PSU advice (Corsair, Seasonic, XFX models and ?)

Duvan · 13 Jan 2012 at 18:06

I need a PSU not only for my current dual core computer but maybe more for when I buy a new rig in 1-2 years. One decent to good CPU and graphics card, 2 HDD:s is enough in the future, but I need the PSU to last/be sufficient for many years hopefully. Preferably one that doesn't start burning

Anyway, my main concern except for that is that it's fairly quiet.

I looked at:
1. Corsair TX 650 V2.
But I read the TX 650 (not V2?) runs warm, This the case for the V2 too?
"Both intake and exhaust temperatures rose a bit faster and higher than in most other PSUs. The exhaust air temperature exeeded 50°C at just 250W and rose to over 70°C after about 15 minutes at continuous full load"

2. The TX 650M instead. It's less hot, and more quiet eh?
I read the HX650 does not run as hot, but they cost too much here.

3. SEASONIC 620W POWER SUPPLY S12II620

Is this one dated? But it's more silent and runs cooler than the TX?

4. XFX 650W Core Edition ATX, 80+ Bronze P1-650S-NLB9 (or 750 watt)

How hot does this one run on higher wattage? The thing that concerns me is that the fan might be noisy? I read in a review for a similiar model (XXX ed.) that the Bronze version was quite a bit more noisy than the silver at least... Which is too expensive here.

Is XFX otherwise as reliable as Corsair/Seasonic?

5. preferably NOT antec. I had 3 of them break the last 6 years, even if I know it's got more to do with my model being crap

Also, please, if there is any other models I should be looking at instead, let me know

Stoner81 · 13 Jan 2012 at 18:08

Antec PSU's are good ones so you might have just been unlucky with yours. I use a Antec Truepower 850w PSU in my system and it has never missed a beat or anything in the 18 months or so that I have had it.

Stoner81.

Duvan · 13 Jan 2012 at 18:30

I believe you

but well, HCG-620 was the only Antec that seemed interesting, but not in stock in my country. (The truepower 550W is also for example 36€ more than the XFX and arount 15-20€ more tha the other ones so quite pricey).

beejjacobs · 13 Jan 2012 at 18:50

Any of those will be great! Can't comment on noise sorry (as I just don't know!)

jamesfreddie · 13 Jan 2012 at 18:57

I have a HCG-620 and i like it.

But the only reason i bought it was because it was on offer.

olivier renault · 13 Jan 2012 at 19:17

Duvan said:
I need a PSU not only for my current dual core computer but maybe more for when I buy a new rig in 1-2 years. One decent to good CPU and graphics card, 2 HDD:s is enough in the future, but I need the PSU to last/be sufficient for many years hopefully. Preferably one that doesn't start burning
Anyway, my main concern except for that is that it's fairly quiet.

I looked at:
1. Corsair TX 650 V2.
But I read the TX 650 (not V2?) runs warm, This the case for the V2 too?
"Both intake and exhaust temperatures rose a bit faster and higher than in most other PSUs. The exhaust air temperature exeeded 50°C at just 250W and rose to over 70°C after about 15 minutes at continuous full load"

The 650V2 is a rebadged Seasonic, the 650 is an older seasonic design, iirc. Can't say more about it.

2. The TX 650M instead. It's less hot, and more quiet eh?
I read the HX650 does not run as hot, but they cost too much here.

IIRC, the TX650M is the older TX650, made modular.

3. SEASONIC 620W POWER SUPPLY S12II620

Is this one dated? But it's more silent and runs cooler than the TX?

Yes, older generation. The S12II is a rebadged HCG-620, from what I've read. I would consider Seasonic X-series. Not that the older series are bad (far from it), but the 'X' series is brand new design, and the basis for the Corsair AX series.

A review of the HCG-620 to give you an idea about the HCG-620 / S12II-620.

Another not so glowing review. Could be a dodgy unit. Best look around.

4. XFX 650W Core Edition ATX, 80+ Bronze P1-650S-NLB9 (or 750 watt)

How hot does this one run on higher wattage? The thing that concerns me is that the fan might be noisy? I read in a review for a similiar model (XXX ed.) that the Bronze version was quite a bit more noisy than the silver at least... Which is too expensive here.

Is XFX otherwise as reliable as Corsair/Seasonic?

XFX, like many corsairs, are re-badged Seasonic units.

Since I don't have first hand experience, apart from a Corsair HX620, a Corsair AX850 (currently in rig), and a Antec HCG-520, I can't say for sure about the noise and temps of those PSUs.

As usual, look up jonnyguru reviews, or here as well.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page678.htm

The only other brand I would consider 'worthy' of those PSUs are the Enermax.

Again, a XFX Silver, a Corsair AX, or Seasonic X-series are really outstanding products. Below that, you will have the range you are considering. These top of the range PSUs are also expensive, but it pays to shop around.

Duvan · 13 Jan 2012 at 21:23

For 125€ here:
Antec TP 650 watt
XFX XXX ed. silver 750 watt
Corsair 650HX

For 135€ - 147€ Corsair AX 650 watt

For 155€ Seasonic X 660 watt

For 160€ Corsair AX 750 watt

Noise is still my biggest concern... In a review I read the AX650 could make some noise at high fan speed... The x660 the best at noise reduction? But then again it only has 5 years warranty.

Probably impossible to say, but would the Ax 650 watt be sufficient for a computer in 5-6 years too with a single GPU... I mean how much has power demands increased the last 5-6 years? And even if I'd buy the 750 watt I guess nothing is sure? heh.
How much would even be needed for a quad core CPU plus 2 HDDS, a dvd station and a good GPU today?

olivier renault · 13 Jan 2012 at 21:48

Duvan said:
For 125€ here:
Antec TP 650 watt
XFX XXX ed. silver 750 watt
Corsair 650HX

For 135€ - 147€ Corsair AX 650 watt

For 155€ Seasonic X 660 watt

For 160€ Corsair AX 750 watt

Noise is still my biggest concern... In a review I read the AX650 could make some noise at high fan speed... The x660 the best at noise reduction? But then again it only has 5 years warranty.

Probably impossible to say, but would the Ax 650 watt be sufficient for a computer in 5-6 years too with a single GPU... I mean how much has power demands increased the last 5-6 years? And even if I'd buy the 750 watt I guess nothing is sure? heh.
How much would even be needed for a quad core CPU plus 2 HDDS, a dvd station and a good GPU today?

First off, GPU and CPU power consumption are actually on the decrease, due to the die shrinks / technology (tri-gate transistors).

Secondly, 650W is more than enough for a a single GPU. So you will not max your PSU, therefore it will heat up less, therefore spin the fan less.

Thridly, a gold PSU is very efficient, meaning there is little wasted energy converted into heat, meaning, lower fan speed

Fourth, you can run SLI / Xfire on 650 W on mid-range cards (say, up to a 6950, or even the new gen cards). PSU would be best to have 4 PCIE connectors.

Personally, any of these will perform for your purpose. Out of the lot, the XXX 650W and AX 650 (for the lower bracket price) would seem to have the best value. The Corsair AX 650 would be a nice contender as well, if only for the fully modular design, and the extended warranty.

Also about the noise, If you are gonna reach levels where the PSU fan will start kicking off, then it is more than likely that other components will get far noisier anyway (most likely, the GPU fans).

I went '**** it' and got a AX850 watt PSU (was aiming at the Seasonic X-850 but out of stock). BTW, the AX / Seasonic 'X' PSUs are meant to run fanless at very low usage (under 30%).

olivier renault · 13 Jan 2012 at 21:52

Duvan said:
How much would even be needed for a quad core CPU plus 2 HDDS, a dvd station and a good GPU today?

650W is a good mark for a machine like that. More than enough of power, meaning not stressing out the components and not being anywhere near the limit, and good bang for buck. I have recorded under 430-450W (Battlefield3, unigine + Prime 95) usage on 6950 crossfire, and a 2500K overclocked to 4.4GHz. So basically, my PSU is running at under 50% load full stress

Oh well... I got it for a good price anyway.

Duvan · 14 Jan 2012 at 00:10

Thank you!

Hmm okay, is it just the gold models, the AX and the X that can run without the fans on at lower loads? How comes - they're just able to run without generating a lot of heat? So for browsing the net etc. the fan normally isn't even on?

Anyway. If it's between the XFX XXX 750 watt and the AX650 watt, I'd be bettering off choosing the latter, cos of warranty time, quality of build and noise level... hmm? The extra watts from the XFX is not something I'm likely to gain from, even with a high level GPU and CPU in the future?

I'm also very close to just say "F__ this" and buy the AX750 watt

Doing hardware research is hell.

Grimley · 14 Jan 2012 at 00:22

out of that lot I'd go for the Corsair, their after sales service is second to none. Their European after sales office is based in Holland & its a tad expensive to return stuff there, but its a quick turn round time & what comes back is either the same or better than what you sent them (if its discontinued) I've sent back stuff to them twice & been more than happy with what's come back.

olivier renault · 14 Jan 2012 at 01:22

Duvan said:
Thank you!

Hmm okay, is it just the gold models, the AX and the X that can run without the fans on at lower loads? How comes - they're just able to run without generating a lot of heat? So for browsing the net etc. the fan normally isn't even on?

It's the way they are designed. They generate little heat at low loads, so the fan is turned off, and ramps up when the load goes up.

Anyway. If it's between the XFX XXX 750 watt and the AX650 watt, I'd be bettering off choosing the latter, cos of warranty time, quality of build and noise level... hmm? The extra watts from the XFX is not something I'm likely to gain from, even with a high level GPU and CPU in the future?

I'm also very close to just say "F__ this" and buy the AX750 watt Doing hardware research is hell.

I would get the AX750 / XXX 750W only if you are thinking of crossfire / SLI later on. It's true Corsair could well be less of a hassle than Seasonic or XFX in case of malfunction / returns. And if you value their extended warranty, then you would also value good customer support.

So far I've been lucky and never needed RMA for anything. So I can't say first hand.

jpod · 14 Jan 2012 at 11:42

5 warranty is always good to have, I like Corsair

Duvan · 14 Jan 2012 at 17:36

olivier renault said:
It's the way they are designed. They generate little heat at low loads, so the fan is turned off, and ramps up when the load goes up.

I would get the AX750 / XXX 750W only if you are thinking of crossfire / SLI later on. It's true Corsair could well be less of a hassle than Seasonic or XFX in case of malfunction / returns. And if you value their extended warranty, then you would also value good customer support.

So far I've been lucky and never needed RMA for anything. So I can't say first hand.

Hmm no not SLI, but just worried, if in, hmm 6 years the top CPU:s become more PSU demanding again and it becomes more standard with 2 GPU:s in the graphic cards (like the gtx590 today).
Or in other words I'd hope to use my AX not for 4-5 years but for 6-10 years I'm sure

Or will the ATX connectors be incompatible with the mobos then, I don't know