BFG EX-1200 (1200W) Modular PSU
Packaging & Appearance
Presented in a black cardboard box with a minimalistic white and yellow colour scheme, the BFG EX-1200 is worlds apart from the heavily ‘game themed’ packaging of their graphics cards. However, it would seem that the professional look is common to all of BFG’s recently released PSU’s with the ES and LS series sporting exactly the same design albeit in blue and green colour schemes respectively.
Probably one of the most amusing things about the EX-1200 packaging is the installation diagram on the back of the box which gives buyers a 4 step guide to installing their new PSU. Hopefully this will prevent any mishaps from users who attempt to install their new PSU without removing the side panel of their case, or indeed using duct tape rather than screws to secure the PSU in position!
However, on a more serious note the back of the box also provides valuable information on the efficiency curves and fan speed through the various load levels. This could be handy for potential buyers who know roughly how much power their systems consume and are looking for a PSU that reaches its optimal performance at this level. Printed on the side of the box is an output chart similar to that back on Page #1 along with a full specifications list and six images that show what connectors are provided with the unit.
Some manufacturers are known for their minimalist approach in order to keep costs down, while others go as far as to provide their PSU’s in leather briefcases or heavily padded boxes. The BFG EX-1200 however, strikes a balance of the two by using a fairly standard double walled cardboard box to save on the pennies while also using large styrofoam inserts on either side of the PSU to ensure that it is well protected against knocks and drops during shipping. Included in the box are the following items:
7x Modular Cables
4x ATX Screws
3x Velcro Ties
1x Mains Cable
1x PSU Manual
1x EX-1200 PSU
4x ATX Screws
3x Velcro Ties
1x Mains Cable
1x PSU Manual
1x EX-1200 PSU
The finish on the unit is mirror black – most likely spray painted, and unfortunately doesn’t take too kindly to being ‘fingered’ as you can probably see from some of the images above. The paint is also quite prone to chipping and scratching and therefore care should be taken when installing it inside a PC. Around the side of the unit BFG have added some personal touches by laser cutting several ventilation grilles and embossing their cross-hair logo into the casing; further improving the PSU’s visual appeal.
The underside of the unit features a 135mm fan complete with a black fan grill sporting the BFG logo, and flipping the unit over we can see that BFG have placed the specifications sticker in a position that it is not likely to be seen when installed in a PC case. Always good to see (or not)!
The rear of the unit is dominated by the obligatory honeycomb mesh grill with a standard kettle lead style plug and rocker switch located to the right. It would have been nice to see a beefier power switch used as the smaller switches tend to suffer more from arcing and poor conections in comparison to the larger, more ‘clunky’ switches.
So now we’ve covered everything but the modular end of the unit, let’s move on to the next page where we take a look at the cables and connectors.
