Corsair recommendations

[Guuts]

Hi, I'm planning to upgrade my system soon, to an Intel Quad core, 8800GT, P35 mobo, 2 (maybe 4) GB RAM, and will be keeping my 3 HD, 2 optical drives. I will be doing some mild to moderate overclocking.

I'm looking to get a Corsair PSU because of the good reviews, popularity here, and recent rebates, but I'm a bit confused on the different model lines. I understand that the HX series is modular, but looking at reviews and Corsiar's site, I can't really see much of a difference.

Corsair's own recommendation for my proposed system are the HX520W or the VX550. Now, modular isn't that important to me as I have a full tower case (plenty of room), and no windows, though I do appreciate the "less clutter" aspect of it, and I know it has 3 12v rails, compared to the VX/TX's one 12v rail...is this very important if I'm not going to be stressing the system that much?

The HX520 is quite a bit more expensive than the VX550 at the moment... and I also saw that the TX650 with rebates is the same price as the VX550 and wonder if there is any reason I shouldn't just get that for the extra power/some future-proofing if I decide to get SLI or something later on?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Zap]

You don't need to worry about the number of rails with these units and your setup.

Don't obsess too much over HX, VX, TX, whatever-X. Know that HX are modular.

The big functional difference is modular versus non-modular. Beyond that, just get how much wattage you want/need.

 

[HOOfan 1]

The only Corsair unit that actually has more than a single 12V rail is the HX1000. The specs on the HX520 and HX620 may say 3 rails...but they only have a single rail. Even the Corsair Tech support guys who frequent this forum freely admit it.

 

[Foxery]

I've also been looking at these lately, and rebates at some of the big retailers are making them look even better.

Years ago, I read that there were quality issues with modular PSUs - are current day ones over this? Are there any cons or downsides whatsoever?

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Not really. Occasionally, the modular plugs can malfunction, but then again, so can the rest of the PSU. It's just one more point of failure if something goes wrong.

 

[HIO]

Originally posted by: Guuts
Hi, I'm planning to upgrade my system soon, to an Intel Quad core, 8800GT, P35 mobo, 2 (maybe 4) GB RAM, and will be keeping my 3 HD, 2 optical drives. I will be doing some mild to moderate overclocking. I'm looking to get a Corsair PSU

Ditto!

I am upgrading very soon as well with your components and will be overclocking and had the exact same question to ask? Thanks!

Which P35 mobo are you going with? I am thinking Abit. Still can't decide on that and which Corsair power supply. VX550 $85.99 or the HX520 $109.99

 

[Foxery]

Rebates will knock that down even further. I'll probably pick up a HX520 for myself soon. Modular cables are much more useful than 30 watts!

Abit's IP35 series is one of the best. Gigabyte makes a very similar one. Check the main site's reviews section, plus the Motherboard forum for details.

 

[PolymerTim]

Originally posted by: HIO
Which P35 mobo are you going with? I am thinking Abit. Still can't decide on that and which Corsair power supply. VX550 $85.99 or the HX520 $109.99

Oooorrrrr, you might want to consider the HX520 for $79.99 or the VX550 for $69.99 after mail in rebate. Personally, I went with the HX to get modular for only $10 extra.

 

[Drsignguy]

Purchaced a TX750 for $99.00 AMIR of $45. Take a look. Goes on until June 1st.

 

[chuckm]

I think this is the best deal on the VX550 and probably any of the other models too;

http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsai...loc/101/205852646.html

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Drsignguy
Purchaced a TX750 for $99.00 AMIR of $45. Take a look. Goes on until June 1st.

Wow, that's kind of expensive.

$105 -$10MIR = $95 with free shipping

$98.61 -$10MIR = $88.61 plus shipping

 

[Gillbot]

I like my VX

 

[LOUISSSSS]

wheres the best deal on the HX 520 and HX 620? i'm looking to upgrade my FSP FX600-GLN that's served me well for 2 years.
system in sig. i'm fairly sure the 520hx can power my system but that'd feel like a downgrade from my 600watt FSP

 

[kpo6969]

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270718.html

 

[craftech]

I haven't purchased a modular power supply yet. My hands are large. How tight are the modular plugs?
ie: Can they accidentally get pulled out if you wedge your hands between some cables while the computer is running?

John

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
i'm looking to upgrade my FSP FX600-GLN that's served me well for 2 years.

Is that FSB still working fine? If so, why swap it out?

Originally posted by: craftech
ie: Can they accidentally get pulled out if you wedge your hands between some cables while the computer is running?

Why are you sticking your hand into running computers?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
i'm looking to upgrade my FSP FX600-GLN that's served me well for 2 years.

Is that FSB still working fine? If so, why swap it out?

FSB? front side bus?

yes its working, the psu can still handle 24 hour runs of p95 + 3dmark06 runs at the same time (dunno another way to fully load my system)

but i've always wanted a good modular psu. modular psu's sucked back then (2 years ago) when i was shopping for this one.. whats the street value on mine now? FSP (fortron source) FX600-GLN Epsilon 600watt psu

 

[Lunyone]

I'm personally looking at the tx750w PSU, since it has 4x6+2pin PIC-e power connectors and is only $95 after $10 MIR at Buy.com. It should last you the whole 5 yrs., even with GPU/CPU/mobo/whatever upgrades you run into. It also has 60A on the 12V rail, which should power any combination under the sun. That is the one that I'd buy right now for under $100!

 

[Lark888]

I was looking at these power supplies recently. There is a difference between the power supplies that was important to me. Some are made by Seasonic and others by CWT.

Info posted by follow Anandtecher Mucker:
Actually, the Corsair rep says: http://www.hardforum.com/showp...032004329&postcount=18

All HX520, HX620, VX450, and TX650 are Seasonic based.

All VX550, TX750, and up-and-coming HX1000 are CWT based.

I say "based" because there are a number of upgrades to increase lifespan and ability to run at its rated temp more comfortably, that sort of stuff.

 

[RallyMaster]

I thought the VX450 was CWT based as well but Seasonic is good...so I think I might just jump on one the next time it goes on sale.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Lark888
All VX550, TX750, and up-and-coming HX1000 are CWT based.

I say "based" because there are a number of upgrades to increase lifespan and ability to run at its rated temp more comfortably, that sort of stuff.

There's nothing wrong with being a CWT based PSU. They can build a PSU as good as they are asked to. The unfortunate thing is that some companies ask them to cut costs, and they're more than happy to do that. Obviously with the Corsairs, Corsair probably asked them to build a GOOD unit without cutting costs, so they did.

 

[craftech]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
i'm looking to upgrade my FSP FX600-GLN that's served me well for 2 years.

Is that FSB still working fine? If so, why swap it out?

Originally posted by: craftech
ie: Can they accidentally get pulled out if you wedge your hands between some cables while the computer is running?

Why are you sticking your hand into running computers?

Home Entertainment?

OK.......rephrase

Can they easily get pulled out if you wedge your hands between some cables while you are working on a computer that is not running?



John