W1zzard
11-22-2005, 11:32 AM
[PAGE=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
I would like to thank MGE (http://www.mgecompany.com) for supplying me with the unit for review.
MGE was founded in 1990 and the name stands for "Manufacturer of Great Electronics".
MGE Company is an innovator of high-quality computer accessories, power supplies, and cases for high-end PC systems. Combining unique styling and the latest advances in power supplies, thermal cooling technology and airflow, MGE’s products enable consumers to add performance and personality to their PC systems, contrary to the “plain-vanilla” look and feel of standard desktop accessories. The company targets the extreme gamer/modder niche as well as the “build your own” (BYO) mainstream market of PC enthusiasts. Built on a legacy of 10 years of expertise in the electronics and computer industry, MGE products incorporate stylish designs, advanced functionality and, most importantly, reliability.
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package2.jpg)
Box contents:
Power supply unit
Power Cord
Screw Package
Instruction Manual
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/contents_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/contents.jpg)
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th rowspan="2">Connectors</th>
<th align="center">Main Power</th>
<th align="center">5.25"</th>
<th align="center">Floppy</th>
<th align="center">4 Pin CPU</th>
<th align="center">SerialATA</th>
<th align="center">PCI-E Aux Power</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">ATX 24 Pin</td>
<td align="center">8</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cablelength.gif
[page=The PSU]
The PSU
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu5.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu6.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu7_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu7.jpg)
The design of the MGE XG Vortec is quite unique. It is made from anodized aluminum which has ripples for better heat dissipation. Another unique feature are the two windows on the sides which allow you to take an inside look of your PSU. When running, the PSU is lighted up blue and the light is shining out of these windows.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu2.jpg)
On the backside of the PSU you have an illuminated power switch. A small red switch to select between 110V and 220V input voltage and a shiny rotary knob to select the speed at which the PSU fan is running.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cables_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cables.jpg)
MGE has sleeved all cables in a nice blue which matches the PSU's color.
[pagE=PSU Inside & Test Equipment]
PSU Inside
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside2.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside5.jpg)
Inside the PSU you find no serviceable parts or any trimmers to tweak the output voltages with. Opening your PSU voids your warranty, with this PSU there is no reason to do so.
Test Equipment
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/setup.jpg
The PSU is connected to an APC SmartUPS which supplies clean 220V input.
AC current is measured using a Peaktech 4010 desktop RS232 multimeter with 0.02A accuracy.
To measure DC output voltages of the PSU we use a 20-bit data acquisition system calibrated to 10uV accuracy.
Power Factor is measured using a generic Power Efficiency Meter.
Measurements for Ripple Voltage were obtained using a 30 MHz HAMEG Analog/Digital Oscilloscope.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/noisetest_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/noisetest.jpg)
Sound level measurements are performed with an IEC Type 2 Sound level meter and this setup.
It consists of three high-power resistors and a Socket A motherboard. The motherboard creates a small load which makes sure the PSU turns on (some PSUs require a minimum load). Since there is no hardware installed in the motherboard, its power draw is negligible. The three resistors create a static load of 320W (120W @ 12V + 50W @ 5V + 150W @ 12V) - a typical high-performance system. This setup is also used to determine the power conversion efficiency of the PSU.
[page=Performance]
Performance
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/sticker_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/sticker.jpg)
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th colspan="8">MGE XG Vortec 500W</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>AC Input</th>
<td colspan="7">115V / 230V 10A, 50-60 Hz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>DC Voltage</th>
<td align="center">+3.3V</td>
<td align="center">+5V</td>
<td align="center">+12V</td>
<td align="center">-12V</td>
<td align="center">+5VSB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th rowspan="2">Max. Output</th>
<td align="center">28A</td>
<td align="center">30A</td>
<td align="center">34A</td>
<td align="center">0.8A</td>
<td align="center">2A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">200 W</td>
<td align="center">408 W</td>
<td align="center">9.6 W</td>
<td align="center">10 W</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psugraph.gif
Tested on: P4 3.0F @ 4.0 Ghz, 1.45V. ABIT Fatal1ty AA8XE, 1GB OCZ PC2-5400 EB, Radeon X850 XT, Maxtor DiamondMax 10 SATA.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/ripple.jpg
Above image shows the Ripple Voltage measurement (5 mV per vertical division, 0.1uS per horizontal division). 10mV from peak to bottom is a good result. Ripple Voltage was measured at idle.
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 12V</th>
<td align="right">84.088 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 5V</th>
<td align="right">5.382 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 3.3V</th>
<td align="right">10.150 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Power Factor</th>
<td align="right">0.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Ripple Voltage 12V</th>
<td align="right">10 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Power Efficiency</th>
<td align="right">73% (320W:438W)</td>
</tr>
</table>
Standard deviation is a statistical term, which tells how far away from the average the measurements are. In other words it's the average of the average.
A large standard deviation indicates that the data points are far from the average and a small standard deviation indicates that they are close within the average.
[PAGE=Fan Noise, Value & Conclusion]
Fan Noise
The fan speed of the MGE XG Vortec 550W can be controlled by the use of a small rotary knob on the backside of the PSU. Additionally, if the fan speed is too low at the current setting to keep the PSU cool, the fan speed will automatically increase. At the highest setting the PSU is VERY loud (62 dbA), maybe this could be used during some intense benchmarking. During our tests I saw no need to turn up the fan speed, since the fan control circuitry handles everything automatically anyway. The graph below shows the PSU fan noise at the "low" fan speed setting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/fannoise.gif
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The MGE XG Vortec 500W is sold for around $60, which is quite a bargain for this PSU.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
PCI-E video card connector
Stable 5V and 3.3V lines, 12V line is ok
Rugged construction
Fan speed can be controlled
All cables are sleeved
Nice blue finish, takes no fingerprints
Windows
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Low efficiency
Low Power Factor, no PFC
Only one PCI-E power connector
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.2</th>
<td>MGE has built a great PSU with stable voltages, a unique design and lots of useful features. The included PCI-Express video card power connector is a feature which every new PSU should have today. I really liked that the PSU's blue finish does not take any fingerprints. For casemodders it is important to have all cabling sleeved, some other manufacturers try to save a few bucks here, sacrificing looks.<br />
One weak point of this PSU is the lack of PFC, which doesn't really affect you as private user. More important is the rather low energy conversion efficiency of only 73%, other PSUs reach higher values here, so your overall power bill might be a few percent higher.<br />
Last but not least, the MGE XG Vortec is coming at a very competitive price. Only $60 for a high-quality PSU will make sure that you have some extra money left for other system upgrades.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
I would like to thank MGE (http://www.mgecompany.com) for supplying me with the unit for review.
MGE was founded in 1990 and the name stands for "Manufacturer of Great Electronics".
MGE Company is an innovator of high-quality computer accessories, power supplies, and cases for high-end PC systems. Combining unique styling and the latest advances in power supplies, thermal cooling technology and airflow, MGE’s products enable consumers to add performance and personality to their PC systems, contrary to the “plain-vanilla” look and feel of standard desktop accessories. The company targets the extreme gamer/modder niche as well as the “build your own” (BYO) mainstream market of PC enthusiasts. Built on a legacy of 10 years of expertise in the electronics and computer industry, MGE products incorporate stylish designs, advanced functionality and, most importantly, reliability.
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/package2.jpg)
Box contents:
Power supply unit
Power Cord
Screw Package
Instruction Manual
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/contents_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/contents.jpg)
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th rowspan="2">Connectors</th>
<th align="center">Main Power</th>
<th align="center">5.25"</th>
<th align="center">Floppy</th>
<th align="center">4 Pin CPU</th>
<th align="center">SerialATA</th>
<th align="center">PCI-E Aux Power</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">ATX 24 Pin</td>
<td align="center">8</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cablelength.gif
[page=The PSU]
The PSU
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu5.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu6.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu7_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu7.jpg)
The design of the MGE XG Vortec is quite unique. It is made from anodized aluminum which has ripples for better heat dissipation. Another unique feature are the two windows on the sides which allow you to take an inside look of your PSU. When running, the PSU is lighted up blue and the light is shining out of these windows.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psu2.jpg)
On the backside of the PSU you have an illuminated power switch. A small red switch to select between 110V and 220V input voltage and a shiny rotary knob to select the speed at which the PSU fan is running.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cables_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/cables.jpg)
MGE has sleeved all cables in a nice blue which matches the PSU's color.
[pagE=PSU Inside & Test Equipment]
PSU Inside
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside2.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/inside5.jpg)
Inside the PSU you find no serviceable parts or any trimmers to tweak the output voltages with. Opening your PSU voids your warranty, with this PSU there is no reason to do so.
Test Equipment
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/setup.jpg
The PSU is connected to an APC SmartUPS which supplies clean 220V input.
AC current is measured using a Peaktech 4010 desktop RS232 multimeter with 0.02A accuracy.
To measure DC output voltages of the PSU we use a 20-bit data acquisition system calibrated to 10uV accuracy.
Power Factor is measured using a generic Power Efficiency Meter.
Measurements for Ripple Voltage were obtained using a 30 MHz HAMEG Analog/Digital Oscilloscope.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/noisetest_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/noisetest.jpg)
Sound level measurements are performed with an IEC Type 2 Sound level meter and this setup.
It consists of three high-power resistors and a Socket A motherboard. The motherboard creates a small load which makes sure the PSU turns on (some PSUs require a minimum load). Since there is no hardware installed in the motherboard, its power draw is negligible. The three resistors create a static load of 320W (120W @ 12V + 50W @ 5V + 150W @ 12V) - a typical high-performance system. This setup is also used to determine the power conversion efficiency of the PSU.
[page=Performance]
Performance
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/sticker_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/sticker.jpg)
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th colspan="8">MGE XG Vortec 500W</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>AC Input</th>
<td colspan="7">115V / 230V 10A, 50-60 Hz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>DC Voltage</th>
<td align="center">+3.3V</td>
<td align="center">+5V</td>
<td align="center">+12V</td>
<td align="center">-12V</td>
<td align="center">+5VSB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th rowspan="2">Max. Output</th>
<td align="center">28A</td>
<td align="center">30A</td>
<td align="center">34A</td>
<td align="center">0.8A</td>
<td align="center">2A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">200 W</td>
<td align="center">408 W</td>
<td align="center">9.6 W</td>
<td align="center">10 W</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/psugraph.gif
Tested on: P4 3.0F @ 4.0 Ghz, 1.45V. ABIT Fatal1ty AA8XE, 1GB OCZ PC2-5400 EB, Radeon X850 XT, Maxtor DiamondMax 10 SATA.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/ripple.jpg
Above image shows the Ripple Voltage measurement (5 mV per vertical division, 0.1uS per horizontal division). 10mV from peak to bottom is a good result. Ripple Voltage was measured at idle.
<table class="resulttable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 12V</th>
<td align="right">84.088 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 5V</th>
<td align="right">5.382 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Standard deviation 3.3V</th>
<td align="right">10.150 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Power Factor</th>
<td align="right">0.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Ripple Voltage 12V</th>
<td align="right">10 mV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Power Efficiency</th>
<td align="right">73% (320W:438W)</td>
</tr>
</table>
Standard deviation is a statistical term, which tells how far away from the average the measurements are. In other words it's the average of the average.
A large standard deviation indicates that the data points are far from the average and a small standard deviation indicates that they are close within the average.
[PAGE=Fan Noise, Value & Conclusion]
Fan Noise
The fan speed of the MGE XG Vortec 550W can be controlled by the use of a small rotary knob on the backside of the PSU. Additionally, if the fan speed is too low at the current setting to keep the PSU cool, the fan speed will automatically increase. At the highest setting the PSU is VERY loud (62 dbA), maybe this could be used during some intense benchmarking. During our tests I saw no need to turn up the fan speed, since the fan control circuitry handles everything automatically anyway. The graph below shows the PSU fan noise at the "low" fan speed setting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MGE/XGVortec500/images/fannoise.gif
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The MGE XG Vortec 500W is sold for around $60, which is quite a bargain for this PSU.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
PCI-E video card connector
Stable 5V and 3.3V lines, 12V line is ok
Rugged construction
Fan speed can be controlled
All cables are sleeved
Nice blue finish, takes no fingerprints
Windows
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Low efficiency
Low Power Factor, no PFC
Only one PCI-E power connector
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.2</th>
<td>MGE has built a great PSU with stable voltages, a unique design and lots of useful features. The included PCI-Express video card power connector is a feature which every new PSU should have today. I really liked that the PSU's blue finish does not take any fingerprints. For casemodders it is important to have all cabling sleeved, some other manufacturers try to save a few bucks here, sacrificing looks.<br />
One weak point of this PSU is the lack of PFC, which doesn't really affect you as private user. More important is the rather low energy conversion efficiency of only 73%, other PSUs reach higher values here, so your overall power bill might be a few percent higher.<br />
Last but not least, the MGE XG Vortec is coming at a very competitive price. Only $60 for a high-quality PSU will make sure that you have some extra money left for other system upgrades.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>