BitFenix Formula 80 Plus Gold Power Supply - 550 Watt [BP-FM550ULAG-9R]

The Formula series refers to BitFenix as the little brother of its successful Whisper M series. In fact, the Formula power supplies have an almost identical technical equipment. This begins with modern electronics and the associated efficiency, which produces very little waste heat. This allows the 120 mm fan to turn very slowly. The specially developed fan control allows operation at only 500 rpm with low to medium load.

The fan grille in grill design is particularly resistant and minimizes the turbulence at the air inlet. Subjectively, the air flow remains subjectively almost silent at low and medium load and still (very) quiet at full load. Possible bearing noise is avoided by the enclosed FDB plain bearing over the entire life of the power supply. In a cool environment (up to about 25 degrees room temperature), the Formula 80 Plus Gold remains permanently at 60 percent utilization at 18 dB (A) volume.

State-of-the-art technology is under the hood of the non-modular power supply: In the primary area, BitFenix uses active PFC and LLC resonance conversion, while in the secondary area, DC-DC down conversion is used. Unlike many competitors, BitFenix does not rely on using an existing platform from a contract manufacturer, but has developed its own board for the Forms series to fully meet customer expectations.

In addition to the particularly high efficiency due to the reduced conversion losses, the numerous optimization measures primarily benefit the voltage quality: Due to the independently regulated voltages, the entire rated output of 550 watts can be provided on the today decisive + 12 volt rail for CPU and GPU , The so-called Minor Rails +3.3 and +5 volts allow up to 100 watts of load - enough for large amounts of high-end storage and a dozen drives.

Even strongly asymmetric loads do not cause significant deviations of the voltages from the setpoints. Of course, Intel's new processor generations with the current C6 / C7 power-saving modes are fully supported. High-quality Japanese 105-degree electrolytic capacitors and polymer solid capacitors permanently ensure perfect voltage smoothing and minimum residual ripple. In short: Formula's performance is first-rate in every way.

In the case of protection circuits, BitFenix is determined to avert damage from other components of the computer in all cases. The protection circuit package is complete with Overload Protection (OPP), Overheat (OTP), Over and Under Voltage (OVP, EIA), Short Circuit (SCP) and Over Current (OCP). In addition, BitFenix relies on optimized multi-rail technology. The 550-watt model has three separately-secured + 12-volt rails powered by a single main transformer. Combined with appropriately selected trip values for each of the individual rails, the manufacturer combines optimum safety with unrestricted suitability for demanding components and overclocking. In addition, the power packs of the Formula series are protected against interference from the power grid by generously dimensioned filters, inrush current limiters and a varistor as primary overvoltage protection (SIP). Load-free operation is also possible safely (NLO).

Modern electronics with high-quality components has another advantage: BitFenix is easy to demonstrate confidence in its own products: the Whisper series manufacturer's warranty is just five years. Buyers of this power supply not only get the best performance today, but also outstanding reliability for a very long time. In the unlikely event of technical problems, customer service will help in English and German.

To ensure that the enormous performance of the BF-550G also reaches its components, BitFenix provides sufficient connections. Completely connected are black ribbon cables (ribbon style) with sufficient length for optically pleasing cable routing, even in large enclosures: the 4 + 4-pin connector is, for example, a full 65 centimeters long. ATX main plug and the graphics card plug have equally generous scope with 60 centimeters or 55 centimeters. There are a total of two 6 + 2-pin PCIe connectors, as well as two Molex and six SATA connectors. The ATX cable is also equipped with Elkos, which on the one hand decouple interfering interference, smooth out the voltage and on the other hand serve as a buffer for sudden peak loads in the supply voltage - an ideal power supply for overclockers and modders.

Technical details:

    Dimensions: 150 x 86 x 140 mm (W x H x D)
    Fan: 120 mm (FDB bearing, automatic control with particularly low speed)
    Color: Black (power adapter, fan)
    Efficiency: at least 91/90/88% at 50/20/100% load (115 volts input, efficiency at 230 volts common in Europe is up to 2 percentage points higher), 80 Plus Gold Certificate
    Active PFC
    Form factor: ATX12V 2.4
    Power: 550W
    + 3.3V: 20A
    + 5V: 20A
    + 3.3V & + 5V combined: 100W
    + 12V1: 25A
    + 12V2: 25A
    + 12V3: 30A
    + 12V combined: 550W
    -12V: 3.6W / 0.3A
    + 5Vsb: 12.5W / 2.5A
    Connections (removable):
    1x 20 + 4-pin ATX12V / EPS12V
    1x 4 + 4-pin ATX12V / EPS12V
    2x 6 + 2-pin PCIe
    6x SATA
    2x 4-pole molex
    Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years