Power supply certification hasn’t kept up with the pace of modern hardware. Most badges rely on outdated testing methods, don’t reflect real-world usage, and ignore critical metrics like standby power.
Tweaking the rules is not enough to change that. We need to rebuild the standard from the ground up. That’s what Cybenetics Lab is doing.
In this interview with Safety Detectives, Aris Bitziopoulos, C.T.E of Cybernetics Lab, explains how they’re replacing legacy assumptions with radical transparency, ISO-level rigor, and a new model for performance testing that’s already influencing global standards.
Cybenetics was founded to bring much-needed transparency, accuracy, and real-world relevance to power supply unit (PSU) certifications—especially in energy efficiency and noise levels. We recognized that existing methodologies lacked depth, consistency, and modern relevance, so we created a solution designed to reflect the true performance of hardware in everyday conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, choosing a PSU isn’t just about wattage. A highly efficient PSU not only reduces your electricity bill, but it also minimizes environmental impact through less wasted power. Yet, for years, the industry relied on oversimplified metrics and outdated testing protocols. We knew there was a better way—one rooted in data, real-world testing, and uncompromising standards.
Cybenetics developed an in-depth rating methodology based on thousands of individual measurements across multiple parameters:
Every PC user is directly affected: whether you’re a gamer, a professional, or a data center operator, power efficiency influences your energy bills and environmental footprint.
Unfortunately, many consumers remain uninformed or misled by vague or inconsistent PSU ratings. Our strict and transparent certification system aims to change that. In fact, our Diamond badge—requiring 93% or greater efficiency—is now a benchmark for excellence.
If improving PSU efficiency by 15–20% could reduce electricity consumption by 1%, just the US could save 40 billion kWh annually (equaling the output of 4.85 nuclear reactors or about 12 coal power plants). At an average residential electricity rate of 15.95 cents per kWh (as of April 2025), this means approximately $6.38 billion saved every year.
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Legacy certification systems have become outdated, using narrow testing scopes, low ambient temperatures, and limited measurement points. They don’t measure 5VSB or standby power consumption, and they struggle to prevent badge misuse or fraud.
At Cybenetics, we do what others can’t or won’t:
One of the biggest milestones is the trust and adoption of Cybenetics’ certifications by major hardware companies around the world. But what excites us even more is what’s coming: industry-wide transformation driven by standards we helped set and will continue to shape.
Our vision is to become the global gold standard for PSU and cooling certifications, recognized not only by enthusiasts and manufacturers, but by institutions like Energy Star, the EPA, and the European Commission
We’re in active discussions to become an officially recognized certification body and testing lab. Ultimately, we aim for Cybenetics’ ratings to become mandatory for any PSU entering the EU market, ensuring end-users always get the performance and efficiency they’re promised.
The Cyprus Government has recognized Cybenetics for its innovation, and we are proud to receive the Certificate of an Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Award. To get this certification, you need to be innovative in your field and allocate significant resources (aka money) to R&D, which is the case for Cybenetics.
My guest today is Cybenetics CEO, Aristeidis Mpitziopoulos (crmaris). PhD in Computer Science, he is a renowned expert in switching power supplies. He has contributed to TechPowerUp and reviewed numerous power supplies for Tom’s Hardware. Currently, you will find him writing for Hardware Busters.
Cybenetics is a company that offers the ETA and Lambda voluntary certification programs to promote efficient and silent power supplies that have become very popular worldwide in recent years.
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.
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:
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
| EFFICIENCY LEVELS (115V INPUT) | EFFICIENCY | PF | 5VSB EFFICIENCY | VAMPIRE 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 |
| EFFICIENCY LEVELS (230V INPUT) | EFFICIENCY | PF | 5VSB EFFICIENCY | VAMPIRE 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 |
| 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) |
| SOUNDPROOFING LEVELS | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| A+ | ≥6 dB(A) |
| A | ≥3 dB(A) to 6 dB(A) |
| Standard | <3 dB(A) |
