Cougar PowerX 550-Watt 80 PLUS Bronze Power Supply Review

Introduction

Cougar is a name that is really starting to grow on us here at TweakTown. They have presented us with some products that are excellent in terms of design and performance, but also rather easy on the wallet, considering what you get. The only power supply that we have looked at has been their higher-end offering, the http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4923/cougar_gx800_800_watt_80_plus_gold_power_supply_review/index.html' target='_blank'>GX800 V2.

Today we are looking at the PowerX 550W. The PowerX series are budget units for those who simply have tight monetary constraints when building computers. Nowhere in the specifications will you find anything that will define this power supply as an industry leader, a game changer, or anything revolutionary.

What you will find is that the power supplies are a solid platform that will perform well, look good, and save some money.

Specifications, Availability and Pricing

The Cougar PowerX 500W power supply features dual 12V rails. 12V1 is rated for 28A, while 12V2 is rated for 22A with the two 12V rails rated for a combined 516W or 43A. The 3.3V rail is rated for 24A, while the 5V rail is rated for 15A. The minor rails are rated for a combined output of 120W. Finally, the 5VSB rail is rated for 3A or 15W. Maximum output for the power supply is 550W.

Protections are usually the first thing to be cut in a budget unit, but Cougar doesn't like that. The PowerX 550W features a full set of protections including SCP, OVP, OCP, OPP and OTP. The power supply is rated for 80 PLUS Bronze efficiency. All cables are natively wired and fully sleeved. Finally, the unit is not rated for 100% continuous output at 50C, but Cougar does rate the unit for it at 40C instead.

Cougar's PowerX 550W has an MSRP of $69.99. That's pretty cheap and chances are we will see it cheaper once it finally hits market as it isn't available yet. The higher wattage 700W model is available though and with a price of only $75.99 from Newegg. Cougar backs the PowerX series with a three year warranty.