Conclusion

... The CS Modular range mixes the features present in other supplies in Corsair's catalogue, offering semi-modular cabling and Gold-rated efficiency at a lower price point than before.

Corsair's introduction of yet another PSU series provides even more choice for the consumer looking for a mainstream supply without breaking the bank.

The CS Modular range mixes the features present in other supplies in Corsair's catalogue, offering semi-modular cabling and Gold-rated efficiency at a lower price point than before.

Prescient of said pricing concerns, Corsair introduces the CS Modular 550W for £65 in the UK, undercutting the equivalent RM by £20 or so, though do bear in mind that other 80 PLUS Gold (fully-modular) supplies, such as the Seasonic G-550, are available for £75.

More competition in the PSU market is a good thing for the consumer; there's little need to spend over £100 for a supply powering a mainstream build. If you're on a relatively tight budget and want an 80 PLUS Gold-rated PSU, Corsair's CS Modular 550W should certainly be in your thoughts.

The Good

Good overall performance
Quiet under load
80 PLUS Gold at Bronze-like prices

The Bad

Pricing is an issue in the US

HEXUS.awards

Corsair CS Modular 550W

HEXUS.where2buy

The Corsair CS Modular PSU is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS.right2reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!

If someone is on a budget, I think a £65 PSU is not on their shopping list, probably more like £40 or less.

£65 in my mind sits in the next category above ‘Budget builder’

I'd spend £65 on a PSU in a budget build. I was considering a £250 HTPC build earlier this year that included the £75 Seasonic PSU CAT linked to. I'll happily spend more on my PSU than an APU/CPU, motherboard or RAM because I value the PSU more. It is a far more important component in my mind and therefore deserves more of your budget than the other components.

As for this PSU I'm not a fan of 85 degree rated capacitors, I guess the 3 year warranty reflects Corsair's confidence in them. The performance seems good though.

Noxvayl
I'd spend £65 on a PSU in a budget build. I was considering a £250 HTPC build earlier this year that included the £75 Seasonic PSU CAT linked to. I'll happily spend more on my PSU than an APU/CPU, motherboard or RAM because I value the PSU more.

I will also, for the efficiency, long-term reduced running cost, reduced noise and because a good PSU might last me 5+ years whereas it's highly unlikely I'll still have a CPU, motherboard or RAM after that length of time.

I've got a 750W Corsair AX in my main PC, very good supply but I paid over double the cost of this one for it 2 years ago, good to see Gold efficiency coming down in price.

Gold rated for £65 is great. In a budget build, a quality PSU is essential!

Usually people I build for will want it to last 5 years or more, so for that reason I might opt for the Seasonic G Series instead, but goof to see more Gold rated PSU's in this price bracket.

Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH - Tue 26 Nov 2013 15:39

For £10 extra I would rather get this:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-seasonic-g-450-modular-80-plus-gold-eps-12v-12cm-silnt-fan-atx-psu

Posted by Brewster0101 - Tue 26 Nov 2013 19:37

Posted by Noxvayl - Tue 26 Nov 2013 19:54

Posted by kingpotnoodle - Wed 27 Nov 2013 11:11

Posted by djsarcher - Thu 28 Nov 2013 08:20

SEE NEWER »