CORSAIR CX650 80 PLUS Bronze Non Modular Low-Noise ATX 650 Watt Power Supply - U vs be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1000W Power Supply

Price Comparison

When comparing the CORSAIR CX650 and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M, the most noticeable difference is in their pricing. The CORSAIR CX650 is priced at £44.99, while the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is significantly higher at £99.99. This £55 price gap reflects not only the power rating but also the efficiency and features offered by each product. For budget-conscious PC builders, the CORSAIR CX650 may seem more appealing; however, the be quiet! model justifies its cost with advanced capabilities suited for high-performance systems.

Power Output

In terms of power output, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M leads the comparison with a robust 1000W capacity, compared to the 650W provided by the CORSAIR CX650. This 350W difference is crucial for users who require stable power for high-end components, particularly in gaming or media creation setups. The Pure Power 13 M’s ability to handle power excursions up to double its rated power ensures reliability under heavy loads, making it a solid choice for demanding configurations.

Efficiency Ratings

The efficiency ratings of both power supplies are noteworthy, with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M boasting an 80 PLUS Gold certification, achieving up to 94.4% efficiency. In contrast, the CORSAIR CX650 is 80 PLUS Bronze certified, providing a maximum efficiency of 88%. This means that the be quiet! model not only consumes less power but also generates less heat, leading to a cooler and quieter operation, which is particularly beneficial in systems prioritising acoustic performance.

Cooling Features

Cooling performance is another area where the two products differ. The CORSAIR CX650 features a 120mm thermally controlled low-noise cooling fan that operates at high speeds only under heavy loads. Meanwhile, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M enhances this with a fan that turns off completely under low loads, resulting in silent operation until higher demand is detected. This feature, coupled with its airflow-optimised fan blades, allows the be quiet! model to maintain exceptionally quiet performance across various load scenarios.

Compatibility and Connectivity

When it comes to compatibility, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M offers a significant advantage with its ATX 3.1 PSU design and native integration of the 12V-2x6 connector, making it ready for next-generation PCIe 5.1 graphics cards. It also includes four PCIe 6+2-pin connectors for current-generation GPUs, illustrating its versatility for modern systems. The CORSAIR CX650, while fully capable for most builds, lacks these specific modern connectors, which could limit its future-proofing for high-end upgrades.

Build Quality and Design

The design and build quality of both power supplies are impressive, yet they cater to different aesthetics. The CORSAIR CX650 features black sleeved cables and a compact casing, ensuring it fits well within most PC cases while maintaining a sleek look. On the other hand, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is designed with modularity in mind, allowing users to eliminate unnecessary cables, which not only improves cable management but also enhances airflow within the case. This focus on a tidy layout helps in maintaining lower temperatures and noise levels.

Brand Reputation

Both Corsair and be quiet! are reputable brands in the power supply market. Corsair is well-known for its reliability and performance in the gaming community, while be quiet! is celebrated for its focus on creating quiet and efficient components. The choice between these two brands often comes down to specific user needs—whether prioritising budget and basic performance with the CORSAIR CX650 or investing in efficiency and advanced features with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the CORSAIR CX650 and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you are building a basic system and are conscious of costs, the CORSAIR CX650 at £44.99 offers solid performance and reliability. However, if you seek a high-performance power supply that supports modern hardware with superior efficiency and quieter operation, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M, despite its higher price of £99.99, provides significant long-term benefits. Consider your future upgrade plans and the demands of your system to make the most informed choice.