Cooler Master MWE 500 Review: Power On A Budget

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Nauman Siddique

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Cooler Master sent us their MWE 500 for review. It’s an entry-level budget PSU with ErP 2013 Lot 6 certification, ensuring energy efficiency. The APFC + PWM technology boosts reliability and performance. It complies with ErP 2013 Lot 6 and CE and helps cut utility expenses through power savings. Stay tuned for an overview, including PCB and circuitry details, since we lack proper testing equipment.

Key Takeaways

• Cooler Master MWE 500 is an entry-level budget PSU with ErP 2013 Lot 6 certification, featuring APFC + PWM technology for reliability and energy efficiency.
• It is ideal for casual PC gamers with budget graphics cards or users requiring a PSU for routine desktop use.
• It is unsuitable for users requiring advanced features or extensive power for high-performance gaming or professional applications.

Let’s give the specifications a thorough look.

Packaging and Unboxing

The power supply comes in a black color cardboard box.

Box Contents

There is not much content in terms of the accessories in this box. We have a user guide, 4 screws, and the standard power cable.

Design

The unit is securely packaged in an air pocket container for safe shipping.

External Look

It’s a non-modular PSU with pre-installed cables following the Intel Form Factor of ATX 12V V 2.31. Its dimensions are 150 x 140 x 86mm, with an input voltage range of 200-240Vac and an input frequency range of 47-63 Hz. The unit features basic protection against OVP, OPP, OTP, and SCP and operates at an efficiency of 85% at a typical load. The top side includes a 120mm fan, a warranty void label on one of the screws, and a fan filter for cooling.

On the side, a charcoal-colored sticker with Cooler Master’s logo and the MWE 500 model is present. The power info label and serial number label are also on this side. The model MPW-5002-ACABW unit is a switching power supply with Active Power PFC, 200-240V AC input, and a single +12V rail with 38A. The rear side features a mesh for heat dissipation, a 3-pin per connector, a power on/off button, and no vents on the backside.

The backside has a solid cover without vents, and 5 screws indicate the PCB is secured to the base. The unit includes 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power cables sleeved in black, while other cables are not sleeved or braided.

\The connectors’ info is as follows: 

Internal Look

It is time to take a closer look at the PCB and circuit design. Examine the PCB and circuit design of the computer, ensuring stable voltages like +5V, -5V, +12V, -12V, and 3.3V are available at power supply terminals. Consider voltage, current, harmonic factor, cross-load regulation, noise resilience, and safety parameters like overvoltage protection (OVP) and overcurrent protection (OCP) for optimized power provision.

The external view reveals a metal body with color-coded cables. Removing the lid exposes a black PCB with components working together. The power socket features a safety-certified capacitor for protection against EMI/RFI interference, ensuring reliability and quality power components.

Inspecting the lateral section, observe a bridge rectifier and a 400V capacitor for AC ripple filtering. Active power factor correction distinguishes this power supply from entry-level ones, improving the power factor affected by high switching operations. The secondary stage provides stabilized, rectified, and filtered DC voltage, with proper isolation, solder joints, and traces contributing to a high-grade PCB.

Considering all parameters, the Cooler Master power supply qualifies as an entry-level budget option with an additional active PFC feature, setting it apart from its counterparts. It offers a reliable system choice that meets criteria like safety, robustness, and quality power components.

Testing

We don’t have the right tools to measure the PSU’s performance accurately. So, we used Thermaltake Dr. Power II to test it. This device checks voltages on different connectors and identifies any issues with the PSU. We compare the results with Intel’s standards and the testing equipment’s measuring range.

The below-mentioned table has the Intel Standard, Measuring Range, and Reported Voltages:

All the tested voltages fall within Intel’s standards. Here are the connectors-wise reported voltages:

Should You Buy It?

Through rigorous product Cooler Master MWE 500 , my evaluation is as follows:

Buy It If

✅ You Are into Casual PC Gaming or Have Budget Graphics Cards: It is an ideal choice for basic or entry-level budget builds, making it a suitable option for setups focused on casual gaming.

✅ You Prioritize Energy Efficiency and Power Savings: With ErP 2013 Lot 6 certification and APFC + PWM technology, the MWE 500 is designed for energy efficiency. This feature helps you cut utility expenses through power savings, making it a suitable choice if you are conscious of energy consumption.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You Require Advanced Features or High-Performance Gaming: If you have demanding gaming requirements or need a power supply for professional applications, the MWE 500 may fall short.

❌ You Need a Modular Power Supply: This PSU may not be the most suitable choice if you prioritize a modular setup for better cable management and customization.

Final Words

The Cooler Master MWE 500 is an entry-level, budget power supply with 80-plus certification for the 230V EU. It’s green, meeting ErP 2013 Lot 6 and CE standards for power savings. Non-modular, it follows the Intel Form Factor of ATX 12V V 2.31, with dimensions 150mm(L)x140mm(W)x86mm(H). Model no: MPW-5002-ACABW. Input voltage: 200-240Vac, frequency: 47-63 Hz. Key specs include a single +12V rail with 38A, providing 456W output. Active power factor correction is a standout feature. Ideal for basic or entry-level budget builds, with a 3-year warranty. Recommended for casual PC gamers or routine desktop users.

I am thankful to the Cooler Master for the Cooler Master MWE 500 Review.

Nauman Siddique

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com