CoolMax CUQ-1200B

Whether you're a hardcore gamer with a set SLi or CrossFire video cards or a hardware enthusiast with several hard disks and an overclocked quad-core processor, the power draw your computer created can quickly add up to an outrageous electric bill. With so many systems now consuming 600W or more of continuous power, consumers are beginning to find ways to conserve energy and save their money. CoolMax has joined the 80-PLUS revolution by offering their Green Power CUQ-1200B modular power supply unit, and Benchmark Reviews inspects their claims as we load-test this unit for AC power ripple and DC voltage regulation.

I can remember almost a year ago when 1.0 kilowatt power supply units first hit the market. Around that same time, people were testing their SLi and CrossFire setups, and with rumor of Quad-SLi later becoming a reality it seemed like everyone would be using this much power into the future. Looking back, I am thankful the motherboard manufacturers essentially killed this idea, since it really seems ridiculous to need four video cards for anything. But for those who live and die by the virtual sword (gamers), there are cost-friendly solutions such as the CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit.

Certainly by now we can all agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call upon this much power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop manufacturers from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. Today it is our mission here at Benchmark Reviews to pick-apart the mighty CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit. With more connections and power than any modern computer could consume, we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Complete with six PCI-Express cables (four 6-pin and two 8-pin) and nine serial ATA connectors, the CoolMax CUQ-1200B is built to provide sufficient output to power demanding GPU teams and quad-core system setups. With a maximum 12V output of 900W over four rails to provide uniform distribution of power, the CUQ-1200B is very capable of driving today's highest-end systems. With these features, this unit will have no problem accommodating the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

The latest trend seemed to be 80-Plus efficiency, but since most PSU's are at least this efficient the label has lost meaning. And then without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. The CoolMax CUQ-1200B Modular 1200W Power Supply Unit offers convenient modular cabling and more power over fewer rails.

About the company: CoolMax USA, Inc.

CoolMax is a rapidly growing company that was founded in the year 1992. Our initial task of providing cooling solutions for electrical and industrial applications using AC and DC voltage fans is our solid foundation. Our commitment to excellence in both products and service had earned for us the reputation as a leading thermal solutions provider in the industry. We strive to work hard, hand in hand with our clients, from the biggest to the smallest. They rely on our company's ability to provide quick and professional responses to inquiries and production demands. Our factories are located in China and are ISO9000 and 14001 certified, all our products are UL, TUV, CSA, CE approved. CoolMax is dedicated to providing the best cooling solutions engineered for a high-tech world while maintaining long-term customer relationships.

Along with this line, we are also channeling our efforts to include our services in the field of Rapid Injection Molding. Our focus is to provide new product developers and designers with the fastest and least-expensive way to obtain low volumes of plastic injection molded parts. In this regard, we have also embarked on a new venture that will allow us to provide high quality cold forged and extruded heat sinks for a variety of applications. Our world class products can support the high-end PCs in both electronics and industrial applications.

As with many companies, the focus of the company soon diversified as technological advancements created new and exciting opportunities. The challenge of providing computer users with only the best that the industry could offer opened us to a whole new horizon of opportunities in product innovations. Thus, we were able to branch out into other fields. Our major product line includes External Enclosures for hard drives, CD Rom/DVD drives, Power Supplies, Cables and Case Mods. Today, our company has since grown tremendously to emerge as one of the industry's leading computer components manufacturer. We remain continuously focused on providing the best value in the marketplace for our products and services. And as the saying goes: "Successful companies need to continually re-invent themselves." - we agree 100%.

CUQ-1200B Connections

• 1 x Main connector (24Pin)
• 1 x 12V(P4)
• 1 x 12V(8Pin)
• 9 x peripheral
• 9 x SATA
• 2 x Floppy
• 4 x PCI-E 6Pin
• 2 x PCI-E 8Pin

24+8P	P4 mainboard	5-pin SATA	peripheral power	4-pin FDD	PCI Express	PCI 8 Pin
x 1	x 2	x 9	x 9	x 2	x 4	x 2

CUQ-1200B Features

• Hairline Aluminum Effect Surface
• Quad +12V output rails
• Advanced double forward circuit and double-layer PCB
• Active power factor correction
• Super high efficiency maximum 87%
• 80% PLUS efficiency standard compliant
• Cable management enables safely select wiring
• Quad PCI-E power connectors fully support SLI & Cross Fire system
• Ultimate balance between cooling and noise level
• Silent & Durable 13.5 + 8 cm fan
• Fan delay-off feature
• ATX 12V V2.2 / EPS 12V V2.91
• All output cables with nylon sleeving
• Gold plated terminal
• Flexible connector & system design
• Patented easy swap connector

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