
The Cooler Master MWE Gold 550 V3 PC power supply powers components in builds that require high efficiency and stability. With a constant output of 550W and an 80 PLUS Gold certification, it transforms over 90% of mains electricity for the connected components, thereby reducing waste heat. This non-modular power supply with fixed cabling is built on the ATX 3.1 standard, which gives it the ability to better handle the sudden power spikes of modern graphics cards. Cooling is handled by a quiet 120mm fan with a hydrodynamic bearing, and DC-to-DC technology ensures stable voltage for all components.
When choosing a suitable PC power supply, the key parameter, besides the form factor, is its power output. This indicates the maximum number of watts the power supply can continuously provide to the components in the computer. It is a good idea to use a web-based calculator to work out the optimal power output based on your chosen components.
The power supply complies with the ATX version 3.1 specification, which better responds to the power demands of modern graphics cards and processors that can cause very short but intense current draws. This enables it to handle short-term power spikes without instability and contributes to the smooth running of the entire system, even under heavy load, such as when gaming or rendering video.
The 80 PLUS Gold certification confirms that the power supply's efficiency exceeds 90% under typical load. Higher efficiency means that less electrical energy is converted into waste heat. This reduces thermal losses and lowers electricity running costs. Lower heat production also relieves the computer's cooling system and helps maintain lower temperatures inside the case, which can extend the lifespan of other components.
A 120mm fan takes care of heat dissipation from the internal circuits. The use of a hydrodynamic bearing (HDB) limits friction and vibration as its shaft rotates in a thin layer of oil. As a result, the fan with a hydrodynamic bearing operates quietly even at higher speeds, and its operational lifespan is longer compared to fans with standard sleeve bearings.
For precise voltage regulation on individual rails, the power supply uses a DC-to-DC topology. The system independently and efficiently converts +12V to the +3.3V and +5V rails. The result is minimal voltage fluctuation, even under uneven loads. In this way, DC-to-DC technology contributes to a stable power supply for sensitive components such as the processor, RAM, or SSDs.
The power supply integrates six essential protection mechanisms that continuously monitor its operation. These include over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, over-power, short-circuit, and over-temperature protection. This set protects connected components from damage by electrical current. In the event of an anomaly, such as a short circuit, the power supply immediately shuts down, preventing further damage.
The power supply uses fixed cabling, meaning all wires are permanently attached to its body. This design is simple, reliable, and eliminates the risk of losing cables. The cable bundles offer a set of connectors for essential components, including two PCI-E 6+2 pin connectors for graphics cards, six SATA connectors for drives, and three Molex connectors for older peripherals.
With a total output of 550W, the PC power supply powers mid-range computer builds designed for gaming or office work. A pair of EPS 4+4 pin connectors supports modern motherboards that require additional power for the processor. The power supply thus provides sufficient performance for gaming and workstations without the need for extra reducers or adaptors.
The 80 Plus certification was created to objectively assess the efficiency of computer power supplies. This gives users a simple and clear way to compare different models. On the European market (where 230V is used), there are six levels of 80 Plus certification with set requirements for computer power supplies. Higher energy efficiency primarily means lower energy consumption.
| PC PSU load | Efficiency at 20% load | Efficiency at 50% load | Efficiency at 100% load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 PLUS | 82% | 85% | 82% |
| 80 PLUS Bronze | 85% | 88% | 85% |
| 80 PLUS Silver | 87% | 90% | 87% |
| 80 PLUS Gold | 90% | 92% | 89% |
| 80 PLUS Platinum | 92% | 94% | 90% |
| 80 PLUS Titanium | 94% | 96% | 94% |
Specifications can be changed without notice. Images are for illustrative purposes only.