Box & Bundle
The box features a photo of the product on its front and many badges. At some point, MSI should consider using only the essential badges and not any additional badges obtained from various sources, as this will most likely confuse users. The testing methodology and capabilities in general of anyone claiming a certification agency status should also be approved by an independent entity holding the proper credentials (a government entity). Otherwise, it has no significance.
Product Photos
The design is plain, but I don’t mind, since in most chassis you won’t even have a clear sight of the PSU. The fan grille is not restrictive, which is beneficial for airflow. At the PSU’s front side, you will find the AC receptacle and the power switch. There is no ECO switch, but unlike the 1000W and 850W models, the 750W and 650W models does feature semi-passive operation. I prefer a PWM-driven fan spinning at low speeds under light loads, instead of a fan-stop feature.
The modular panel includes eight sockets, including a native 12V-2×6 header.
| Modular Cables | ||||
| Description | Cable Count | Connector Count (Total) | Gauge | In Cable Capacitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATX connector 20+4 pin (600mm) | 1 | 1 | 18-22AWG | No |
| 4+4 pin EPS12V (650mm+105mm) | 1 | 2 | 18-20AWG | No |
| 6+2 pin PCIe (600mm) | 2 | 2 | 18AWG | No |
| 12+4 pin PCIe (600mm) (300W) | 1 | 1 | 18-24AWG | No |
| SATA (500mm+150mm+150mm) / 4-pin Molex (+150mm) | 1 | 3 / 1 | 18AWG | No |
| SATA (500mm+150mm) / 4-pin Molex (+150mm) / FDD (+150mm) | 1 | 2 / 1 / 1 | 18-20AWG | No |
| AC Power Cord (1400mm) – C13 coupler | 1 | 1 | 18AWG | – |
A background story here, since I know someone who knows someone 🙂 Cybenetics requested a change in cable configuration, as some cables used 20AWG gauges, and MSI responded promptly to obtain the corresponding certifications. This is why it is essential to have reputable certification organizations conduct testing on products before they are released to the market. Now, the minimum thickness in the primary power gauges is 18 AWG, as required by the ATX spec. All cables are long enough, and the distance between the peripheral connectors is adequate at 150mm. My only concern is with the EPS connectors, which are installed on a single cable. Given the increased amount of current that these connectors can handle, MSI should use dedicated cables and not a pigtail one. Lastly, it is unusual to find an FDD connector on a modern power supply unit (PSU). It should be replaced with a 4-pin Molex one.
The 12V-2×6 cable uses 18AWG gauges instead of the recommended 16AWG, but this PSU is set for a maximum output of 300W in the respective header. In my opinion, this cable should use 16AWG, though, because a user could remove it from this PSU and use it in a stronger one, with a 600W setting on its 12V-2×6 header. This is the only cable that is electrically compatible with all PSUs featuring native 12V-2×6 or 12VHPWR headers, so it must maintain the exact specifications regardless of the header’s power settings.
We made the purchase based on your review. Installed into wife’s case, very quiet. MSI must have changed the fan (https://storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/power-supply/us/MAG-A650GLS-PCIE5.pdf) to a 135mm FDB & also changed the profile. At 150W and it still did not switch on. Is it possible they are using thermal for fan speed?
they always use thermal info to control fan speed yes.
April 11, 2024.. on the XPG Core Reactor II VE 650W PSU Review.. you stated “The 600W setting of the 12+4 pin connector is overkill! It should normally be set at 300W.”
Because it used the 600W spec of 16AWG, you dinged it. Now because the MSI took your advice & used the 300W spec of 18AWG, you ding them.!!
I don’t ding the 16AWG gauge but the fact that they use 600W on a 650W PSU. For MSI’s case I had to talk directly with Intel to confirm that they are ok with 18AWG when the PSU has its port set at 300W.
So to wrap up, having a 600W set port on a 650W PSU is NOT good! This is what I said.
thank you for the clarification. i misunderstood the word connector as indicting cable, whereas you used connector in the context of the psu port.
i enjoy reading your reviews & opinions. great work.
glad to hear that standards are subject to interpretation. i did read your article on 12V-2×6 Cables? Are ALL The Same?. where it is summarized by Intel … According to Intel, using 18AWG gauges on a 12V-2×6 cable is incorrect, even if this is used by 750W/850W PSUs, where the maximum power setting is 300W. would it be possible to update that article to state your new conversation with Intel that it is ok with 18AWG on a port set at 300W?