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Many readers might not have heard of Cougar, but they are a retail subset from parent company HEC, who also produce computer cases in Europe. They manufacture a full range of power supplies, including 600, 700, 800 and 900 Watt models, and today we are looking at their highest rated product, the GX 1050W.
The GX1050W is a modular design with 80 Plus Gold Certification which Cougar claim can give up to 93% efficiency.
With a large 140mm fan on board and a generous 5 year warranty, it seems good on paper, but today we will find out if it is worth the considerable £200 cash outlay.
Specifications:
- MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
Up to 93% of efficiency, compliant with 80-PLUS® GOLD efficiency requirement . - RST (RAPID SWITCH TECHNOLOGY) POWER
COUGAR® GX provide highest efficiency performance with Rapid Switch Technology. - DC-DC TECHNOLOGY
DC-DC technology provides highest efficiency, most stable performance, and perfect regulation (Regulation <3%). - CLC FILTER DESIGN
CLC filter design efficiently suppress Ripple/Noise ‹1% - COMPATIBLE WITH LATEST PC-TECHNOLOGY
Supports the newest specifications of ATX12V. Created for usage with current and next-generation multi-core CPU platforms. - SUPPORT MULTI-GPU TECHNOLOGY
Support PCI Express 2.0 next-generation graphic card with 8(6+2)pin PCI-E connector. - HIGHEST DURABLE & RELIABLE SOLID CAPS FOR 12V,3.3V,5V
The best solution for a High-End PSU by using solid caps for 12Vs, 3.3V, 5V, solid caps provide highest efficiency, best reliability, and extend power lifespan. - 105°C JAPANESE CAPACITORS
COUGAR® use highest durable 105°C Japanese capacitors providing uncompromised performance and reliability and delivering 4 times the lifespan of conventional 85°C rated capacitors. - HIGH PERFORMANCE AT 50°C
Non-stop high performance and full rated wattage at 50°C/122°F ambient temperature. - HDB (Hydro-Dynamic Bearing) 14cm FAN
Advanced HDB (HYDRO-Dynamic Bearing) fan provide best lifespan and super silent performance. Temperature-controlled design adapts its rotating speed to the PSU temperature. Even on its highest rotating level the fan is still quiet enough to be barely noticeable. - DYNAMIC MULTI-12V
Automatic dynamic load distribution on multi-12V line provide power separately to the GPU and the CPU. If you are not using all output lines, the PSU automatically reroutes needed power from unused lines. This improves the performance and safety of the 12V lines considerably for systems with high-end graphic cards in SLI® or CrossFire® mode and provides high voltage stability to keep components safe. - FLEXIBLE CABLE MANAGEMENT
The modular cables that reduce air friction help maximize airflow through the PC case. The modular design also simplifies installation as it allows unprecedented flexibility in using only those cables which are needed. - COMPLIANT WITH LATEST EUROPEAN DIRECTIVE 2005/32/EG (EuP)
In Standby consumption is ‹0.3W, compliant with economy-friendly electrical equipment. - SUPPORTS THE ENERGY STAR 5.0
Compatible with Energy star 5.0 computer system. - FULL PROTECTIONS WITH OCP, SCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, OTP
A little off track here, but i would love to know the percentage of the market who buy 1000W+ power supplies. just coureous as they seem so damn expensive.
One of the most attractive looking power supplies IMO. their custom cabling job is stunningly good looking, its an area of PSU design that always seems like an afterthought. I know enermax do a nice job of them too.
Specs seem ok. and I wouldnt worry too much about +5V as those figures are close to spec. if it was 80mV+ or more it would be a problem.
I am looking at a new 750W. I dont run more than one card, but Id like the PSU ideally to be running at 50% load to keep temps down.
THis is way out of my price bracket, can anyone recommend a 750W psu at around £100?
Cougar/HEC is lying, the fan is not a Fluid Dynamic Bearing or Hydro Dynamic Bearing; the part number alludes to that with the 12SM on the end. Meaning it’s a medium speed, 12v, Sleeve bearing fan.
You can cross check this on Power Logic’s website. Beyond that, disappointing performance all around.
Hi Charles, thanks, good info!
not worthy of 8. should be 7. ive read another review of this and the results are quite poor. these results arent great either.
There are two ways to look at it. the psu is stable real world with high end systems, most people wont know. but does it excuse poor noise suppression? it shouldn’t, there are better alternatives, and this one isn’t even cheaper than the others.
I actually bought this as I wanted something high power and with good cabling. I got a deal on it locally for 50 off. I have been very happy, it is very quiet, looks great in my case and handles two high end video cards.
I am surprised the ripple results arent great. it hasn’t caused a problem for me yet, even powering a watercooling kit.
Just because some of the ripple results aren’t great doesnt mean it will be ‘unstable’,. the guidelines are set out as goals to achieve. some PSU’s are outside those parameters and are stable. but its still slightly weak in some areas as the test results show. They could do with revising it.
Also surprised to read the fan isnt hydro bearing. I thought I found that fan last month and it said it was.
How can they lie about a fan bearing system? isnt that illegal? Very little information on that product.
Charles we received the following statement: “The reason is simple – one fan number allows you to use the safety registration number for different bearing types.
POWERLOGIC SAYS:
Powerlogic make it the same code name between sleeve & Hydro, because of the safety registration issue
they will specially mark “Hydro-Dynamic” under the model number in the fan label”
Thanks Zardon, good info to have, I was wondering how they could get away with that. the pictures showed ‘hydro’ in them, but there is little information on the fan online.
The fan is the least of the problems. I can’t say this company have a great reputation. the forums on johnyguru are full of comments about them and the designs.
No thanks.
Good testing but the scoring is much too generous. I read a thread on hardocp or tomshardware and one of these units caught fire in a consumers home, he lost his computer. Avoid.
Hi Pranic, have you got a link to that thread please? The company want to investigate as they haven’t heard about it.
Hardware Secrets just reviewed their 750 watt power supply and rated it as a “cannot recommend”. Cougar specs are based on an operating temp of 25 degrees C. When tested at closer to real-world temps, the performance degraded significantly; even below the 80-plus bronze rating they proclaim. Seems that this company has some credibility issues.