Certification & Efficiency
Certification
This power supply offers the series PSUs as a Gold-rated power supply as certified by the 80 PLUS organization (the people that certify and test efficiency). We already explained a little about what that means. But what does such a certification entail? Well, 80 Plus (trademarked 80 PLUS) is a voluntary certification program intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs). Launched in 2004 by Ecos Consulting, it certifies products that have more than 80% energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load, and a power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% load. That is, such PSUs will waste 20% or less electric energy as heat at the specified load levels, thus reducing electricity use and bills compared to less efficient PSUs. Sometimes, rebates are given to manufacturers who use 80 Plus-certified PSUs.
80 Plus test type | 115 V internal non-redundant | 230 V internal redundant | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Percentage of rated load | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
80Plus | 80% | 80% | 80% | |||||
80Plus Bronze | 82% | 85% | 82% | 81% | 85% | 81% | ||
80Plus Silver | 85% | 88% | 85% | 85% | 89% | 85% | ||
80Plus Gold | 87% | 90% | 87% | 88% | 92% | 88% | ||
80Plus Platinum | 90% | 92% | 89% | 90% | 94% | 91% | ||
80Plus Titanium | 90% | 92% | 94% | 90% | 90% | 94% | 96% | 91% |
There certainly is plenty to choose from; we have Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and thus Titanium certifications. A PSU that is certified 80 PLUS Titanium is more efficient than your regular unit. The tested series supplies are certified by the 80PLUS organization to deliver a 92% energy efficiency at 50% load and still 90% efficiency when your PC is in idle. These days we suggest you get at least a 750 Watt PSU for any standard PC, but considering your PC / PSU is the most efficient and energy-friendly at half its load, it might be wiser to purchase a higher rated power supply.
On the EDGE
The EDGE series power supplies from LIAN LI are designed to be a high-quality choice for building modern PCs, especially tailored for dual chamber cases thanks to their unique T-shaped design which allows for vertical installation. This design is not just for aesthetics; it also includes a modular strip facing outwards, making it more accessible and considerably simplifying the setup process by facilitating easier cable management. These power supplies are equipped with a built-in 4-port USB expansion hub. This addition is particularly useful for connecting multiple RGB devices, fans, and controllers directly to the power supply instead of the motherboard. This arrangement helps in reducing clutter by minimizing the number of wires needed and eases the installation process. To further enhance its functionality, the EDGE power supply features an embossed mesh design that not only adds to its sleek look but also provides effective cooling. It has a 120 mm fan and a mesh with 66.9% porosity, ensuring optimal heat dissipation while keeping the appearance neat and tidy. When it comes to quality, the EDGE series did not compromise. It incorporates high-grade EPCOS capacitors along with Japanese-made capacitors, known for their durability and capability to operate under a wide range of temperatures and harsh conditions. These capacitors withstand temperature spikes, vibrations, and are suited for various challenging environments. Such components boost the longevity and reliability of the power supply. The EDGE also comes fully equipped with multiple protection features like Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Temperature Protection (OTP), Over Power Protection (OPP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), and Under Voltage Protection (UVP). These features ensure that the power supply operates safely under all circumstances. Additionally, it holds impressive efficiency ratings such as 80 Plus Platinum, Cybenetics Platinum, and PPLP Platinum, marking it as a top-tier product in terms of performance. A substantial 10-year warranty supports its claims of reliability and customer satisfaction.
Focusing on customization, the EDGE power supplies include premium braided sleeved cables for various connectors including the 20+4 pin, CPU, PCIe 6+2 pin, and 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connectors. These cables are not only durable but are also designed with pre-installed cable combs, making it straightforward for users to manage and organize them neatly within their setups. Particularly, the 12VHPWR cables are noteworthy as they feature custom-molded 12+4 connectors which ensure stable and reliable power delivery. The dual-color shell of these connectors serves as a guide for correct insertion, preventing installation errors. The EDGE power supply also provides SATA power cables designed to meet various installation needs. These include a Y-Type SATA cable which is helpful for connecting drives and controllers that are spaced far apart, and a 300 mm Close-Type cable with 15 mm spacing that allows for connecting multiple devices closely yet neatly, thus reducing cable clutter. As for availability and pricing, the LIAN LI EDGE power supplies will hit the market on July 5th, 2024. However, the 850 W model will see a later release date. Pricing for these units is competitive, with the 1300 W model priced at $229.99 for the black version and $239.99 for the white. The 1000 W version is slightly more affordable, costing $189.99 in black and $199.99 in white.