Lian Li Edge Gold 1200W Gold Power Supply Review
Conclusion
Is the Lian Li Edge Gold 1200W (EG1200G) a good PSU?
This may not be Lian Li’s first Edge series power supply, but it is the first that made its way into the offices of OC3D. We’ve been reviewing power supplies for well over a decade, and this is the first PSU that has deviated this far from the ATX PSU standard. Yes, Corsair has their SHIFT series (review here), but I think it is fair to say that Lian Li’s Edge series is much more unique.
The Lian Li Edge Gold EG1200G is the ideal PSU design for dual-chambered PC cases with vertically oriented PSUs. Lian Li’s Edge design simplifies connecting modular PSU cables and simplifies PC cable management. Add on Lian Li’s Edge hub, and we have a PSU that’s easier to use and more feature-rich than its competitors. That said, the Edge’s L-shaped design isn’t well suited to all PC cases, which means this PSU isn’t for everyone.
This power supply exceeded our expectations when it came to power efficiency. It delivered efficiency levels that we would expect from Platinum-rated power supplies. This Gold-rated PSU is punching above its weight class. Users of this PSU will get Platinum-level performance at Gold-level pricing. This unit achieved 90+% efficiency at all times!
The only performance metric that didn’t impress us was voltage stability/ripple. While this PSU’s results aren’t bad, we have seen better results from other power supplies in this class. This is an area where Lian Li can improve their future designs.
The Lian Li Edge Gold series proves that PSU innovation is possible
Where the Lian Li EG1200G excels is in its user experience. Where almost all other power supplies deliver the same user experience, Lian Li has delivered something fresh. When used with suitable PC cases, Lian Li’s Edge design simplifies PC building and upgrading. Cable management is easier. Removing/replacing cables is easier. Add on Lian Li’s included cable combs, and creating an elegant system with well-managed cable runs almost becomes too easy.
Innovation is rare in the PSU market. It usually comes from changes in PSU component selection and the use of new materials. Even then, these innovations only alter a power supply’s performance characteristics. Lian Li has delivered a transformed user experience with its Edge series. From now on, I will consider the shape of my power supply when I build new PCs. That’s how transformative the Edge series is. With some PC cases, I will consider Lian Li’s Edge series PSUs as the perfect power supply option.
Lian Li’s Edge Gold 1200W (EG1200G) deserves nothing less than OC3D’s Innovation Award. This award exists to give components like this the recognition they deserve. The Edge series has changed how I think about power supplies and their impact on the PC building process. The Edge series proves there is more to PSU design than power efficiency and wattage capacity. That makes the Edge series very special.
You can join the discussion on Lian Li’s new Edge Gold 1200W power supply on the OC3D Forums.
