In our last PSU article, we reviewed a bunch of relatively expensive high-performance devices suitable for powerful gaming computers and workstations. The average user typically prefers something a little bit more affordable, though, which is why today we're reviewing a handful of PSUs that can be found for around $75.
The potential reasons for buying a new PSU are many. Perhaps you've added a new graphics card, upgraded to a high-performance CPU, or are just replacing a faulty unit. A normal system usually doesn't require a high-end PSU. In most cases, the consumer is simply on the lookout for a cheap (and at the same time reliable) power supply at a reasonable price, so that's precisely what we decided to look at here.
The request we sent to manufacturers was simple: send us PSUs with a maximum street price of $75, regardless of wattage, features, or 80 PLUS certifications. What do you get in this price range?
Unexpected Early Goodbye
Our first test was originally made up of nine PSUs ranging from 400 to 500 W. We say "originally," because the AXP 500P12P died just as testing was getting started. With a load of 380 W, the 500 W PSU gave out a loud bang, sent sparks flying, and finally vanished in a smoky death. Since we were not expecting something like that at such an early phase in the testing, we'll give AXP the chance in a later article to prove that this was an isolated incident.
Then There Were Eight
Eight test candidates ultimately made it through the tests performed in our laboratory. Antec, Chieftec, Corsair, Enermax, FSP, Huntkey, Xigmatek, and a new AXP 500P12P were all included at capacity points between 380 to 500 W. That's enough power for most office and home entertainment computers. Despite a low street price of roughly $75, six of the PSUs even managed to achieve coveted 80 PLUS certifications. Antec, Chieftec, Corsair, Enermax, Xigmatek, and Huntkey all step things up with a Bronze-level cert. In order to earn that badge, PSUs must reach the following efficiency goals at 115 V: 82% at 20% of maximum power, 85% at 50% of maximum power, and 82% at 100% of the maximum power.
The AXP PSU can only do that under 230 V and thus cannot get certification. Similarly, the FSP PSU is only intended for 230 V applications and thus cannot receive the certification either. The pair of PSUs is completely useless here in the US. Nevertheless, our measurements will show whether they can still impress the European crowd.
Noticeable Differences In Quality
While we wanted to stay impartial before the testing, we couldn't help but notice the differences in quality during the unboxing process. Manufacturers tried to keep costs under control by skimping on the number of connectors, as well including shorter, lower-quality cables. None of these models feature a modular cabling design. Even the packaging is rather stripped-down. Further, the low weight of some PSUs at least suggests the use of cheaper components. This may not reflect immediately in testing. However, the power supplies might not last for as many years or support the same load strain as PSUs with higher caliber components.
Unfortunately, we did not get to see whether the PSU from AXP could hold its own against the other supplies, despite its lack of 80 PLUS approval. As with our first sample from the company, the second never even made it past the warm-up phase of testing. At a load of around 420 W (mind you, this is a 500 W PSU), several of the voltages rapidly dropped, the PSU produced some banging noises, sparks flew, and eventually the unit went up in smoke. After that, it wouldn't operate anymore and smelled like, well, fire. This video documents the failure of the PSU quite impressively. Check it out if you dig things going "pop."
In the top-right corner of Corsair's attractive packaging we find the rather subtly displayed 80 PLUS logo. The 400 W PSU contained within is safely swaddled in bubble wrap, though the rest of the package's items are floating free. In addition to the PSU and power cord, Corsair includes screws and a handful of cable ties.
The PSU itself feels solid. The cables aren't modular, but they are fully wrapped in mesh sleeves and are of adequate length. Having six Molex and SATA connectors places Corsair at the head of this group when it comes to available connectivity. Plus, you get the ATX and +12 V auxiliary CPU cables, as well as a single 6-pin PCIe connector. The single 12 V rail can handle currents of up to 30 A.
| Corsair CX400W | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 90-264 V, 47-63 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 20 A | 20 A | 30 A | n/a | n/a | n/a | 0.8 A | 2.5 A | |
| Individual Output | 9.6 W | 2.5 W | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 130 W | 360 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 400 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 440 W | |||||||
Efficiency meets 80 PLUS requirements:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


The Corsair CX400W lives up to the 80 PLUS certification conditions, though it only just manages to reach the minimum requirement of 80% efficiency at 20% and 100% of the maximum 115 V load.
At 230 V, the results are naturally a bit higher. Its efficiency does deteriorate rather severely under light loads, though. At 25 W, it is just 69% (115 V) and 70% (230 V) respectively.
Other measurement results are loosely within the ATX specifications, and the hold-up time of 35 ms is particularly good. The very low temperature increase of just two degrees under load is also noteworthy. However, the CX4000W does have the highest inrush current of all the tested PSUs, with more than 63 A at 230 V.
The name of the FSP Saga II 400 is a bit grander than the PSU itself, which is of slightly lower quality compared to the other test candidates. At the same time, it's also the most affordable unit in this roundup. This model is one of two devices with no support for 115 V, making it a fancy-looking brick here in the US. You'll only be able to use this one if you're in a country with 230 V power.
At first glance, the 400 W PSU looks like a relic from the past, even if the matte white paint provides a welcome change.
Despite its affordability, FSP's bundle is on par with the other PSUs. The box includes screws, a power cord, and an FSP sticker. Unfortunately, most cables are just under 12 inches long and, aside from the normal ATX, CPU, floppy, and 6-pin PCIe cabling, the Saga II 400 only offers three SATA and Molex connectors. Thus, it might not be suitable for larger enclosures optimized for good air flow. Rather, the Saga II probably belongs in compact systems.
| FSP Saga II 400 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 200-240 V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 24 A | 15 A | 17 A | 17 A | n/a | n/a | 0.3 A | 2.5 A | |
| Individual Output | n/a | n/a | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 120 W | 336 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 400 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 450 W | |||||||
Efficiency meets 80 PLUS specifications:

Efficiency under different load profiles:

Obviously, we couldn't test whether the FSP Saga II 400 meets all 80 PLUS criteria, due to its lack of 115 V support. The 230 V efficiency test results of 83, 85, and 81 percent under 20, 50, and 100 percents loads, respectively, are quite good, though. The efficiency of the FSP PSU decreases as the load gets lighter, but not as much as the competing models from Corsair and Xigmatek. The rest of the measurements are fine, but not good enough to beat any of the other PSUs in this test.
The Huntkey Jumper 450B comes in foam-lined packaging with a handle. Except for the 450 W PSU, the box only contains a bag of screws.
The power supply's brushed metal surface gives it an elegant touch, but this high-quality impression quickly fades when looking at the only partially-sleeved cables.
Cable length should be sufficient for most computers, but the number of connectors is unsatisfactory. Having just two Molex connectors doesn't meet modern standards. The Huntkey Jumper 450B is the only PSU in this test with two PCIe connectors, one of which is a 6+2-pin.
| Huntkey Jumper 450B | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 20 A | 18 A | 18 A | 18 A | n/a | n/a | 0.3 A | 3.0 A | |
| Individual Output | 32 A | 3.6 W | 15 W | |||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 115 W | 384 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 450 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | n/a | |||||||
Efficiency meets 80 PLUS specifications:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


We anticipated seeing solid efficiency measurements since this is one of our 80 PLUS Bronze units. We were not disappointed. The Huntkey Jumper 450B achieved the best results in almost all of our tests. The PSU hit its efficiency peak of 87% at 230 V and 300 W, managed to stay above 80% all the way down to 50 W, and even managed a respectable 73% efficiency at 25 W. All of this is very good. The overload test showed that the PSU does not have the high margins of other test candidates, switching off at a load of 517 W. Remaining tests on the Jumper 450B revealed no further weaknesses.
The 80 PLUS Bronze-certified Xigmatek NRP-PC402 makes a good impression right from the unpacking. Xigmatek includes a power cord, screws, and power ties in a single separate box, and the build quality is solid. Cables are sufficiently long and well-wrapped in sleeves.
In addition to the box you see above (pro tip: periodically blow out your PSU to prevent foliage from growing in the accumulated dirt), the PSU also comes packaged in a cheap little bag. Xigmatek did not skimp on the overall package, though. The NRP-PC402 comes with four Molex connectors, eight SATA connectors, and a 6-pin PCIe connector.
| Xigmatek NRP-PC402 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 24 A | 15 A | 20 A | 20 A | 0.3 A | 2.5 A | |||
| Individual Output | 3 | 1 | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU & VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 120 W | 384 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 400 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | n/a | |||||||
Efficiency meets 80 PLUS specifications:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


We have a suspicion that the Xigmatek NRP-PC402 is identical to its larger siblings, the NRP-PC502 and NRP-PC602. We have no other explanation as to why else this 400 W PSU would be able to handle loads of more than 650 W--over 60% above the specified wattage--without even breaking a sweat. It didn't shut down until we turned the load up to 674 W, and even then it easily started up again the next time we turned it on. All other test candidates shut down with overloads of just 15 to 20 percent.
| Test Hardware | |
|---|---|
| AC Source | Chroma Programmable AC Source 6530 |
| Power Meter | Yokogawa WT210 Digital Power Meter |
| Loads | 4 x 600 W Chroma 63306 for 12 V testing 4 x 300 W Chroma 63303 for 5 and 3.3 V testing using Chroma High-Speed DC Load Mainframes 6334 |
| Oscilloscope | Tektronix DPO3034 Digital Phosphore Oscilloscope (300 MHz) |
| Test Procedure | |
| Voltages | 110 and 230 V |
| Standby Power | 0.25 A fixed current to simulate PC standby power on 5 Vsb |
| 80 PLUS Efficiency Testing | 100/50/20% load, relative to specified total output Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100% testing at 110 V, according to ATX 2.3 specification |
| Efficiency at Fixed Loads | 25, 50, 85, 300, 500 W loads Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100% |
| Peak Load Test | 110% Overload Testing at maximum combined 12 V |
| Temperature Test | Air intake vs. outtake temperature delta Tracking highest delta during all tests |
| Short Circuit Protection Test (12 V) | |
|---|---|
| Model | Test Passed |
| Corsair CX400W (115 V) | yes |
| Corsair CX400W (230 V) | yes |
| FSP Saga II 400 (115 V) | yes |
| FSP Saga II 400 (230 V) | yes |
| Xigmatek NRP PC402 (115 V) | yes |
| Xigmatek NRP PC402 (230 V) | yes |
| Huntkey Jumper 450B (115 V) | yes |
| Huntkey Jumper 450B (230 V) | yes |
Antec strives to put environmentalism in the foreground with its 380 W PSU EA-380D Green. In addition to the PSU's green color scheme, Antec tries to "green down" the packaging. For example, there is no bundled power cord, something Antec justifies as an ecological decision given that customers can use a power cord from an old PSU. Most PC enthusiasts will have many of these cords laying around, but novices may not.
Another area where Antec pinches pennies could be the 80 mm fan, which is quite unique not only because it is smaller, but also in that blows air out of the PSU instead of sucking air out of the computer case like it's the case with PSU models that utilize a 120-mm fan. Antec's number of connectors is sufficient, though the cables might be a bit on the short side. The ATX cable is the only one wrapped up into a round cable sleeve, and the PCIe connectors are 6-pin.
| Antec EA-380D Green | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240 V, 47-63 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +1 2V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 20 A | 20 A | 17 A | 15 | n/a | n/a | 0.8 A | 2.5 A | |
| Individual Output | 9.6 W | 12.5 W | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 115 W | 336 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 380 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 430 W | |||||||
Efficiency in accordance with the 80 PLUS specification:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


Antec's PSU shows very well here. The 380 W PSU even manages to take a slight lead in our efficiency measurements. The two best PSUs from the previous bunch, the Huntkey Jumper 450B and the Xigmatek NRP PC402, can only just match the Antec EA-380D Green. The EA-380D performs well in the other measurements, as well.
Only the nine degree increase in temperature under load sticks out, which it is most likely attributable to the small fan.
The 450 W Chieftec BPS-450S is the most powerful PSU remaining in this test after the AXP's untimely death. What first struck us when unpacking the Chieftec was its thick, multilingual manual. An extensive printed manual is uncommon, especially in this price range.
The cables and connectors are not quite as impressive, however, despite being long compared to the rest of the PSUs in this test. Four SATA and three Molex connectors are not enough for even a cheap PSU, especially one with only a single 6-pin PCIe connector. The ATX cable is the only one wrapped in sleeving.
| Chieftec BPS-450S | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 15 A | 24 A | 17 A | 16 A | n/a | n/a | 0.3 A | 3.0 A | |
| Individual Output | 3.6 W | 15.0 W | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 120 A | 396 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 450 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 550 W* | |||||||
* for 60 seconds
Efficiency in accordance with the 80 PLUS specification:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


Chieftec scores well in the efficiency measurements, trailing only the Antec EA-380D Green. Topping out with 87% efficiency at 230 V is a great result. At 230 V, the Chieftec BPS-450S and the Antec EA-380D Green are pretty much equal. Chieftec is slightly better when it comes to hold-up time and temperature, though, and the PSU is very quiet.
Enermax's PRO82+ II pushes the upper edge of the mainstream price range, hitting closer to $90 than our $75 average. The attractive packaging would bring significantly more expensive models to shame, and the same could be said for the PSU itself. Enermax's build quality is beautiful, and all cables, though a bit short, are well-wrapped. The number of connectors is sufficient, and as the only manufacturer in these tests (as opposed to being a rebrander of other manufacturer's equipment), Enermax fits its PSU with modern 6+2-pin PCIe connectors.
Just like more expensive PSUs from Enermax, the PRO82+ II comes with a safety feature called Cord Guard meant to prevent accidentally unplugging the power cord. After shutting down the PC, the PSU fan still runs for another minute in order to cool off its components and pull some extra heat out of the computer case. To sweeten the pot, Enermax throws in an extra 120 mm case fan.
| Enermax PRO82+ II | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Input | 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz | |||||||
| DC Output | +3.3 V | +5 V | +12 V (#1) | +12 V (#2) | +12 V (#3) | +12 V (#4) | -12 V | +5 Vsb |
| 20 A | 20 A | 20 A | 20 A | 0.6 A | 3.0 A | |||
| Individual Output | 7.2 W | 15.0 W | ||||||
| Rail Utilization | Sys | Sys | CPU And VGA | |||||
| Combined Output | 110 W | 360 W | ||||||
| Total Continuous Output | 385 W | |||||||
| Peak Output | 425 W | |||||||
Efficiency in accordance with the 80 PLUS specification:


Efficiency under different load profiles:


Like the other candidates here, Enermax's PRO82+ II has two dedicated 12 V rails. Despite having one of the lowest power ratings, it can handle the most power--up to 20 A per 12 V rail.
So far, Enermax should be on its way to a test victory...but then we hit the efficiency results. With up to 86% efficiency at 230 V, its results are far from bad, but the results are not good enough to warrant the model's 80 PLUS Bronze certification. At 115 V, the PRO82+ II is always two to three percent below the respective required value. Other than that, the Enermax PRO82+ II is flawless.
| Test Hardware | |
|---|---|
| AC Source | Chroma Programmable AC Source 6530 |
| Power Meter | Yokogawa WT210 Digital Power Meter |
| Loads | 4 x 600 W Chroma 63306 for 12 V testing 4 x 300 W Chroma 63303 for 5 and 3.3 V testing using Chroma HighSpeed- DC Load Mainframes 6334 |
| Oscilloscope | Tektronix DPO3034 Digital Phosphore Oscilloscope (300 MHz) |
| Test Procedure | |
| Voltages | 110 and 230 V |
| Standby Power | 0.25 A fixed current to simulate PC standby power on 5 Vsb |
| 80 PLUS Efficiency Testing | 100/50/20% load, relative to specified total output Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100% testing at 110 V according to ATX 2.3 specification |
| Efficiency at Fixed Loads | 25, 50, 85, 300, 500 W loads Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100% |
| Peak Load Test | 110% Overload Testing at maximum combined 12 V |
| Temperature Test | Air intake vs. outtake temperature delta tracking highest delta during all tests |
| Short Circuit Protection Test (12 V) | |
|---|---|
| Model | Test Passed |
| Antec EA-380D Green (115 V) | yes |
| Antec EA-380D Green (230 V) | yes |
| Chieftec BPS-450S (115 V) | yes |
| Chieftec BPS-450S (230 V) | yes |
| Enermax PRO 82+ II (115 V) | yes |
| Enermax PRO 82+ II (230 V) | yes |



Efficiency in accordance with the 80 PLUS specification:



Temperature and Standby Power Consumption






The more expensive PSUs in our last roundup were impressive in terms of performance, quality, and features. In comparison, these $75 PSUs seem pretty ordinary. Nevertheless, our tests here make it clear that you can indeed buy efficient PSUs at affordable prices, especially if you can live with some compromises in the cable quality and length departments. Compromising on electrical quality is obviously out of the question.
The units from Corsair, Xigmatek, and Huntkey emerge almost even in these tests, while the FSP Saga II 400 trails slightly (but gets outright disqualified in the US for its lack of 115 V support). Huntkey and Xigmatek share the win, with Huntkey scoring better in the efficiency tests and Xigmatek faring extremely well in the overload tests. Additionally, Xigmatek has more connectors and higher quality cables, but both units are recommended. The Corsair PSU doesn't stick out in any way, but there's nothing wrong with it. Unfortunately, Huntkey's offering isn't available in the US, so once again, we have to disqualify it from a recommendation.
The low number of connectors and rather short power cables make all of the PSUs in this roundup more suitable for compact, rather than full-sized computers. These models will neither accommodate air flow optimization nor overclocking of powerful components. For multimedia and office computers, though, they're a great option, especially the Xigmatek NRP-PC402.
All PSUs deliver between 380 and 450 W of power. Nevertheless, there are other important differences. The Chieftec BPS-450S makes the best impression when summing up all its different properties. Despite losing slightly to the Antec EA-380D Green in our efficiency tests, Chieftec's superior build quality, lower noise level, and richer features would make it an overall winner, were the device more available here in the States. As with the FSP and Huntkey units, it's simply nowhere to be found.
Antec and Enermax have some minor flaws that prevent victory, but they're both quite solid. The Antec PSU can be criticized for its small fan that blows through the PSU and into your PC instead of sucking air out, and some users will miss having a bundled power cord. Enermax's equipment and build quality impressed us, but our positive impression is clouded by the PSU's failure to meet its advertised 80 PLUS Bronze specifications at 115 V.
In the end we also have to look at availability: Chieftec's BPS-450S isn't available in North America, which is a pity because of its balanced results. Enermax’s PRO82+ II effectively comes at almost twice the cost as the Antec EA-380D Green, making a purchase questionable. If you don’t mind the lower 380 W output, the missing power cord, and the smaller fan, you’ll get marginally better efficiency starting at $45 from Antec. In the US market, this seems to be the clear winner at the sub-$75 price point.























