"Modern power supplies work on both systems, however the nature of switching means that they are slightly more efficient with higher voltage inputs. "
Is there something specific to switch mode design that makes lower voltage hurt? I'd always assumed it the difference was due to the 4x higher I^2*R resistive losses on the input end.
That is generally correct. Actually, a lower input voltage will decrease the switching-related frequency losses as well (the switching cycle is longer to maintain the same energy output). That's why this PSU displayed almost identical efficiency at lower loads regardless of the input voltage -the resistive losses are higher with a 115V input but the switching losses at low loads are lower, so they virtually negate each other. At higher loads however, the switching losses are minimized regardless of the input voltage, whereas the resistive losses are (theoretically) always four times higher. They actually tend to be even higher than that, because higher component temperatures increase the resistive losses, and the higher resistive losses increase the component temperatures even further. It's a vicious circle.
For $10 more I could purchase an equivalent wattage Seasonic that is fully modular and has a 10 year warranty, At this price point, there is no compelling reason for this PSU to exist.
I personally prefer non modular over modular as I prefer not ot use a shroud and non modular just looks better on the front of the case. Tje few extra cables I can easily hide on the back anyway.
Semi-modular is the best of the 2 worlds, you have the ATX 24 pin cable built in like in a non-modular PSU and the other cables are connected only if you need them, so you don't have to hide anything on the back, leave it in a drawer.
I don't follow. How do you see your PSU from the front of your case? What kind of shroud do you use with your PSU and why are more cables better in that case? Do you use some very specific cases? My last non (semi) modular PSU was a Silverstone one I used in a Lian Li mATX box (V351b) with a few short cables that fit my need. At that point, modular was still a good bit more expensive. After that though, I had at least semi-modular or fully modular PSU and like the ease of use of installing them, as well as the less clutter. But I also use mATX or smaller cases.
At this very moment, the SeaSonic SSR-650RM is a few dollars less, so there's no reason to buy this PSU, which ought to be in the $65to be at all interesting.
It looks like a fairly good entry level power supply that will not destroy your equipment at a decent price but I am sure there are other brands out there in the same price point that are just as good or better.
I happen to like Seasonic & InWin power supplies since they both build their own power supplies. Unlike a lot of the others that also sell power supplies under their own names. Not saying any of them are bad or good but am saying I would just rather buy form the company that actually builds them and that's just my own thoughts & opinion on it.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
12 Comments
Back to Article
DanNeely - Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - link
"Modern power supplies work on both systems, however the nature of switching means that they are slightly more efficient with higher voltage inputs. "Is there something specific to switch mode design that makes lower voltage hurt? I'd always assumed it the difference was due to the 4x higher I^2*R resistive losses on the input end.
E.Fyll - Thursday, June 14, 2018 - link
That is generally correct. Actually, a lower input voltage will decrease the switching-related frequency losses as well (the switching cycle is longer to maintain the same energy output). That's why this PSU displayed almost identical efficiency at lower loads regardless of the input voltage -the resistive losses are higher with a 115V input but the switching losses at low loads are lower, so they virtually negate each other. At higher loads however, the switching losses are minimized regardless of the input voltage, whereas the resistive losses are (theoretically) always four times higher. They actually tend to be even higher than that, because higher component temperatures increase the resistive losses, and the higher resistive losses increase the component temperatures even further. It's a vicious circle.benedict - Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - link
Sell it for 60-65$ and it will be a hit. At 80$ it's just one of many.Orange14 - Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - link
For $10 more I could purchase an equivalent wattage Seasonic that is fully modular and has a 10 year warranty, At this price point, there is no compelling reason for this PSU to exist.AdrianB1 - Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - link
You are totally right. For this price it should be at least semi-modular and have better features, like passive mode and/or higher efficiency.qlum - Thursday, June 14, 2018 - link
I personally prefer non modular over modular as I prefer not ot use a shroud and non modular just looks better on the front of the case. Tje few extra cables I can easily hide on the back anyway.AdrianB1 - Thursday, June 14, 2018 - link
Semi-modular is the best of the 2 worlds, you have the ATX 24 pin cable built in like in a non-modular PSU and the other cables are connected only if you need them, so you don't have to hide anything on the back, leave it in a drawer.Death666Angel - Friday, June 15, 2018 - link
I don't follow. How do you see your PSU from the front of your case? What kind of shroud do you use with your PSU and why are more cables better in that case? Do you use some very specific cases?My last non (semi) modular PSU was a Silverstone one I used in a Lian Li mATX box (V351b) with a few short cables that fit my need. At that point, modular was still a good bit more expensive. After that though, I had at least semi-modular or fully modular PSU and like the ease of use of installing them, as well as the less clutter. But I also use mATX or smaller cases.
boozed - Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - link
Not to be confused with Bitfinex.I did once see the Bitfenix logo used by accident at a fraudcoin conference.
crashtech - Saturday, June 16, 2018 - link
At this very moment, the SeaSonic SSR-650RM is a few dollars less, so there's no reason to buy this PSU, which ought to be in the $65to be at all interesting.negar2000 - Sunday, June 17, 2018 - link
thanks for the commentrocky12345 - Monday, June 18, 2018 - link
It looks like a fairly good entry level power supply that will not destroy your equipment at a decent price but I am sure there are other brands out there in the same price point that are just as good or better.I happen to like Seasonic & InWin power supplies since they both build their own power supplies. Unlike a lot of the others that also sell power supplies under their own names. Not saying any of them are bad or good but am saying I would just rather buy form the company that actually builds them and that's just my own thoughts & opinion on it.