Date:
Monday , March 09, 2009
Author:
Paul Johnson
Editor:
Kyle Bennett
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BFG LS-450 Power Supply

Looking for BFGTech's new quality power supplies in a power rating for a system that is a bit more reserved. We look at the smallest BFG PSU that comes in at 450 watts. And of course we put it to the same testing we put the kilowatt units to.

Introduction

BFG Technologies is a well known graphics card supplier whose products have been a premium choice of computer gamers and hardware enthusiasts for several years. Today, however, a quick check of BFG’s website shows that the days of simply supplying high end video solutions are a thing of the past and it is spreading out into a number of areas including branding computer power supply units, or "PSUs." BFG’s power supplies have to date typically been built by the Taiwanese company Topower or more distantly in the past ATNG but with the acquisition of some new talent BFG has seriously revamped the power supply business. In addition to launching a new power supply website, BFG has also stepped up to the plate with a serious enthusiast level power supply in the ES-800, great value mid range LS550/680 units, and great modular mid range units the MX550/680. However, today we have the opportunity to look at a different class of power products from BFG that is meant to target the entry level. Today’s power supply product from BFG comes from a new OEM for BFG as the new entrant in the LS series (BFGR450WLSPSU) is built by Enhance.

Enhance Electronics Co. Ltd. was founded over 20 years ago in 1986. While a major power supply OEM, Enhance is not nearly as well known to most users as some other OEM's as their core business focus has been outside of the desktop market in areas such as servers, embedded, and telecom markets. However, their products have surfaced in the US consumer realm for some time under the likes of SilverStone, Silverpower, Antec, and Cooler Master, as well as the occasional "Enhance" branded model.

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Is the Baby BFG still a BFG?

The BFG LS-450 currently represents the lowest powered power supply from BFG, and it falls into the appropriate mainstream LS series product line. Previously, the LS series has proven to be a very good product line but those previous units were higher in capacity and from a different OEM. So with the new LS-450, what kind of transition has BFG made with their new OEM and how are they pitching this new lower power contender?

Efficiency and Performance Meets Affordability

No longer does upgrading a power supply mean having to break the bank, nor does a limited budget require you to have to settle for a second rate unit. Upgrade to a whole new level with a BFG LS Series power supply. BFG's LS Series features a typical efficiency of up to 85% so more power is converted to DC than many other power supplies on the market. BFG Thermal Control Technology ensures that the unit runs as quietly as possible by varying the speed of the fan in response to load and temperature. Single +12V rail, over-volt, over-current and short circuit protection provides rock solid reliability and safety.

With the exception of the difference in 12v rail design this marketing is the exact same as what we saw from the previous LS series units. So let’s move on and see what else has changed as we look at what we get when we purchase the LS-450 from BFG in terms of documentation, accessories, cable count, rail layout, output characteristics, and general build quality.