Cougar Atlas 550 Power Supply Review: A Solid Performer for Budget Builders
Cougar Atlas 550 Power Supply Review: A Solid Performer for Budget Builders
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the world of PC building, a reliable power supply unit (PSU) is paramount. The Cougar Atlas 550, a non-modular unit offering 550W of power and 80 Plus Bronze certification, promises to deliver consistent performance at a budget-friendly price point. I recently got my hands on this PSU and put it through rigorous testing to see if it lives up to its claims. This review will delve into its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Features
The Cougar Atlas 550 boasts a number of features designed for both reliability and ease of use:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Power | 550W |
| Efficiency Certification | 80 Plus Bronze |
| Modular Design | Non-Modular |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Protections | Over-Voltage Protection (OVP), Over-Current Protection (OCP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Over-Power Protection (OPP), Under-Voltage Protection (UVP), Over-Temperature Protection (OTP) |
| DC-DC Technology | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Performance
During my testing, the Cougar Atlas 550 consistently delivered stable power with minimal ripple and noise. It effortlessly powered my mid-range gaming PC, consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super GPU, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. The PSU remained cool and quiet even under heavy load, thanks to its efficient design and 120mm fan with superior fan curve tuning. I experienced no issues with power delivery or instability even during demanding gaming sessions.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Solid 80 Plus Bronze efficiency for energy savings
- Stable power delivery with low ripple and noise
- Quiet operation even under load
- Comprehensive protections for peace of mind
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Non-modular design can make cable management challenging
- Limited availability of high-wattage versions
Final Verdict
The Cougar Atlas 550 is a solid power supply that delivers reliable performance and efficiency for a budget-conscious PC builder. It is well-suited for mid-range gaming builds and delivers stable power even under heavy load. While the non-modular design might be a drawback for some users, it doesn’t detract from its overall value. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable PSU for a budget-friendly build, the Cougar Atlas 550 is definitely worth considering.
