Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
This is XPG's first power supply, and we are excited to take a look at what they have to offer given we have covered tons of power supplies here at APH Networks. The Core Reactor 750W has a depth of only 15.0cm, and is one of the shortest power supplies we have reviewed here in APH Networks. Most modular power supplies are longer than non-modular units by a centimeter or two, as the extra length is needed to accommodate its connector board at the back. We will take a look inside the PSU on the next page. For most ATX or eATX chassis, length should not be much of a problem, if at all. However, if you have a mATX or mITX case that takes standard power supplies, the shorter length will definitely serve as an advantage, especially considering the fact the Core Reactor is fully modular.
From our view above, you can see its low air resistance fan grille in the middle. The full branding is implemented on both sides, where you can spot XPG's logo and Core Reactor branding prominently placed. To make sure you will see the text right side up at all times, the orientation of it is different on both sides, so whatever side facing the user after installation will always be correct. Its classical SECC construction comes with a detachable straight grille guarding the primary and only cooling fan installed. The 120mm fan generates airflow by drawing air from the bottom of the power supply over its internal components to keep the temperatures in check. Exhaust heat is allowed to leave at the back of the power supply through the large secondary honeycomb mesh opening. Meanwhile, four screws secure the power supply case together. I did not find any warranty seals, so you could possibly open the XPG Core Reactor 750W without voiding its 10-year warranty.
Starting from the back part of the power supply, we have the same familiar honeycomb mesh design as most PSUs with bottom mounted fan; what you will find here is a vertically aligned male connector for power input on the western edge along with an on/off switch next to it. The low resistance mesh design is implemented to maximize airflow and minimize air resistance. This is done as heat needs to leave the power supply as easily and efficiently as possible, because the Core Reactor 750W incorporates only one 120mm fan at the bottom. It is also implemented in a reasonably efficient manner as the power input connector and switch took up a relatively small amount of room at the back. As with all active PFC power supplies, the XPG Core Reactor 750W has an automatic full range 100V-240V AC line voltage selection, so the user does not have to worry about manually selecting input voltage.
Like many power supplies we cover here at APH Networks, the Core Reactor 750W is a fully modular power supply. This means all cables are completely detachable from the main unit. While it is somewhat questionable with regards to why this is necessary, since cables such as the ATX 24-pin and ATX 4-pin/EPS 8-pin have practically an 100% chance of being connected at all times, it may prove to be beneficial to an extent when building your computer initially.
The rear cable connection panel is done nicely. Similar connectors are grouped together and are laid out in a very logical manner. To ensure you know what is going on, they are all grouped and clearly labeled for minimal ambiguity. From the left to right and top to bottom, we have two ATX/EPS 4+4 pin or PCI Express, motherboard 24-pin, three more ATX/EPS 4+4 pin or PCI Express, and four Molex/SATA headers. The motherboard section supports an ATX 24-pin connector by two separate blocks next to each other. Incompatible outputs will not physically fit into each other, so I think XPG has done a great job in this regard. This is a reasonable array of outputs in correspondence to the number of connectors on each modular cable, which should be sufficient for casual users and power enthusiasts alike.
The external build quality of XPG's Core Reactor 750W power supply is excellent as always -- a good indication the company is serious about the product they are selling. We will take it apart in just a moment. Fit is done well with minimal panel gaps, and all edges are nicely finished off. The level of refinement with regards to the external build quality is right up there with all the other high-quality PSUs I have used in the past. As aforementioned, we will crack open the power supply to see what components are inside in the following section.
The voltage specification label is located on the outer panel of the XPG Core Reactor 750W. There are two main virtual rails. Up to 22A can be delivered via the +3.3V rail for a total of 72.6W; while the 22A on the +5V rail brings the output to 110W in this area. The total combined output for the +3.3V and +5V rail is 120W. In other words, your power allocation combination must fall within the limits of the listed specifications. Meanwhile, a single powerful +12V rail delivers up to 62.5A -- 750W -- to reduce operating overhead compared to multiple +12V rails. Overall, the combined power output for the whole XPG Core Reactor 750W is... well, 750W haha. Again, your power distribution in your system must fall within the limits provided -- it must not exceed 72.6W on the +3.3V rail, 110W on the +5V rail and 120W combined for both, 750W on the +12V rail, and 750W combined between the +12V and +3.3/+5V rails. It does sound a bit confusing to understand how this works at first, but generally speaking, this configuration allows very flexible power demands and should be sufficient to accommodate most users. I have seen lower power outputs in the +3.3V and 5V rails for higher output rated units. The overall distribution is very reasonable for an 750W power supply.
The XPG Core Reactor 750W is 80 Plus Gold certified, which means that it is certified to be at least 87%, 90%, 87% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load, respectively. Higher certifications available for power supplies of this type include 80 Plus Platinum and 80 Plus Titanium at press time.
A total of eleven modular power cables are included out of the box. The ATX 20+4-pin, both ATX 4+4-pin, and all four PCI Express cables are sleeved, while the SATA and Molex cables are flat. All wires are unmarked, but from my visual inspection, 16 AWG wires are found on the ATX 20+4-pin, ATX/EPS 4+4-pin, and PCIe 6+2 pin bundles. All peripheral cables appear to be 18 AWG, which is standard and to be expected.
The following modular cables are included out of the box:
- 1x ATX 20+4 pin, 65.0cm
- 2x ATX 4+4 pin, 65.0cm
- 2x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors each, 65.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 2x PCIe 6+2 pin, 65.0cm
- 3x SATA, 4 connectors each, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x Molex, 4 connectors, 50.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
These are specified measurements from the manufacturer. Most users should have no problems with XPG's Core Reactor 750W in modern cases. 50cm is the general standard, and this power supply met or exceeded this recommendation in all counts.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
