Introduction

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


MIFCOM is a local system builder focusing on the markets of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Both HQ and production are based in Munich. MIFCOM exclusively sells via it's own webshop. So far, this brand has mostly built high-end gaming PCs, but lately, it has also built many workstations and servers for businesses and institutions/government. This company employs Mr. Philip Pfab, who designed the Kolink PSU line while with Caseking, so it was only natural to introduce a MIFCOM-branded PSU line—namely, the Performance series. So far, this line consists of three units with capacities ranging from 450 W to 650 W.

This review will look at the smallest member of the Performance line with 450 W maxim power output. It only costs €43 incl. 19% VAT, and you can only buy one if you live in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. According to MIFCOM, it will be available in more countries in the future (Summer 2022). This PSU uses a Casecom platform, which we might see in other budget PSUs in the future, and it is the platform that makes this review interesting for people who don't live in the countries mentioned above. Lastly, this is a 230 V input-only PSU since 115 V grids do not exist in the EU.

All cables are fixed to keep the cost down, while the fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, which we usually only come across in more expensive products. It is a weird combination, fixed cables and an FDB fan, and I can't help but wonder how MIFCOM managed to keep the cost so low while providing a Scythe fan at that. Hopefully, they didn't compromise on the internals, which I will figure out soon, once I have opened up the PSU for parts analysis.

Specifications

Photos

The PSU comes in a plain box without any fancy graphics and/or logos. Inside the box, you will find the PSU and an AC power cord.


Nothing fancy about the exterior. This is a budget PSU, after all.


There is MIFCOM's stamp on one side, while the other has the power specifications label.


The PSU has a compact footprint.


All the cables are affixed, and the cable-exit hole has a plastic grommet protect them from the edges.

Cables and Connectors

The cables are long enough for a budget PSU and have the 18AWG gauges the ATX specification requires. In some very budget-centric PSUs, thinner gauges (e.g., 20AWG) might be used, which cannot handle increased loads. There are no in-cable caps, and it is nice to see all peripheral connectors 150 mm apart. My only complaint here is the single PCIe connector. This unit could support two of these connectors on the same cable.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest looking at this article, which will help you better understand the insides of a PSU.



This budget platform is made by Casecom, an OEM with a ton of experience creating affordable platforms with a high dollar to performance ratio. Casecom's production capability is not as large as CWT's, for example, but can still provide decent platforms at affordable prices, which is why several budget-oriented brands prefer this OEM.


The transient/EMI filter stages have all the necessary parts, but need further tuning to improve EMI suppression.


A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) handles voltage surges, while an NTC thermistor suppresses large inrush currents. A bypass relay does not support the latter. The NTC thermistor should be of higher resistance to handle inrush currents more effectively.


The bridge rectifier is not bolted to the heatsink, although it is nearby. With 230 V input, it won't be put under a lot of stress. That said, it would still be nice to see it firmly attached to the heatsink.


The APFC converter uses a single First Semi FET and a WeEn boost diode. The bulk caps are by Teapo, and their combined total capacity is 360 uF.


The combo APFC/PWM controller is a Champion CM6800TX.


The main FETs are two First Semi FIR10N50Fs installed in a double-forward topology.


The unit's main transformer isolates the primary from the secondary side and lowers the voltage.


The FETs regulating the +12 V rail are bolted to a heatsink.


Two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails. They use four Maplesemi FETs, and their joint PWM controller is by Anpec.


The electrolytic caps are by Teapo, and the polymer ones by NJcon. I am not that fond of the Teapo SC line, but you usually find considerably lower-quality filtering caps in such budget PSUs. In any case, the Teapo caps will easily outlive the provided three-year warranty under normal operating temperatures.


The standby PWM controller is a DP2358.


The supervisor IC is a Grenergy GR8329N providing the essential protection features.


Soldering quality is mediocre.


The cooling fan has MIFCOM branding, but Scythe's factory makes it. It uses a fluid dynamic bearing, so it is of good quality. You usually find sleeve-bearing fans in budget PSUs.