While energy providers rarely grab attention, Lian Li’s latest power supply unit (PSU) design defies convention, boasting a truly innovative approach that sets it apart from others in the field. The latest range of PSUs not only boasts a radically distinct design from traditional power supplies, but also introduces fascinating novel features to elevate your PC experience?
This innovative PSU design revolutionizes the industry by introducing a fresh spin on the modular socket format, traditionally used by top-tier power supplies. Lian Li’s innovative design features an L-shaped power supply unit, where the L’s underside cleverly accommodates all modular cable connections, effectively elevating them upward rather than outward.
Why would you need that? In most standard PC cases, the power supply unit (PSU) is typically situated beneath a shroud on the backplane, making little difference; however, in dual-chamber cases where PSUs are often installed vertically, this configuration will significantly simplify cable management. This innovative design features all sockets arranged horizontally on a single plate, allowing for effortless identification and straightforward wire connection without any frustrating manipulation.
One notable feature of these power supplies is the built-in USB 2 hub located at the entrance of the main section of the unit. The power supply unit features a single nine-pin header, which can be connected to either multiple USB 2 headers on the motherboard or the PC’s rear USB 2 ports. This enables the provision of four additional nine-pin USB 2 headers on the PSU itself.
This location serves as an ideal spot to integrate internal components requiring software-driven management, for instance, the pump connected to your all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling system. While highlighting their own Strimer product, Lian Li also suggests it could be a prime contender for one of the RGB headers, enabling users to add personalized flair to their power supply cable lighting.
The Lian Li Edge series features three capacity options for its black and white flavors, with wattage choices ranging from 850W to 1,300W, all of which boast 80 Plus Platinum certification, achieving an impressive 91-92% efficiency at a 50% load, ensuring minimal energy waste. As the power supply unit dictates, the 120-millimeter cooling fan operates at will, remaining silent whenever the system’s components are not under stress.
The Lian Li PSUs are available for pre-order, starting at $149.99 (approximately £129.95) for the 850W black version, and escalating to $239.99 (around £204.95) for the 1,300W white edition.
While Lian Li may not have been the pioneer of rearranging socket locations on modular power supplies, they certainly didn’t trailblaze this innovation either? The Corsair RMx Shift series innovatively relocates the sockets to the PSU’s side, a first-time implementation in the L-shaped format.
