This time we will talk about solutions in the price range up to $75. Here you can find a wide variety of models. Some with a maximum efficiency of about 80%, others with an 80 PLUS Gold certificate, which means up to 92% efficiency. Some sources are equipped with the most modern circuitry, while others still offer somewhat outdated topology. Some use only Japanese capacitors, while others use mass-produced ones from China. The power of the power supplies also ranges from 400 to 750 W. Well, we will try to help you not get lost in all this diversity.

As we learned earlier, even in the segment around $50, you can count on a source with:

To find out why all of the above is needed, you can refer to the previous material with a comprehensive theoretical part. Here we will immediately move on to practice and price tags, considering solutions with at least the listed criteria.

Therefore, we will not talk about the many sources with group stabilization, although there are plenty of them on the market. Yes, they may have pleasant options at a low price, such as semi-modular cable connections. But we tested some of these solutions back in 2012, and they have hardly changed since then. Perhaps they were good then, but our task today is to find the best ones. We will also bypass models with cheap capacitors, no matter how attractive their cost may be. So, ahead are worthy models from nine different manufacturers, the most optimal in terms of price and capabilities. Of course, according to GECID.com.

be quiet System Power 9

Let's start with the be quiet System Power 9 solution with a power of 500 and 600 W. Despite the comparative affordability, the German approach is evident with a full set of protections. There is also an 80 PLUS Bronze certificate, but only for 230 V networks. Taiwanese capacitors are common for this segment, as well as a sleeve bearing and round cables in braiding. However, System Power 9 is relatively quiet, at least under moderate load.

As for prices, the 500-watt unit will cost $60. For $70, you can already buy a 500-watt CM version with partially modular cable connections. But if the budget allows, we still recommend opting for the 600-watt be quiet! System Power B9 for $61. It comes without a box and even a power cable. But the price discount is quite significant, and in terms of internal indicators, as well as externally, it is no different from the regular 600-watt unit for $72.

CHIEFTEC BDF Proton

Another hero of our saga about budget power supplies is already enjoying considerable popularity. And why? Ribbon cables? Full 80 PLUS Bronze for networks of all ratings? A range of protections? Taiwanese components? Or low internal heating? CHIEFTEC BDF Proton has all of this. But here, most likely, we simply have the most effective combination of a well-known brand and an affordable price tag.

Yes, the 500-watt unit will cost a modest $50, and the 600-watt unit - $58. And if the budget is no less than 70 bucks, you can consider the older Proton BDF-650C. Its owner will additionally receive fully removable cables and extra power reserve.

The already familiar disadvantages of all three models include the short-lived sleeve bearing.

Cooler Master MWE V2

We also praised the Cooler Master MWE V2 lineup in the previous material. Taiwanese capacitors are the norm, ribbon cables are simply pleasing, and the HDB-bearing fan promises increased reliability. In addition to the White series solutions, we also have "bronze" models. One of them once came into our hands and pleased us with quiet operation under moderate load. And even passive cooling when consuming up to 240 W. But the transformer heating could have been a little less.

Ordinary "white" models with a power of 500-550 W will cost a modest $45-47. For 53 "greenbacks," you can already become the owner of a 650-watt unit, and for $57 - a 700-watt solution. But we recommend choosing between the "bronze" 550- and 650-watt models for $61-65. Such price tags are frankly pleasing.

Riotoro Builder Edition

At the time of creating the previous material, the 500-watt Riotoro Builder Edition cost a modest $42. Now its price is as much as $52, and for $61 you can buy a 600-watt model. This is no longer the most advantageous offer on the market, but it still deserves attention.

After all, there are no special compromises for the sake of economy here: long flat ribbon cables, Taiwanese TEAPO and Capxon capacitors with a good reputation, "white" 80 PLUS, and a three-year warranty will please many.

ZALMAN GigaMax

The five of our good acquaintances is closed by ZALMAN GigaMax, or rather all three of its variations. The most affordable 550-watt source will cost $52, the 650-watt unit - $59. And for just $63, you can buy a 750-watt solution. Here we have a full list of protections, an 80 PLUS Bronze certificate for 230 V networks, long flat cables, and high-quality input capacitors. The last argument in favor of purchasing these devices is the reliable hydrodynamic bearing of the fan and, as a result, a 5-year warranty. However, the latter is not often encountered - many stores are limited to only a 3-year term. The downsides include the noisy operation of the fan, which accelerates over 2000 RPM, as well as some savings in the component base. For example, the absence of a varistor in the input filter and ChengX capacitors in the filtration unit.

By the way, the manufacturer's range has introduced the MegaMax ZM700-TXII source. The previous generation solution was one of the most affordable with a DC-DC converter, but the successor was somehow reverted to a more budget-friendly group approach.

As we can see, even after reviewing familiar power supplies in versions from 500 to 750 W, there is still plenty to choose from. However, in the segment of sources up to $75, there are other worthy models that we would like to talk about. 

Aerocool AERO BRONZE

Solutions from Aerocool attract many due to their relatively low prices. However, the quality may suffer. We personally got acquainted with the AERO BRONZE lineup using its top representative, which helped to break this stereotype.

In addition to the 80 PLUS Bronze certificate for 230V networks, a whole range of protections, and long cable ribbons, we liked it... you won't believe it - the input Japanese capacitors manufactured by Nichicon! Although they have a relatively small capacity. Otherwise, the savings were reflected in the capacitors of the filtering unit (although this is far from a no-name), the absence of a varistor in the EMI filter, and, of course, the fan's sleeve bearing. We really liked the quiet operation of the propeller across the entire load range. However, there is increased heating of some units, which will negatively affect their service life.

A brief excursion into prices. The 550-watt Aerocool AERO BRONZE will cost $56. The 650-watt model - $63, and the 750-watt model will require all $74. In the end, we have an interesting, though in many ways a compromise option for purchase.

CHIEFTEC CORE BBS

Although not all power supplies on our list have a full-fledged 80 PLUS Bronze, some can even boast a gold certificate at a low price. In the case of the CHIEFTEC CORE BBS, the manufacturer focused on this parameter.

Therefore, ordinary multicolored round wires are used here, and the list of protections looks very modest. However, thanks to the 80 PLUS Gold label, the 120mm fan operates very quietly under moderate load. Unfortunately, the trade-off was a very high transformer heating - up to 99°C in the case of the 600-watt model. Therefore, we do not recommend fully loading the unit. Otherwise, it's quite decent.

As for prices: $54 for the 500-watt model, $59 for the 600-watt solution, and $65 for the "gold" 700W. Quite decent, but such models should be purchased only with a good power reserve.

CHIEFTEC A-90 GDP

By the way, there is another inexpensive source with a "gold" efficiency in the manufacturer's lineup. However, only for 230V networks. The CHIEFTEC A-90 GDP has partially modular cable connections. The component base is of similar quality to the CORE BBS model, but the 140mm propeller cools it excellently.

Unfortunately, as a result, we have a higher noise level. The price of this device is $58 for the 550-watt model, $67 for the 650W model, and the maximum in our case is $75 for the most powerful 750W option.

GIGABYTE P650B

The GIGABYTE P650B model can boast "bronze" efficiency ratings over a wide range of voltages, a number of protections (only overheating protection is missing), a propeller based on a hydraulic bearing, and Japanese Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors in all units. In terms of fan noise, it's a kind of average. However, there's no talk of overheating, so the source will surely outlive the three-year warranty.

Given the quality components and high power, the price of $66 for the 650-watt model seems quite justified. However, there are simply no other options for this solution's nominal power.

FSP HYPER 80+ PRO

In our material, we would like to mention the products of a brand that has a good reputation among many builders and buyers. For example, the FSP HYPER 80+ PRO lineup may look modest compared to other solutions if you look at the "white" 80 PLUS only for 230V networks and the lack of overheating protection. However, the sources can deliver full power on the +12V line, the input capacitors have increased reliability (as they are from a high-temperature series), and the long cable ribbons are very easy to lay.

The price of the 450W model is $54, the 550-watt model is $61, and the 650W solution is 70 "greens".

FSP HYDRO PRO

If the budget is slightly higher, the manufacturer's lineup also includes "bronze" solutions FSP HYDRO PRO. However, the certificate is also only valid for 230V networks. Otherwise, no special differences are expected.

The 600-watt model will cost $70, the 700-watt model goes beyond our budget at $80, and there is simply no 500W solution available for sale.

Seasonic S12III

By the way, if you have $70 in your pocket and want to buy an alpha-brand solution, you can consider the Seasonic S12III with a power of 500W. Here we have separate voltage stabilization, Taiwanese capacitors, and a fan on a sleeve bearing. The full-fledged 80 PLUS Bronze and a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer are pleasing.

VINGA VPS-550G

The last power supply on our list is not very popular, but it can offer a lot of interesting features. The price for the 550-watt model is small - only $57. The 750W solution will cost almost $78, and the 650-watt model is somehow even more expensive. By the way, both of them already come with modular cables. But we will focus our attention on the younger model, which has a full-fledged "gold" 80 PLUS certificate.

It can also boast high-quality Japanese capacitors in all units, albeit not of the highest ratings. Moderate fan rotation frequency and component heating - the last spoonful of honey in our list. However, no tar was found. We would just like to see more reviews from those who have been using such a device for some time. And keep in mind that the +12V line here has only 504W, which should be perceived as the actual power of the source. And one last "but": the length of this device is 190 mm, so it will not fit in every case.

Conclusion

Here's the rating we came up with. You might have wanted to see a greater variety of manufacturers here. But more technologically advanced models simply go beyond our budget. This also applies to other power supply manufacturers from the top tier.

Speaking of power, the mentioned 500-550W solutions can easily handle a combination of a six-core processor like the Ryzen 5 3600 and a mid-range graphics card like the Radeon RX 5600 XT or RTX 2060 SUPER. If overclocking is on the table, either choose a weaker graphics card - like the RX 5500 XT or GTX 16 SUPER series, or a more powerful power supply - 600-700W will be enough with a good margin. If necessary, this will even handle eight-core processors with an RX 5700 XT or RTX 2070 SUPER/2080 SUPER.

In general, having extra power often doesn't cost much. However, it extends the power supply's lifespan due to less heating. And you'll be pleased with more comfortable acoustic performance and even slightly lower electricity bills.

As you can see, the range from $50 to $75 is rich with a variety of models. For example, the Cooler Master MWE 500 White V2 is the most affordable 500-watt model with modern circuitry and an 80 PLUS certificate. This comes without significant compromises on the quality of the component base, and even with an HDB fan. The creators of the "bronze" GIGABYTE P650B took an even more meticulous approach to the device's reliability, equipping it only with Japanese capacitors and a hydrodynamic fan. And if you want to boast an 80 PLUS Gold sticker, there are three models to choose from. The highest quality Japanese components were found in the 550-watt VINGA VPS-550G, which also has a very modest price.

Which model in this price segment did you like? Who deserves first place, and who deserves last? We look forward to your sincere comments.

Author: Oles Pakhok
Translation: Liliya Masyuk 

Review on the website gecid.com