Corsair PSUs

[tolis626]

I'm trying to do my research about what PSU I'll be getting for my new rig,and I think I've settled at Corsair.I mean,yeah,Seasonic's PSUs are generally better,but they are also expensive as hell here (like 30€ on average than the similarly specced Corsair).

So here goes.If I can budget-wise,I'll go for the AX line and be a happy camper.Problem is,I'll probably have to cheap out a little on some parts,and I think going to a not-platinum PSU won't be a big hit to the overall quality of the computer's parts,while saving me enough money on the way.So,I thought I'd settle for the second best,and then went to research on HX series PSUs.However,these aren't really available here.There are some limited imports,but that's it.I have to wait and pay a lot for an HX series and it's probably not worth it.Then I happened upon the RM series PSUs.Now,in case I miss something,on paper they seem better than the HX series.Both are gold rated and modular,but while I've seen HX series get recommended a lot,I haven't seen anyone recommending the RM series ones.What's up with that?

Main question is this.I am open to suggestions though,so suggest away.Topics of interest are :
-Are higher efficiency ratings really worth the premium,or is Bronze a-okay?
-What other manufacturers' PSUs are good?Preferably talk about particular models,not in general.
-I may be going for Crossfire in the future,but now I'll have a 4770k most probably and an R9 290 (Maybe the x but that doesn't matter to the PSU).Both will end up heavily overclocked.Is it worth going the extra step and probably sacrificing other stuff along the way to buy a PSU that's rated at higher than 750W (Looking at 850W if I can afford it)?
-Is there anything else I should be concerned about that I'm not already?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Torn Mind]

The benefit of efficiency is lower variable costs on your end. Higher efficiency means less power lost as heat when electricity passes through the PSU. Of course, a condition has to be met, that being that you use a certain proportion of the rated wattage, since efficiency varies at different loads. Quality of the components would need analysis of the components themselves, such as capacitor brand and the commentary of those "more in the know".

A requirement of the 80 Plus program is that the PSU is able to output its rated load at room temps, thus weeding much mislabeled garbage. That requirement has more effect in removing the duds than the efficiency ratings.

Corsair does not make their own PSUs. I think they have input on the design, but they contract out other companies to manufacture them. Seasonic is one of those manufacturers, so is CWT(Channel Well Technology).

You might want look at an XFX 850W unit. Super Flower tends to make good units as well.
Do register your product or else XFX won't give the full warranty.

 

[tolis626]

The benefit of efficiency is lower variable costs on your end. Higher efficiency means less power lost as heat when electricity passes through the PSU. Of course, a condition has to be met, that being that you use a certain proportion of the rated wattage, since efficiency varies at different loads. Quality of the components would need analysis of the components themselves, such as capacitor brand and the commentary of those "more in the know".

A requirement of the 80 Plus program is that the PSU is able to output its rated load at room temps, thus weeding much mislabeled garbage. That requirement has more effect in removing the duds than the efficiency ratings.

Corsair does not make their own PSUs. I think they have input on the design, but they contract out other companies to manufacture them. Seasonic is one of those manufacturers, so is CWT(Channel Well Technology).

You might want look at an XFX 850W unit. Super Flower tends to make good units as well.
Do register your product or else XFX won't give the full warranty.

Oh,I know what efficiency is all about.I should have clarified because indeed,in my post it seems like I'm asking what it all means.I was merely asking if it's worth it?There is so much I'm willing to spend for more efficient AC to DC conversion.The real question would be what do I save say per year going from a Bronze to a Gold and from that to a Platinum.

Also,I had read somewhere in the forums about Corsair's PSU manufcaturers,but I didn't remember exactly,so thank you about that.If I'm not mistaken CWT makes good PSUs,right?Maybe it makes sense to buy one...

Regarding the XFX,last time I checked,the only models available were the 550W and the 650W.I don't want to go so low if I can.I'll check again if there are 850W units available,because I've heard a lot of praise for XFX PSUs.

Thanks pal.

 

[Charlie98]

PSU list...

My Corsair TX750 is made by SeaSonic, so I'm happy (beginner's luck for me... )

There might be an advantage to the higher efficiency ratings but the cost advantage is pretty small, not enough for me to dump extra money in anything over Bronze.

 

[tolis626]

PSU list...

My Corsair TX750 is made by SeaSonic, so I'm happy (beginner's luck for me... )

There might be an advantage to the higher efficiency ratings but the cost advantage is pretty small, not enough for me to dump extra money in anything over Bronze.

I've been trying to figure out where the hell the RM series comes in,as it didn't appear in any lists like the one you posted.Turns out they replaced the TX series with the RM series,so they're gold rated and all CWT or Seasonic,so still pretty high quality,just not top of the line specs like HX and AX series.Well,I can live with that... :whiste:

 

[fschris]

I just purchased a corsair hx750 to replace my failing TX Corsair TX750 that is about 4- 5 years old I think...looks like CWT makes the HX750

 

[fschris]

interesting... I just looked it up I have a corsair CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-850TX and it has a 5 yr warranty. I bought in 2011. I will try to see if corsair has any recourse

 

[fschris]

Wow, pretty cool looks like my TX850 is still under warranty and I received a RMA... Im sure they will send me Refurb but that is pretty good customer care. Sorry if I hijacked this thread.

 

[fschris]

PSU list...

My Corsair TX750 is made by SeaSonic, so I'm happy (beginner's luck for me... )

There might be an advantage to the higher efficiency ratings but the cost advantage is pretty small, not enough for me to dump extra money in anything over Bronze.

that PSU list is great.. thanks for that

 

[tolis626]

@fscrhis

It's alright man,hijack all you want

Thanks for sharing your experience.One of the reasons I want to go with Corsair is their excellent customer service.Sometimes they may not have the greatest products (Case in point-the H100i),but their support is on the better side,at least from what I've heard and from my limited experience with them.

And,by all means,do post your experience with your new PSU.

 

[TemjinGold]

Wow, pretty cool looks like my TX850 is still under warranty and I received a RMA... Im sure they will send me Refurb but that is pretty good customer care. Sorry if I hijacked this thread.

Wouldn't be so sure it's a refurb. My H60 died and they sent me a new sealed box.

 

[fschris]

Wouldn't be so sure it's a refurb. My H60 died and they sent me a new sealed box.

well I already have the HX750 coming from newegg so if I did get a new TX850 I would probably sell it. If I return the HX750 to new egg I'd probably have to pay restocking fee..... ugh! I have no use for a TX850 to lay around... its been pretty rock solid. I am using it now but my PC randomly shuts down like once a day.... is there some way to stress test it before I send back?