Sub-$75 Mainstream Power Supply Roundup

Features
By TG Publishing Team, Patrick Afschar
published

Corsair CX400W

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.

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Corsair CX400W
AC Input90-264 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 A20 A30 An/an/an/a0.8 A2.5 A
Individual OutputRow 3 - Cell 1 Row 3 - Cell 2 Row 3 - Cell 3 Row 3 - Cell 4 Row 3 - Cell 5 9.6 W2.5 W
Rail UtilizationSysSysCPU And VGA
Combined Output130 W360 W
Total Continuous Output400 W
Peak Output440 W
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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