Fully modular or Semi-modular

[Zidane]

It’s made clear that in general you should avoid non modular power supplies. However, is there significant reason to spend extra for a fully modular PSU over a semi modular one?

[Porthos2020]

IMO no, you are going to need a 24 and 8 pin regardless, so no point adding extra weight and bulk to make them modular.

[Ttaskmaster]

It depends how you like to build.
Most of the high end PSUs will be fully modular as a matter of course anyway, and you'll only be saving maybe a couple of grammes on going non-modular.... on a rig that probably weighs 10-20kgs, roughly?
The only builds I find that actually benefit from non- or semi-modular PSUs are small form factor ones, really.

I personally find it easier and tidier to route cables from component to PSU, not the other way around, so I prefer fully modular. It also means you can very easily swap out PSUs or customise the cables, for the higher end of custom PC building.

[peterb]

It’s made clear that in general you should avoid non modular power supplies.

By whom?

[AETAaAS]

One benefit of fully modular is it is easier to find custom sleeved cables for those power supplies if you are into that sort of thing. Easier to get/fit custom length cables for SFF builds as well so you don't have a mess of wound up cables blocking airflow or fouling fans.

These are not cheap things to do, so if cost is a thought that even enters your mind, forget it.

[Cheeme]

I'd personally argue that fully modular is for people who are looking at adding custom cable sleeves. Semi modular would be perfect if you are happy with stock cabling but just wanted better cable management.

[freebooter]

The only real benefit I can see with modular is that you can leave off cables you don't need. As said several cables are essential so that doesn't apply.

Fully modular seems to otherwise a bit of a gimmick that has become standard but on the other hand doesn't really have any disadvantage that I can see other than a slight increased cost.

[Dashers]

Aye, seems only a necessary for visuals, no practical benefit. I've never braided anything, let alone a PSU, but I imagine you could put a sleeve on a semi modular by removing the motherboard plug and re-crimping it later.

[spncrmoo]

Only reason I can think of is aesthetics with the ability to use sleeved cables. You can also just use extensions if you need to though

[camerons98]

Generally modular psu's are made by more reliable brands and tend to be more expensive, which in turn makes them a better choice

[Lost4words]

Fully modular in an ITX build i say

[Spreadie]

Non-modular is fine, if you have somewhere to stow the unused cables e.g. you have a non-windowed case or one with a PSU shroud.

Semi is ideal for most uses unless, as above, you need a custom cable set for aesthetics or working with limited space.

[ik9000]

Having built with all three kinds I can honestly say I prefer full modular and would now always go with that. It suits the way I build, and is much easier to pull the cabling through. It also allows you to swap out a PSU unit for RMA etc and install a new one without having to do a full case rewire. Since most manufacturers use the same cables across different generations/models it gives flexibility. Not that I change PSU very often granted, though the new GPUs coming out may change that for some of us!

[Spudbynight]

I can't think of any real need to go fully modular over semi modular for anyone. Well no practical need anyway. Custom cables appeal to certain people - but not to me. I have a non modular Seasonic PSU in my current PC though and I completely regret buying it. Having a rats nest of unused cables is a real pain - especially now I have moved to M2 SSDs

[Shante]

I’m going with fully modular on my next build which will be a Asus Rog Strix 850W Gold
Less cable and easy swap the better

[Hasnain]

No there isn't a significant reason to spend extra on a fully modular PSU. Only cases I can think where it make a significant difference is when you are building in limited space and needed custom cables ect.