Introduction

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



EVGA recently added two members featuring 550 W and 650 W capacities to their G2 line, which was a very smart move since a lot of users are now asking for highly efficient lower-capacity PSUs of good build quality and increased reliability. Such a combination could so far only be found in high capacity PSUs. However, take into account that such powerful GPUs as the NVIDIA GTX 980 are far less power hungry than previous-generation GPUs, or compared to everything but the R9 Nano on AMD's side, and a 1 kW+ PSU is usually overkill. A low-capacity PSU is usually also significantly more efficient at light loads, which is a great asset because modern systems consume very little energy in idle and low-utilization scenarios.

Like other members of the line, EVGA's 650 G2 unit we will evaluate today is made by Super Flower, based on a highly capable Gold-certified platform that features a fully modular cabling design. This PSU also promises a near-silent operation because of its highly relaxed fan profile, low-speed fan, and semi-passive mode feature you can opt to engage to make it completely silent at light and medium loads. Given the four PCIe connectors, this PSU can power a very strong gaming system with two GTX 980 VGAs and a powerful CPU. Some may find the 100 bucks EVGA asks for the 650 G2 PSU to be a lot, but take into account that a high-end VGA costs four to six times more and looses its value way faster than a PSU and 100 bucks will look like a decent price for a good PSU. A PSU like the 650 G2 will, after all, last through many system builds, outlive many GPU generations. We see the purchase of a branded PSU as a true investment and would encourage you to see it as one as well.

Specifications

This unit is capable of delivering its full power at 50°C continuously and is Gold certified. It is Haswell ready since it uses a modern platform with DC-DC converters for the generation of the minor rails. All cables are modular, which, combined with its compact dimensions, will make its installation a breeze.

The unit doesn't feature Over Temperature Protection (OTP), which is unusual for a Leadex platform. OTP is crucial, especially if the PSU features a semi-passive operation, which can dramatically increase internal temperatures in cases were the PSU has, for example, been installed with its top exhaust grill facing downward. Absolutely make sure to avoid installing semi-passive and passive PSUs in such a way. Should a PSU's fan fail, only OTP can save the day. In short, every PSU platform should include OTP.

A low-speed, double ball-bearing fan that will last for quite a long time, especially if you activate semi-passive mode where the fan will rarely engage under normal operating conditions, keeps the 650 G2 cool. At seven years, the warranty is quite long, and while the price might seem high, it is fine considering this product's features.

The single +12V rail can deliver up to 54 A, and the minor rails have a combined capacity of 110 W, which is enough for today's standards. With 3 A maximum current output, the 5VSB rail is also stronger than most.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

EVGA equipped this PSU with two EPS and four PCIe connectors, and all are available at the same time. Make sure not to overestimate the capabilities of a 650 W PSU. There is enough capacity here for two GPUs with 200 W maximum power consumption each; however things will go south with more power hungry GPUs and a highly clocked CPU.

The are a lot of SATA and peripheral connectors, enough to cover the needs of a system that doesn't need a stronger PSU. The peripheral connectors are spaced 10 cm apart, which is very little. There should at least be 13-15 cm between these since most components fed by peripheral connectors are pretty far apart from one another. The 24-pin ATX, EPS and PCIe connectors use thicker 16AWG gauges while all other connectors use 18AWG wires. Only higher capacity PSUs tend to use 16AWG wires; however, EVGA either meant to provide the best-possible load regulation or Super Flower didn't want to manufacture a different set of cables for their lower-capacity G2 units, which had them use the same cables as for the stronger members of the line instead.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on in terms of power distribution.

Packaging

At the face of the box are the model description and a small icon for the 80 PLUS Gold certification.


One side is covered in EVGA's usual marketing text and the other has EVGA's logo.


One of three photographs on the rear shows the APFC capacitor by Chemi-Con. There is also a multi-lingual features list and a description of the cables and connectors. The power specifications table is in the bottom-right corner and a graph next to it depicts the fan's operational range in semi-passive mode.

Contents

Two large foam spacers inside the box protect the PSU incredibly well.


The bundle includes a pouch for storing all unused modular cables, an AC power cord, a set of fixing bolts, and several Velcro straps. As per usual for EVGA, there is also an ATX-bridging plug for jump-starting the PSU without a mobo; a very thoughtful addition that can prove useful (e.g. in case you want to leak-test your water-cooling setup).