Sub-$75 Mainstream Power Supply Roundup

Features
By TG Publishing Team, Patrick Afschar
published

Corsair CX400W: Measurements

Efficiency meets 80 PLUS requirements:

Efficiency under different load profiles:

The Corsair CX400W lives up to the 80 PLUS certification conditions, though it only just manages to reach the minimum requirement of 80% efficiency at 20% and 100% of the maximum 115 V load.

At 230 V, the results are naturally a bit higher. Its efficiency does deteriorate rather severely under light loads, though. At 25 W, it is just 69% (115 V) and 70% (230 V) respectively.

Other measurement results are loosely within the ATX specifications, and the hold-up time of 35 ms is particularly good. The very low temperature increase of just two degrees under load is also noteworthy. However, the CX4000W does have the highest inrush current of all the tested PSUs, with more than 63 A at 230 V.

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