Introduction

Gigabyte had huge problems with its PG-M line, and everything started with our review of the P750GM model. They released revised models after the plethora of complaints from users and reviewers worldwide, but there was no way to tell the difference between the old and new models. To avoid further bad press, Gigabyte re-introduced the newer units as part of the UD line. These use the revised P-GM platform with lower OCP and OPP triggering points, and some minor PCB changes. After the release of the ATX v3.0 specification, which included specifications for PCIe 5.0 PSU compatibility, Gigabyte was the first to release a PSU featuring a 12+4 pin connector, while also claiming ATX v3.0 compatibility because the connector alone doesn't make a PSU ATX v3.0 compatible. As such, Gigabyte upgraded the UD1000GM model to the UD1000GM PG5.

The UD1000GM PG5 uses a fully modular cable design and has compact dimensions for the capacity. Because of the small case, it has to use a 120 mm fan combined with an aggressive fan-speed profile. As such, the PSU is rated Cybenetics Standard+ (35–40 dBA) for noise output—don't expect it to be quiet. Moreover, the unit is rated 80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics Platinum for efficiency. At the time of review, the price was $160, which is below competing offerings that lack the new PCIe connector.

Specifications

Photos

The box is small because of the PSU's compact dimensions. At the face, mention is made of the PCIe Gen 5 compatibility, but Gigabyte forgot to replace the ATX v2.31 mention on the back with ATX v3.0. The unit is listed as ATX v3.0 compatible on the product web page.


Foam spacers surround the PSU, providing good protection.


The bundle only includes the necessary bits and bobs: a user manual, fixing bolts, the modular cables, and the AC power cord.


At the face of the PSU is the power switch and AC receptacle. There is no switch to toggle the semi-passive operation on/off.


The power specifications label is on the bottom of the PSU, which it covers nearly entirely.


Including the 12VHPWR socket, the modular board has nine sockets.


At only 140 mm long, this PSU is compact.


Some more photos of the PSU from various angles.

Cables and Connectors

Both EPS connectors are on the same cable, so utilizing them fully won't be possible. Each EPS connector should be on its own dedicated cable. Moreover, it would be nice to see three PCIe cables instead of two.


There is no need for an FDD adapter, and the 4-pin Molex connectors should at least be 150 mm apart.


The AC power cord.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest looking at this article, which will help you better understand the insides of a PSU.



The platform looks identical to the UD1000GM for all but the addition of a daughter board hosting the -12 V circuit. Investing money and time into creating a dedicated board for this rail seems odd as -12 V has been optional for some time now. The PCB is small, too small, which poses some limitations. There is no space for two bulk caps, and there is no bypass relay for the NTC thermistor as there is no space to install one. Soldering quality is great, but I cannot say the same of the caps on the secondary side.


The transient filter is complete. There is also an MOV for protection against power surges.


I found a discharge IC in the transient filter; it provides a small efficiency boost.


An NTC thermistor lowers inrush currents. There is no bypass relay to isolate it from the circuit as the PSU operates, which is a great shame since it notably affects inrush current protection.


The two bridge rectifiers can handle up to 30 A.


The APFC converter uses two NCE Power FETs and a single STMicroelectronics boost diode. The bulk cap is by Chemi-Con and among the largest I have seen in desktop PSUs. There was no space to install two in parallel, so they had to go with a single cap, hence the increased capacity.


The APFC controller is a Champion CM6500UNX. To make my life harder than it has to be, MEIC tried its best to erase the marking on all ICs it used for this platform.


The two NCE Power primary switching FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology.


The resonant controller is a Champion CM6901X.


According to Wikipedia, George Ripple was an American social reformer, Unitarian minister, and journalist associated with Transcendentalism. Why they used his name on the main transformer is a mystery to me.


Six Nexperia FETs regulate the +12 V rail. They are installed on the main PCB's business side, and small heatsinks help cool these.


The electrolytic caps on the secondary side are by Teapo and Lelon. I don't have a problem with Teapo caps unless it is SC line caps being used for the main ripple filtering layer. However, I don't trust the Lelon caps. In addition to electrolytic caps, MEIC used several polymer ones.


Two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails.


The standby PWM controller is a PR8109T IC, and the 5VSB secondary rectifier is an SP10U45L SBR.


The supervisor controller is a Weltrend WT7502R.


This is the board responsible for the -12 V rail.


Several polymer and electrolytic caps.


Soldering quality is great.


The fan uses a rifle bearing, so it will last for a while. The problem is the aggressive fan-speed profile driving it.

Test Setup