Corsair Builder Series Modular CX600M PSU Review

Corsair are using the excellent Yate Loon D12SM-12 sleeve bearing fan (120mm) which we have seen in some other supplies in the last year. This is a fan rated to a maximum speed of 1,650 rpm, producing 70.5CFM airflow at 33dBa.

The CX600M is a CWT design, however Corsair are using a non standard PCB layout and have incorporated a different PFC/PWM controller IC that gives them better standby efficiency. Due to this, the CXM therefore passes ErP 2013 certification. There are several rows of heatsinks to ensure heat is adequately dispersed outside the chassis.

Corsair source higher quality transformers that are both higher efficiency and higher capacity. They also use Japanese capacitors, rather than Taiwanese. The CW600M adopts four FET's for +12v regulation as opposed to just two in the base platform. This provides lower temperatures, longer life, better efficiency at higher loads and more stable voltage regulation.



The transient filtering stage comprises of a single X capacitor, two Y capacitors, an MOV and two ferrite coils. This power supply uses a push pull topology with two Mosfets and two diodes. This is a well proven design which is generally reliable however not ideal to achieve very high levels of efficiency. As this is a 80 Plus Bronze Certified unit however, it should be perfectly fine.

As you can see in the pictures, Corsair are using a high grade 85c Panasonic capacitor rated 270uF at 400W. On the secondary side there is a single coil for both +5V and +12V. The +3.3V is generated from the 5V coil. Secondary capacitors are rated 105c. Output filter capacitors are supplied by CapXon.

The unit has OVP, UVP and OCP protection handled by a PS229.

The hardwired cable is sleeved inside the chassis and tied down, to ensure protection from long term fraying against the naked metal chassis.

Become a Patron!