Corsair VS Series 650 W Review

Introduction

We would like to thank Corsair for supplying the review sample.


One of the most affordable currently available branded 650 W power supplies on the market is the Corsair VS650. It is the strongest member of the VS line, which counts six non-modular units in total, and as with all newer VS units, it is made by HEC. The older VS units were based on CWT platforms, but for reasons unknown to me, Corsair decided to switch to HEC, which specializes in manufacturing highly affordable products.

The VS650 is 80 PLUS (Vanilla) and Cybenetics ETA-S certified. In terms of noise output, it is Cybenetics LAMBDA-S++ certified, which means its overall noise output ranges from 30–35 dB[A]. All VS power supplies are supported by a three-year warranty, which is long enough for such highly affordable PSUs. The main difference between a mainstream power supply and a high-end one is the maximum operating temperatures at which the PSU can deliver its full power continuously. The ATX specification recommends 50 C°. While high, a PSU capable of operating reliably at 50 C° will be rock solid at lower temperatures. So, the higher a unit's temperature rating, the better its platform. The VS650 is only rated at 30 C° for continuous maximum power output, which looks low, but is the typical temperature rating for mainstream PSUs. Some even have lower temperature ratings, which is then omitted from the specifications list.

Specifications

Cables and Connectors

With 650 W maximum power output, this PSU could easily handle an EPS and four PCIe connectors, or two EPS and two PCIe connectors. The distance between peripheral connectors is short at 120 mm, and there is no need for the FDD connector.

Component Analysis

The platform is provided by HEC/Compucase, which has a lot of experience with budget designs.


The design is outdated, which keeps production cost low.


The secondary side utilizes a group-regulated scheme where the +12V and 5V rails are tied together. With SBRs for the generation of the rails, rectification is passive.


All filtering caps and the bulk cap are provided by Teapo. The SC line belongs to Teapo's mainstream products—their lifetime is short under high temperatures, which is why this power supply is only rated for 30 °C.


The fan uses a sleeve bearing, which is the only option in this price range.