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If you are in the market for a new power supply there are a bewildering array of choices available today. The Corsair CS650M is designed to target a wide audience of enthusiast user, offering modular cabling, 80 Plus Gold Efficiency and a quality finish at a competitive £75 inc vat.
A short while ago we reviewed the Corsair RM650 power supply, so why the need for Corsair to release yet another range?
Well, the RM series is also 80 Plus Gold Certified, but it is a fully modular design with an extra 2 year on the warranty, totaling 5 years. The fan is also upgraded from sleeve bearing, to rifled bearing.
In operation, the RM650 is a noticeably quieter power supply, especially under high load. For gamers with loud video cards this will be less of a sticking point, but for the fan alone, the RM650 makes a lot of sense.
Technically, the CS650M is a solid design and while it doesn't excel in any particular area, it doesn't exhibit any serious shortcomings either. Ripple suppression is held well within industry rated parameters and overall efficiency is very good.
Load regulation is also without problem, although we have seen better results from other power supplies in recent months.
Internally Corsair are skimping a little on the quality of components in this power supply. Primary capacitors are Japanese rated Nippon Chemi Con, but they are 85C rated, and not the higher grade 105C caps. Secondary capacitors are distinctly average, being mostly Chinese TEAPO branded – not our favourite manufacturer by a long shot.
It is important to point out that this is not a serious problem, but higher grade power supplies will use all 105C Japanese capacitors, ensuring long life and stability in warmer climates under heavy, sustained load.
Right now the Corsair RM650 is retailing for £89.99 at OCUK and the CS650M is £75.18 at Scan. That £15 gets you a quieter fan, a full modular design and a warranty enhancement from 3 years to 5 years. For most people the CS650M is a solid buy, but if you have a little more budget, there is no doubt that the RM650 is a better quality power supply.
If you have a higher budget of around £100, then we strongly recommend you check out the superior Seasonic S12G-750 which we reviewed earlier this month.
Pros:
- Solid all round design.
- well finished externally.
- competitive price point.
Cons:
- Not fully modular.
- fan can get loud under load.
- only a 3 year warranty.
Kitguru says: Another good power supply from Corsair, targeting an enthusiast user on a fairly tight budget.
