PSU Question

[Steve1]

Hey all, I've got a quick question on PSU's. In my ignorance I built a system a few months using a Coolermaster 650W eXtreme psu, I didn't realise it at the time but the thing is so loud it's beyond belief, so I've decided to buy a new one.

Anyway, money is a bit tight so I'm trying to find a good balance between power and quality - I've spotted a Corsair HX450 for about £55 but if anyone can recommend any good alternatives (or tell me if that's not powerful enough) that would be really useful...

I'm currently running a Phenom x3, 4GB, single HD5770 and 2 HD's. Thanks!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Corsair HX450W is a decent PSU AFAIK and also has modular cabling. You could get a cheaper PSU but is modular cabling important for you?

[dangel]

Why not mod your PSU? A quieter fan is a cheaper option - but do be very careful (electrocution hurts) if you decide to do it. If you're at all unsure then don't..

[Steve1]

I do like the idea of having modular cables, especially as I'm not actually running that much. I did look at the regular Corsair VX which was only a few pounds cheaper but the length and number of cables looked a bit like overkill for me and would have been pretty messy.

Edit - I did look at the option of putting a new fan in, but to be honest I don't think I'd be confident enough!

[arthurleung]

For you setup I don't see why a Corsair CX400 won't fit the need. It is very similar to a VX450, not sure about the noise level though.

You setup shouldn't take up more than 200W so there is plenty from a 400W PSU.

[dangel]

Edit - I did look at the option of putting a new fan in, but to be honest I don't think I'd be confident enough!

Fair enough - it's not something you can casually mess around with

[Pob255]

The hx450 was a great low wattage modular psu, I'll never understand why corsair stopped making it.

[Skulltrail]

I have the non-modular VX450 and even in a medium case like the Antec 300 it takes a lot of planning of what component to place in what order to have any semblance of neatness but as a PSU it’s great in terms of stability and build quality. Noise wise it is about on a par with the CPU fan so doesn’t stand out but isn't really quiet either.

Nice review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/540

[LuckyNV]

The hx450 was a great low wattage modular psu, I'll never understand why corsair stopped making it.

lack of demand apparently

[Steve1]

I didn't realise the CX400w was that cheap, can anyone tell me what the noise is like on them?

[lego batman]

I have the non-modular VX450 and even in a medium case like the Antec 300 it takes a lot of planning of what component to place in what order to have any semblance of neatness but as a PSU it’s great in terms of stability and build quality. Noise wise it is about on a par with the CPU fan so doesn’t stand out but isn't really quiet either.

Nice review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/540

Weird, SPCR rated it as one of their quietest-ever PSUs here: REVIEW. I quote: "Like the HX series, it's among the quietest fan-cooled PSUs we've tested" but there are caveats: "Ensure that the PSU intake air does not exceed 30°C often, nor demand more than ~300W DC output". Full review gives a very complete picture. I'm happy with mine!

[Mithrandir]

I'm using the Corsair HX450 in this rig (Poseidon Magma in sig). CPU is OC'd to 3ghz instead of 2.9 though and last time I checked, it drew just a smidgen over 200watts from my watt-meter.

Fantastic PSU imo.

[Ulti]

I didn't realise the CX400w was that cheap, can anyone tell me what the noise is like on them?

I owned it before and I can tell you it's absolutely silent. You won't be able to hear it over other case fans.

[maverick77_uk]

Hiya,

I'm using a Corsair CX400 - whisper quiet - really. Occasionally you hear the fan spin a little faster if it gets a bit warm for a couple of minutes, then back to whisper quiet. To be honest, the other fans in the computer would drown it out! I'm using it on a low-spec cool-running computer, and the only other fan is the CPU fan - you barely know its on.

Cheers.

[Steve1]

Nice one, thanks for the replies. I think I'll treat myself and go for the HX450 if it's still in stock at Scan.

[12GaugeShotty]

I highly recommend the Corsair HX series. My last PSU was a Corsair HX520 that I had for 3 years. It was a solid PSU that was made by SeaSonic OEM. SeaSonic is renown for silent power supplies.

The fan started going on my HX520, I run my PC 24/7. It was a slight rattle. The PSU was still covered under Corsair's warranty so I did an RMA. Corsair sent me a brand new (not refurb) HX650, also made by SeaSonic OEM.

So kudos to Corsair for ultra efficient and quiet PSUs and two thumbs up for their warranty.