Introduction

We would like to thank Cougar for supplying the review sample.

Cougar revamped its GX-S line, and the new models feature capacities ranging from 450 W to 750 W to efficiently cover the mainstream and mid-level regions. In an effort to restrict production cost and lower prices, none of the new GX-S units use modular cables. This might be a big letdown for some, but we prefer the lack of modular cables instead of lower quality parts internally, which can affect the PSU's performance and reliability.



Cougar is the retail brand of HEC/Compucase, so one would expect Cougar's entire portfolio to be by this OEM. Such, however, is not the case. The previous GX-S line was made by Andyson, and the new GX-S models are based on a Sirfa platform. We don't know why HEC didn't provide the platform for these units, but suspect that it was probably cheaper to get a Sirfa platform instead. The strong advantage of the GX-S550, our main review subject today, isn't only its affordable price, but its Gold-certified efficiency and very compact footprint. At only 140mm deep, this unit is quite small, making it a viable option for very small cases. Its native cables will obviously prove troublesome during installation, but you can't have it all in a budget unit. The Cougar GX-S units are not available in the US, but that can change, especially if sales go well in the EU.

Specifications

This unit's efficiency is 80 PLUS Gold, which goes to show that the time for really affordable Gold units is finally upon us since there are two higher available efficiency certifications, Platinum and Titanium. Gold-certified PSUs deliver an excellent efficiency-per-buck ratio and are to be recommended to those on tight budgets. The efficiency difference between a good Gold-certified unit and a much more expensive Platinum unit usually also isn't that large; however, such is not the case between Bronze and Gold units.

The PSU is rated at 40 °C (104 °F) for continuous full power deliver even though the ATX specification recommends a rating of 50 °C. Budget units have lower temperature ratings for two reasons - they use lower-grade components that are more affordable and lower operation temperatures allow for much more relaxed fan profiles. The GX-S mostly addresses the German market, after all, and most German users avoid buying noisy products.

All protections but OTP (Over Temperature Protection) are present. OTP's absence is a big omission, especially since this PSU only has a temperature rating of 40 °C. Excessive operating temperatures can easily destroy a PSU, which should have every manufacturer include OTP. Unfortunately, only a very limited number of supervisor ICs support OTP out of the box.

The +12V rail is strong enough to deliver this PSU's full power alone, and the minor rails will support every modern system that is covered by a 550 W PSU. The 5VSB rail is also a little stronger than is usually the case.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

There are an adequate number of connectors for a 550 W PSU that lacks any modular cables. These cables are also long enough, but their peripheral connectors are too close together. All connectors use 18AWG gauges.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on when it comes to its power distribution.

Packaging

The package is small and on its front is the product's model number and a rather large photograph of the PSU. Right below the model number is a list of the unit's most interesting features, including its 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, relaxed fan profile regardless of the situation it is is (according to Cougar), DC-DC converters that generate the minor rails, and solid performance at up to 40 °C. A small badge mentions the three year warranty. However, according to Cougar, the provided warranty has been extended to five years. Cougar should probably update the warranty badge on the box since a five years warranty is a significant advantage in this price range.


The unit's most notable features are listed on this side of the box, in German.


Around the back are the power specifications table and a table with all the connectors for Cougar's GX-S units. Three graphs depict fan speed and efficiency curves and the unit's wattage under a wide range of ambient temperatures.

Contents

Inside the box, the PSU is only protected by bubble-wrap. Packing foam would have been ideal. The bundle includes some zip-ties, a set of screws, the user's manual, and an AC power cord.