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Semi-Modular 650 Watt PSU

F

Fester

Weaksauce
Joined
Oct 6, 2010
Messages
85
I need a 650 watt PSU, which I would prefer to be semi-modular. I was looking at the Corsair Enthusiast Series TX650M model. Is that a good model or should I be looking at something else?

Here is a list of the current parts for my PC. I know that 650 watts is a lot for what I have, but I want to leave wattage in case I get two video cards down the road.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card 02G-P4-2678-KR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Desktop Hard Drive Bulk/OEM - WD1002FAEX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

SSD Hard Drive: Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-148-442

Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
 
A good 500 watt power supply would be more than enough, but 650 will let you do 670 SLI.

What's your budget?

I wouldn't get the TX650M, it's simply a really poor value at its current Newegg price point. The Seasonic X-750 is frequently around the $100-110 mark from Newegg.

The Thermaltake TPG-650M is currently cheaper than the Corsair TX650M, performs better, and has higher efficiency. Its 750w bigger brother reviewed well with JonnyGuru. $84 AR.

I would go for the Antec HCP-750 if you really need it now. Higher initial price, but the rebate brings it lower than the TX650M. Not to mention it has an additional 100w capacity, better efficiency, better performance, and more connectors. It seems to be the best value that fits your needs at the moment. $90 AR.
 
I don't have a budget for this item. I prefer to focus on quality, reliability, and quietness over price.

Based on what you posted, you don't think Corsair is top of the line? I have read quite a few negative posts about all the PSUs so it's difficult to make a decision. I haven't seen OCZ mentioned many places either.

If I could get a semi-modular that was of good quality, I definitely would go with a 650 watt.
 
Im using a ZT series OCZ PSU for the past year now. I think that is what its called. Powers my 7970, fully modular, about 100 dollars. Working great. 650w wont power to 670's, it only has 2 gpu connectors. You could use molex to power the second, but thats just stupid.

OCZ!

Although, Corsair does sell sleeved cables, which is nice. GL
 
Corsair sells good quality PSUs, but the TX power supplies are nowhere near top of the line. You would have to go up to the HX and AX lines to match the HCP.

You cannot look at brand alone. You have to look at and evaluate each individual model separately. Also, NEVER use Newegg reviews to base your power supply purchasing decisions on. Use [H]OCP, Hardware Secrets, and JonnyGuru reviews, as these are actual professional reviews.

A lot of 650w power supplies nowadays have 4 PCI-E connectors, including the Thermaltake TPG-650M I mentioned. However, as I stated, the best bang for buck power supply currently available on Newegg is the Antec HCP-750.
 
I wouldn't go with the ZT series from OCZ. They don't perform at real world temps, and have a sketchy oem (Great Wall).

Also to Robert Marcus, a good 650w unit will absolutely allow for 670 sli.

Seasonic X-650, Corsair AX-650, XFX XXX 650, Antec EA-650 Platinum are all solid choices.
 
majax79 said:
Based on what you posted, you don't think Corsair is top of the line? I have read quite a few negative posts about all the PSUs so it's difficult to make a decision.
Click to expand...

Here is the problem: Corsair has a few not-so-good (read: OK-ish but nowhere near stellar, even for the price) PSUs in its lineup. The problem is the dated CWT PSH-II platform that the TX-M series PSUs are based on. (Even Thermaltake's new successor to the crappy TR2 RX line, the Smart-M line, is based on a newer CWT platform than the PSH-II - the PUQ.) Second, the TX-M line has only two detachable cables - the rest of the cables, including some that most current systems never use, are permanently hardwired to the PSU.
 
Thanks for the reply E4g1e.

Since my last post I've been doing more research regarding decibel levels. At the moment it seems like I am leaning towards the HX750 model because of the connectors and the quietness. The new version of the HX650 has terrible reviews at Amazon (albeit only 3 or 4) while the 750 seems to have great reviews everywhere.

I know I won't use 650 watts, but it's the quality I'm more concerned in and it seems that going to a 750-850 is where quality is better. What's your opinion?
 
Don't get stuck on Corsair. Antec sells great power supplies. Like I said, the best value PSU on Newegg at the moment is the HCP-750. High quality, and cheaper than the TXM power supplies. The HCP-750 is the direct competitor to the AX750, which is higher quality than the HX series.

HCP-750 review.

Only noisy in very high ambients and maximum load. Pretty much all quality power supplies with large 120mm+ fans will be silent at normal loads and normal ambients.
 
KrylonArt said:
Thermaltake Black Widow W0319RU 850W, $89.99 after promo code EMCYTZT2483. $69.99 after $20 MIR. Promo code only good for next 24 hours.
Click to expand...

Still way overpriced for a PSU that could barely handle even 550W. Most of the TR2 RX series line has recently been discontinued by Thermaltake. The successor Smart-M series line is much better, but still a tad overpriced for what they are.
 
I got my Rosewill 650watt modular psu for $69 on Newegg. Runs 2600k and Sli GTX 460's great.
 
Does anyone know when Corsair AX760i will go on sale. I just read that both Corsair and SeaSonic have released new models and the reviews for the Corsair AX760i have been great so far.
 
Why do you even bother coming in here looking for advice? Your blind fanboyism is irritating to put it mildly.

And they'll come out when they come out. No one here has insider information, and even if they did, they won't share it if it wasn't made public, but by then it won't be insider information.
 
majax79 said:
Does anyone know when Corsair AX760i will go on sale. I just read that both Corsair and SeaSonic have released new models and the reviews for the Corsair AX760i have been great so far.
Click to expand...

You know Corsair makes SSDs too. Oh and Cases! May aswell toss a corsair water cooler in there too!
 
Jorona said:
You know Corsair makes SSDs too. Oh and Cases! May aswell toss a corsair water cooler in there too!
Click to expand...

Let's not forget fans, mice, keyboards, and headsets. Also a Corsair mousepad for good measure.
 
Great: Antec, Corsair, FSP, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Silverstone
Alright: Cooler Master, OCZ, Rosewill, Thermaltake
Be wary of everything else.

And do your research on the individual model, always.
 
You do realize that PC Power & Cooling is owned by OCZ, right? Also, Antec has had some really crappy models.
 
Eureka! said:
Great: Antec, Corsair, FSP, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, Silverstone
Alright: Cooler Master, OCZ, Rosewill, Thermaltake
Be wary of everything else.

And do your research on the individual model, always.
Click to expand...

Theres only two in there that haven't had a lemon in recent history. Corsair and Seasonic. XFX also should be in the great list.

Silverstone has acouple shit units.
Antec is hit or miss.
FSP until recently had a its Everest/Epsilon platform that was known for component killing ripple.
PCP&C can finally call their silencer silent, so I guess thats a plus.

Your alrights all have to follow the same game as Antec. Hit or Miss. CM is generally hit though. OCZ and Tt is generally miss. Rosewill sometimes hits a bulleye, and sometimes turns around and murders the crowd.

So, what I'm getting at is, do alittle research. Pick the wattage range thats right for you (Max system load + 10%) and then look at acouple from decent vendors. Check reviews with proper load testing, and decide which unti has the best features for the price. Tsumi already did this for you OP. I'd take his advice.

majax79 said:
Thanks everyone for their help.

I've decided on the Corsair AX760i Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply (Not Yet Available)
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-Digital-Platinum-AX760i/dp/B00A0HZMI8/

I'll have to wait a few weeks for it to come out, but it's definitely what I want.
Click to expand...

Or don't...

Also, HOLY FUCK thats exspensive.
 
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Jorona said:
Or don't...

Also, HOLY FUCK thats exspensive.
Click to expand...

This is a prime example of how companies milk brand loyalists.

It did review extremely well at Hardware Secrets though, and its pricing isn't that far out of line compared to other 750w platinum power supplies. However, when compared to 1000w platinum power supplies, especially the Kingwin LZP-1000 that often goes for less than $200...
 
majax79 said:
Thanks everyone for their help.

I've decided on the Corsair AX760i Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply (Not Yet Available)
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-Digital-Platinum-AX760i/dp/B00A0HZMI8/

I'll have to wait a few weeks for it to come out, but it's definitely what I want.
Click to expand...



WHAT $217??? WTF....

why would you do that when the Seasonic X750 is $99 w/ $50 promo right now (promo ends 11/11)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087


i mean it is 'only' 80+ gold :D and all but personally i'd get the X750 for $99 all day everyday over that $217 corsair...that is too much monies... i think.


I have a X750 I got on sale for the $99 ~ish price awhile ago ...it has been great for me.. i really like it.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I agree with going with the Seasonic X series over the Corsair AX-###i series at this time: At current electricity rates and average usage, it could take far longer than a decade for that AX-###i PSU to pay for itself through "lower" energy consumption.
 
Tsumi said:
Which doesn't mean a thing at all...
Click to expand...


Really? Is it absolutely necessary to be snarky and rude to a total stranger?

Also, it means that if the Rosewill modular PSU I mentioned can handle my setup, it can certainly handle OP's setup.
 
PRogers86 said:
Really? Is it absolutely necessary to be snarky and rude to a total stranger?
Click to expand...

What Tsumi meant is that there are both good and mediocre to crappy quality PSUs sold under the Rosewill name. In other words, it depends on the exact Rosewill-branded model.
 
PRogers86 said:
Really? Is it absolutely necessary to be snarky and rude to a total stranger?

Also, it means that if the Rosewill modular PSU I mentioned can handle my setup, it can certainly handle OP's setup.
Click to expand...

Whether or not it handles it and whether or not it handles it well are two completely different things.

A crappy 750w power supply can handle a 750w max load computer if the user never approaches max load, which most scenarios never do. Only folding and simultaneous P95/furmark will approach max load, with most games approaching 50-60%, a few select games maybe pushing 80-85%. Normal desktop will never approach 20%.

Also, there are other factors like ripple that are not visible to the end user. Just because it's powering your equipment doesn't mean it's not damaging it with out of spec ripple, etc.
 
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