On May 20th, MSI, a well-known computer hardware company, announced a close collaboration with PPLP Lab, becoming one of the first partners in the PSU Performance Level Plan (PPLP) power efficiency star rating program.
Two power supplies under MSI, the MAG A850GL and MAG A1000GL, have passed the tests and become the first products to receive the PPLP star certification. Both products have achieved the PPLP GOLD star rating at 115V/230V.
It is reported that the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program, introduced by PPLP Lab, has launched a new independent evaluation system for PC power supplies, which can more comprehensively and accurately assess the quality of power supplies. MSI power supplies have received the PPLP star rating, reflecting their emphasis on power supply technology and strong investment, as well as close cooperation with PPLP Lab, ensuring that their power supply products provide a high-quality user experience in home and office applications.
What is the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program?
For most users, understanding the quality of a power supply involves more than just the rated power and other basic information. Certifications and standards related to power supplies are also valuable references, such as the well-known 80 PLUS certification and ATX 3.0 standard, which can quickly provide an overview of a power supply's performance level.
However, as power supply technology continues to evolve, some certifications and standards may not fully reflect a power supply's capabilities. While there are many detailed power supply reviews available, interpreting the data requires a strong level of expertise, and differences in equipment and testing environments can make it challenging for most users to truly understand a product.
To better showcase the quality of a power supply and provide a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation, PPLP Lab has introduced an evaluation system specifically for standalone PC power supplies: the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program (PSU Performance Level Plan).
PPLP Lab boasts a professional team, rigorous testing equipment, and comprehensive testing environments, with over a decade of experience in PC hardware testing, having tested over 500 power supplies and being recognized as one of the industry's benchmark power supply testing labs.
What does the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program entail?
Within the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program, there are efficiency ratings, ATX3 ratings, noise ratings, and build quality ratings. PPLP Lab conducts tests on products from various aspects and provides detailed analysis reports, including load regulation, ripple control, efficiency, transient response, noise, hold-up time, and other performance indicators. Based on the test results, PPLP Lab also conducts competitive analysis and provides feasible suggestions to enhance a product's competitiveness.
How is the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program rated?
Following the principle of "voluntary cooperation and mutual benefit," samples for evaluation can be provided by the submitting party or acquired by PPLP Lab from the market. Each model being tested requires at least two samples. If there are significant differences in efficiency between these two samples, new samples need to be provided or purchased until the evaluation is completed. Additionally, PPLP Lab uniquely registers each sample involved in the evaluation and stores them for at least one year after the evaluation is completed.
From the date the samples arrive, evaluations are typically completed within 15 working days, and an evaluation report is provided. The evaluation results for each product are valid for two years, with an annual reevaluation. If the product meets the standards during the reevaluation before the expiration, the validity period is automatically extended by one year; otherwise, the evaluation results for that product will be revoked.
Evaluation Criteria for the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program
According to the evaluation results, PPLP Lab will provide corresponding star ratings in descending order from SUPER Ti (Super Titanium), TITANIUM (Titanium), PLATINUM (Platinum), GOLD (Gold), SILVER (Silver), BRONZE (Bronze).
Different from the familiar 80 PLUS certification, the PPLP Power Efficiency Star Rating Program's assessment is more comprehensive. In addition to conversion efficiency, factors such as power factor, voltage deviation, voltage regulation rate, output ripple, standby power, standby efficiency, and compliance with ATX 3.0 standards are all considered indicators. From efficiency to performance, a comprehensive assessment allows the power supply's performance to be more fully showcased.
ATX 3-Star Rating Criteria
In the ATX 3-Star Rating Criteria (Interim), PPLP Lab will be divided into two star ratings: ATX 3 and ATX 3+. This rating will assess the power supply's static load voltage deviation, load regulation rate, 2% load conversion efficiency, 115V/230V average conversion efficiency, dynamic load voltage deviation, and hold-up time, assigning corresponding star ratings based on different performances.
