The CMX850 V3 I tested in this review performed well enough, but failed to impress me because I expected cleaner DC outputs, which would mean less ripple on its rails. Nor was voltage regulation up to the competition's levels, especially on the 3.3V rail, which, however, is of less importance to modern systems. Efficiency was, on the other hand, pretty high, and the fact that the unit utilizes DC-DC converters gives it an edge over other Bronze units that still use older designs while easily allowing the CMX850 to meet Intel's requirements for Haswell compatibility. This unit's strongest point is probably its look featuring a really nice finish and good paint job, which those with a windowed case will appreciate. Its stiff MSRP, though, does place the unit in a high-competition zone.

To wrap up, the fresh CMX850 may be a unit that fulfills most of its promises, but it unfortunately doesn't add anything new aside from its looks to the tough, competitive category it is a part of. Cougar should also look into the ripple-suppression matter closely in an attempt exploit more effective solutions and designs.