OCZ again decided to exploit the already worn-out Fatal1ty logo by delivering a product that mostly addresses mainstream and mid-level systems. I must admit that I am not a huge fan of products that are named after famous gamers, especially when they don't have anything to do with gaming components. If this was a gamepad or keyboard, I would totally understand the whole concept behind the Fatal1ty trademark, and it would definitely make sense, but this is a PSU. Though very important for a system, I seriously doubt it will affect your gaming score. That said, I would like to stress that a PSU is an important component since it provides all other components with the necessary power—your entire system will be affected if it doesn't operate well or is in trouble. OCZ would then be much better off spending what money they dolled out to put the Fatal1ty name on their unit on a better platform instead. The Fatal1ty 550 W failed to impress me with its average performance. It even failed my Haswell compliance tests, though OCZ states it to be Haswell ready; and it registered one of the lowest hold-up times I have ever measured. Nor is it quiet, and its 3.3V rail registered huge deviations in our Advanced Transient Response tests. The PSU did, however, manage to deliver its full power at 46°C, had good efficiency at lower loads, exploits a fully modular design, and has enough SATA and peripheral connectors to power a mid-level system. Especially its fully modular design is a great plus point to many users, but I would prefer a few native cables and higher quality capacitors, which are among the most important things in a PSU, instead. I don't have much faith in the Su'scon caps currently equipping this unit, yet the three year warranty is thankfully long enough for a mainstream product should something go wrong.

To wrap up, Look at OCZ's new offering though performance isn't cutting edge if you want a small PSU for your secondary system or your primary system doesn't gobble up much energy. You obviously can't ask for miracles at this price point, and the Fatal1ty 550 W does at least come at a good price given its features.