Cougar CMX V3 850W Power Supply Overview
Power supplies play a critical role in the PC. It provides all the necessary power to run everything inside the computer. In order for everything to function correctly, the power supply must be able to deliver clean reliable power to all the components and efficiency levels that are not going to cost ton to run, especially under intense loads. With today’s multi-GPU setups, this can be quite a challenge. Cougar has recently revamped the CMX line of power supplies and now stands at V3. The cougar CMX line features power supplies that range from 550 watts up to 1000 watts of power at 80 plus Bronze certification. In this overview we will be taking a look at the Cougar CMX V3 850 watt power supply.
[sc:sponsor sponsor=”Cougar” product_link=”http://www.cougar-world.com/products/power_supplies/cougar_cmx_v3.html” product_name=”Cougar CMX V3 850 watt power Supply” ]
[sc:power_supply_testing_disclaimer ]Features
New high-end series of power supplies specifically target demanding gamers, the COUGAR CMX V3 series. The 80Plus Bronze certified CMX V3 series provides up to 88% peak efficiency. The advanced cable management solution allows users to only use those cables their peripherals actually need, thereby effectively reducing cable mess while at the same time improving air circulation and ventilation within the case. The attractive black and orange metallic coating in combination with the honeycomb-shaped vent holes add to the overall robust and aggressive appearance of these units, thereby effectively increasing the game-style looks. COUGAR CMX power supply, your best choice.
- 80-PLUS® BRONZE CERTIFIED
- Up to 88% of efficiency, compliant with 80-PLUS® BRONZE efficiency requirement
- ULTRA-QUIET & TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED 140mm FAN
- 140mm fan deliver optimum air flow with extremely low noise level, the fan speed automatically governed based on the temperature
- ADVANCED MODULAR CABLE
- The advanced modular cable management is further improved by utilizing new flat cables that simplify installation as well as reducing air friction in order to maximize airflow. This gives gamers the power they need, and flexibility of easy upgrades they demand
- COMPATIBLE WITH THE LATEST PC TECHNOLOGY
- Supports the newest specifications of ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 standards
- 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
- 105 °C JAPANESE CAPACITORS
- Highest durable 105°C Japanese capacitors provide uncompromised performance and reliability, delivering 4 times the lifespan of conventional 85°C rated capacitors
- HIGH PERFORMANCE AT 40°C
- Non-stop high performance and full rated wattage at 40°C/104°F ambient temperature
- DYNAMIC DUAL-12V
- Automatic dynamic load distribution on multi-12V lines provide high voltage stability 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 graphics cards in SLI® or CrossFire® mode
- COMPLIANT WITH ErP Lot6 2013
- Energy consumption in standby is < 0.3W, compliant with economy-friendly electrical equipment
- FULL PROTECTIONS WITH OCP, SCP, OVP, UVP, OPP
HIGH EFFICIENCY
Up to 88% efficiency with 80-PLUS® Bronze efficiency requirement
SUPER SILENT & BEST LIFESPAN
Fan speed automatically governed based on the temperature.
Best reliability, delivering 4 times the lifespan of conventional 85°C rated capacitors.
HIGH PERFORMANCE AT 40°C
Non-stop high performance and full rated wattage at 40°C/104°F ambient temperature
COMPLIANT WITH THE LATEST ErP Lot6 2013
In Standby consumption is <0.3W
Specifications
Rating
| Item Name | Input Characteristics | Output Characteristics | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC input | +3.3V | +5V | +12V1 | +12V2 | -12V | +5Vsb | Total output | |
| CMX550 CGR B2-550CM | 100-240Vac 50-60Hz 10A | 24A | 20A | 28A | 22A | 0.3A | 3A | 550W |
| 120W | 516W | |||||||
| CMX700 CGR B2-700CM | 100-240Vac 50-60Hz 12A | 24A | 20A | 30A | 26A | 0.3A | 3A | 700W |
| 150W | 670W | |||||||
| CMX850 CGR B2-850CM | 100-240Vac 50-60Hz 10-5A | 25A | 25A | 50A | 50A | 0.8A | 4A | 850W |
| 160W | 828W | |||||||
| CMX1000 CGR B2-1000CM | 110-240Vac 50-60Hz 12-6.3A | 25A | 25A | 60A | 60A | 0.8A | 4A | 1000W |
| 160W | 1020W | |||||||
Connectors
| Model | Main connector | CPU connector | Peripheral connector | S-ATA connector | PCI-E 6pin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24(20+4) Pins | 8(4+4) Pins | 4 Pins | 5 Pins | 8(6+2) Pins | |
| 8 Pins | |||||
| CMX 550 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| – | |||||
| CMX 700 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| 1 | |||||
| CMX 850 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| 1 | |||||
| CMX 1000 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 6 |
| 1 |
Dimension
- CMX550 / 700 / 850 / 1000:
- L160 x W150 x H86mm
Safety function
- UVP (Undervoltage protection)
- If the voltages fall below a certain tolerance value on the single lines, the PSU automatically switches off.
- OVP (Overvoltage protection)
- If the voltages increase above a certain tolerance value on the single lines, the PSU automatically switches off.
- SCP (Short-circuit protection)
- In the case of a short-circuit this feature prevents damage to the core components of the PSU and its system components.
- OPP (Overload protection)
- If the system is oversized and requires more power from the PSU than it can perform, this protection function is activated.
- OCP (Overcurrent protection)
- If the load on a single line is higher than indicated, the PSU automatically switches off.
Safety & EMI Certified
The features and specifications on this page are provided by Cougar and may change without notice. For more information please visit the Cougar specifications page at http://www.cougar-world.com/products/power_supplies/cougar_cmx_v3.html
I’m not sure what point using a Dr. Power II, an uncalibrated, unqualified low-resolution device, and the built-in voltage monitor has to do with showing if the PSU is in spec.
– No basic multimeter to show voltage under various loads? Cost for a tool capable of this is ~$20-50.
– No basic oscilloscope to view ripple on the lines? Cost for a tool capable of this is ~$50-100.
I don’t expect you to have a good ammeter or dummy loads – this isn’t a professional review after all, more a basic product overview – but how does the statement “I believe I was able to put a load on the power supply of 20-30%” inspire confidence in test results? Especially when, on the last page, the author states “According to the load test results, the Cougar CMX V3 850W Power Supply was able to deliver consistent clean power at 100% load” – but where was this 100% load test? And how did you determine the power is clean? (No, the motherboard voltage monitor won’t tell you this.) And besides, I thought the PSU only had a “believed” 20-30% load? (And if you mean “system” load, perhaps you should have written this…but it still confuses matters even mentioning 100% load).
Even the cheapest PSUs today can look like this between 0% and 40% load. These tests show nothing useful.
Reviewing a power supply isn’t as simple as plugging it in and saying “yup, it works.” It takes time, test equipment, and skills to use said equipment. As for review vs overview, the test results push this into “review” territory, and the results are utterly pointless. Perhaps the tests are best left omitted. However, if the reviewer is wanting to test PSUs and needs guidelines on how to write a quality power supply review, he should look at jonnyguru or HardOCP PSU reviews…and actually read them, as the sites are mentioned in the article!
Thanks for the reply and we appreciate any feedback to see how we can approve our reviews. I can see that you are a fan of power supplies and reviews. I agree that other sites that have the ability to load test the units and do a great job with the reviews. I would point towards http://www.jonnyguru.com as the place to go, and btw I know both Jon and Tony (Tazz) who run the site. Tony is actually a founding member here at Modders-Inc.
I would like to point out one item that is we do state at the beginning of our psu reviews that…”Our power supply reviews are intended to only cover the features of the power supply, thus we call them a Power Supply Overview. This is due to the fact of not having the appropriate equipment to test them to our and your standards. Because of this you will not see any load or performance testing sections, but we will give you our best thoughts about the product. Thank you~ Modders-Inc”
Showing a few voltages and some OCCT screen shots in my option does not make this a full on testing review. Were as still trying to supply some information about the product and at least try to make it more interesting to the readers.
Your statement of “the author states “According to the load test results, the Cougar CMX V3 850W Power Supply was able to deliver consistent clean power at 100% load” – but where was this 100% load test? And how did you determine the power is clean?” The answer to this is listed in plan view. The author clearly states…”According to the load test results (@JonnyGuru), the Cougar CMX V3 850W Power Supply was able to deliver consistent clean power at 100% load and remain within ATX specification and in some cases was able to exceed the 80-plus bronze certification and break into the 80-plus silver arena.”
We are always looking to improve our reviews and your comments will be taken and talked about within the group to see if and how we can make changes.
Thank you, Dewayne