Cougar LX 500w Bronze Fully Modular Power Supply Review

Efficiency, PFC and Voltage Regulation

Voltage Regulation

Based on the prior STX model we reviewed, the deviance figures are a lot tighter this time around. At this early stage, it seems that the design and components changes are paying off. We see minimal deviance across the range with the only exception being the -12V rail. Given the low priority of that particular rail and the figures in the positive though, this isn’t anything to be concerned about.

Power Efficiency

As this is a bronze rated power supply, there are certain requirements that have to be met. In these terms, we see some significant improvements. What is perhaps the best to see though is that the rating remains consistently high even at higher loads. One of the main critical points we had for the STX model was that efficiency dropped to barely achieve 80 plus standards at 100% load.

With this though, achieving 86.7% at 100% load is a massive improvement and more than secures the bronze rating achieved.

Power Factor Correction

The PFC rating has never been a concern in any Cougar power supplies we have reviewed and this again proves to be a solid stat for the brand. Seeing consistently improving figures as the power goes up is exactly what we expect to see. This is, however, perhaps the only area in which the STX did slightly better in comparison to the Cougar LX.