Conclusions
Contents
The 3R System AK6-600M is an AK6-500M with two basic modifications: an electrolytic capacitor with higher capacitance in the primary, and the replacement of one of the +12 V rectifiers with a MOSFET. These small improvements were not enough to increase the performance of this unit. During our tests, efficiency when the unit was delivering 600 W was 80% rather than 82%, as promised by the 80 Plus Bronze certification. As we always explain, the 80 Plus tests are conducted at 23° C; our tests are conducted between 45° C and 50° C. Efficiency drops with temperature. Another issue with this power supply is that it comes with only three SATA power connectors attached to the same cable, which is not enough for a 600 W unit. Noise and ripple levels, although inside specifications, were too high for us to consider this unit “flawless.”
On the positive side, we have voltage regulation, which was excellent, with all positive voltages within three percent of their nominal values, and the maximum efficiency, which peaked at 86 percent.
Based on these findings, it is clear to us that the manufacturer tried to bump a 500 W power supply to 600 W. Even though this unit can really deliver its labeled wattage (in fact, way more than that), the ability of delivering the labeled power is only one of the aspects users must consider when picking a power supply.
Will this power supply work? Yes. Will it damage your computer? No. Are there other better power supplies out there? Definitely. Whether we recommend this unit will depend on its price. If you can find the AK6-600M being sold in your country for less than competing products, it may be an option if its deficiencies don’t bother you.
