Technology X Tomorrow's Technology Today!
FINAL WORDS AND CONCLUSION
The Cougar RX Series 500W 80+ PSU is a great buy for the first-time builder/gamer who does not require much from their PSU aside from high-end gaming. While it is 500W, it is not only efficient but also performs steadily cool and quiet over the course usage. With excellent aesthetics and exceptional build quality inside and outside, there is a lot going for it.
There definitely are certain parts of the PSU’s components that could have been improved, specifically the use of three separate transformers instead of the single +12V rail and the joint +5V and 3.3V rail. We also believe that a ball-bearing fan should have been used in the PSU construction rather than the sleeve-bearing fan that was included, as within three years the sleeve-bearing fan may cease quickly in burning out the PSU. The lack of a 125V three-pronged power cord is also hard to swallow, and a questionable omission for such a vital accessory.
Other than those issues, the Cougar RX Series 500W 80 PLUS PSU is great for those with budget builds in mind. While it is a tad rough around the edges here and there, it is a solid performer in everything from efficiency, noise, temperature, and overclocking. Those that need a small footprint, low-profile PSU at a decent price point need look no further than the 500W and 600W Cougar RX Series 80 PLUS flavours.