modular vs non-modular

deshepherd · 3 May 2014 at 12:27

Apart from providing ability to make cabling a bit tidier (and not end up with a bundle of unused cables in the corner of the case!) are there any benefits of modular PSUs over non-modular versions?

mickyflinn · 3 May 2014 at 12:51

Tidier and less cables used will allow the air to flow better threw the case ,equating to better cooling.

ukbilleh · 3 May 2014 at 13:21

in a small build you'll certainly feel the benefit however a lot of cases no compartmentalise the location of the psu away from the motherboard / gpu so you can get away quite easily with a non modular psu

examples like the parvum / air 540

ukbilleh · 3 May 2014 at 13:21

and obviously the aesthetics of nothing having a bundle of cables in the corner of your case

DazQ87 · 3 May 2014 at 16:10

When I had my old case, which was a coolermaster CM 690, I used to get annoyed trying to hide all the excess cables away from my HX850. In my new case the Corsair Carbide air 540 it's an absolute non-issue as the PSU is tucked away in the second compartment.

In short it depends what case you have, but as a general rule I would probably only buy modular PSUs from now on as they really are much easier to work with an give you a lot more space in the case.

deshepherd · 3 May 2014 at 20:54

Thanks for the info. I've currently got a 450W Corsair PSU (?? VX). Currently running an AMD 960T, 6850, ssd, hdd, dvd etc and power meter on power cord seemed never to read more that ~230W (forget what figures were).Thinking about some upgrades ... may take gfx to 280X and perhaps cpu to 8320/8350 (and overclock). Should I be budgeting for new PSU as well (and if I do that probably have enough cast-offs to put together a new PC at the same time) and if so what power rating to future proof me for the next few years?

smilertoo · 4 May 2014 at 13:51

If you're on a budget take quality over modular; if budget isn't an issue then go for modular.

dacads · 4 May 2014 at 14:03

deshepherd said:
Thanks for the info. I've currently got a 450W Corsair PSU (?? VX). Currently running an AMD 960T, 6850, ssd, hdd, dvd etc and power meter on power cord seemed never to read more that ~230W (forget what figures were).Thinking about some upgrades ... may take gfx to 280X and perhaps cpu to 8320/8350 (and overclock). Should I be budgeting for new PSU as well (and if I do that probably have enough cast-offs to put together a new PC at the same time) and if so what power rating to future proof me for the next few years?

That's quite an old PSU I would be planning on buying a new one that is 550w or 650w with a few more years in mind

deshepherd · 4 May 2014 at 15:13

dacads said:
That's quite an old PSU I would be planning on buying a new one that is 550w or 650w with a few more years in mind

Older than I thought ... bought it from OCUK so checked my account and found I bought it in Dec 08 - so its done good service and lasted a lot longer than the cheap 500W PSU it replaced!

Seen the Corsair CX750 for ~£70 (or ~£60 for non-nmodular). Think this is their entry level range and is bronze rated ... is this a good choice or is it worth moving up to a higher range for gold rating (even if means dropping to lower power like 650W)

smilertoo · 4 May 2014 at 16:00

Depends how you feel about SLI, i could only afford a 650w seasonic psu but i wanted quality and i'm not convinced by SLI.

foster grant · 4 May 2014 at 16:09

Depends on how much you want to spend

Kelt · 4 May 2014 at 16:17

Once you go modular, you never go back.

foster grant · 4 May 2014 at 16:17

dacads · 4 May 2014 at 16:24

deshepherd said:
Older than I thought ... bought it from OCUK so checked my account and found I bought it in Dec 08 - so its done good service and lasted a lot longer than the cheap 500W PSU it replaced!

Seen the Corsair CX750 for ~£70 (or ~£60 for non-nmodular). Think this is their entry level range and is bronze rated ... is this a good choice or is it worth moving up to a higher range for gold rating (even if means dropping to lower power like 650W)

I would avoid the CX series as you can do better

YOUR BASKET
1 x Seasonic M12II EVO Edition 750W '80 Plus Bronze' Fully Modular Power Supply £79.99
1 x SuperFlower Leadex GOLD 650W Fully Modular "80 Plus Gold" Power Supply - Black £79.99
Total : £174.08 (includes shipping : £11.75).

Loxa · 4 May 2014 at 17:00

I have used both and did not really notice a huge difference at all.

deFiniLoGy · 4 May 2014 at 17:54

For small scale build and guys who like tidy build - go for fully modular.

Pros:

1. Custom sleeved cables, which is where Lutro0 Paracord and MDPC-X sleeve comes in

2. Custom cable length, instead of standard 60cm cable
3. Only plug in the ones that you need = tidier build.

Cons:
It can go really expensive... Ask anyone who have done their own cables

OpenToSuggestions · 4 May 2014 at 17:59

My Corsair 750W is non-modular.

It would be a little nicer if it was, but imo always go for the best quality PSU for your budget. I could have purchased a modular one, but this one was on TWO for the same price as the Corsair 650W version, so I snapped it right up.

deFiniLoGy · 4 May 2014 at 18:01

OpenToSuggestions said:
My Corsair 750W is non-modular.

It would be a little nicer if it was, but imo always go for the best quality PSU for your budget. I could have purchased a modular one, but this one was on TWO for the same price as the Corsair 650W version, so I snapped it right up.

Very true.

Don't ever think "meh a cheap PSU will do"..

And regret when it blow up your CPU or mobo

dacads · 4 May 2014 at 18:19

deFiniLoGy said:
Very true.

Don't ever think "meh a cheap PSU will do"..

And regret when it blow up your CPU or mobo

Mobo can blow up regardless of psu

Meoricin · 4 May 2014 at 18:46

dacads said:
Mobo can blow up regardless of psu

He didn't say they couldn't.