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MSI's MPG line looks good so far since it is based on a proven platform provided by Channel Well Technology. Overall performance might not set new standards since the competition is tough in the 650W-850W range, but MSI did a good start in this market.
Besides good performance, the build quality is high, and we also highly appreciated the double ball-bearing fan, which won't have a problem even under high operating conditions. DBB fans are preferred over FDB and HDB, but they are expensive, so most brands try to avoid them. Another disadvantage of DBB fans is the increased noise, but in the A650GF, the fan speed profile is not aggressive, so the average noise output is low.
The MSI MPG A650GF has tough competition to deal with, including the popular Corsair RM650x, the XPG Core Reactor 650, the similar capacity Seasonic Focus GX-650 and offerings from other major OEMs. MSI has just entered the PSU market and has a long way ahead to be included in the key players, but it made a pretty good start by teaming with a solid OEM. We expect more PSUs from MSI, and we are anxious to see if they will be at the same high levels and avoid traps. It is challenging to create a good name in the market, and it only takes a lousy product to ruin it.
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Disclaimer: Aris Mpitziopoulos is Tom's Hardware's PSU reviewer. He is also the Chief Testing Engineer of Cybenetics and developed the Cybenetics certification methodologies apart from his role on Tom's Hardware. Neither Tom's Hardware nor its parent company, Future PLC, are financially involved with Cybenetics. Aris does not perform the actual certifications for Cybenetics.
