FSP Hydro G 650 Power Supply Review

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14 Comments

Performance, Performance Per Dollar, Noise and Efficiency Ratings

Performance Rating

The following graph shows the total performance rating of the PSU, comparing it to other units we have tested. To be more specific, the tested unit is shown as 100 percent, and every other unit's performance is shown relative to it.

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The Hydro G 650 only loses to EVGA's SuperNOVA 650 G2, which is based on the amazing Super Flower Leadex platform. However, if you are looking for something different and with a nice look, then FSP's offering is a fine choice.

Performance Per Dollar

The following chart may be the most interesting to many of you because it depicts the unit's performance-per-dollar score. We looked up the current price of each PSU on popular online shops and used those prices and all relative performance numbers to calculate the index. If the specific unit wasn't available in the United States, we searched for it in popular European Union shops, converting the listed price to USD (without VAT). Note that all of the numbers in the following graph are normalized by the rated power of each PSU.

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As you can see, the HG650 finishes in first place among comparable PSUs. The higher price of EVGA's 650 G2 places it way below the Hydro G 650.

 

Noise Rating

The graph below depicts the cooling fan's average noise over the PSU's entire operating range, with an ambient temperature between 28 and 30 °C (82 to 86 °F).

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Besides good performance and an affordable price, the Hydro G 650 is also quiet enough to meet the demands of most enthusiasts. Corsair's and EVGA's offerings do offer even quieter operation, though. The 650 G2 fares best mostly because of its long-lasting passive mode.

Efficiency Rating

The following graph illustrates average efficiency throughout the PSU's entire operating range, with an ambient temperature between 28 °C and 30 °C.

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With 115V input the HG650 isn't as efficient as with 230V. However, it still manages to stay close to 88 percent.

FSP Hydro G 650
$89.99Newegg

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Summary
  1. Introduction
  2. Packaging, Contents, Exterior And Cabling
  3. A Look Inside And Component Analysis
  4. Load Regulation, Hold-Up Time And Inrush Current
  5. Efficiency, Temperature And Noise
  6. Cross-Load Tests And Infrared Images
  7. Transient Response Tests
  8. Ripple Measurements
  9. Performance, Performance Per Dollar, Noise and Efficiency Ratings
  10. Pros, Cons And Final Verdict
About the author
Aris Mpitziopoulos

Aris Mpitziopoulos is a Contributing Editor at Tom's Hardware US, covering PSUs.

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14 comments
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    Your comment
  • Onus
    I see a Performance Per Dollar chart, but so far I've not been able to find the price of this unit. What is it?
  • sammy sung
    Hopefully a competitive price scheme. Looks awesome though, very nice aesthetic
  • Aris_Mp
    Quote:
    I see a Performance Per Dollar chart, but so far I've not been able to find the price of this unit. What is it?


    It is 90 bucks

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104200&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-VigLink2-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3821802&SID=il40akd6as0035wt00053
  • mrjhh
    I remember FSP being an OEM for older computer vendors like DEC, so they definitely aren't a newcomer to the field. I'm glad to see they know how to build a modern supply.
  • Onus
    IMHO FSP has always had a solid but "middle-of-the-pack" reputation; not anybody's first choice, but a lot better than a lot of the junk being sold. Even their Raider units that got very critical reviews were acceptable as budget units in light use. In big box PCs, I'd certainly rather see FSP than HEC or Bestec.
  • jeffunit
    I see "op amp amplifier" mentioned several times in the review.
    What is an "op amp amplifier"
    Doesn't amp stand for amplifier in this context, which expands to op amplifier amplifier?
  • anort3
    Odd naming scheme for a power supply. Hope it doesn't confuse anyone into thinking water goes well with it. :P

    Always good to see some of the larger if less well known manufacturers putting out quality units.
  • Aris_Mp
    Quote:
    What is an "op amp amplifier"


    short for operational amplifier
  • jeffunit
    Quote:
    Quote:
    What is an "op amp amplifier"
    short for operational amplifier


    op amp is short for operational amplifier.
    op amp amplifier is short for operational amplifier amplifier.
    You need to pay more attention to what is written.
  • turkey3_scratch
    Good performing power supply. In terms of voltages and ripple, beats the EVGA GS. I would never hesitate to recommend this unit, if it is priced well of course, which it already is not.
  • lunyone
    Had this been around $60 or so, it would be on my recommendation list. But at ~$90 I'm not as inclined to recommend it. Yes it is a good unit, but $90 just seems a bit steep for a 650w PSU. I'm more inclined to buy a $60-70 PSU for most of the builds that I do (all at least 80 PLUS Bronze rated). I know that this PSU is probably for those that have extra $ floating around or want more than just 80 PLUS Bronze certified PSU's.
  • sammy sung
    The GQ series seems hard to overturn, unless fully modular cabling is an absolute must for the consumer. I've never had an issue with semi-modular that made me cringe and exclaim that I should have forked out the extra $10-20. Aesthetics are more of a deciding factor for me, and realistically this edges out the HX series for that blue/white scheme, as far as I'm concerned at least.
  • Archaic59
    It's nice to have another unit to add to the short list of power supplies worth recommending. I'd like to see a 550 watt unit added to this line.
  • turkey3_scratch
    It runs for $81 now:

    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

    Power Supply: FSP Group Hydro G 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($81.50 @ Newegg)
    Total: $81.50
    Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-05 21:53 EST-0500

    Which is comparable to the EVGA GS:

    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

    Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
    Total: $79.99
    Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-05 21:54 EST-0500

    Between the two, I'd take the FSP. I think I'm going to start making this FSP a common recommendation myself.
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