Introduction

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



XFX has a new PSU line which they say was designed for gamers and DIY professionals. With XTR and TS as their currents offerings, the company only has two active PSU lines. Both consist of three members with capacities ranging from 550 W to 750 W, and all their units feature 80 Plus Gold efficiency with the most crucial difference being that the XTR units are fully modular while all TS units use affixed cables. In this review, we will take a look at the XTR-650.

The XTR-650 features a hybrid fan profile, which, once selected, operates the PSU in fanless mode at up to 20% load or until internal ambient temperature reaches 25°C. It is also Haswell ready, and XFX provides a "true wattage guarantee", so the unit should deliver its full power continuously at even up to 50°C, which is as the ATX spec recommends. XFX even made sure to only use high-quality capacitors, which will increase the unit’s reliability.

Based on the G-series platform with the noticeable differences the fully modular design and nicer external enclosure, Seasonic is considered one of the best PSU manufacturers, and when a company teams with them, the outcome is usually nothing less but excellent, so we do expect big things from the XTR-650. It will hopefully not let us down.

Specifications

The unit's efficiency meets 80 Plus Gold requirements, so it will save you enough money on your electricity bills, and less energy will go to waste as compared to less efficient PSUs. The XTR-650 is also fully modular, Haswell ready, and can continuously put out a full load at up to 50°C, which should have the unit feel right at home inside a case operating at around 30°C-35°C ambient with normal airflow.

All protection features are available, which is as it should be with a good and modern PSU, and there is an FDB fan of high quality to cool the unit properly. The PSU's high efficiency allows it to operate passively at low loads, which minimizes noise output, but users can opt to engage the fan throughout by flipping a small switch in the rear. XFX provides a five year warranty, and the unit is appropriately priced for mid-capacity PSU with Gold efficiency.

The minor rails are powerful enough, and the +12V rail can deliver up to 54 A, which is enough to easily feed two strong VGAs. The 5VSB rail is as strong as most other 5VSB rails in modern 650W PSUs, although it would be nice to have slightly more than 3 A on this rail. Yet even 2.5 A will be fine for most peripheral devices.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

The XTR-650 packs enough cables for its capacity. There are two EPS and four PCIe connectors, and all are available at the same time. Its cables are also long enough for even large cases, while the distance amongst connectors is good, with my only objection its five peripheral connectors (including the FDD connector), where the 10 cm these connectors have been spaced apart may cause problems if your peripheral devices are further apart from one another (which is usually is the case with such devices). All connectors use standard 18AWG gauges, which suit the unit's specifications best.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we have nothing to comment on when it comes to its power distribution.

Packaging

The box features nice graphics, and a close-up of the nicely designed fan grill covers most of the front. The model number is right below it in large fonts and right below the number are the capacity description and a mention of the fully modular cable design. A series of icons for the 80 Plus Gold efficiency, Haswell compatibility, full Japanese caps, and the SLI- and Crossfire certifications are in the top-right corner.


A photograph of the fan grill and the unit's model number can be found on this side.


XFX mentions the model number and the five-year warranty here.


XFX provides information about the EasyRail Plus and hybrid-fan-control technologies on top of the box. The latter operates the fan passively until 20% load, or 25°C.


XFX speaks of "true wattage" on the box's rear because the unit can deliver its maximum power at 50°C, and there is also a paragraph on the 80 Plus Gold certification. There are two more paragraphs with information on the PSU's ripple suppression (clean power) and its high quality caps, which are crucial for its reliability and longevity. A photograph of the PSU on the right side also
reveals three of its more interesting features.

Contents

There is a smaller box on top once you open the flap. It contains all cables and accessories. Beneath it is the PSU, protected by bubble wrap and packing foam.


All modular cables, the user's manual, an AC power cord, and a set of fixing bolts are in the small box.