Tom's Hardware Verdict

If you want one of the best 650W PSUs, the XPG Core Reactor 650 should be in your list.

Pros

+
Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
+
High performance
+
Efficient
+
Silent operation
+
Good build quality
+
Compatible with the alternative sleep mode
+
Fully modular

Cons

-
Two EPS connectors on the same cable
-
The transient response at 3.3V could be better

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Specifications and Part Analysis

XPG entered the PSU market with the Core Reactor line, which uses a high-end CWT platform. The smallest member of the line meets eye-to-eye formidable opponents like the Corsair RM650x, the Asus ROG Strix 650 and the Seasonic Focus Plus Gold with similar capacity, and manages to take the performance lead. The only PSU that achieves higher overall performance is the EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G3, which will be fully replaced by the inferior G5 line.

We have already evaluated two XPG Core Reactor units, leaving the one with the lowest capacity for last. With 650W max power, today's review sample can easily power a strong gaming PC, equipped with a single high-end GPU and an energy-hungry CPU, unless, of course, you have in mind an AMD Threadripper 3990x which can exceed 450W.

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Product Photos

Like the other models in this line, this PSU is super-compact. The power density might not be as high, because of the lower capacity, but still, 140 mm depth will help you the most during installation and cable management. The fully modular cables are a strong asset and the two EPS connectors make this PSU compatible with all high-end mainboards and CPUs. There is a downfall here, though, and we will explain it in the cable description section. Finally, besides 80 Plus Gold the XPG Core Reactor 650 is also certified by Cybenetics, earning ETA-A and LAMBDA-A ratings for efficiency and noise, respectively.

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Manufacturer (OEM)	CWT
Max. DC Output	650W
Efficiency	80 PLUS Gold, ETA-A (88-91%)
Noise	LAMBDA-A (20-25 dB[A])
Modular	✓ (Fully)
Intel C6/C7 Power State Support	✓
Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load)	0 - 50°C
Over Voltage Protection	✓
Under Voltage Protection	✓
Over Power Protection	✓
Over Current (+12V) Protection	✓
Over Temperature Protection	✓
Short Circuit Protection	✓
Surge Protection	✓
Inrush Current Protection	✓
Fan Failure Protection	✗
No Load Operation	✓
Cooling	120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA1225H12F-Z)
Semi-Passive Operation	✗
Dimensions (W x H x D)	150 x 85 x 140mm
Weight	1.3 kg (2.87 lb)
Form Factor	ATX12V v2.52, EPS 2.92
Warranty	10 Years

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Modular Cables	Cable Count	Connector Count (Total)	Gauge	In Cable Capacitors
ATX connector 20+4 pin (650mm)	1	1	16-20AWG	No
8-pin EPS12V (650mm) / 4+4 pin EPS12V (+150mm)	1	2	16-18AWG	No
6+2 pin PCIe (650mm+150mm)	2	4	16-18AWG	No
SATA (500mm+145mm+145mm+145mm)	3	12	18AWG	No
4-pin Molex (500mm+150mm+150mm+150mm)	1	4	18AWG	No

The PSU has an impressive number of cables and connectors, given its capacity, but it is not wise to use two EPS connectors on the same cable. They used, at least, thicker than the standard gauges, but still, a pair of EPS connectors can draw more than 500W of power, and this will result in the failure of the 8-pin connector on the PSU's side. Not many CPUs can draw so much power, but from the moment there are no multiple +12V rails, this is a scenario that can happen. Two PCIe connectors with two EPS connectors on dedicated cables would be a better choice.

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Cable Photos

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General Information	-
Manufacturer (OEM)	CWT
PCB Type	Double Sided
Primary Side	-
Transient Filter	4x Y caps, 2x X caps, 2x CM chokes, 1x MOV
Inrush Protection	NTC Thermistor & Relay
Bridge Rectifier(s)	1x GBU1006 (600V, 10A @ 100°C)
APFC MOSFETs	2x Infineon IPA60R190P6 (600V, 12.7A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.190Ohm) &1x SPN5003 FET (for reduced no-load consumption)
APFC Boost Diode	1x CREE C3D06060A (600V, 6A @ 154°C)
Hold-up Cap(s)	1x Nippon Chemi-Con (420V, 470uF, 2,000h @ 105°C, KMQ)
Main Switchers	2x Infineon IPA60R190P6 (600V, 12.7A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.190Ohm)
APFC Controller	Champion CM6500UNX
Resonant Controller	Champion CU6901V
Topology	Primary side: APFC, Half-Bridge & LLC converter Secondary side: Synchronous Rectification & DC-DC converters
Secondary Side	-
+12V MOSFETs	4x International Rectifier IRFH7004PBF (40V, 164A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 1.4mOhm)
5V & 3.3V	DC-DC Converters:2x UBIQ QM3054M6 (30V, 61A @ 100°C, 4.8mOhm) & 2x UBIQ QN3107M6N (30V, 70A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 2.6mOhm) PWM Controllers: ANPEC APW7159C
Filtering Capacitors	Electrolytic: 8x Nippon Chemi-Con (4-10,000h @ 105°C, KY), 2x Nippon Chemi-Con (105°C, W), 1x Nippon Chemi-Con (1-5,000h @ 105°C, KZE), 1x Rubycon (4-10,000h @ 105°C, YXJ) Polymer: 24x FPCAP
Supervisor IC	Weltrend WT7502 (OVP, UVP, PG, SCP)
Fan Model	Hong Hua HA1225H12F-Z (120mm, 12V, 0.58A, Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan)
5VSB Circuit	-
Rectifier	1x Galaxy Microelectronics D10PS45L SBR (45V, 10A) & InPower Semiconductor ISD04N65A (650V, 4A, Rds(on): 2.5Ohm)
Standby PWM Controller	On-Bright OB5282CP

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Overall Photos

Channel Well Technology provides the platform (CWT), and its build quality is high. Most of the electrolytic capacitors are from Chemi-Con and Rubycon, with lots of polymer caps. The FETs are by Infineon, one of the best manufacturers in this field, and Champion and Anpec provide the controllers. The small PCB has small heatsinks, and there is enough space between its components for proper airflow.