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The Cooler Master GX450 is a decent power supply, aimed at the budget market. A good option for enthusiast users wanting to build an entry level gaming system or performance oriented media center.
Efficiency ratings for an 80 Plus unit are solid, delivering a maximum efficiency rating of around 85% mid way through the output range. This drops to around 81% under full load. The 120mm fan does a reasonable job of maintaining fairly good temperatures, although it does seem to be working quite hard above 80% of the rated output, and is clearly audible. We realistically expect that in a high definition media system environment this PSU will be taxed with less than 50% of its given output.
Ripple results fall within the rated tolerance guidelines, although we found that the +3.3V result was just inside the 50mV guideline figure. Load regulation is quite strong, never dropping into what we would consider a dangerous zone.
While none of the technical testing will make the product stand out in a crowded marketplace, Cooler Master will be focusing on the lowest possible pricepoint to reach the widest audience. We don't have confirmed pricing yet as the product is not released, however the GX 550 was retailing for around £55 inc vat, therefore we would expect the GX450 to be a very low cost choice for a consumer on a budget.
KitGuru says: A good budget offering from CoolerMaster, but they will have to fight hard for it to be seen in such a crowded marketplace.
