Het grote Cougar voedingen topic

[Verwijderd]

Het Cougar sponsored support topic

Dit topic is speciaal geopend voor al jullie vragen en opmerkingen over de netvoedingen van Cougar. Welke vragen kun je hier stellen? Alles over netvoedingen in het algemeen, je vraag hoeft niet over een specifiek Cougar product te gaan. Natuurlijk kun je ook al je vragen over Cougar netvoedingen hier stellen. Vragen over producten van andere fabrikanten kunnen we niet beantwoorden. Hou hier alsjeblieft rekening mee. Kijk voor het posten even of je vraag al eerder gesteld is om dubbelingen te voorkomen.

Wat is Cougar?

Cougar is het retail merk van HEC/COMPUCASE-groep, een van de oudste en grootste voedingen ontwerpers en producten. We zijn een van de weinige producenten die zelf ontwerpen, ontwikkelen, produceren en testen. Het moederbedrijf bestaat sinds 1979 en is dus beslist geen nieuwkomer op de markt. We hebben veel geproduceerd voor OEM’s en we hebben voor diverse bekende merken voedingen gemaakt. Sinds vorig jaar hebben we ons eigen retail merk : Cougar. Via ons Duitse hoofdkantoor bestormen we de Europese markt. Kijk voor meer informatie op www.cougar-world.com Twijfel je over aanschaf en wil je nog iets weten? Of heb je een van onze producten en heb je een vraag of opmerking over het gebruik? Mis je features? Vraag het hier. Ook algemene vragen over netvoedingen en cases kun je aan onze ontwerpers stellen. We willen graag dat dit topic jullie een vrij discussieplatform biedt om met ons en andere Tweakers over Cougar-producten te praten.

Zelf testen?

Kijk ook eens in ons review topic. Daar verloten we 6 netvoedingen onder de Tweakers. Meer details over deze actie kun je daar lezen.

[Thandor]

In dit topic is een kleine uitzondering op de regel: Engels is de voertaal in dit topic .

[ Voor 39% gewijzigd door Thandor op 12-09-2010 11:37 ]

[TERW_DAN]

In the startpost you mention that a lot of production was done for OEMs and other brands. What other brands did you produce for?
Since Cougar is a fairly new brand, it can be handy to know what other powersupplies are based on the same design to determine quality and durability of these powersupplies

[Verwijderd]

Hi Terw_Dan,
HEC/Compucase exists since 1979. We are on of the few companies worldwide which develope and produce their own PSU´s. Most of all brands in market can not do like this, they need help from OEM-companies like us. You can check the UL-number on every PSU, with this number you can check the real manufacturer. With a little bit time using google you can find out for which brands we actually do PSU´s. Cases we also do a lot for famous A-Brands. In respect of our customer I will not mention names here. But you can find out easily.
COUGAR is our own brand, first time HEC/Compucase set up their own retail brand. But we, HEC, is long time in business.
COUGAR PSU´s are unique, the design is not sold 100% to OEM-clients. COUGAR always is the Original and the best of all brands which use a similar design from us.
For the quality - just check the reviews we did in last 12 month. We also send out samples to international known websites like JonnyGuru or HardwareSecrets, more are coming.

[-The_Mask-]

Terw_Dan schreef op dinsdag 07 september 2010 @ 14:54: What other brands did you produce for?

Om het je makkelijk te maken, niet echt heel veel bekenden, de bekenste was Thermaltake, anderen waren Xigmatek, 2the Max en Aerocool voor de rest zou ik geen weten.
Maar de prestaties van deze voedingen waren vaak echt tenenkrommend...
http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1052
http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1043
http://www.hardwaresecret...Power-Supply-Review/902/1
http://www.hardwaresecret...Power-Supply-Review/332/7

Gelukkig is dat met de Cougar naam wel anders.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
These brands are some actual ones we do. But this is for Europe. In other countries we have also other brands.
Just a few mentioned here, HEC is doing a lot of OEM business.

[Moortn]

Voor welke doelgroep(en) maken jullie de voedingen, en welke prijsklasse? De bang-for-buck gamers voedingen, of goedkope voedingen voor goedkope zelfbouw systemen?

Sorry, i thought someone would translate it for you.

[ Voor 16% gewijzigd door Moortn op 08-09-2010 14:13 ]

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
Could you please ask in English or German? Google translation is not the best solution in order to understand your question 100%.

[D4NG3R]

Verwijderd schreef op woensdag 08 september 2010 @ 13:42:
Hi!
Could you please ask in English or German? Google translation is not the best solution in order to understand your question 100%.

Well one of the Moderators on the forum said:

In dit topic is een kleine uitzondering op de regel: de antwoorden die Cougar geeft zullen in het Engels zijn. Jullie kunnen wel met een gerust hart in het Nederlands vragen stellen en discussiëren .

Which translates to: In this topic there is a small exeption on the rule: Answers given by Cougar will be in English, but you can ask your questions and continue the discussion in Dutch.

---

His question:

Voor welke doelgroep(en) maken jullie de voedingen, en welke prijsklasse? De bang-for-buck gamers voedingen, of goedkope voedingen voor goedkope zelfbouw systemen?

At what market(s) are you targetting your PSU's, And what priceranges.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
Our PSU´s start from 35 Euro (A300, 80PLUS Bronze) till 230 Euro for the GX 1050 (80PLUS Gold).
When you check our website you will find out that our actual PSU´s can be used for all kind of configurations.
Our target group are user which want the best for their money, no cheap mass-production shit like 700W for 40 Euro.

[ThunderNet]

Verwijderd schreef op woensdag 08 september 2010 @ 15:28:
Hi!
Our PSU´s start from 35 Euro (A300, 80PLUS Bronze) till 230 Euro for the GX 1050 (80PLUS Gold).
When you check our website you will find out that our actual PSU´s can be used for all kind of configurations.
Our target group are user which want the best for their money, no cheap mass-production shit like 700W for 40 Euro.

I'm currently working on an Casemod (www.thundernet.nl) which will also include an new Powersupply but i only got 50mm space in height for the internals. What are the dimensions of the internals (600W PSU)? (without casing and fan?)

[Verwijderd]

The internal PCB board is at least 140mm long for our GX 600 model. I don´t know now how high the components are, I need to check this. But – don´t do this!
Don´t use a PSU without the casing and fan. The case of the PSU also is working as a ground for the PSU. When you do this without the case, a lot of bad things can happen, maybe will happen.

[MikeVM]

i'd like to see a 200watt PSU for homeservers, HTPC's
with 6 sata cables for a decent price,

there isnt much choice on the market in this segment.

[D4NG3R]

Verwijderd schreef op donderdag 09 september 2010 @ 12:43:
The internal PCB board is at least 140mm long for our GX 600 model. I don´t know now how high the components are, I need to check this. But – don´t do this!
Don´t use a PSU without the casing and fan. The case of the PSU also is working as a ground for the PSU. When you do this without the case, a lot of bad things can happen, maybe will happen.

Thats the idea of casemodding but inside every modern-day PSU there is a little cable that is directly hooked up to the case. As long as that cable is hooked up to his case (mod) the system is grounded.

A fan can be installed somewhere else so that doesnt seem to be a problem either (to me at least)

---

I have a question: Can a PSU Be opened for cablesleeving, without losing warranty? Because only a few allow this..

[ThunderNet]

Verwijderd schreef op donderdag 09 september 2010 @ 12:43:
The internal PCB board is at least 140mm long for our GX 600 model. I don´t know now how high the components are, I need to check this. But – don´t do this!
Don´t use a PSU without the casing and fan. The case of the PSU also is working as a ground for the PSU. When you do this without the case, a lot of bad things can happen, maybe will happen.

It won't be loose, i will replace the original casing with the casing of the normal Apple PowerMac G5 PSU:

Cooling won't be a problem, it will be in the bottom of the case in a seperate compartment so much cooler air will go thru the intake (no heat from the GPU/CPU below it).

[Help!!!!]

On paper the Cougar PSU's look fine.

Nevertheless, I'm afraid I won't consider one seriously before I have seen a (positive) review on e.g. Jonnyguru, HardOcp etc.
Especially since there are enough excellent choices out there in the same price brackets.

p.s.:
Nice website. I like the clear diagrams of the cables (including length) per PSU.
Would also be great if there were clear pictures of the cables. How are they sleeved, are they flat like on e.g. corsair HX 1000 and Ultra PSU's ?

[ Voor 31% gewijzigd door Help!!!! op 09-09-2010 13:38 ]

[-The_Mask-]

Help!!!! schreef op donderdag 09 september 2010 @ 13:31:
Nevertheless, I'm afraid I won't consider one seriously before I have seen a (positive) review on e.g. Jonnyguru, HardOcp etc.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/...Reviews&op=Story&reid=178
http://www.thelab.gr/show...1062867364#post1062867364
http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1049
http://www.overclock3d.ne...0cm_1000w_psu_revisited/1
http://www.itocp.com/?action-viewnews-itemid-1357-page-1

[ Voor 5% gewijzigd door -The_Mask- op 09-09-2010 15:44 ]

[BHQ]

I have to agree with MikeVM for a bit. Any chance for a 150-200W PSU that would be very power efficient? However, 6 sata power cables might sound a bit unrealistic, I have to agree on that one.

People that run servers at home do care about the usage of their machine, a few watts can make a difference for them. Alternatives like PicoPSU's could be used, but you really cover a (small) market no PSU manufacturer is (really) active in.

[Cheezus]

-The_Mask- schreef op donderdag 09 september 2010 @ 15:42:
[...]

http://www.jonnyguru.com/...Reviews&op=Story&reid=178
http://www.thelab.gr/show...1062867364#post1062867364
http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1049
http://www.overclock3d.ne...0cm_1000w_psu_revisited/1
http://www.itocp.com/?action-viewnews-itemid-1357-page-1

And for those who care about noise:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Cougar_GX-700_power_supply

[Mektheb]

Wel i always say to everyone who is saying the pc makes to much noise, i just answer : turn up the volume of the speakers..

But interesting thread here btw, im gonna do some research and check this out always nice to c a company taking interests in users opinions.

[Cheezus]

So your solution for people that don't like noise is to make even more noise?

[Mektheb]

primusz schreef op vrijdag 10 september 2010 @ 14:31:
So your solution for people that don't like noise is to make even more noise?

Wel no, its like a media center in the living room..
People complain it makes fan noise when its on, but when its on your watching a movie so you arent even able to hear it.
its a bit of sarcasm, but back to topic

[Verwijderd]

Hi! Sorry for the late answer, yesterday I had some appointment in Netherland. And when I am in Netherland, I ALWAYS have to eat some Frikandel, the best ever ever

@MikeVM
To produce a 200W PSU would cost nearly the same like to produce a 300W PSU. At present time, you can find good 300W PSU incl. 80PLUS BRONZE for lower than 35 Euro. They may have only 3 or 4 SATA Connector but also some IDE-Connector. With some cheap Adapter you can use the IDE as SATA connector.
To offer a efficient 200W PSU means also that we have to offer it cheaper than the 300W version. Otherwise - who will buy the 200W version when the 300W version is just 0.10 Euro more expensive. And because of very low margin for small efficient PSU´s, we would make a loss with this 200W PSU. Or we increase the 300W and other models, so that we can sell the 200W model for the price of a 300W model. But then we are too expensive comparing to others.
For HTPC you also can use a 300W TFX PSU. HEC offers this, also incl. 80PLUS BRONZE certification and enough connectors.

@D4NG3R NL
I support some of the best CaseModders in Germany, the actual german champion is using Tower and PSU´s from us. but this kind of modding is dangerous, you really need to know what you are doing.
Good PSU´s are already planned and designed for a cooling method. Normally it is vertically cooled, with an 120/140mm fan. We know exactly how the airflow through our PSU is running, so that it also hits the critical components. When you open a COUGAR 600-800W model and compare with others, you will find out that our heatsinks are very tiny compared to others. The airflow is really important for an efficient cooling. As cooler the PSU, as longer it´s lifetime, more stable voltages and higher efficiency.
I don´t know a PSU which offer such option, maybe full modular PSU´s.

@ThunderNet
As I just explained something about the cooling topology - the mentioned PSU from you is using different method. It is really not recommended that you use some other PSU in this case, especially not PSU´s which were designed for vertical cooling. The PSU itself can become very hot inside, a little bit cool air from outside will not help that much. Otherwise we all would only have pssive PSU´s in the world.

@Help!!!!
Some user already mentioned a lot of international reviews, this should convince you. Also, don´t for get it is HEC´s own brand and HEC is not a trading company etc. which just put´s there label on and sell it.
On website you should find enough pictures which show the cables in detail, please check it.

@Jarpse
I already said something about it. But also think of your cost. An efficient 100WPSU would be very efficient at 50% load (+/-5%). Like PICO-PSU´s you mentioned can be used. But these "special" PSU´s are more expensive. When you buy an efficient 300W ATX PSU, it will cost you less than 40 Euro. And the loss in efficiency compared with a PICO PSUZ is maybe 2%-3%. With a load of 60W etc, it is just 1.2-1.8W difference. But the purchasing costs of these special PSU´s are higher than the 300W ATX PSU. how long you need to run the system when you buy a more expensive PSU which saves you max. 2 Wattage?

Hope I could help.

[BHQ]

Verwijderd schreef op zaterdag 11 september 2010 @ 12:30:
Hi! Sorry for the late answer, yesterday I had some appointment in Netherland. And when I am in Netherland, I ALWAYS have to eat some Frikandel, the best ever ever

Ghehe, people actually like that?

@MikeVM
To produce a 200W PSU would cost nearly the same like to produce a 300W PSU. At present time, you can find good 300W PSU incl. 80PLUS BRONZE for lower than 35 Euro. They may have only 3 or 4 SATA Connector but also some IDE-Connector. With some cheap Adapter you can use the IDE as SATA connector.
To offer a efficient 200W PSU means also that we have to offer it cheaper than the 300W version. Otherwise - who will buy the 200W version when the 300W version is just 0.10 Euro more expensive. And because of very low margin for small efficient PSU´s, we would make a loss with this 200W PSU. Or we increase the 300W and other models, so that we can sell the 200W model for the price of a 300W model. But then we are too expensive comparing to others.
For HTPC you also can use a 300W TFX PSU. HEC offers this, also incl. 80PLUS BRONZE certification and enough connectors.

Hmm, I do't think the people in that market would mind it to pay a little more for a really efficient (better than bronze?) power supply. It cuts the energy bills and over a few years, it'll pay itself back.

--edit--

@Cougar: Mmh, point taken. Alright, you convinced (at least) me

[Verwijderd]

Hi!

When you think of saving maybe 3W but you have to pay 15-20 Euro MORE for this PSU - how long will it take to get the money back?
It is senseless, also 3W is nothing to think about for the cooling. 3W more as heat is nothing for a normal system.

[GH45T]

Some people buy a Pico PSU for power efficient systems. However, a Pico PSU is just a little underpowered for some systems. Other efficient PSU's often are way more powerful.

Most PSU's are way less efficient under low load. This results in a gap between Pico PSU's and for instance your 300 watt PSU.

A Pico PSU including a power brick ain't cheap either and people buy them for their computers. A real efficient 200 watt PSU would be great for efficient computing enthusiasts.

[D4NG3R]

Verwijderd schreef op maandag 13 september 2010 @ 12:55:
Hi!

When you think of saving maybe 3W but you have to pay 15-20 Euro MORE for this PSU - how long will it take to get the money back?
It is senseless, also 3W is nothing to think about for the cooling. 3W more as heat is nothing for a normal system.

Usually you have Pico PSU's ranging from 50 to 150w, and then regular PSU's ranging from 300w to 1200w+

The gap mentioned is 150 to 300w. In this factor you can only get inefficient PSU's. What I (And a lot others) would like to see is a PSU that brings a Gold certification, with 200/250w.

Giving you have a 180w setup, with a 300w power supply. At about 70% load, the efficientcy is only around 70 - 75%. which means you waste 45w an hour. lets round it off to 50w.

Saving 50w every hour would be... 50 x 24 = 1200 x 365 = 438000 / 1000 (To get KWH) = 438 * 0.21^ = 91.98 euro's a year. usually you pay about 20 bucks more for a power efficient PSU. So thats a pretty big saving for a light server that runs 24h a day

^ Taking the energy pricing of: Nederlandse Energie Maatschapij.

[ Voor 12% gewijzigd door D4NG3R op 13-09-2010 13:23 ]

[-The_Mask-]

D4NG3R NL schreef op maandag 13 september 2010 @ 13:18:
The gap mentioned is 150 to 300w. In this factor you can only get inefficient PSU's. What I (And a lot others) would like to see is a PSU that brings a Gold certification, with 200/250w.

Maar hoeveel mensen denk je gaan een 200/250 Watt voeding kopen die zo'n 150 euro gaat kosten?

Een 600/700 Watt voeding ontwikkelen die een 80 plus Gold certificaat heeft is een stuk goedkoper en als je kijkt naar hoeveel die kosten kun je nagaan dat vrij weinig mensen een 200/250 80 plus Gold voeding willen kopen.

[D4NG3R]

Het probleem met 80+ (Bronze/Silver/Gold) is dat op lagere loads deze niet optimaal leveren, 70 - 80% is dan niet vreemd. Daarom vind ik het jammer dat er zo weinig voedingen zijn van rond de 300w, welke ook een goede certificering hebben.

[jbkappirossi]

http://tweakers.net/price...cnK2EAHpDA51TczT8lK17AWAA

Not al prices have bin confirmd yet!. But i like to know what the prices of the GX series will be.
I can't find 123 a review about these but would a Cougar GX700/800 be supperior to my Corsair HX750, because I was looking around for a more effiecient PSU. Thats because lately some brands have put out some gold certifield PSU's.

For refference. http://www.overclock3d.ne...air_hx750w_750w_atx_psu/3

Thanks in forward! Frikandel
Anderen ook natuurlijk, want een kroket is ook lekker.

D4NG3R NL schreef op maandag 13 september 2010 @ 13:18:
[...]


Usually you have Pico PSU's ranging from 50 to 150w, and then regular PSU's ranging from 300w to 1200w+

The gap mentioned is 150 to 300w. In this factor you can only get inefficient PSU's. What I (And a lot others) would like to see is a PSU that brings a Gold certification, with 200/250w.

Giving you have a 180w setup, with a 300w power supply. At about 70% load, the efficientcy is only around 70 - 75%. which means you waste 45w an hour. lets round it off to 50w.

Saving 50w every hour would be... 50 x 24 = 1200 x 365 = 438000 / 1000 (To get KWH) = 438 * 0.21^ = 91.98 euro's a year. usually you pay about 20 bucks more for a power efficient PSU. So thats a pretty big saving for a light server that runs 24h a day

^ Taking the energy pricing of: Nederlandse Energie Maatschapij.

Het achste reken wonder.

70% of 300 = 210wat@75% efficient DC then your using 157,5Wat DC.
So If you compare it whit a 85% efficient PSU, that means 210 - 15% = 178,5wat then youre saving ''21Wat''
Not 45w or 50w, guessing!

[ Voor 57% gewijzigd door jbkappirossi op 13-09-2010 17:22 ]

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
@GH45T
I' know both point of views - the user and the factory. It is at present time to offer such PSU because the market is too small. Here at Tweakers we can find users which would buy such kind of PSU but the big mass will not buy it. And that´s a problem for a large factory like us or some others. The quantity will be too small, so the sales price will be very high.

@D4NG3R NL
The gap I mentioned is the efficiency. A standard 300W Bronze certified PSU will maybe need 3W more than a Pico PSU with 100W.
And for this 3W saving you will invest more money?
A normal 300W PSU today is Bronze certified, so when you have 60W as load it reached at least 82% of efficiency, in our 230V area even higher like 84-85%.
When you just put 10% on this kind of PSU, so 30W load, you still will reach around 72-78% (in 230V), but this kind of PSU is available for less than 40 Euro.
when you use such PSU you mentioned (passive PFC with this kind of efficiency), then you can change to a modern ATX PSU as I mentioned.

@jbkappirossi
For reviews you can check our website - all reviews you can find here - http://www.cougar-world.de/en/archive/reviews.html
For reviews only of GX-Series, just go to the GX-Series and click on reviews, then you will find all reviews of GX-Series.

[jbkappirossi]

And the price?

Because, as far i have seen is that my HX750 silver certifield outclasses the Cougar GX700 Gold by far,
efficientcy wise. Whits then is far overated on the GX700 it dosent reach 90% in most times .

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
Efficiency is not the only thing a good PSU should be good in. Filtering, Ripple/Noise, Stability, especially internal temperatures (very important for the lifetime), etc.
We had some problem with the testing method of some website. When you test the PSU exactly the same like 80PLUS is doing, then you will reach the GOLD status. But here in Europe you always will reach 92% or more in 230V environment.
You know, to build an efficient PSU is not that problem, we easily could reach 92% in 115V and up to 94-95% in 230V. But the rest....will fail!
Don´t look only at 80PLUS symbols, every idiot can do efficient PSU´s, no problem.

[jbkappirossi]

wel the ripple is about the same.
7 years warrantie for the HX750, agains 5 of the GX700.
the corsair hx750 is more efficient at 230volt and it wil beat it at almost every load.
So thats why i think is overrated.

And then the most importend thing ''the price'' to compare it whit.
So why buy a Cougar GX700/800 that isend better and probably more expensive.

http://www.overclock3d.ne...air_hx750w_750w_atx_psu/3
As you can see ''again'' i look at proper load tests to compare it whit.
And the corsair HX750 is a 1,5 year old design now.

[ Voor 86% gewijzigd door jbkappirossi op 14-09-2010 16:10 ]

[-The_Mask-]

jbkappirossi schreef op dinsdag 14 september 2010 @ 12:28:
Whits then is far overated on the GX700 it dosent reach 90% in most times .

Zoals op 80plus is te lezen gaat die richting 80 plus Platinum, dus ik zie niet is wat er mis is met 80 plus Gold.

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 september 2010 @ 15:39:
We had some problem with the testing method of some website. When you test the PSU exactly the same like 80PLUS is doing, then you will reach the GOLD status.

I have more problems with the method of 80plus.org.
Who has a case temp of 23 degrees, and the load on 3,3V and 5V is too high.

Don´t look only at 80PLUS symbols, every idiot can do efficient PSU´s, no problem.

Sounds like an PSU made by HEC/COMPUCASE.

http://80plus.org/manu/ps...OS%201894_750W_Report.pdf
http://www.hardwaresecret...Power-Supply-Review/902/7

[Verwijderd]

Please, you only check the things you can see on some website. How about the temperature for example, the cooling design? The internal filtering, the components in general?
You can find lots of reviews of COUGAR S/SX/GX where these things were shown. And it is always nearly perfect.
But when this is important, then we can just cut some parts as long as ripple and efficiency are good, giving more warranty and can sell it even more expensive and make good profit. I have to watch the market, maybe user want this way.

About 80Plus - they have there way of testing. At least - it is a fixed procedure so everybody will be tested under same conditions. About the conditions....we always can discuss.

[Bartjuh]

A shame you don't offer a 150W/200W solution with good efficiency at 20% load.

I would pay extra for such an 150W PSU compared to a 300W+ PSU. Pico PSU's are in general also more expensive than normal PSUs, but still they are quite popular.

It's not only about the money, but also idealism and/or just the fun of it is also a factor. I mean, why would anyone overclock for instance? Or turn their pc into a disco? Nearly everyone would just buy the cheapest PSU, because that's the most cost-effective.

Maybe the market is small, but you would be practically the only player. No one has entered that market (besides the pico-psu). So competition is almost non-existent.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
You are right, NOBODY is active in this market at present time. So, there must be a reason because we are not the only PSU manufacturer in the world. the reason - you can not earn money, you only loose money. And all companies are still business companies which want to earn money.
I mean, personally I agree 100% with you, I also would like to see such PSU and I would buy one (even it is from a competitor) for my NAS-Server at home.
But - WE here at Tweakers and users in other countries which are active in discussion boards... we are just a small part of the potential buyers, of the market. That´s the problem. It is becoming better and maybe we can see something like this soon but I don´t think it will be in 2010.
I hope to push the button for developement very soon, really.

[FreezeXJ]

Let me chime in on the low-power topic : do you have power supplies that are mostly/fully modular? Since i'm generally just running a motherboard (with only a 4-pin 12V extra plug), i don't really need a 6pin plug for a GPU (what GPU? Onboard's GPU too, and low-power HTPC cards rarely need more than 75W), nor that fancy 8-pin connector. Worse : in small cases, you have to find a place to stow those cables and bend them somewhere out of sight/airflow. If you add high efficiency, an almost silent fan, and no lights, you'd have the ideal small PC / HTPC PSU, and i even think you can ask a premium for that

[Verwijderd]

How about the A300? It comes with an 4+4PIN CPU connector, no GPU connector, silent, efficient (80PLUS Bronze) and around 35 Euro incl. 3 years of warranty.
BUT not modular. Modular starts at 550W, modular PSU´s are more expensive...
But why people need modular for such small power? you only have a few connectors, you use at least 50% or more of them and then only 2 or 3 connectors are left - this is easy to store in the case.

[ Voor 47% gewijzigd door Verwijderd op 21-09-2010 17:24 ]

[FreezeXJ]

Modular would be so nice because I tend to use only 1 HDD and 1 DVD in those really small cases, and with for example the A300, I'd still have 2 full cables floating around in my case. Likewise, 450 (mm I presume, nothing specified) is quite a lot in small cases that tend to be used in HTPCs, casemods or Mac Mini-imitations (for which a pico-PSU would be better suited)... It's about flexibility (so i can always drop in a high-end GPU if i feel like it), and cleanlyness. Such increases price, i know, and it's probably not economically efficient south of the 50 euros, which i regret... As an example, something along the lines of the Seasonic X-400 would be great, even with a silent fan

[Iavak]

Hi, I would like to know if there are any differences between Aerocool and Cougar PSU's.
Judged from the looks, they look very similar. But the Aerocool is 20 euro cheaper at my local store.

I am comparing the Aerocool E85M-700 with the Cougar 700 CM.

[-The_Mask-]

The Aerocool E85M-700 looks like an Cougar CMX.

But Cougar must change something from their product names, because I don't see the logic...
GX, SX, CMX, SE, PowerX, Power, A, S, CM

[ Voor 83% gewijzigd door -The_Mask- op 23-09-2010 14:07 ]

[Verwijderd]

Hi!

CM, POWER and S are very soon End of Life. They will be replaced by CMX, POWERX and SX. Very simple.
Aerocool is one of our customer and they get a COUGAR based design for the PSU. But internally it is a little bit different. Components are not that high quality like we use in our PSU´s, they don´t use the hydro-dynamic fan, the internal filtering is not that good as ours.
Let´s call the Aerocool "Little COUGAR´s". Similar, but not that good as the original ones.

[TERW_DAN]

What is the warrantyperiod for the SE400 PSU?

[-The_Mask-]

3 jaar staat op die van mij.

3 jaar dus geen 5 geen idee hoe ik erbij kom.

[ Voor 51% gewijzigd door -The_Mask- op 03-10-2010 22:56 ]

[aex351]

So Cougar is an individual product brand of HEC. I just don't understand why there are so may sub and individual product brands on the market selling the same power supply, but with a different logo and minimal changes. And i'm not talking about HEC alone. It is easy to say 'Our power supply is unique'. You just need to change a minor component to make it unique. It would be nice to see a revolutionary new hardware design. Instead of repackaging the not so new power supplies.

[TERW_DAN]

-The_Mask- schreef op vrijdag 01 oktober 2010 @ 19:13:
3 jaar staat op die van mij.

3 jaar dus geen 5 geen idee hoe ik erbij kom.

ok, 3 years it is

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
A lot of companies just buy the design and put their label on. So these companies do not need any knowledge of PSU´s, no special people to hire, just put a label of a famous brand on and earn money. PSU´s are not that easy to develope and produce, so companies do the easy way.
Unique PSU´s can not just be changed that easily. Especially the PCB layout is unique for the COUGAR PSU´s which we don´t give to others at current status.
New Hardware Design...what should we do? You know, there is a specification called ATX, set by Intel. Additional specs like 80 PLUS, ErP, Energy Star, SLI, CrossFire etc. also. There is no much room for a new revolution.

[TERW_DAN]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 12 oktober 2010 @ 12:42:
New Hardware Design...what should we do? You know, there is a specification called ATX, set by Intel. Additional specs like 80 PLUS, ErP, Energy Star, SLI, CrossFire etc. also. There is no much room for a new revolution.

Well, if I look at the A450 I reviewed, there is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe no revolution, but I don't think anyone should try to revolutionize something when there are still things to improve.
A more logical cablelayout, better sleeving and better quality connectors would be a good start.

[Verwijderd]

You are the first one which is unhappy with the quality of the connectors, I have noticed it and I will check this in detail.

Sleeving and cable configuration...some like it, some not. This is difficult to satisfy everybody.

[Maks]

Aww my first experience with Cougar PSU's turned out to be quite bad; I bought an A350 PSU to replace the old (and noisy) Sharkoon SHA370 I use in my HTPC.

After connecting everything and turning on my HTPC I didn't hear the PSU fan at all (so far so good), but there is an unbelievable high pitched noise that ruins everything. It’s extremely loud too, so in the end my old Sharkoon PSU is just a lot more quiet and I am going to return the Cougar.

I actually think it’s coil whine, if the windings on a coil are bad combined with high frequencies in a PSU it will start to resonate. Maybe in a few years when I get older I won’t hear high pitched sound anymore but for now it’s extremely irritating.

PS It’s not an uncommon failure, I returned my 460 GTX graphics card for the same reason but manufacturers should be more aware of this.

PPS The whine only occurs when I connect my SATA hard drive, I've never seen this before. Furthermore I'm now 100% sure it's the PSU (tried 2 other psu's and they don't have the high pitched noise).

[ Voor 10% gewijzigd door Maks op 17-10-2010 16:12 ]

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
Sorry to hear this. One of thousands of PSU´s can have this problem, yes. When there is not glue on the correct place of a coil.

[D4NG3R]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 12 oktober 2010 @ 13:44:
You are the first one which is unhappy with the quality of the connectors, I have noticed it and I will check this in detail.

Sleeving and cable configuration...some like it, some not. This is difficult to satisfy everybody.

How about a dedicated line for modders? With a higher price. That still gives waranty after opening, so modders could buy these for sleeving or to replace the fan with a different one if they wish to. There should be limitations ofc, but when there is no visible damage to the inside of the PSU I doubt it will be a problem for the RMA/warranty department to check if the damage is not caused by the user, rather by a hardware failure.

Any decent modder will watch their hardware, and wont break it. Not even by accident, so I dont think the failure rate will rise by even 0.1%.

Kinda like the Dominator GT RAM Modules from Corsair, those are Hand checked. And designed specifically for overclockers and (extreme) high-end markets.

You would also be the first company to ever create PSU's dedicated to the modding community, so this would attract some attention!

[ Voor 23% gewijzigd door D4NG3R op 19-10-2010 14:36 ]

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
It is a nice idea but difficult to create. When user are able to open the PSU and it comes back to us, we need to invest lots of time to find out what happened, we have to check the inside part very carefully. This time (a good educated technican) will cost a lot of money when you calculate just 20 minutes to check all in detail. This would be too expensive. And the few which will buy it...it is not worth to start a mass production.
It is really nothing bad against the modders, I also like the idea. But to start a MASS production, especially as large manufacturer like HEC, we need to have a large market, we need to produce and sell a high quantity, otherwise we loose a lot of money. Because we have to start a new tooling, new designs for the PSU etc.
This is the point.

[D4NG3R]

Im not talking about mass production. Im talking about a select few of every batch made are hand tested for stability ect. And then sold under a slightly different warranty policy. So the user is allowed to open it up.

Ofcourse the price of these PSU's will be higher than the others in the same catogory. But thats the price you pay for an "extended" warranty.

I really doubt any decent modder will break it.

I get the entire idea ofcourse, but it would be REALLY nice to see a company having the guts to actually tro to make a line dedicated to modders.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!

A special series which is far away from mass production will be really too expensive. I like the idea but with the large company behind I know the way the calculation has to be done.
Nice idea, difficult to do for us.

[hellbringer]

Just to let you know Hardware secrets just... well... 'gutted' is the correct term I believe.... one of your PSU's, a Cougar GX 700W (80% Gold): http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1049
Compare that to they're test of a CoolerMaster UCP 700W (80% Bronze)
http://www.hardwaresecret...W-Power-Supply-Review/759
Or a Corsair GS 800W (80 Plus):
http://www.hardwaresecret...-Power-Supply-Review/1103
All these units have the same price (€129.99)

Unfortunately they did they're testing at ~110V (I don't know where that is a standard, I thought the US standard is 115V?) and @ ~45-50º C 'room temperature' (I like my case to be 30 to 35º C max)
So not much for comparing to real life here in Holland.

But it's nice to see the Cougar's internals, and I think they use good quality components and have a nice & clean PCB. Still... they should be able to deliver 87%+ efficiency at 50%/110V?

I think the real competition is Corsair, since they deliver about the same power PSU at about the same price and thats a tough place to be because they already made a good name for them selves.

Btw, is the Cougar GX 700W availible in the Netherlands already? If you have an EAN/SKU code it could be added to the T.Net pricewatch.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
I know the review of course.
When you read the review you will find out that Gabriel already said that the efficiency is good because the 80 PLUS certification always tests at 23 degree. His test was at nearly double temperature, so it is quiet good. When it would be 23 degree he also believe that this unit will rech the efficiency as it should. All other things were very fine, it was a good test of a good PSU.
In Europe we "only" will offer the GX 600/800/1050.

The GX 600 is 99% identical to the GX 700, nearly the same PSU.

[Verwijderd]

Hi!
Just want to remember - we are still here and you can ask everything related to COUGAR or general things about PSU´s.

[Beatboxx]

Why would I buy a Cougar PSU? When you look here: http://twk.rs/cao/dT you see they're sometimes twice as expensive compared to other - still pretty good - PSU's