Introduction

The BFG 600W power supply is targeted towards gamers and power users who want a high output power supply that is SLI Ready and backed by a lifetime warranty.

BFG Technologies is probably best known for their full line of NVIDIA-based graphic cards but they also offer three new power supplies designed for gamers and power users ranging in size from 530 to 600 watts output capacity.  We will be examining the BFG 600W power supply unit (PSU) in this review. 

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BFG Technologies is a privately held U.S. based supplier of premium NVIDIA-based video cards.  Like the company’s target customers, many of BFG Tech’s employees are gamers and PC enthusiasts who strive to provide the latest hardware and technology.  BFG Tech is one of the few companies that offers 24/7 free technical support and a lifetime warranty on their products!

BFG Technologies was recently awarded the PC Perspective 2005 Reader’s Choice Award for best video card manufacturer… 🙂

BFG Tech 600W PSU Key Features:

  • 600 watt maximum output
  • ATX12V v2.01 compliant with Dual +12V outputs
  • Dual PCI-Express 6-pin and Serial ATA connectors
  • Built-in protection circuits (over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature)
  • Noise Killer technology (variable speed 80mm fan)
  • Universal AC line input with active PFC
  • Lifetime warranty with 24/7 Tech Support 

In addition to the power supply the box also includes a power cord, mounting screws and brief Installation Guide.

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The BFG Tech 600W power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions.  In addition to measuring the power going in and coming out I looked at voltage regulation, electrical noise (AC ripple), sound level, efficiency and cost.  Here is a list of the equipment used during testing.

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  • FLUKE 87-III True RMS digital multimeter (Accuracy +/- 0.05%)
  • WattsUp? Pro — digital wattmeter (Accuracy 3% of full scale)
  • Hitachi V-650F 60 MHz dual trace oscilloscope (Accuracy +/- 3%)
  • Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
  • FLUKE  52-II digital thermometer (Accuracy +/- 0.3ºC/0.5ºF)
  • Extech Model 407736 digital sound level meter (Accuracy +/- 1.5 dB)
  • AccuLab V1-10kg digital balance (Accuracy +/- 1g)
  • Homemade PSU load tester — selectable loads (up to 470W)
  • Seasonic PSU load tester (up to 137W)

Establishing a controlled load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  I built my own power supply load tester using 13 wire-wound, ceramic resistors of various sizes.  This unit can now place up to a 470 watt combined load onto the power supply being tested and includes independent +12V1 and +12V2 loads.  Different combinations of resistors can be switched in or out to select various loads.  In addition to my own load tester, I also used a load tester manufactured by Seasonic (75W and 137W loads).

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