Introduction

We would like to thank In Win for supplying the review sample.

After two generations In Win still insists on the Commander naming-scheme instead of promoting their fresh PSUs to generals or chiefs! However, they made them ready for desert battlefields by utilizing a sandy, tactile finish. A PSU ready for some warzone action and a highly customizable chassis does sound interesting, and the Commander III's unique coloring scheme may excite some users while turning off others that dislike such a "warlike" theme.

The new Commander III series consists of three units with capacities ranging from 600 W to 800 W. All feature 80 Plus Gold efficiency, a modular cabling system, share the same dimensions, design, and the unique coloring scheme. Today, we will evaluate the smallest of the new Commanders featuring 600 W maximum rated power. It can deliver most of its power on four +12V rails. The Commander III is a medium-capacity PSU that can support up to two high-end VGAs with its 600 W capacity and four PCIe connectors. This is pretty interesting because most manufacturers only equip a PSU of such a capacity with two PCIe connectors which cripples the PSU's usability, and that forces users looking for four connectors into a higher-capacity category with PSUs that aren't as efficient at low loads due to their increased wattage output. So buy a PSU that suits your needs when you are out searching for one. Don't buy one that clearly outputs too much power for your system and its components.

Let's skip to the second page to take a look at the Commander's specifications.

Specifications

Efficiency is Gold and its operating temperature range is quite large given the PSU can deliver its maximum output at up to 50°C. The unit has all protection features except for OTP (Over Temperature Protection), which we don't like since OTP is essential to every PSU.

The fan has a 135 mm diameter and uses double-ball bearings for increased longevity. It is provided by Adda, so its quality is high enough. The footprint of the PSU is normal for an ATX compliant PSU since it is 160 mm long. This means that you won't have any compatibility problems with most cases available on the market. Finally, its warranty is long with five years; a clear indication that the new Commanders belongs to the high-end category. Its MSRP price is higher than we would like, but its retail price will probably be lower.


There are four +12V rails with high OCP trigger points for the medium-capacity category, which is pretty convenient for contemporary systems. The minor rails are strong enough to meet the needs of any system, and the 5VSB rail is a little stronger than the average.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

A fair amount of cables and connectors equip the unit; that is, for a 600 W unit. Included are, amongst others, four PCIe connectors. We usually only find two PCIe connectors at this power range, which would only allow for a single high-end VGA to be attached. Thankfully, In Win didn't adhere to the norm by enhancing the small Commander III's usability with an additional two PCIe connectors, something many users will highly appreciate.

The length of all cables is sufficient, and the distance amongst all connectors is adequate. The native EPS and all PCIe connectors also use 16AWG wires. The same applies to the +12V wires of the ATX connector. All other wires are of 18AWG size.


Power distribution is good since the single EPS connector is fed by a dedicated rail, and each pair of PCIe connectors uses its own +12V rail. Nothing more to ask for here.

Packaging

The package features the image of a fox since the PSU is nicknamed desert fox. In the bottom, left corner, we find three badges for the 80 Plus Gold efficiency, the five-year warranty, and Nvidia's SLI certification. Some of the unit's most crucial features, like its modular cabling design, the 105 °C caps, and its four +12V rails, are listed right next to the badges. There is also a top handle to help you carry the box around.


The sides hold information about the unit's weight, the country it was made in (China of course), and a series of badges describing the PSU's most interesting features.


On the rear is an extended features description list with an outline of all available connectors. Unfortunately, there is no mention of cable length.