TweakTown’s Score: 94%
The Backside Line
MSI’s MEG Ai1300P has a ton of energy in a compact design, constructed of 100% Japanese capacitors, makes use of software program integration to provide person energy data, and has a number of GPU connection choices, simply be cautious regarding the advertising and marketing.
Execs
- + 1300 watts in a really compact design
- + 80 PLUS Platinum rated
- + MSI Heart gave correct sufficient info
Cons
- – Deceptive 2X Complete Energy Tour and 3X GPU Energy Tour claims
- – Mini USB connection on PSU
Must you purchase it?
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Introduction, Specs, and Pricing
MSI, which now we have carried out fairly a number of PSU opinions previously, has despatched over one other ATX 3.0 PSU, this time with some AI monitoring software program. The MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 is an 80 PLUS Platinum-rated ATX 3.0 PSU with the identical advertising and marketing on the outside of the packaging because the beforehand reviewed MAG A850GL.
The MEG lineup of PSUs carries the next price ticket however with a lot increased high quality. MSRP is listed for $359.99 however will be had as little as $260, making it a compelling providing. So, why do not we dive in and hope the MEG does not eat us alive? Lets?
MSI MEG Ai1300P ATX 3.0 1300-watt 80 PLUS Platinum PSU
| In the present day | Yesterday | 7 days in the past | 30 days in the past | ||
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| $249.99 | $249.99 | – | |||
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* Costs final scanned on 11/30/2023 at 2:36 pm CST – costs might not be correct, click on hyperlinks above for the most recent value. We might earn an affiliate fee. |
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Packaging
25VIEW GALLERY – 25 IMAGES
The MEG Ai1300P packaging has a black exterior with an image of the PSU inside. Discover the identical advertising and marketing because the MAG sequence of PSU with “2X Complete Energy Tour” and “3X GPU Energy Tour”. Additionally current is the 80 Plus Platinum ranking, so we will probably be testing at a 50% PSU load to see if the MEG Ai1300P holds as much as its 92% effectivity ranking.
25The rear of the packaging reveals a number of main options, specs, and what number of connectors are included. Cable lengths are additionally proven on the right-hand aspect.
25Opening up the MEG Ai1300P’s packaging, there’s a observe displaying the end-user what to search for when plugging the 12VHPWR connection into the PSU and GPU sides. Improperly linked cables can result in {hardware} harm attributable to this person error.
25Taking out the black pouch accommodates all of the cabling.
25The cabling is all pulled out, that are all individually sleeved, besides the 600-watt 12VHPWR cable, of which a full sleeve is current. Uniformity would have been good to see right here.
25MSI has additionally included black cable combs in addition to an influence cable.
25The MEG Ai1300P is packaged properly and safely with two high-density black foam items and a transparent plastic bag defending the unit from any harm whereas in transit.
Outdoors the MSI MEG Ai1300P ATX 3.0 PSU
25Eradicating the MEG Ai1300P from its packaging reveals a black and gold theme. What is exclusive right here is using magnetic plates for the MEG and dragon plates. Utilizing a magnetic plate permits the end-user to configure the plates they wish to present or not present.
25The opposite aspect, which additionally has magnetic plates, reveals one other dragon and the MSI title brand.
25The rear of the MEG Ai1300P reveals a air flow sample with a number of smaller triangles all through. An influence rocker change and energy enter are on the right-hand aspect, with the MEG faintly proven.
25The highest left fan part of the fan consumption additionally sports activities the MEG branding.
25Right here is an outline of the highest fan part of the MEG Ai1300P, which is full with extra gold accents. Discover the off-center fan spacing.
25The cable enter aspect of the MEG Ai1300P begins with the 12VHPWR rated at 600 watts. Subsequent are six 8-pin PCI-E inputs to the appropriate and backside of the 12VHPWR connection. Two 8-pin CPU/EPS inputs are situated within the heart. The final part has 4 6-pin SATA and MOLEX inputs, and the 10-pin and 18-pin inputs make up the 24-pin motherboard enter.
25Off to the far proper, just below the MEG image, is a mini-USB enter that terminates to a motherboard header USB 2.0 connection to speak to the MSI Heart software program; extra on that later.
25The undercarriage of the MEG Ai1300P reveals some primary electrical info, specifically having 108.33 amps on the +12V rail, which makes up the 1300-watt specification.
Contained in the MSI MEG Ai1300P ATX 3.0 PSU
25Contained in the MEG Ai1300P, we discover a 120mm fan mannequin PLA12024S12H-4. However this fan is considerably particular, having liquid crystal polymer materials for the fan blades, which reduces vibrations whereas operating at most pace. Secondly, the fan blades are optimized at a 32-degree angle to retain 58% of the airflow. Lastly, the HDB (Hydro-Dynamic) bearing reduces friction noise and in addition to lengthening the lifespan of the fan.
25Wanting nearer on the motherboard of the MEG Ai1300P, we discover a very compact design with the OEM being from CWT (Channel Properly Expertise), sharing a really related board design to the 1000-watt mannequin.
25The 2 capacitors from the Japanese firm Rubycon are rated at 420v with 680µF every, making for a mixed whole of 1,360µF. The capacitors are additionally rated as much as 105C.
25The VRM stage of the MEG Ai1300P makes use of analog controllers.
25A part of the transient filter, the CM chokes assist block high-frequency noise widespread in energy traces, which permits the DC or low-frequency sign to go.
25Pictured right here is the transient stage of the MEG Ai1300P.
Check System
Testing & Closing Ideas
25Testing the MSI MEG Ai1300P was the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, a 16-core 32-threaded CPU, with a TDP of 170 watts, which at 100% load averaged 158 watts. The check GPU, the NVIDIA RTX 3090 FE, used about 367 watts on common when absolutely loaded. Wattage from the wall was measured with a Killawatt P3 P4400 Electrical energy Utilization Monitor, which reported round 650 watts, indicating a 50% PSU load. Including up all the opposite numbers in our PSU testing, the entire wattage reached 598 watts, making the MSI MEG Ai1300P 92% environment friendly, incomes its 80 Plus Platinum badge.
25The MSI Heart, the software program that the MSI MEG Ai1300P makes use of to report electrical PSU knowledge again to the end-user, mentioned solely 4 watts greater than what was present in testing; the MSI Heart does an honest job offering good info.
25Operating the “Actual-Time Dashboard” offers numerous graphical charted info on CPU, GPU, Complete Wattage output wattage, and different metrics.
So, is the MSI MEG Ai1300P a great ATX 3.0 PSU? Sure, completely. Nonetheless, I’ve a number of issues to bear in mind. First, throw out all of the advertising and marketing concerning the “2X Complete Energy Tour” and “3X GPU Energy Tour”, that are simply fancy phrases to clarify an influence spike. Secondly, please take away the Mini USB connector on the PSU enter aspect. It was a horrible connection when it was on cell telephones again within the day, so I hope to see a USB Kind-C model sooner or later.
MSI additionally included a 10-year guarantee, which makes it simpler to have a top quality PSU that can final you for years and builds to come back.
