Assembling a good PC yourself, the user needs to pay maximum attention to all components. Many often focus only on the processor and video card and pay less attention to the motherboard. And sometimes they completely forget to take a good look at coolers and power supplies.
For example, a breakdown makes you remember the last device. Often low-quality power supplies burn out, can not cope with voltage or have insufficient power. Only then does the user begin to look for options, study the lineup and read reviews. In order not to spend money once again, it is better to take a closer look at good firms and successful models.
Series
Today we look at the system unit that belongs to the Corsair VS Series. VS650 is the flagship model of this line. There are four options in total: 350, 450, 550 and 650 watts. Despite the fact that this product was presented as a budget device, it nevertheless received a high price.
As you might guess, the models in the series got names that correspond to their power. Each unit was manufactured according to the ATX standard. All models operate with input voltage indicators of 220-240 V.
As mentioned earlier, the Corsair VS650 power supply unit and its younger models belong to the budget segment. Although its price does not speak about it, but other characteristics eloquently indicate it. For example, there is no design that is responsible for the modular cable management. Also missing is the popular 80 Plus certification for more expensive options.
Each power supply received a standard version of protection against voltage drops, short circuits and other "force majeure". Each model has a single +12 V line, the youngest are equipped with one 6 + 2 format cable, the older ones have two such cables.
At the time of release, the prices for this series of PSUs started at $ 40 for a younger model and ended at $ 70 for a senior model.
Packaging
Now let's go directly to the Corsair VS650. The review is worth starting with the packaging of this PSU. It is presented in a stylish box. It is made in black and white, but has an emphasis on the serial production of orange tones.
The main information of the power supply is indicated on the front: its model, standardization, certification, and also a couple of special technologies. The model itself and the company logo are immediately shown.
There is much more information behind. The cables that can be connected to the PSU are already indicated here. There are a couple of graphs that focus on certain characteristics. On the labeled sticker there is information about the revision of the block.
You can open the box simply by folding the top cover. Inside, everything is neatly packed. The power supply itself fits in a plastic bag, next to it there is a network cable, fastenings for a power supply unit and "waste paper".
Design
It is difficult to find something remarkable in the appearance of the Corsair VS650 (650W). An overview of the design of this model can still be done, as the manufacturer pays time to this feature. PSU is made in black. It does not have any fanciful elements, it looks quite usual, without frills. On the side there are stickers with the name of the model and a brief specification.
The nice thing is that the wires are assembled in a black braid. Now this option no longer seems new, but at the time of the release of this model, this feature was worth noting. Connectors, by and large, are standard for blocks of similar functionality.
For the processor there are 4 + 4pin and 20 + 4pin, for the video card - two options 6 + 2pin. In addition, there are 4 cables of SATA and Molex format, FDD connectors were also available. The latter by 2012 were already irrelevant, but still for some reason were in the kit.
The length of each wire is comfortable enough for the average size of the PC case. But years later, as practice shows, this PSU is far from being able to be comfortably installed in all system engineers. Therefore, now, if you purchase this model, it is better to look closely at the microATX case format. There, this PSU will be most convenient.
Cooler
Corsair VS650 received a standard cooling system. It is equipped with semiconductor elements that fit on two small radiators. Thanks to their placement, the PSU boasts low aerodynamic drag of heat-dissipating parts. But this coin has a second side: there is no way to fix the low heat capacity and small heat dissipation area.
As mentioned earlier, the structure of this model, in principle, does not stand out anything special, given the budget line. Here, group stabilization of a pair of channels was used. For the third channel, an independent stabilizer was used.
A one-piece surge protector was placed on the main board. There is also a part that is responsible for switching interference. It is represented by a filter that is placed on the network connector. Condensers are responsible for manufacturers: Su'scon, Capxon and Junfu.
PSU Corsair VS650 equipped with a fan, which is hidden behind bars. It has a size of 120 millimeters. The manufacturer Yate Loon Electronics worked on its creation. The foundation for this part remains the plain bearing. The maximum fan speed is up to 2200 rpm. The connection is represented by a connector with two contacts.
Specification
Of course, testing always gives the most accurate characterization. But the manufacturer indicates the main values of this model. As a result, the bus received a power of 408 watts. As the name implies, the main power is 650 watts, there are also power indicators on the 12 V line - 600 watts.
The box shows the current values along the lines: +12 V, +5 V, +3.3 V - 50 A, 20 A and 20 A, respectively. Input voltage ranges from 200 to 240 V.
Long work
So, the most understandable characteristics of the Corsair VS650 power supply can be obtained after testing it. The first step is to check the duration of work at high power. This model did not fail during the test. She was able to work at maximum power for a long time without any problems.
The only thing that was noticed was the presence of a low load capacity of two channels: +3.3 and +12. As a result, during the testing process, a significant deviation from the voltage indicators through these channels was noticed.
KNH
Further testing leads to a special task - the construction of cross-loading characteristics. Thanks to this analysis, it is easy to determine the value of the possible load at a certain level. As a result, the results were not very impressive. The maximum power, 200 W, was achieved through the +12 channel and with deviations in the region of 3%. 400 watts were achieved under 5% deviation conditions.
This indicator is different from the stated. Also unpleasant is the presence of an overestimation of the voltage values on the +5 channel. But in this case, the difference is not too big, which means that it is quite acceptable.
Exploitation
The following testing indicated the values that the power supply transmits to other peripherals. In this case, possible deviations of 3 and 5% were established.
The connection of the video card may be unstable. This is due to the fact that cards with one slot take 120 watts at 3% and 150 watts at 5%. Experts advise in this case to use a video card that does not consume the values above. Otherwise, you may encounter errors in the accelerator. Approximately the same problem occurs when connecting a video card with two connectors.
With the processor, things are somewhat better. The results are quite enough to use any desktop chip for options 1150/51 and AM3 / FM2. The only thing you should pay attention to is overclocking. You will have to be careful with it, since it is desirable that in total the elements consume no more than 200 watts.
Benefit
Power supply (650W) Corsair VS650 can not boast of energy efficiency. He "sprays" too much during maximum load - up to 180 watts. If the power is slightly reduced, up to 440 watts, then this indicator will become 100 watts, if the load is 270 watts, then the dissipation will be 60 watts, etc.
The efficiency was not bad - almost 83% at an average power of 400 watts. In general, this parameter at moderate load is in the range of 79-81%. Of course, the indicator is not bad, but for modern PSUs it is not entirely satisfactory.
During the load, it does not heat up the room too much, most likely due to a rather good fan and heat-exchange elements.
Output
It should be understood that the ATX Corsair VS650 (650W) power supply unit is a rather controversial option. Its youngest 450 V model is not very different in consumer qualities. But here the difference in their cost is noticeable. The question arises: why overpay? The amount for which this PSU could be purchased was unsuccessful due to the fact that literally 2 thousand rubles less we got about the same model, and throwing, on the contrary, one and a half to two thousand, we received options much better.
Of the pluses, we can single out a guarantee for three years, which, of course, is very good, considering what problems may arise with the unit. The quiet operation of the power supply unit is also noticed, which really does not bother anyone, does not make unnecessary noise. Well, the length of the cables is good enough to comfortably install the device in the case. But the main disadvantage is still the price / quality ratio and voltage stabilization.
Reviews
Corsair VS650 received average reviews. In general, both the model itself and its price have become the middle, but, unfortunately, not golden. Everything in this PSU really turned out to be somehow unfinished and unbalanced. Although some users thought quite differently. Many claimed that this model is quite powerful, but at the same time compact, which is undoubtedly a plus. Also noted and the excellent quality of the wires.
Many were pleased that the Corsair VS65 easily copes with gaming systems, led by flagship video cards and processors. On the other hand, there were immediately buyers who had this unit lasted only two years, or rebooted forever, unable to withstand the load.
Buyers complained about noise and strong heating. They say that you had to open the PC case, because with the lid closed, it became very warm inside. Not everyone had enough wire lengths. Someone noted this property in merits, someone barely reached the cables to the drives. One of the main drawbacks was a failure on the 12 V bus. As tests showed, the words of users that the drawdown on this channel is sometimes too large, and this does not justify the overall characteristics of the model.
It is difficult to say what such cardinality depends on. It is worth noting that, nevertheless, this model is budgetary, average, for inveterate gamers will definitely not work. For those who play on medium and low settings, it can get off. Those who do need a PC for work or study will do just fine.