The XPG Core Reactor II VE 650 is a more affordable version of the similar capacity Core Reactor II model, using the same platform which is provided by Channel Well Technology. It all comes down to the final prices of the VE models, for users to decide whether they should buy them or it will be better paying 10-20 dollars more to get the non-VE models.
The XPG Core Reactor II VE 650W will be included in my best ATX v3.x & PCIe 5.x PSU picks article once I have enough entries to create a 650W category.
- XPG Core Reactor II 850W PSU Review
- XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU Review
- XPG Core Reactor II VE 750W PSU Review
- XPG Launches CORE REACTOR II VE PSU & VENTO PWM FAN Family
XPG already has a Core Reactor PSU line in its portfolio, but it needed something more affordable, so it came up with the Core Reactor II Value Edition (VE) line. This line meets the Intel ATX v3.1 specifications. It uses the same Channel Well Technology platform (codename CSE) as the Core Reactor II models but with some changes to lower production costs. The Core Reactor II VE line consists of three models, with capacities ranging from 650W to 850W.
The Core Reactor II VE models don’t use such high-quality capacitors as the non-VE models. Hence, they are supported by a shorter warranty, which is still pretty long at seven years. They also come with fewer cables, and I don’t have a problem with that since most users don’t utilize all provided cables eitherway, so a notable amount of money can be saved there. According to XPG, the production costs shrink by 20 dollars, with fewer cables and different capacitors. Indeed, caps cost a lot; the same goes for the cables because copper doesn’t come cheap. The $20 price difference between VE and non-VE models is substantial, given that both lines use the same CWT platform.
I will evaluate the Core Reactor II VE 650W unit, the line’s lower capacity member, in this review. It has a Cybenetics Gold efficiency rating and Cybenetics A- (25-30 dB[A]) in noise. The cooling fan is by Hong Hua and uses a fluid dynamic bearing, so it won’t have a problem outliving the provided warranty.
- Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
- Max Power: 650W
- Cybenetics Efficiency: [115V] Cybenetics Gold (87-89%) [230V] Cybenetics Gold (89-91%)
- Noise [115V]: Cybenetics A- (25-30 dB[A])
- Compliance: ATX v3.1, EPS 2.92
- Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load): 0 – 50 °C
- Alternative Low Power Mode support: Yes
- Power 12V combined: 650W
- Number of 12V rails: 1
- Power 5V + 3.3v: 110W
- Power 5VSB: 15W
- Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA1225H12F-Z)
- Semi-Passive Operation: ✗
- Modular Design: Yes (Fully)
- High Power Connectors: 2x EPS (2x cables), 2x PCIe 6+2 pin (2x cables), 1x PCIe 12+4 pin (600W)
- Peripheral Connectors: 6x SATA (2x cables), 2x 4-pin Molex (2x cables)
- ATX Cable Length: 650mm
- EPS Cable Length: 750mm
- 6+2 pin PCIe Cable Length: 550mm
- 12+4 pin PCIe Cable Length: 600mm
- Distance between SATA / 4-pin Molex: 150mm
- In-cable capacitors: No
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 mm x 86 mm x 140mm
- Weight: 1.3 kg (2.87 lb)
- Warranty: seven years
- Street price (excluding VAT): $10-20 lower than the price of the Core Reactor II 650
Power Specifications
| Rail | 3.3V | 5V | 12V | 5VSB | -12V | |
| Max. Power | Amps | 20 | 20 | 54.1 | 3 | 0.3 |
| Watts | 110 | 650 | 15 | 3.6 | ||
| Total Max. Power (W) | 650 | |||||
