When I first started working with computers over 10 years ago, big name power supply manufacturers were few and far between. I can only think of one name that enthusiasts defaulted to when discussing power supplies and unfortunately, units from this manufacturer were often out of the price range of many on a budget. Now over 10 years later, the power supply market is more wide open than ever, with literally hundreds of offerings from manufacturers across the globe. This is great news for consumers, as competition means lower prices, more features and generally a better product for all.

BFG Technologies is a proverbial newcomer to the power supply market, although their claim to fame began in 2001 with their highly successful line of video cards. Since then, they have expanded to include motherboards, power supplies and even full systems. Today we will be taking a look at one of their modular power supplies, the BFG Tech MX 680w Modular PSU. The MX Series represents the modular version of the LS series which we took at look at here (680w) and here (550w) last year.


The BFG Tech MX 680w arrived in the black retail package that you see above. There is a large photo of the power supply on the front as well as the product name and a few features. Around back we find a breakdown of the unit's noise and efficiency ratings. Features and specifications can be found on the sides of the box. Below is a complete list of features and specifications, reproduced from BFG Tech's website.

Specifications

- Quad 12V Rails
- SATA Connectors
- PCI Express Ready
- Efficiency: > 80% Typical
- Silent 120mm Intake Fan
- 80MM 'Helper' Fan (only turns on at temperature > 50°C)
- BFG Thermal Control Technology
- Protection Circuitry
- MTBF: > 80,000 Hours at 25°C
- 680W Continuous Rated at 40°C
- Safety Approval: CCC, CB, UL, TUV, CE, CSA, CUL, NEMKO, SAA, GS, VDE
- Dimensions: 8.6cm Wx 15cm H x16cm D (3.4"W x 6"H x6.4"D)
- 5 Year Warranty (Product must be registered on www.bfgtech.com within thirty (30) calendar days of the original purchase date to activate the five (5) warranty. Products not properly registered will be covered from the date of purchase by a two (2) year limited warranty)

DC Output

+3.3V = 24A
+5V = 30A
+3.3V +5V Max. Combined Wattage = 170W
+12V1 = 20A
+12V2 = 20A
+12V3 = 20A
+12V4 = 20A
+12V Max. Combined Wattage = 620W
-12V = 0.5A
+5VSB = 3.0A

Connectors (Fixed cables)

1 × 24-Pin (20+4-Pin)
1 × 8-Pin (4+4-Pin)

Connectors (Modular cables)

4 × SATA (× 1 cable)
2 × SATA (× 2 cables)
3 × Peripheral + 1 × Floppy (× 1 cable)
2 × Peripheral + 1 × Floppy (× 1 cable)
2 × Peripheral (× 1 cable)
1 × PCIe 6-pin + 1 × 8-pin PCIe (6+2-pin) (× 2 cables)
1 × PCIe 6-pin (× 1 cable)

Continue ahead as we take a closer look at the BFG Tech MX 680W Modular Power Supply.