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Draft:Cybenetics

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Certification Ties and Industry Collaboration

Cybenetics is a power supply unit (PSU) certification program that evaluates PSUs for both energy efficiency and noise levels. Founded in 2017, Cybenetics was introduced as an alternative to the long-standing 80 PLUS efficiency standard, aiming to provide more accurate and comprehensive testing results.[1][2] Unlike 80 PLUS—which focuses solely on efficiency at a few load points—Cybenetics assesses PSUs across hundreds of load combinations and includes an independent noise certification, addressing several limitations of the older 80 PLUS program.[3][4]

Certification Methodology

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Efficiency (ETA) Rating

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Cybenetics’ efficiency certification is called ETA (η). It measures PSU efficiency under a wide range of conditions. Instead of testing only a few fixed load points like 80 PLUS, Cybenetics samples thousands of load combinations, spanning from very low to full load.[5] From these results, an average overall efficiency is calculated. The ETA rating also includes power factor correction, standby power efficiency (5Vsb), and off-load power draw ("vampire power").[6][5] Each PSU is then assigned a rating based on its average performance.

Originally, Cybenetics used letter-grade ETA levels (A+, A, B, C, D). Later, it adopted more familiar labels: Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and a highest-level Diamond rating for exceptional efficiency.[7][8] Cybenetics tests both 115 V and 230 V inputs; the 230 V certification uses slightly stricter thresholds.[9]

Noise (LAMBDA) Rating

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Cybenetics also offers a LAMBDA noise certification. It measures the PSU's noise output in decibels (dB[A]) across all loads using professional acoustic equipment.[10] PSUs are then categorized into one of seven classes: A++, A+, A, B, C, D, or E, with A++ indicating the quietest operation and E the loudest.[8]

This rating allows consumers to compare noise levels—something 80 PLUS does not evaluate.[11] Manufacturers often include both ETA and LAMBDA badges on packaging.[11]

Comparison to 80 PLUS

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Cybenetics differs from 80 PLUS in several ways. 80 PLUS tests only a few fixed load points under ideal lab conditions (typically 20%, 50%, 100%), whereas Cybenetics measures performance across a broad range of real-world loads and averages the results.[5][10]

Cybenetics also evaluates power factor, 5Vsb standby rail efficiency, and no-load power draw. 80 PLUS does not.[12] In addition, Cybenetics includes a noise rating (LAMBDA), which is absent from the 80 PLUS system.[8]

While Cybenetics adopts familiar metal-tier names to ease consumer comparison, its methodology is more comprehensive. For example, the Diamond tier introduced by Cybenetics exceeds Titanium-level efficiency and reflects stricter real-world performance standards.[8] Experts and reviewers note that Cybenetics addresses many longstanding criticisms of the 80 PLUS system, including limited data points, outdated thresholds, and lack of acoustic assessment.[11]

Industry Adoption

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By late 2020, over 770 PSU models had been tested and certified by Cybenetics.[12] In 2024, major PSU manufacturer Corsair announced it would abandon 80 PLUS and exclusively adopt Cybenetics for all future power supplies.[8][11] Other companies including MSI, Thermaltake, FSP, and Endorfy have also adopted Cybenetics certifications.[8]

Additionally, Cybenetics is recognized in Intel’s ATX PSU design guide as a valid certification standard alongside 80 PLUS.[8] According to reviews, the dual ETA/LAMBDA system provides consumers with more actionable and transparent PSU performance data.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Matthew Wilson, "Cybenetics wants more accurate efficiency certification for PSUs and noise ratings," KitGuru, 2 May 2017.
  2. ^ Nico Schleippmann, "Netzteile: Cybenetics zertifiziert Effizienz und Lautstärke," ComputerBase (in German), 4 May 2017.
  3. ^ Aris Mpitziopoulos, "Cybenetics Offers New PSU Efficiency Certification," Tom’s Hardware, 3 May 2017.
  4. ^ Jacob Ridley, "Corsair ditches 80 Plus for PSUs: here are the Cybenetics ratings it'll use instead," PC Gamer, 8 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Aris Mpitziopoulos, "Cybenetics Offers New PSU Efficiency Certification," Tom’s Hardware, 3 May 2017.
  6. ^ btarunr, "Cybenetics Introduces Easy PSU Efficiency and Noise Badges," TechPowerUp, 30 December 2020.
  7. ^ E. Fylladitakis, "Corsair Transitions to Cybenetics Certification for Power Supplies," AnandTech, 7 August 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Jacob Ridley, "Corsair ditches 80 Plus for PSUs: here are the Cybenetics ratings it'll use instead," PC Gamer, 8 August 2024.
  9. ^ Aris Mpitziopoulos, "Cybenetics Introduces New 230V Efficiency and Noise Certification Programs," Tom’s Hardware, 29 January 2018.
  10. ^ a b c João Silva, "Corsair will start using Cybenetics PSU certification," KitGuru, 8 August 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d E. Fylladitakis, "Corsair Transitions to Cybenetics Certification for Power Supplies," AnandTech, 7 August 2024.
  12. ^ a b btarunr, "Cybenetics Introduces Easy PSU Efficiency and Noise Badges," TechPowerUp, 30 December 2020.
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