MSI MPG A1000G - 1000W PSU Review - Certification & Efficiency

Energy efficiency certification

MSI offers the MPG A1000G series PSUs as a Gold rated power supply as certified by the 80 PLUS organization (the people that certify and test efficiency). We already explained a little what that literally means. But what does such a certification entail? Well, 80 Plus (trademarked 80 PLUS) is a voluntary certification program intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs). Launched in 2004 by Ecos Consulting, it certifies products that have more than 80% energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load, and a power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% load. That is, such PSUs will waste 20% or less electric energy as heat at the specified load levels, thus reducing electricity use and bills compared to less efficient PSUs. Sometimes, rebates are given to manufacturers who use 80 Plus-certified PSUs.

But there is plenty to choose from, we have standard 80plus, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and even Titanium certifications. A PSU that is certified 80 PLUS Gold or 80 PLUS Platinum is more efficient than your regular unit. Today's tested PSU is certified by the 80 PLUS organization to deliver a 90% energy efficiency at 50% load (USA) and 92% efficiency when your PC at 230 Volts (EU) based on 50% load. These units have active PFC with a power factor up to 0.99 and obviously are ErP compliant with a standby power drain below 0.12 watts.