Average Noise
The average noise output is close to 27 dBA at 115V input and around 26 dBA at 230V. Overall, this is not a noisy PSU.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 115V
The semi-passive mode features a slight break between 65W and 90W, with the fan’s noise falling within the 20-25 dBA range. Noise output is kept low at up to around 400W at 12V, and the load on the minor rails doesn’t significantly affect the fan speed profile. MSI did well to keep the max combined load on the minor rails at 100W. With higher than 430W at 12V, noise enters the 30-35 dBA range, and the 35 dBA mark is passed at 490W.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 230V
The 230V fan speed profile has some differences, with the most notable being the three periods of fan stop, instead of two at 115V, and the longer duration of the 20-25 dBA range.
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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?