XPG Goes for the Gold

An more and more widespread face within the energy provide market, the majority of XPG’s work up to now has been on high-end, high-margin energy provides, reminiscent of their 80Plus Platinum-rated Cybercore II. However as the corporate has grow to be higher established within the PSU market on the again of a number of profitable merchandise, the corporate is trying to increase their footprint by venturing into the mid-range section.

Spearheading that effort is the brand new XPG Core Reactor II sequence. Seeking to keep their aggressive edge with, what’s frankly, a less expensive energy provide design, XPG must stroll a really tight rope, the place the place the equilibrium between efficiency, high quality, and price is essential. On this class, PSUs should help a spread of computing setups whereas sustaining a concentrate on worth for cash. The Core Reactor II sequence represents XPG’s dedication to this section, illustrating their functionality to cater to a broad spectrum of customers who search a mix of dependable efficiency and financial viability.

As an 80Plus Gold licensed unit and with out too many bells and whistles, the Core Reactor II stands out for its sensible design, tailor-made to ship constant efficiency with out the premium value. In analyzing the main points of the XPG Core Reactor II sequence, we’ll consider how properly these PSUs align with XPG’s dedication to reasonably priced high quality and whether or not they meet the various wants of mid-range computing environments.

Packaging and Bundle

The XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU is introduced in sturdy and visually placing packaging. The field, crafted from sturdy cardboard, boasts a vivid pink hue and prominently shows a picture of the unit on the entrance. Making certain safety throughout transport, the PSU is encased in dense packaging foam.

Whereas the package deal contents are primary, they cowl all requirements, together with mounting screws and the important AC energy cable, complemented by a couple of ornamental stickers for added aptitude.

The Core Reactor II 1200W PSU presents an array of cables, all uniformly coloured in black, from connectors to wires. The vast majority of these cables are neatly sleeved, except for the SATA, Molex, and the 12VHPWR to 8-pin PCIe cables.

The XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU

Exterior Look

The XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU successfully manages a major energy output inside its 160mm size, modestly exceeding the standard ATX measurement. This deliberate sizing ensures it matches seamlessly into a various array of ATX-compliant circumstances, making it a flexible alternative for various PC configurations, from desktop HTPCs to compact methods.

Avoiding a too flashy design, the Core Reactor II 1200W PSU is sprayed with a smooth matte black end. This may be a really refined look if not for the embossed geometric patterns on the perimeters and an summary geometric fan cutout, which add fairly a little bit of aptitude to the design. The highest of the unit is roofed with a complete sticker that outlines its electrical specs and certifications.

The entrance facet of the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU is residence solely to the usual on/off change and AC receptacle. The modular cable connectors are thoughtfully organized on the rear of the unit, designed for easy and error-free connections. These connectors, whereas not color-coded, are surrounded by a clearly printed, shiny white legend on the chassis, aiding in correct cable set up.

Inner Design

For cooling, the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU employs a Hong Hua HA13525H12SF-Z fan, which is 135 mm in measurement, completely becoming inside its barely bigger than customary ATX body. This fan is of superior high quality, that includes a Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) engine. FDB followers are famend for his or her good sturdiness and quiet efficiency, continuously discovering utility in high-performance PSUs.

The XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU makes use of a Channel-Effectively Applied sciences (CWT) platform. CWT is a extremely respected OEM in relation to mainstream and high-performance PC PSUs.

The filtering stage, commencing on the AC receptacle, extends onto the principle PCB. It includes 4 Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and two filtering inductors, providing a barely higher than customary configuration, adopted by with two customary rectifying bridges connected to their devoted heatsink. The APFC stage contains two MOSFETs (AOTF095A60L) and one diode on their very own heatsink, together with a big filtering inductor and two Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors (470 μF and 820 μF). This design ensures sturdy energy regulation and stability.

On the first facet, the Core Reactor II makes use of a typical half-bridge LLC topology with two IPA60R125P6 energy MOSFETs, connected to a devoted heatsink. It’s a pretty primary topology for mid-range PC PSUs with no surprises.

The secondary stage is notable for its ten 014N06NS MOSFETs on a vertical daughterboard, producing the first 12V line. Moreover, DC-to-DC converters on one other vertical daughterboard produce the three.3V and 5V strains. The capacitors on this facet, primarily a mixture of electrolytic and polymer varieties from Nippon Chemi-Con, with a couple of from Rubycon, are all sourced from respected Japanese producers, underscoring the unit’s high quality and sturdiness.