Buying a power supply is important. Rarely do users approach it carefully. Someone consults with friends, someone seeks help on the forums, and someone decides to purchase the device at random.
But all this can lead to the fact that the system does not have enough power of the unit, it will work defectively or even burn out. Therefore, it is so important to learn how to calculate the energy spent and select the right model.
Power Supply
This is one of the main components of the system, which is a secondary source of power. He is responsible for supplying direct current to the main points of the system. At the same time, he works on converting the mains voltage.
In addition, the task of the power supply is to stabilize and protect the system from minor voltage interference.
Therefore, the quality of this device is so important for any PC, even the budget one. The power supply is something you can not save on.
Company
Chieftec is a popular company that was founded in 1990. It is located in Taiwan and the main sales office is located in Germany. The manufacturer produces computer cases and power supplies. At the moment, is a leader in the market of system engineers. For almost 30 years of its existence, the company has managed to earn credibility and become one of the best in terms of the quality of its products.
Overlooked Power Supply
Chieftec 650W is a model that has been on the market for more than 5 years. The 650 W power supply has undergone changes and has been released in several versions. Of course, the average user is unlikely to notice the changes that have occurred with this device. But for the entire existence of the model there were many of them.
The Chieftec 650W power supply has a different form factor, refers to several series and different indices. For example, the A135 series offers devices with a conventional or modular design. If the device name has an index C, the unit has modular connectors. The index S indicates normal performance.
Customers also have access to the Smart series, which is presented by models designed for installation in home PCs. The peculiarity of the line is that the power supplies received the ATX 2.3 standard, protection against overheating and 80 Plus certificate.
The Force series, referred to as CPS in the name, has replaced CTG models. She "got" a wider selection of devices. The power supply was equipped with one powerful line, and its efficiency exceeds 85%.
APS-650C
In 2012, the A135 series became very popular. It included devices with power from 350 to 1000 watts. Due to its versatility, the series has become popular and in demand. Chieftec APS 650W - a model that belonged to modular solutions. At the time of release, its cost was almost $ 100.
The power supply was supplied in the usual packaging for the company. There was a lot of graphic information on the box that would be useful to the user. The manufacturer indicated 80 Plus certification, as well as the size of the fan. All the possible capacities of the series were immediately indicated at once. Therefore, it was not easy to determine immediately from the packaging what kind of modification was inside.
On one of the sides of the package was indicated the series to which the PSU belonged, as well as a list of all possible modifications. Depending on the model, a red circle was placed opposite the power indicator.
More information about Chieftec 650W in this case was stored on a sticker on the device itself. Inside the package were all the necessary modular cables, a power cord, instructions and screws for mounting the device in the case.
Description of the device APS-650C
The company immediately tried to focus on the appearance of its devices, so it produces black power supplies. Since many users are accustomed to the usual gray cases, this one seems expensive and stylish.
It is made of hard steel, and the fan is covered with a proprietary grill, on which there is a company logo. All wires are equipped with a fabric braid, which has already become an indicator of a high-end model.
The back of the power supply has a ventilation grill for air outlet and intake. There is also a power button and a connector for connecting the power cord. At two ends there is immediately a sticker with information about the parameters of the device. This was done apparently in order to be able to freely deal with the characteristics of the power supply.
Since the model has an index C, there are modular connectors on it. There are only six of them. To make it easier to figure it out, they stuck a label next to which the contacts are signed.
Features and Testing APS-650C
The device belongs to the ATX12V format. As the name implies, the model received a power of 650 watts. On the channel 12V power supply 552 watts. The model does not support SLI or CrossFireX. But received the certificate 80 Plus. The device has an input voltage of 100-240 V with a frequency of 50-60 Hz.
The tests of the power supply showed that the voltage on all three lines deviated, but only by 3-5%. This is a slight deviation, it can be attributed to good indicators.
Also, there was nothing wrong with checking the ripple and noise. The efficiency turned out to be excellent. Although 80 Plus certification is now considered the norm, at that time it was an excellent result.
As a result, users highlighted high efficiency, reasonable cost, cable modularity, good appearance and quality, voltage stability. Users noticed a slight overheating in case of prolonged operation of the device at maximum power.
CPS-650S
This model belongs to the Force line. Chieftec 650W was released a little later, so its delivery has changed. The user received a more compact box using company colors and graphic information.
On the front of the package is a photograph of the device. It is also indicated that the model belongs to the Force series. There is information about passing BP certification and obtaining a standard of 85%.
Inside the box is the power supply itself, network cable, mounting bolts and documentation.
Description of the device CPS-650S
The Chieftec CPS-650S 650W model has standard sizes. The case is made of durable metal and painted black. The 120 mm fan is hidden behind bars, made in the already familiar style of the company. It still contains the manufacturer’s logo.
On one side are the device parameters. All cables are removable. As the name implies, the blocks do not have a modular connection. The wires are long enough, so even with the most inconvenient arrangement of components, they should reach any place on the motherboard. Although many users have hinted that when connecting the ATX form factor board, you have to stretch the cables with a stretch.
The motherboard power cable is almost 50 cm, so there are no problems with its connection. The power cable length of the video card is 40 cm, which is also quite enough.
Characterization and testing of the CPS-650S
The model of the Force Chieftec CPS 650W series is made in the ATX form factor. Works with an efficiency of 85%. Cooling in the system is not bad, it works without backlight. No modular connection. The power supply uses a lot of technologies that can stabilize the voltage, protect the system from overload or short circuit.
Since the manufacturer always ensures the reliability of each model, this one also did not show any critical deviations from the norm. Each power line completed the tests and showed deviations of 3%. Problems were detected only along the 12 V line. Under load, the multimeter showed 11.37 V, which in total indicates a significant percentage of drawdown.
When the line testing was repeated again, the deviation rates became less. It turned out that the first option was affected by the presence of LED strip in the case. Which once again proves the idea that it is extremely important to consider and calculate the necessary power for each PC.
Chieftec GPS-650C
This model belongs to the Smart Series. Chieftec 650W of this line is designed for home personal computers. This is due to the fact that the model complies with the ATX 2.3 standard, has overheat protection and 80 Plus certification.
This version of the power supply comes in a compact box made in black and white. Everything looks concise and beautiful. In front there is a photo of the device, and also the technologies that it supports are indicated.
The manufacturer has made universal packaging that is suitable for any modification of the Smart series.
Chieftec 650W has index C, which means it is equipped with a modular connection. On one side of the box are written all the possible powers in this series, but on the contrary 650W is a special mark that will tell the buyer that there is a device of this particular power inside.
The box itself comes with the box, along with it a power cord that is packed in a flannel bag, there are additional cables for connecting different devices, as well as instructions. There are screws for fixing the device.
Description of the device GPS-650C
This is the standard power supply for the Chieftec 650W. It weighs one and a half kilograms. Made of stamped sheet metal. The body is painted black. At one of the ends there is a connector for connecting a cable. Nearby is a on / off switch. The remaining area is occupied by the grate.
In this modification, a fan with a diameter of 140 mm is installed, which is covered by a company grille, with the company logo in the middle. At one end there are six modular connectors. There is no sticker that would explain the possible connection of wires.
GPS-650C Specifications
This is a typical representative of the Chieftec 650W series with an 80 Plus certificate. The device is presented in the ATX form factor. Capacitors inside can withstand temperatures up to 105 ° C.
The power supply supports a large number of technologies. For example, there is protection against undervoltage and overvoltage. You can also not be afraid of a short circuit, overload or overheating. There is also control over the speed of rotation of the cooler.
Note
The choice of a power unit is not an easy task. First you need to calculate the power consumption of all components of the system. Even if you estimate that the system consumes about 200 watts, you need to buy a power supply with a margin. In this case, the 450-500 W model is ideal.
Chieftec 650W is an excellent model that is suitable for a more or less powerful gaming system. Of course, if two video cards are installed in the case, then you will have to calculate the energy consumption of components.
There are many modifications to this model. They are all very similar to each other, so you have to take into account some details that for many will not be so important. For example, a modular connection is designed for ease of assembly and cable management in a housing. But before, they somehow managed without it, therefore, if saving is important to you, you can consider models with the S index.
Finding flaws in at least one model will not be easy. All of them are assembled efficiently, look beautiful, and are inexpensive. Of course, you can find power supplies and cheaper, but some of them will not be fully equipped or there will be no certificates of effective work, which are no less important today.