Bang For Your Buck: Four 500 W Power Supplies Reviewed

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Enthusiasts often say that you can never have too much performance. However, a 500W power supply is perfectly ample for a majority of mid-range PCs. This is one of those cases where a solid ratio of performance to price is preferable to gross excess.

Results And Purchase Recommendations

The most important conclusion of this comparison test is that one does not have to spend more than $150 on a very good mid-range power supply. All tested models convinced us with high electrical quality and staying true to their 80 PLUS performance levels. But despite all power supplies achieving their advertised 500W and more, they showed individual strengths and weaknesses, making them more or less suitable for certain targeted applications.

In this roundup, the Enermax Pro87+ clearly and confidently takes home a test victory. With this PSU, everything is just right. The high build quality, excellent electrical quality, and equipment satisfy. In view of the 80 PLUS Gold certification, the price of around $140 isn't unreasonable, but it may still be too expensive for many users.

Cooler Master Silent Pro M500

The Cooler Master Silent Pro M500 is conspicuously inconspicuous. Thanks to very good efficiency at low loads, flat cables, and the silicon dampening frames, we recommend the Cooler Master especially for compact PC systems optimized for low power and low noise. Despite being a good fit for low-demand machines, the Cooler Master has enough reserves even to supply reliable power in high-performance multimedia systems.

FSP Everest 85Plus 500

The FSP Everest 85Plus 500 power supply is hot on Cooler Master's heels, but it doesn't quite manage the same high and flat efficiency curve. Furthermore, Cooler Master has more ideas on noise management and higher build quality. The gap between FSP and Cooler Master, however, is narrow.

SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230

For those who look primarily at price (and live overseas), both the FSP Everest as well as the SilverStone Strider SST-ST50F-230 are interesting. The latter power supply operates with good efficiency and has no weaknesses and a very clear price/performance focus. It's a shame it isn't usable in North America.