Sub-$75 Mainstream Power Supply Roundup

Features
By TG Publishing Team, Patrick Afschar
published

Chieftec BPS-450S

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.

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Chieftec BPS-450S
AC Input100-240 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 A24 A17 A16 An/an/a0.3 A3.0 A
Individual OutputRow 3 - Cell 1 Row 3 - Cell 2 Row 3 - Cell 3 Row 3 - Cell 4 Row 3 - Cell 5 3.6 W15.0 W
Rail UtilizationSysSysCPU And VGA
Combined Output120 A396 W
Total Continuous Output450 W
Peak Output550 W*

* for 60 seconds

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TG Publishing Team
70 Comments Comment from the forums
  • That was scary seeing the AXP PSU blow up...
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    I still remember buying my Corsair VX550W for $91CAD just a year and half ago. Amazing how prices have come down for cheap, capable and yet quality PSUs over time.

    Oh, and it was interesting to see a real PSU blow up :D
    Reply
  • Patrick u sure the antec blows the hot air into the case?
    Looking at the picture and the fan alignment it seems otherwise.
    Reply
  • jestersage
    I wish the Xigmatek was available here. All we have are expensive 750w and 850w versions.
    Reply
  • jabbrun
    How come there's no Silverstone strider 400W...
    Reply
  • bmadd
    Im glad to see that the Antec 380D won. I have bought 5 for family and friends have been solid units to date.
    Reply
  • youssef 2010
    I don't think the Xigmatek PSU can keep the 650W load reliable or else Xigmatek would've rated it to be 650W
    Reply
  • dragon5677
    Antec is awesome as always
    Reply
  • feeddagoat
    Is there no way to measure how stable the power on each rail is? Some PSU's Ive seen are very efficient but their rails drops below recommended power delivery meaning components are starved. Some even fluxuate which can damage components over time. The only other thing I feel is missing is capacitor aging. Is there any way to simulate 2-3 years use? Most PSU's I use in my main machine get handed down to another rig or sold. 2nd hand PSU's could be false economy!

    great video, Ive always wanted to see a PSU explode lol.
    Reply
  • dEAne
    All these keeps me updated.
    Reply