Introduction

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

FSP's new AURUM 92+ series is an upgrade of the previous AURUM focusing on higher efficiency with all three members of this new line meeting all 80 Plus Platinum requirements. The new AURUM comes in three varieties with 450 W, 550 W, and 650 W capacity. The smallest of the three is only equipped with one PCIe connector, while the other two feature two PCIe connectors. All of them are semi-modular with flat cables which, according to FSP, optimizes air flow inside the chassis.

The AURUM 92+ line belongs to the high-end market segment and targets, according to FSP, hardware enthusiasts and gamers. This sounds pretty weird though considering the small number of PCIe connectors that these PSUs have since most gamers utilize SLI or Crossfire setups with VGAs that need two PCIe connectors each. FSP apparently targets the less demanding gamer using a single VGA with their new AURUM 92+ series.

In this review, we will evaluate the strongest member of the fresh AURUM 92+ line with model number PT-650M. This PSU promises higher than 92% efficiency and utilizes the FSP MIA (Multiple Intelligence Ability) IC (Integrated Circuit), which is essentially a microchip that plays a key role in the unit's performance because it exploits a Zero Current Switching technique. The PT-650M also uses FSP's uniquely designed ventilation holes to improve air extraction, compared to the classic honeycomb style holes. The PSU is equipped with four +12V rails and a nice power distribution scheme that we will analyze on the next page.

Specifications

Efficiency is upgraded to 80 Plus Platinum, from 80 Plus Gold that the previous AURUM series featured. Unfortunately, FSP does not give any info about the operating temperature range. Nevertheless, we will test it at above 40°C ambient, like we do with all PSUs. All protection features besides OTP (Over Temperature Protection) are present in this unit, and the cooling fan utilizes a high-quality Fluid Dynamic Bearing for increased lifetime and reduced output noise.
The dimensions of the unit are the standard ones. All normal cases will accommodate it without any problems. Its weight is on the low side since it uses small heatsinks due to the ultra-high efficiency it can achieve. The warranty is set to five years. The MRVP of this unit is $ 135 at the time of review.

There are four +12V rails which can output 576 W combined, much less than the 650 W of the unit's total capacity. The minor rails are restricted to 100 W, but you won't need more in a contemporary system. The 5VSB rail is strong enough with 3 A maximum current output.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

Unfortunately, FSP decided to equip the unit with only two PCIe connectors. This is a weird design choice that cripples the PSU's usability. We think that it could easily handle four PCIe connectors since it can deliver near 600 W with the +12 V rails, something that would allow its future buyer to install two VGAs with dual-power sockets each. The two PCIe connectors available with this unit would, on the other hand, only support a single VGA with dual PCIe inputs. Thankfully, at least the peripheral and SATA connectors are adequate for the unit's capacity.
As you can see, all cables are of sufficient length, and FSP was kind enough to provide two SATA cables with different distances amongst their connectors. The first SATA cable sports short distances amongst its connectors, something convenient if you have to power multiple HDDs that are close to each other. On the other cable, distances amongst connectors are three times larger in order to be able to connect SATA devices that are not too close to another (e.g. a SATA DVD-RW and an SSD/HDD). All connectors use 18AWG gauges; the minimum required by ATX spec.

Power distribution is ideal since the EPS connector is powered separately with the PCIe connectors also being powered through a different rail, each. The last +12V rail powers the 24 pin ATX connector, along with all SATA and peripheral connectors.

Packaging

The unit came to us in a plain black cardboard box. Apparently, the outer sleeve of the box was lost during its way to us, or simply wasn't ready yet. The fact is that we don't have anything to comment on about this box. Let us skip to the PSU's content description instead.