Wednesday, May 3rd 2017

Announcing Cybenetics Power Supply Rating and Certification Agency

Cybenetics announces its arrival as a cutting-edge computer power supply rating and certification agency, which tests and certifies power-supply units (PSUs) beyond switching efficiency. Cybenetics was formed with one purpose in mind; to introduce new efficiency and noise certification standards for personal computer power supply units (PSUs). As compared to the currently available programs, the volunteered certification program offered by Cybenetics aims to add greater accuracy to efficiency testing and at the same time to provide an authentic verification of the PSU's operational noise level.

Beyond efficiency and noise certifications, Cybenetics also offers PSU Beta testing and evaluation reports which can lead to significant time and money savings in the process of increasing the quality and the performance of the tested products. The Cybenetics test procedure has been developed through many years of PSU evaluation experience. The methodologies in place, have been forged after numerous hours of testing and experimentation to obtain accuracy and reliability. Cybenetics' highly experienced personnel uses exclusively top-notch, state of the art equipment for its certifications. For further information, please visit the Cybenetics homepage.
Cybenetics introduces a new efficiency rating called ETA, after the Greek letter "Η", which is based on a highly sophisticated methodology that takes into account many different factors.
Contrary to the currently available efficiency rating programs that test only three or four different load points; the ETA program incorporates load combinations using a unique, custom-made application to account for the efficiency results of thousands of different load combinations through a unique proprietary application. This process allows Cybenetics to use a single value rating to represent the PSU's true overall efficiency. Moreover, and very importantly, Power Factor, Vampire Power and the +5VSB rail's efficiency are also taken into consideration in the final rating, whereas these measurements are not even considered in other efficiency certification tests. Finally, all tested PSUs must be compliant with the ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives and also meet all requirements mentioned in the (EU) No 617/2013 regulation:
  • 85% efficiency at 50% of rated output power;
  • 82% efficiency at 20% and 100% of rated output power;
  • Power Factor = 0.9 at 100% of rated output power.
Cybenetics also provides a noise certification, named LAMBDA. Utilizing an advanced methodology and a highly sophisticated controlling/monitoring program, the power supply's noise readings are recorded throughout its entire operational range. Those readings are subsequently converted to sound pressure levels (SPL), averaged, and converted back to dB(A) again. As of this time, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such noise certification program available for IT products and our purpose in the future, is to expand this program to other hardware parts, as well.
The ETA certification comprises of five levels (A+, A, B, C, and D), while LAMBDA consists of seven levels (A++, A+, A, B, C, D, and E). Each manufacturer or brand can choose to either use the corresponding certification badges depicting the level alone, or a more comprehensive badge that includes the actual overall efficiency or noise rating. In addition, each badge will be tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code, which will be printed on the badge. This will allow users to easily find a PSU's evaluation report certified by Cybenetics.

Since we want to offer the most detailed possible evaluation reports in addition to the normal test results, we will also include a number of other test results (e.g. efficiency and load regulation at 10%-110% load; ripple performance; hold-up time; etc.), which will provide useful information not only to everyday users but also to experts and PSU reviewers who do not have the proper equipment and software to apply our methodology.

For both certification programs, we primarily use 115 VAC; however, the ETA program will include a number of tests using 230 VAC to check compliance with various EU regulations.

You can find more information about Cybenetics, the ETA and LAMBDA certification programs, at www.cybenetics.com. Within a three month period close to 40 PSU models from various brands have been certified. You will find their evaluation reports in the Cybenetics' database, which also includes a graphic charts option (per manufacturer).
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37 Comments on Announcing Cybenetics Power Supply Rating and Certification Agency

#1
Disparia
Please don't put that on my PSU.
Posted on Reply
#2
human_error
So those colours going from best to worst are:
  1. Gold
  2. Bronze
  3. Green
  4. Blue
  5. Silver
  6. Pink
  7. Cream
Unless you're looking at energy efficiency, where bronze and cream aren't available. Not the clearest scale to work with... :wtf:
Posted on Reply
#3
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
For those who do not know, @crmaris is behind this. 80+ have been in need of slapping around for a while now.
Posted on Reply
#4
Brusfantomet
Of the two i am most interested in the Lamda badges, event tho a complete review at multiple loads with fan speed reading is more help.
Posted on Reply
#5
TheLostSwede
News Editor
80+ might be in need of an overhaul, but this is not very clear and with two different certifications, consumers are just going to be even more confused about what is what. Throw in the noise certification on top of that, you get even more confusion.

It's not going to be easy to provide two very different types of certifications in one, but this doesn't look like the best way of doing things. It's kind of like the European energy efficiency rating system that start with A to E or F, and now has A++++ or whatever it is, as the scale moved. Admittedly this is a much harder scale to move at this point, but I guess this is also why we have 80+ titanium and platinum these days...

This is also going to take a long time to gain any traction, as 80+ is so well established by now that it's going to take a lot of time and work to get the PSU makers to jump onto something new, especially as it'll be much harder to pass the certification using this new standard.
Posted on Reply
#6
RejZoR
Why not call PSU's "97+" if they reach score of 97% efficiency? Wouldn't that be easier than this nonsense now with 80+ Titanium and these A+++++++++ ratings?
Posted on Reply
#7
Caring1
When Cyberdyne start rating them T1, T2 etc, then we are in trouble :cool: /jk
Posted on Reply
#8
KarymidoN
A Lot of people don't understand how big this is. But it means a real QUALITY certification for PSU's. Lets be realistic, Ecova 80Plus is not a PSU Quality certification, is about eficiency, but that is not what matters the most in a PSU, Good PSU's need good regulation (80plus don't certificate that), a good PSU should have a decent Hold-up time (not guaranteed on 80plus), and a good PSU should have a good build quality and components for its price (80plus doesn't guarantee that too).

Cybenetics means that we (consumers) will have a PSU tested on a lot of aspects, and the certification will become an indicator of OVERALL QUALITY, not only EFICIENCY.
(Sorry my bad english).
Posted on Reply
#9
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
RejZoRWhy not call PSU's "97+" if they reach score of 97% efficiency? Wouldn't that be easier than this nonsense now with 80+ Titanium and these A+++++++++ ratings?
As @KarymidoN says, this is more than effecience. Not to mention you can get around 80+ by simply reviding the hardware specs. See this for what it is: deep reviews but more official. I can see it getting confusing tho, but being too simple makes it misleading.
Posted on Reply
#11
64K
I think the present Bronze through Titanium ratings are misleading in that some people think that the rating refers to quality and not just efficiency so you have people thinking that a Bronze Rated PSU is inferior to a Gold Rated PSU in quality.
Posted on Reply
#12
iBruce
64KI think the present Bronze through Titanium ratings are misleading in that some people think that the rating refers to quality and not just efficiency so you have people thinking that a Bronze Rated PSU is inferior to a Gold Rated PSU in quality.
That's because they are. :p

:roll:
Posted on Reply
#13
EarthDog
64KI think the present Bronze through Titanium ratings are misleading in that some people think that the rating refers to quality and not just efficiency so you have people thinking that a Bronze Rated PSU is inferior to a Gold Rated PSU in quality.
I agree there is a small and uneducated group which thinks that.. .:)
Posted on Reply
#14
RejZoR
64KI think the present Bronze through Titanium ratings are misleading in that some people think that the rating refers to quality and not just efficiency so you have people thinking that a Bronze Rated PSU is inferior to a Gold Rated PSU in quality.
You usually can't achieve high efficiency if you don't have tight tolerances and high end components, so they are kinda connected.

Btw, checking my BeQuiet Dark Power 11, it falls somewhere in the A+ (could be just between A and A+) region for efficiency and noise at A++. It would achieve A++ even at 100% load which it never even reaches. It's usually at 50% load where it's 10dB XD
Posted on Reply
#15
R-T-B
iBruceThat's because they are. :p

:roll:
Depends. There are some Bronze level PSUs I'd aproach way before the worst of the golds.
Posted on Reply
#16
iBruce
Just to clarify. I don't believe Titanium Efficiency is necessary in every build or every rig. But if you are building a rig for long work days 10hours plus and you want the least amount of waste heat dumped into your office space over time AND would enjoy and benefit from a silent/inaudible work environment, then in this instance and use scenario I believe Titanium has it's place and is worth the extra cost, especially over the 12year warranty life of the PSU.

My current work rig build (photo below) with PSU in the center, yea it's a total mess right now waiting for parts to arrive so I can move forward. :oops:


Posted on Reply
#17
KarymidoN
R-T-BDepends. There are some Bronze level PSUs I'd aproach way before the worst of the golds.
Thats the point about cybenetics, it will Certificate Quality, Not only Eficiency, Overall PSU Quality, including the Build Quality, components, Ripple, Noise, Voltage Regulation, etc.
Posted on Reply
#18
RejZoR
So, this will make PSU reviews useless then if they'll be that thorough...
Posted on Reply
#19
KarymidoN
RejZoRSo, this will make PSU reviews useless then if they'll be that thorough...
This project includes some of the best PSU review sites of the world (TechPowerUP, Tom's Hardware & Teclab From Brazil). So if anyone question those certifications please check those guys PSU reviews.
Posted on Reply
#20
Jhelms




Not totally a bad thing - will just result in better built supplies at of course, higher prices.


The whole Lambda thing reminds me of revenge of the nerds. They need to add in this badge.
Posted on Reply
#21
RejZoR
KarymidoNThis project includes some of the best PSU review sites of the world (TechPowerUP, Tom's Hardware & Teclab From Brazil). So if anyone question those certifications please check those guys PSU reviews.
You mean like they'll be giving these certificates out to PSU companies?
Posted on Reply
#22
KarymidoN
RejZoRYou mean like they'll be giving these certificates out to PSU companies?
The good PSU Companies (Like Seasonic = seasonic.com/product/prime-850-w-titanium/) Will Send PSU's to be certificated (like 80+) but the difference starts here, from what i heard Cybenectics will not only certificate a product, they will do a complete review of the PSU, and even after the certification (and the product will be launched to the market) Cybenectics will purchase a PSU from a random website and compare the results of the REVIEW/CERTIFICATION sample to the Market Sample, and if the results are different after a few more tries the Certification will be removed. Thats is HUGE, cause 80+ certifications are forever, even if a PSU has a change in its project, components, etc. The manufacter can just keep the Product name and sell it like it is Certifiied by 80+, even if the effiency got lower due to modifications (most of the time to cut prices), cybenetics enters the game to change that.
(Sorry my bad english)
Posted on Reply
#23
iBruce
Yup, Seasonic is the only PSU maker I can find onboard with the Cybenetics Certification so far, guessing inclusion will be voluntary.

Wondering why Jonnyguru.com and Oklahoma Wolf have so far opted out of involvement in this program? :confused: Maybe they just said no.


Posted on Reply
#24
KarymidoN
iBruceYup, Seasonic is the only PSU maker I can find onboard with the Cybenetics Certification so far, guessing inclusion will be voluntary.

Wondering why Jonnyguru.com and Oklahoma Wolf have so far opted out of involvement in this program? :confused: Maybe they just said no.


Probably its just a Matter of time, Corsair will probably Add the certification as well, of course some brands will be not ok with this certification, its kinda obvious that this tests can show consumers some flaws in their products and expose cheap garbage disguised as "Gamer 80+". I just believe in one thing, if our comunity starts to ask for more quality products and ask for this certification it will only benefit ourselves. (sorry my bad english)
Posted on Reply
#25
RejZoR
Silverstone and Corsair will obtain these for sure. They are by far the highest regarded PSU makers next to Seasonic. Probably Enermax too. The rest seems to have dropped off the face of the earth almost entirely. Antec, Gigabyte and bunch of other brands will probably do it last.
Posted on Reply
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