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.
- PSUs At A Reasonable Price
- Corsair CX400W
- Corsair CX400W: Measurements
- FSP Saga II 400
- FSP Saga II 400: Measurements
- Huntkey Jumper 450B
- Huntkey Jumper 450B: Measurements
- Xigmatek NRP-PC402
- Xigmatek NRP-PC402: Measurements
- Test Configuration And Short Circuit Tests
- Antec EA-380D Green
- Antec EA-380D Green: Measurements
- Chieftec BPS-450S
- Chieftec BPS-450S: Measurements
- Enermax PRO82+ II (425 W)
- Enermax Pro82+ II: Measurements
- Test Configuration And Short Circuit Tests
- Hold-Up Time, Inrush Current, And Peak Load Tests
- Efficiency In Accordance With 80 PLUS Specification, Temp., And Standby Power
- Load Profiles Efficiency Overview
- Conclusion And Recommendations
Looking at the picture and the fan alignment it seems otherwise.
While your tests show that these PSU's perform up to or even above their power output specs, that's not the whole story. You say you have an oscilloscope, but where are it's readings across all those load tests? What about voltage fluctuation measurements across them as well?
I just think you're capable of providing more thorough tests and results.
Oh, and it was interesting to see a real PSU blow up
Looking at the picture and the fan alignment it seems otherwise.
great video, Ive always wanted to see a PSU explode lol.
Looking at the picture and the fan alignment it seems otherwise.
While your tests show that these PSU's perform up to or even above their power output specs, that's not the whole story. You say you have an oscilloscope, but where are it's readings across all those load tests? What about voltage fluctuation measurements across them as well?
I just think you're capable of providing more thorough tests and results.
The initial request makes me think these were cherry-picked, rather than selected from a Retail source. That bodes particularly poorly for AXP; looks like they should not be legal for sale.
If you doubt this, try using a kill-a-watt meter or equivalent. Most mainstream PC's idle lower than 100, and max lower than 250.