Introduction

We would like to thank Cougar for supplying the review sample.

Cougar revamped its GX-S line, and the new models feature capacities ranging from 450 W to 750 W to efficiently cover the mainstream and mid-level regions. In an effort to restrict production cost and lower prices, none of the new GX-S units use modular cables. This might be a big letdown for some, but we prefer the lack of modular cables instead of lower quality parts internally, which can affect the PSU's performance and reliability.



Cougar is the retail brand of HEC/Compucase, so one would expect Cougar's entire portfolio to be by this OEM. Such, however, is not the case. The previous GX-S line was made by Andyson, and the new GX-S models are based on a Sirfa platform. We don't know why HEC didn't provide the platform for these units, but suspect that it was probably cheaper to get a Sirfa platform instead. The strong advantage of the GX-S550, our main review subject today, isn't only its affordable price, but its Gold-certified efficiency and very compact footprint. At only 140mm deep, this unit is quite small, making it a viable option for very small cases. Its native cables will obviously prove troublesome during installation, but you can't have it all in a budget unit. The Cougar GX-S units are not available in the US, but that can change, especially if sales go well in the EU.