Corsair CX

[testcy]

I used Corsair CX430 (2013) for many years with zero problems and I am surprised to see it listed as Tier E. Similarly, Corsair CX600M (2013) which is also listed as Tier E. Why are these rated so badly? Reviews seemed positive to me. I am now considering CX650 (2020) which is listed as Tier C. Should I reconsider?

[GuiltySpark_]

2 minutes ago, testcy said:

Corsair CX430 (2013)

 

Actually, same for both the 430 and 600, modular and non-modular.

 

That unit, a DSA III, is just cheaply made with seemingly low temp rated caps.

 

6 minutes ago, testcy said:

I am now considering CX650 (2020)

Find, assuming the price is right. 

 

Have to understand, Corsair doesn't actually make PSU's. They take a design from a manufacturer who does and either just slap their stickers on it or have some modifications made then the stickers slapped on it. 

 

That 430 and 600W unit was the same model by DSA, while the 650 you're looking at it a completely different model from Channel Well. 

[--SID--]

There is no CX650 (2020). There's a CX650 (2017) and CX650 (2023). The 2017 model has a decent LLC + DC-DC platfrom made by CWT and Great Wall. The 2023 model is a relabled CV650 with a DF + DC-DC platfrom made by HEC and a lot worse than the 2017 model.

[testcy]

4 minutes ago, --SID-- said:

There is no CX650 (2020). There's a CX650 (2017) and CX650 (2023). The 2017 model has a decent LLC + DC-DC platfrom made by CWT and Great Wall. The 2023 model is a relabled CV650 with a DF + DC-DC platfrom made by HEC and a lot worse than the 2017 model.

https://www.corsair.com/eu/en/p/psu/cp-9020278-eu/cx-series-cx650-650-watt-80-plus-bronze-atx-power-supply-eu-cp-9020278-eu

[--SID--]

That's the 2023 model. Relabled CV650. I wouldn't buy it. It's €61 here in NL and a hell of a lot better Sharkoon Rebel P15 750w is €65!

Please link to the webshop you're buying from.

[Toryze]

8 hours ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

 

Actually, same for both the 430 and 600, modular and non-modular.

 

That unit, a DSA III, is just cheaply made with seemingly low temp rated caps.

 

Find, assuming the price is right. 

 

Have to understand, Corsair doesn't actually make PSU's. They take a design from a manufacturer who does and either just slap their stickers on it or have some modifications made then the stickers slapped on it. 

 

That 430 and 600W unit was the same model by DSA, while the 650 you're looking at it a completely different model from Channel Well. 

Corsair doesn't manufacture the PSU, correct. They do engineer most of the PSUs in collaboration with the engineering team from the OEM in most cases, or go completely custom though. Nearly none of the modern units are off-the-shelf platforms. Most are original designs and/or modified platforms.

[testcy]

19 hours ago, --SID-- said:

That's the 2023 model. Relabled CV650. I wouldn't buy it. It's €61 here in NL and a hell of a lot better Sharkoon Rebel P15 750w is €65!

Please link to the webshop you're buying from.

 

13 hours ago, Toryze said:

Corsair doesn't manufacture the PSU, correct. They do engineer most of the PSUs in collaboration with the engineering team from the OEM in most cases, or go completely custom though. Nearly none of the modern units are off-the-shelf platforms. Most are original designs and/or modified platforms.

Should I throw away the CX430 and CX600 even if they never had a problem and they are still working? If CX650 is currently not a good choice, what about MSI MAG A650BN (€65/$65), ENERMAX CYBERG II ERV750G-AHG-NAC (€75/$75) and SEASONIC G12 GC-750 (€85/$85)?

 

[MadAnt250]

On 12/3/2025 at 1:18 PM, testcy said:

Should I throw away the CX430 and CX600 even if they never had a problem and they are still working?

Absolutely not, even though they are old, they are still good to have for diagnostic purposes or as spares for something where the PSU will not get hot enough to trip the overtemp protection.

I would  just not use them for anything modern except for specific reasons or where absolute reliability is needed.