Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing the efficiency of the CX600M at low loads and at loads equal to 20-110% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



At low loads, the CX600M leads the pack of similar (and in some cases higher) efficiency and capacity units, sitting exactly in the middle with normal loads. All in all, the unit achieves good efficiency, with very low loads being its strongest point.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the CX600M at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads that we dialed were 40, 60, 80, and 100 W (for PSUs with over 500 W of capacity). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with power saving turned on.


At low loads, the CX600M achieved very high efficiency readings for a Bronze unit. It easily surpassed the 80% mark in three out of the four tests we conducted, something noteworthy for a PSU of this category. Fan speed was also kept low during all of the above tests, and its output noise was minimal. All in all, the CX600M far exceeded our expectations during the low-load tests.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100 mA of load, 60% or higher with 250 mA of load, and 70% or higher with 1 A or more of load.

We will take four measurements: one at 100, 250, and 1000 mA each, and one with the full load that the 5VSB rail can handle.


The 5VSB rail registered high efficiency throughout the first two tests, and efficiency was good enough, especially for the budget category of this unit, in the last two tests. I don't think we can ask for more performance in this area.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In the table below, you will find the power consumption and the voltage values of all rails (except -12V) when the PSU is in idle mode (powered on but without any load on its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby mode (without any load at 5VSB).


Vampire power is very low, proving Corsair's claim of ErP Lot 6 2013 compliance. The changes Corsair made to this platform were apparently worth the trouble.

Fan RPM, Delta Temperature and Output Noise

The cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the delta difference between input and output temperature are illustrated in the following chart. The following results were obtained at 38-45°C ambient.



A chart that shows the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the output noise follows. We measure the fan's noise from 1 meter away—inside a small custom-made anechoic chamber with internals that are completely covered in specialized soundproofing material (Be Quiet! Noise Absorber Kit) . Background noise inside the anechoic chamber was below 30 dBA during testing, and the results were obtained with the PSU operating at 38-45°C ambient.



The following graph illustrates the fan's output noise throughout the entire operating range of the PSU. The same conditions of the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient in this case was between 28°C and 30°C.



The fan profile is quite relaxed and the fan features a fairly quite operation that leads to decreased noise output, but the fan's maximum RPM, once the PSU is stressed, cannot be considered low at all.