c y b e n e t i c s

CORSAIR Transitions to More Comprehensive PSU Certifications from Cybenetics

23

Sep 2024

MILPITAS, CA, August 7th, 2024 – As the demand for more detailed power supply information grows, CORSAIR® (Nasdaq: CRSR) will begin exclusively using Cybenetics’ more advanced certifications for both efficiency and noise, moving away from 80 PLUS certification.

MILPITAS, CA, August 7th, 2024 – As the demand for more detailed power supply information grows, CORSAIR® (Nasdaq: CRSR) will begin exclusively using Cybenetics’ more advanced certifications for both efficiency and noise, moving away from 80 PLUS certification. As part of this process, CORSAIR is dedicated to improving consumer awareness of the differences between Cybenetics and 80 PLUS so that they can shop confidently when selecting a PSU that has undergone rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and acoustics.


It’s in the Details: Why Cybenetics Testing is the New Standard


Cybenetics certification offers a more comprehensive assessment of PSU performance than its predecessor. It still rates efficiency on a familiar tier system in the form of Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium certifications, making the transition easy for PC enthusiasts. Cybenetics testing, however, is far more thorough and detailed than 80 PLUS, leading to more accurate results. Cybenetics has gained great traction within the industry in recent years for many reasons, including:

  • Enhanced Efficiency Metrics: Cybenetics provides a detailed efficiency profile across various loads, environments, and operational conditions, more accurately reflecting real-world usage.
  • Noise Level Assessment: In addition to efficiency, Cybenetics introduces a noise certification that categorizes PSUs based on their acoustic performance, from A++ (virtually silent) to Standard (noisy). This is particularly noteworthy for gamers and professionals who require quieter systems.
  • More Data Points: Cybenetics’ testing methodology produces thousands of data points across all loads, rather than the handful of measurements produced during 80 PLUS testing, ensuring more accurate results.


As part of its consumer awareness campaign, CORSAIR has released a new article on its Explorer platform with more detailed information about Cybenetics and 80 PLUS certification: https://www.corsair.com/explorer/diy-builder/power-supply-units/80-plus-vs-cybenetics.



Corsair - Cybenetics

Linus talks about ATX v3.0 & Cybenetics

26

Mar 2022

Linus Sebastian, the famous YouTuber, talks on his Techquickie channel about ATX v.3.0 and Cybenetics.

You will find the video here

Cybenetics Standards Included in ATX12V v3.0

5

Mar 2022

The ATX12V v3.0 specification was made public in February 2022, including a reference to Cybenetics' Efficiency (ETA) and Noise (LAMBDA) programs.

The ATX12V v3.0 specification was made public in February 2022, including a reference to Cybenetics' Efficiency (ETA) and Noise (LAMBDA) programs. 

The major changes that the ATX12V v3.0 brings are the following:
  • The addition of a new certification standard, Cybenetics, besides 80 Plus, is in the references section.
  • New 12VHPWR connector for Add-In Cards (like GPUs) can deliver up to 600W.
  • The 12VHPWR should be labeled according to the maximum power delivered.
  • All PSUs with more than 450W max power have to have 12VHPWR connectors to meet the newest ATX spec.
  • The PSU reports to the PCIe card, through sideband signals, its power capabilities, so the latter can set its power limit accordingly.
  • PSUs should be able to turn on/off 175,200 times per year of their life without breaking!
  • Changes in low load efficiency. Above 60% is required for 10W or 2% of max-rated capacity and above 70% is a recommendation.
  • Increased tolerance for high power spikes, for the compatible PSU platforms. Up to 200% of the PSU's rated power for 100μs with a 10% duty cycle.
  • Increased slew rates for transient loads (2.5 - 5x times higher for the +12V rail).
  • 12V rail can go up to 12.2V to allow for lower voltage drops.
  • Broader load regulation limits for the +12V rail (+5 to -8% on the PCIe connectors and +5 to -7% for the other connectors).
  • Changes in the speed of the Power On signal to allow for faster response and system's wake up, even when the rails are not at zero levels but somewhere in between. 
  • Efficiency and design requirements for Alternative Low Power Modes (ALPM), previously called Alternative Sleep Modes
  • The labels on the PSUs should include T1 and T3 timings, among others. 
ATX12V v3.0

Download attached file

Pushing the IT boundaries further!

30

Dec 2020

Cybenetics was formed with one purpose in mind; to introduce new efficiency and noise certification standards for AC-DC power supply units (PSUs) through its ETA and LAMBDA ratings. So far, in the four years that we are in business, we have certified over 770 power supplies and beta tested over a thousand to help brands worldwide deliver better products. Besides PSUs, we have also enrolled in chassis noise testing and CPU Cooling beta evaluations. Moreover, there is another program currently in development, where besides power measurements, through our Powenetics solution, we also measure the overall noise output of graphics cards

We keep an open mind in everything we do, and as we have proved in the past, we won’t hesitate to make drastic changes if we feel that this is the way. For quite some time now, the name of metals has been used to describe efficiency levels, and although we tried to change this with a more straightforward, at least to our eyes, system, the truth is that we didn’t have much of a success. So it was time for a change. Besides new descriptions for our efficiency levels, we also used a shape that has many symbolizations. In traditional Chinese literature, this shape symbolizes the six directions together with Heaven and Earth, translating into “completeness” (六合). 

All changes in our ratings will be effective from the start of 2021.


Diamond, Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze

We introduce a new level above Titanium, Diamond (former A++), and there is a slight change in our requirements, with the new ones for both 115V and 230V depicted on the tables below.

Table(1)
EFFICIENCY LEVELS (115V INPUT)EFFICIENCYPF5VSB EFFICIENCYVAMPIRE POWER
DiaMond≥93% overall efficiency≥0.985>79%<0.10W
Titanium≥91% to 93% overall efficiency≥0.980>77%<0.13W
Platinum≥89% to 91% overall efficiency≥0.975>76%<0.16W
Gold≥87% to 89% overall efficiency≥0.970>75%<0.19W
Silver≥85% to 87% overall efficiency≥0.960>73%<0.22W
Bronze≥82% to 85% overall efficiency≥0.950>71%<0.25W


Table(2)
EFFICIENCY LEVELS (230V INPUT)EFFICIENCYPF5VSB EFFICIENCYVAMPIRE POWER
DiaMond≥95% overall efficiency≥0.945>78%<0.12W
Titanium≥93% to 95% overall efficiency≥0.940>76%<0.15W
Platinum≥91% to 93% overall efficiency≥0.935>75%<0.18W
Gold≥89% to 91% overall efficiency≥0.930>74%<0.20W
Silver≥87% to 89% overall efficiency≥0.920>72%<0.23W
Bronze≥84% to 87% overall efficiency≥0.910>70%<0.25W


The requirements for the LAMBDA (noise) ratings will remain the same, and the same goes for the DELTA (soundproof) rating requirements for chassis. Nonetheless, all badges will change.


Table (3)
NOISE LEVELS (115V/230V INPUT)REQUIREMENTS
A++<15 dB(A)
A+≥15 dB(A) to 20 dB(A)
A≥20 dB(A) to 25 dB(A)
A-≥25 dB(A) to 30 dB(A)
Standard++≥30 dB(A) to 35 dB(A)
Standard+≥35 dB(A) to 40 dB(A)
Standard≥40 dB(A) to 45 dB(A)




Table (4)
SOUNDPROOFING LEVELSREQUIREMENTS
A+≥6 dB(A)
A≥3 dB(A) to 6 dB(A)
Standard<3 dB(A)
You can find more information about Cybenetics at www.cybenetics.com


Stay healthy, and wait for the better days to come!

The Cybenetics Team.

GPU Noise Measurements

1

Nov 2019

Cybenetics initiated a GPU noise evaluation program.

We were the first to bring the noise certifications in power supplies, and we also found our way in chassis, where soon enough, we will have enough data to build a solid noise certification scheme. Our next step was GPUs, which are among the loudest parts in today's systems.

Thanks to a kind offer from Asus, of several graphics cards belonging to different market segments, we were able to fine-tune our GPU noise evaluation methodology and bring, for another one time, something innovative. Imagine the following scenario: you want to build a gaming system, but you also want it to be silent and not need ear-plugs (or good headphones), every time you enjoy your favorite game. We found a way to provide the overall noise output during an intense gaming session. On top of that, we give the overall noise output in a benchmark (3DMark Time Spy), along with the benchmark's score to verify the GPU's performance (in case some brands decide to send under-clocked samples for lower noise output). Finally, we also run a Furmark session, which pushes the GPU to its limits to see how it will perform in such an extreme usage scenario, which most likely will never happen in real-life conditions. 


You will find the first results of the afore-mentioned Asus GPUs here. The next step is to build a robust database, which will allow us to find the thresholds and ranges for an accurate GPU noise certification system. 

We will keep pushing on every front and bring you innovative technologies like the Powenetics project (for accurate GPU power measurements at the lowest possible cost) and a unified noise certification scheme, which will span from PSUs to GPUs, chassis and cooling solutions. This way, the building of a silent operating system will be a straightforward procedure; you will only have to select among LAMBDA-A(++) components. 



Chassis Noise & Thermal Evaluations

26

Oct 2019

Cybenetics enters into a new and highly interesting component category.

The chassis (enclosure or case) plays a significant role in any PC system since its thermal performance affects all the other parts. On top of that, its noise suppression performance is of substantial importance to users, and in the majority of cases, it is directly connected to the thermal performance. You see if a chassis uses sound dampening material and doesn't have many openings (perforations), to restrain the noise that the PC parts generate, inevitably it does the same with the heat which cannot get out from its internals, easily. This isn't good, of course, for energy-hungry parts like the CPU and the GPU(s).  

Since Cybenetics is a trail-blazer not only to power supply efficiency evaluations but to noise as well, it was only natural to enroll in chassis and provide accurate and detailed noise measurements. This is something that has never been done before, and we are excited about our new ventures. Besides noise, we also evaluate thermal performance, but for the moment, we keep this service only for beta evaluations, which aim to help manufacturers make better products.

Our goal is to enrich our chassis noise level database, and once we have enough results/data, to provide chassis LAMBDA noise certifications. We work our way in bringing the LAMBDA noise certifications in other product categories, besides power supplies, and unify all of them. So shortly (hopefully), let's say that a user wants to build a silent system. He/she will only have to choose a LAMBDA-A power supply and combine it with a LAMBDA-A chassis, and a similar noise certification cooling solution and graphics cards (yes we intend to move in cooling and GPU noise evaluations, as soon as we build bulletproof methodologies that provide highly accurate results). 


Testimonials Page!

16

Oct 2018

We added a new page, where our clients write their experiences regarding our services.

Today our Testimonials page went live! There you will find what our clients have to say about us and our services. 

Geizhals Uses The Cybenetics Ratings And Data

27

Apr 2018

The popular price search engine Geizhals uses our ratings and data.

Geizhals, a highly popular price search engine for IT components, incorporates from now on the Cybenetics ratings and data, in the information that it provides for the listed PSU products.

The following search price search engines, all affiliated to Geizhals use our data so far:



The Graphics Cards Database Is Live!

5

Apr 2018

It was high time for Cybenetics to start working with graphics cards as well, besides PSUs. We keep a low profile, for now, in this category but you should expect much more in the near future.

Thanks to the Powenetics project, we are able to obtain accurate power consumption data from graphics cards. So it was only natural to introduce a GPU database, which besides power consumption data in gaming, extreme usage scenarios (FurMark) and mining, also includes information about the Ethereum mining hash rate. 

Moreover, our GPU database provides temperature and fan speed information under various scenarios, and in the future we plan to include output noise data as well. You never know, we might come up with a graphics cards noise certification standard in the future. 

The Powenetics Project

7

Feb 2018

A new project has been initiated and it is called Powenetics. This project provides the ability for accurate power measurements on graphics cards, CPUs and SSDs/HDDs.

The Powernetics project has been finished and it is fully operational, allowing the accurate power measurements of graphics cards, CPUs and SSDs/HDDs. You will find more about this project here.



We are already planning on what to do next! How about a noise certification for graphics cards?

New ETA-230V and LAMBDA-230V Efficiency & Noise Certification Programs

29

Jan 2018

Given the increased demand for 230 VAC results, we decided to initiate two new programs, the ETA-230V and LAMBDA-230V. The general methodologies that the new programs follow are identical to the ones used by the 115 V programs, with the main differences being the 230 V input and the different limits/ranges in the ETA-230V.

Contrary to other efficiency rating programs that test only three or four different load points; the ETA-230V program, like the original ETA program, is based on the efficiency results of thousands of different load combinations which are obtained through a unique custom-made application. This process allows Cybenetics to use a single value rating to represent PSU’s true overall efficiency. Moreover, and very importantly, Power Factor, Vampire Power and the +5VSB rail’s efficiency are also taken into consideration in the final rating, whereas these are not even considered in other efficiency certification programs. Finally, the PSUs must be compliant with the CEC, ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives and also meet all requirements mentioned in the (EU) No 617/2013 regulation:

(a) 85% efficiency at 50% of rated output power;
(b) 82% efficiency at 20% and 100% of rated output power;
(c) power factor = 0.9 at 100% of rated output power.

ETA-230V


The ETA-230V certification includes five levels (A++, A+, A, A-, Standard) and each certification badge is tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code. Compared to the ETA certification with 115 V input, the overall efficiency levels have been increased by 2%, the overall PF is lower though and the same goes for the overall efficiency at 5VSB which is 1% lower in every level. Finally, the vampire power levels are the same. 

ETA-230V-Levels

The efficiency targets required by CEC, ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives are depicted below.

ETA
 
LAMBDA-230V: Utilizing an advanced methodology and a highly sophisticated control/monitor program, the power supply’s noise readings throughout its entire operational range are recorded and through those an overall noise reading derives. As of this time and to the best of our knowledge, there is no other noise certification program available for IT products and our purpose is to expand this program to other hardware parts, besides PSUs, in the future. 

LAMBDA-230V


The LAMBDA-230V program consists of seven levels (A++, A+, A, A-, Standard++, Standard+, Standard). Each certification badge is tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code, which will be printed on it. This will allow users to easily find a PSU’s evaluation report certified by Cybenetics. 

Since Cybenetics wants to offer as detailed as possible evaluation reports in addition to the normal test results, it also includes a number of other results (efficiency and load regulation at 10%-110% load, ripple performance, hold-up time, part analysis etc.), which will be helpful not only to everyday users but to experienced ones and PSU reviewers as well, who don’t have the proper equipment and software to follow our methodology.

EUIPO Registration Certificate

6

Dec 2017

Our EUIPO registration is finally active!

Probably the most important part for any company is to register its trademark, which provides a unique identification for its products and services. This process in the European Union is handled by the European Union Intellectual Property Office or EUIPO and it can be a rather easy process, or a really tough one if you don't pay the required attention during the application filling process. 

Our EUIPO registration is finally over, and here is our certificate. 

EUIPO Registration Certificate

Caseking.de & Overclockers.co.uk Embraced Our Certifications

9

Oct 2017

Two of the largest online stores (and distributors) in Europe, Caseking.de and OcUK, have embraced our certifications and included them in their sites.

Two of the largest online stores (and distributors) in Europe, Caseking.de and OcUK, have embraced our certifications and included them in their sites. 

caseking.de Logo

OcUK Logo

Through out our efficiency and noise certifications the average user will be able to find much easier his/her next power supply. Moreover, our evaluation reports provide detailed information covering every major area from efficiency and noise output to ripple suppression, load regulation, technical/power/cable specifications etc. 

Recently we decided to also include a parts description table in our reports, which shows in detail the components that the power supply's platform uses, from the filtering capacitors to the primary and secondary side's MOSFETs. 


We Have Reached 100x PSU Certifications!

25

Aug 2017

Within a six month period our engineers have certified 100x PSUs and the list grows bigger day by day.

Today is a celebration day for us since we reached a milestone, 100 entries in our database. This would be impossible without the contribution of our tireless engineers. A huge "thank you" also goes to all of you who support Cybenetics and its goals. Without your help we wound't be able to reach here, where we stand today. It has been a tough road so far, we won't hide it, but we are determined to succeed in what we started and we are here to stay for good! Nothing will stand in our way! 

The next milestone is 1000x PSU certifications. Without any doubt this is a pretty large number, but we have two fully equipped Chroma stations at our disposal and highly trained personnel, so give us some time and we will be there soon enough...




Mining Ready Program

24

Jun 2017

WE INITIATE A NEW PROGRAM, THROUGH WHICH WE FIND THE MOST SUITABLE PSUS FOR MINING OR IN GENERAL HIGHLY STRESSFUL APPLICATIONS WHERE BESIDES HIGH EFFICIENCY, HIGH PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED RELIABILITY ARE ALSO REQUIRED.



For mining purposes a strong and efficient PSU is required, however you shouldn't base your next PSU purchases based on those two factors alone. The PSU also needs to be highly reliable since it will have to cope with extremely difficult conditions, working at nearly full load for 24/7. This is why we decided to initiate this new program, which will spot and highlight strong, efficient, high performance and reliable PSUs featuring impeccable build quality. Those units will help you mine easier without worrying about reliability issues, melted wires and connectors or any other issues that can damage your mining system(s). 

Cybenetics - Pichau informatica Collaboration

4

May 2017

As a continuity of our successful collaboration with TecLab Brazil, we welcome a new union between Cybenetics and Pichau informatica!

Pichau, is one of the biggest online stores in Latin America that has embraced Cybenetics' rating methods. A dedicated webpage is launched on their online website which includes all PSU's tested by Cybenetics! Another successful page written to Cybenetics and Teclab - teclab.net.br collaboration book!


Cybenetics Press Release 3 May 2017

3

May 2017

PUSHING THE PSU EFFICIENCY BOUNDARIES FURTHER!



Cybenetics was formed with one purpose in mind; to introduce new efficiency and noise certification standards for personal computer power supply units (PSUs). As compared to the currently available programs, the volunteered certification program offered by Cybenetics aims to add greater accuracy to efficiency testing and at the same time to provide an authentic verification of the PSU’s operational noise level. 

Beyond efficiency and noise certifications, Cybenetics also offers PSU Beta testing and evaluation reports which can lead to significant time and money savings in the process of increasing the quality and the performance of the tested products. 

The Cybenetics test procedure has been developed through many years of PSU evaluation experience. The methodologies in place, have been forged after numerous hours of testing and experimentation to obtain accuracy and reliability. Cybenetics’ highly experienced personnel uses exclusively top-notch, state of the art equipment for its certifications. For further information, please visit the Cybenetics homepage.  

Cybenetics introduces a new efficiency rating called ETA, after the Greek letter “Η”, which is based on a highly sophisticated methodology that takes into account many different factors. 


Contrary to the currently available efficiency rating programs that test only three or four different load points; the ETA program incorporates load combinations using a unique, custom-made application to account for the efficiency results of thousands of different load combinations through a unique proprietary application. This process allows Cybenetics to use a single value rating to represent the PSU’s true overall efficiency. Moreover, and very importantly, Power Factor, Vampire Power and the +5VSB rail’s efficiency are also taken into consideration in the final rating, whereas these measurements are not even considered in other efficiency certification tests. Finally, all tested PSUs must be compliant with the ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives and also meet all requirements mentioned in the (EU) No 617/2013 regulation:

(a) 85% efficiency at 50% of rated output power;
(b) 82% efficiency at 20% and 100% of rated output power; 
(c) Power Factor >= 0.9 at 100% of rated output power.


Cybenetics also provides a noise certification, named LAMBDA. Utilizing an advanced methodology and a highly sophisticated controlling/monitoring program, the power supply’s noise readings are recorded throughout its entire operational range. Those readings are subsequently converted to sound pressure levels (SPL), averaged, and converted back to dB(A) again. As of this time, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such noise certification program available for IT products and our purpose in the future, is to expand this program to other hardware parts, as well. 


The ETA certification comprises of five levels (A+, A, B, C, and D), while LAMBDA consists of seven levels (A++, A+, A, B, C, D, and E). Each manufacturer or brand can choose to either use the corresponding certification badges depicting the level alone, or a more comprehensive badge that includes the actual overall efficiency or noise rating. In addition, each badge will be tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code, which will be printed on the badge. This will allow users to easily find a PSU’s evaluation report certified by Cybenetics. 


Since we want to offer the most detailed possible evaluation reports in addition to the normal test results, we will also include a number of other test results (e.g. efficiency and load regulation at 10%-110% load; ripple performance; hold-up time; etc.), which will provide useful information not only to everyday users but also to experts and PSU reviewers who do not have the proper equipment and software to apply our methodology. 

For both certification programs, we primarily use 115 VAC; however, the ETA program will include a number of tests using 230 VAC to check compliance with various EU regulations. 

You can find more information about Cybenetics, the ETA and LAMBDA certification programs, at www.cybenetics.com. Within a three month period close to 40 PSU models from various brands have been certified. You will find their evaluation reports in the Cybenetics’ database, which also includes a graphic charts option (per manufacturer).

Cybenetics-TecLab-Kabum Collaboration

26

Apr 2017

We welcome our new alliance with TecLab- Brazil Proffesional Overclocking & Hardware and Kabum; one of the most important online stores in Latin America!

One of the biggest online stores in Brazil, Kabum has acknowledged and adopted Cybenetics' testing methods. Thus, certifications ETA and LAMBDA, can be accessed through a dedicated webpage in Kabum's official website. 

TecLab is an internationally recognised Brazilian laboratory and our great partner!





Seasonic Embraces New Cybenetics Ratings

15

Mar 2017

Seasonic's PR about Cybenetics (posted on March 15 2017)

In the wake of many years of getting comfortable with 80 plus efficiency ratings of PC power supplies, in the past year a new company has emerged with the aim to take the testing of power supplies to the next level. Cybenetics has devised a revolutionary testing system where power supplies are examined under even more stringent circumstances than previously. This rating system renders all power supplies easily comparable and it also has added a crucial element to the process – the testing of the sound output of the power supplies.

Seasonic was glad to jump on board to assess the performance of their PRIME units to see how they fare against the new Cybenetics test parameters. Seasonic was even happier to receive back the first test results of its flagship units, which without exception have demonstrated that they have passed the highest level of certifications with flying colors.

Seasonic Prime 650 W

19

Jan 2017

The first PSU has been certified!

The first PSU that Cybenetics certified is a Seasonic Prime 650 W (SSR-650TD), which achieved an A+ (92.269%) ETA rating and an A+ (18.46 dB[A]) LAMBDA rating. 

Update (4/7/2017): We conducted again the noise measurements using our new hemi-anechoic chamber and the output noise was even lower, at 15.93 dB(A) overall.

Cybenetics.com

20

Dec 2016

On 12/20/2016 our webpage went live!

After over a month's work, from a team of several people, our web page has finally went live! We tried to include as much information as possible, without however overloading it with useless or redundant information. The most interesting piece for the majority of you will most likely be the certifications database, which for the moment doesn't include many entries. Nonetheless, as time passes by more and more entries will be included and we hope that in a short period of time we will evaluate and certify a great number of PSU products. 
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