Corsair CX-M Series 650 W Review - Great Value 23

Corsair CX-M Series 650 W Review - Great Value

(23 Comments) »

Value and Conclusion

  • The Corsair CX650M (2021) retails for $70.
  • Delivered full power at 47°C
  • Affordable
  • High overall performance
  • Good ripple suppression
  • Rifle-bearing fan
  • Two EPS connectors
  • Quality bulk cap
  • Compatible with Alternative Low Power Modes
  • Low vampire power with 115 V input
  • Accurate power ok signal
  • 5-year warranty
  • Compact dimensions
  • Will get loud if stressed
  • Load regulation at +12 V not tight
  • Vampire power slightly above 0.1 W with 230 V
  • Short hold-up time
  • High inrush current with 230 V
  • Short distance between 4-pin Molex connectors
The Corsair CX650M (2021) is a good budget power supply suitable for those who don't want to spend more on their mid-level system and don't plan to upgrade to a new-generation GPU requiring a 12+4 pin connector. Compared to the CX650, it uses an inferior platform but has a semi-modular cable design for less of a hassle during installation and better airflow since you will only use the required cables. Its CWT platform is reliable and won't struggle under harsh conditions. I pushed this unit hard at above 47°C and wasn't treated to any fireworks. Usually, I don't exceed 40°C with budget units, but since a 5-year warranty backs this one up, I chose to go above and beyond.

If you don't want to invest into a CX650M because you don't like its triangular-shaped perforations, for example, other good alternatives are the XPG Pylon 650 and Thermaltake Smart BM2 650 based on the same CWT platform. There is also the Cooler Master MWE Bronze 650 with a more modern platform, but it cannot meet the CX650M in terms of performance. Besides the short hold-up time because of the small bulk cap, the other major issue of the CX650M is that it will get loud when stressed, but if you need a silent PSU, you should spend more to get a more efficient platform because efficiency and noise output are closely related. The lower the energy losses, the lower the thermal load the fan has to handle, so it doesn't have to spin at high speeds. This is why higher efficiency PSUs easily achieve below 30 dBA average noise output with the proper fan-speed profile. Keep that in mind the next time you search for your next PSU.
Recommended
Budget
Discuss(23 Comments)
View as single page
Dec 4th, 2024 22:16 EST change timezone

New Forum Posts

Popular Reviews

Controversial News Posts