Introduction

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



Cougar's LX line thus far includes two members with capacities of 500 W and 600 W. These units are only 80 PLUS Bronze certified since they mostly address budget-oriented users and definitely not enthusiasts. Their features are pretty interesting despite their low efficiency since the platform includes two DC-DC converters for the generation of the minor rails instead of a more affordable cross-regulated design. Both PSUs also use a fully modular cabling design and a quality HDB (Hydro Dynamic Bearing) fan. Very rarely does a Bronze PSU feature flat modular cables and a quality fan and is as compact as these. Some of you might wonder why Cougar didn't leave any of these exotic features out, like the fully modular cables or the HDB fan, in order to use better components that would increase efficiency. The platform probably needs a lot of tweaking, but we believe the main reason behind such a decision to be a marketing strategy. Cougar most likely sought to avoid the tough competition in the 80 PLUS Gold category with this line. Their main competitors in the Bronze category are Corsair's Builder series (CX and CXM) since EVGA's Bronze units belong to an even lower category.

We are going to evaluate the LX600; it has a capacity of 600 W and is equipped with four PCIe connectors, which makes a pretty strong gaming system possible. Given the low energy needs of modern GPUs, a mid-capacity PSU can easily support two of them. Its other features include a single +12V rail and a 40 °C temperature rating for continuous full-power delivery. We should stress here that many budget PSUs have lower temperature ratings.

Specifications

As has already been mentioned, the efficiency certification is 80 PLUS Bronze, and the PSU features a fully modular cabling design and a 40 °C temperature rating. Its protection features include all but OCP for the +12V rail and OTP (Over Temperature Protection), which is essential to any PSU. The cooling fan is of very high quality, and Cougar states that it uses a Hydro Dynamic Bearing, which will have it last for around 150,000 hours. This is a very strange fan choice for a budget PSU, and the same goes for the all-black, flat modular cables this unit comes with. This PSU's low efficiency means there is no semi-passive mode. However, with the right fan profile, noise output can be kept low at light and moderate loads. We will soon find out whether such is the case by using our lab-grade sound analyzer while applying many different load combinations to the PSU.

As you can see by taking a look at the table above, the LX600 has a five-year warranty in the EU, which is significant since most PSUs of this caliber are usually only covered by a 3-year warranty. For regions with 115VAC mains, though, the warranty is three years long. This significant difference by region can be explained by the fact that the lower voltage input of the US and Asian regions increases thermal losses, which puts more stress on such heat sensitive components as electrolytic capacitors.

The +12V rail can deliver up to 49 A, which translates into 588 W. With 130 W maximum combined power output, the minor rails are pretty strong. The 5V rail delivers 4 A less than the 3.3V rail, and the 5VSB rail is a little stronger than is usually the case since it has a capacity of up to 3 A.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

The LX600 is not supposed to power incredibly high-end system, which has the lack of a second EPS connector make sense. However, with four PCIe connectors, it will easily support a pair of strong VGAs. The number of SATA and peripheral connectors could be a little higher, but six SATA connectors should be enough. All cables with the exception of the main ATX cable, which should at least be 55 cm long, are long enough, but the peripheral and SATA connectors should be further apart. Every connector uses 18AWG gauges, and as you can see in the table above, no Berg connector is provided. An FDD adapter for those who might need one would have made for a nice addition.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, there is nothing to talk about when it comes to power distribution.

Packaging

At the face of the box is a photo of the PSU with its fully modular panel exposed. The unit's model number is given inside an orange frame, and right below it are a number of badges for the DC-DC converters that generate the minor rails, the HDB fan, fully modular cables, and 3-year warranty (which is five years within Europe).


Here's a description of all the features in German.


A graph on the back describes two of the unit's most interesting features: Its HDB fan with a very long lifetime and the two DC-DC converters in its secondary side. The unit's dimensions are also provided, along with a photo of its flat and all-black modular cables. There are even two tables for the power specifications of both LX units and two graphs for the LX600's wattage output and efficiency curves.

Contents

The PSU is protected by bubble wrap. Packing foam would definitely provide better protection.


The bundle only includes the basics: the AC power cord, several zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, and the user's manuals.