Testing
The following system was used to test the cooler:
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– RAM: Neo Forza Faye DDR4 64GB 4000MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial P5 1TB
– Mass storage: NeoForza NFP075 2TB
– CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Master Liquid 240 with NoiseBlocker eLoop B12-PS
– Display: AOC i2769VM
– Case: be quiet! Silent Base 802 White
– OS: Windows 10 64-Bit (After April Update)
The above system has a power consumption of approximately 450W when in full load and 67W when idle, in order to test the efficiency of the Power Supply, the power draw of the system was measured at the wall socket. Also, the voltages were measured on the +12v +5v and +3.3v using a digital multi-meter.
To load the system to its maximum the stability test of the AIDA64 Extreme 6.85.6300 was used with Intel Burn Test V2.
The Power Supply was tested with the system both idle and at maximum load.
Power Supply efficiency
For rail voltage tolerance levels, ATX (Power Supply Design Guide) specify that a 5% variable fluctuation is acceptable.
Voltage oscillation idle
Voltage oscillation load
The noise level was measured at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 5 db.
Final thoughts
The GameMax GX650W Gold is a decent power supply that offers the advertised gold efficiency certification. However, the biggest drawback of this power supply is the price. At close to 90 USD, it is too expensive when compared to other models, such as the NZXT C Series C650.
The design of the GameMax GX650W Gold is good, with an all-black case and green accents on the sides. The fan has no RGB and there are no LEDs on this power supply, which is great for those that do not want them.
In terms of the performance, when we talk about the efficiency the power supply delivers on its promise. It easily reached the advertised 80 Plus gold efficiency with a power load of 69% of its total wattage.
However, when we look at the voltage oscillation, things are not that good. While it’s not a bad voltage ripple, it’s not the best, and for the asked price, I was expecting a lot better.
The cables offered with this power supply are good, with a ribbon style flat design and quite flexible. They are a joy to work with and being all-black means that they will match any system.
In terms of the sound, the power supply is reasonably quiet, with a maximum noise output of 38db at maximum load. Unfortunately, the fan does not have a special fan curve to keep it stopped at low power loads.
In terms of pricing, here is where the worst part of the GameMax GX650W Gold reveals itself. On average, this power supply can be found for 85 USD, which is a lot. Especially for questionable capacitors, average soldering in some areas of the PCB and an unknown fan.
In conclusion, the GameMax GX650W Gold is a good entry level power supply that is best used for a low power gaming system. However, the asked price of over 80USD is not the best thing in the world, and for that much you can find better power supplies. The GameMax GX650W Gold is a good choice if you can find it for between 50 to 60USD.
The efficiency is good, at peak efficiency reaching 90%. The same can be said for the sound output of the 120mm fan. The voltage ripple is average but nothing to worry about.
