Selecting a PSU for replacement
Selecting a PSU for replacement
It isn't possible to call it "brand new" since the model hasn't been made for years. It could be unsold for many years in stores, but it's definitely not brand new and remains an outdated design. It wouldn't fit modern systems well unless you were willing to disable most low power sleep modes in the BIOS. Plus, even when new, it performed poorly, so I wouldn't suggest it unless you have no better alternatives like iBall, Ultra or similar poor choices.
Same kind of garbage. Sorry. We could try to make you happy by talking to you, but if you're being honest, then we have to be clear. These are both terrible unless your setup is extremely simple with just integrated graphics. Even then they remain poor choices, but since they won't be pushed much, they might function for a short time at most. These two are among the worst products these companies have ever released. The only truly inferior Thermaltake model seems to be the TR2, and the worst Corsair options appear to be the green-labeled CX and CS/VS variants.
Unlikely to have owned one at all since it was sold to shops in those non-Western areas except for what the shop itself offered or didn’t. Many older models from well-known brands had poor reputations or low sales, so they were sent to regions where parts are scarce. However, this doesn’t alter the truth that they were already bad quality and even worse now, and they also lack any manufacturer warranty.
That's correct, but the advice remains poor. You shouldn't imply it will last five or six years when you're certain it's likely to fail. It's similar to warning people in the Walking Dead about a weapon that probably won't work. If I have to clarify that, I've already lost my time.
My suggestion was to purchase a SeaSonic GM12 or beQuiet! Pure Power 11.
The GM12 isn't exactly impressive, but it's better than bad quality. It comes with a 5-year warranty and should last longer—possibly even up to ten years. That’s what I meant by it.
If you're on a tight budget and dealing with many faulty PSUs, the only option is to choose the least bad one. You can't build a solid one from nothing.
This is the correct response. I understand it was your initial thought. Please continue, as it isn't incorrect. Irrespective of your financial situation, origin, or any other reason, the key factor remains unchanged. What truly counts is what matters most.
Yes, you are aware, but you might hesitate to express this since your background shares similar challenges with many long-standing members, and you wish to avoid causing offense by sharing my perspective now.
Location is irrelevant.
This mindset resembles insisting that because I come from a place where resources are scarce—like many of our experienced members do—I should adapt to operate on limited supplies, such as running my truck on ice or water due to fuel shortages. The solution lies in converting the vehicle for natural gas use and sourcing additional fuel locally, since this area is known for abundant natural gas reserves. This approach offers a viable path forward.
It’s important to recognize that availability doesn’t define capability. What truly matters is meeting the essential requirements. If you wish to accomplish something, you must possess the appropriate tools. Anything less will not suffice, regardless of your circumstances or ambitions. That’s the final point.
We can only offer guidance.
Perhaps some visitors assume that anyone with numerous posts or high rep is elitist or overly confident. Others may simply avoid asking out of fear of being dismissed.
We are just people.
But let me address a key point regarding PSUs.
A power supply is equally crucial as the CPU or GPU. The wattage is merely a figure, but the quality is what truly counts. A good PSU delivers stable and dependable power to the whole system. Is that sufficient? Yes—it impacts everything every second the machine runs.
The Corsair CV650 isn’t particularly bad on its own, yet it has been sitting unused for years, with only a three-year warranty. That’s far from ideal.
Even if it’s brand new, it hasn’t performed well or consistently. The only positive note is that it hasn’t caused any immediate harm. But now, outside of warranty, it clearly isn’t a good choice.
The reason experts often recommend quality PSUs is because it’s extremely easy to overspend on cheaper options. That’s not the same as other components—while overspending elsewhere can be harmless, a poor PSU poses real risks.
This isn’t about following some mysterious enthusiast rule. It’s not about meeting benchmarks or following trends. It’s not about impressing others by buying something “cool.”
It’s because a subpar PSU can damage your system. When you’re financially constrained, you don’t want that risk.
Even if the worst doesn’t occur, a weak PSU is likely to fail to meet its advertised power output. That could cause crashes, erratic behavior, or even hardware damage. Motherboards and other parts might suffer; a faulty PSU jeopardizes everything. Every second the computer runs, it’s a matter of safety.
And in extreme cases, it could spark a fire.
That’s why it matters.
And yet...
Some people take the chance. So if you must, and you have no other options, choose wisely.
Don’t rush into it.
Invest in quality. Save money. Be patient. A reliable PSU will serve you well for years. Everyone benefits in the end.
He shouldn’t be criticized for his PSU failure. It’s out of computing until it’s repaired, which might take a long time. I don’t know his budget or how much he values computing. He’ll need a new PSU eventually. If the OP could explain his budget and needs, we might offer better advice. The Corsair models in question aren’t great, but they’re not as bad as some unknown brands. For now, he could run on integrated graphics, which uses very little power—suitable for office tasks but not ideal for gaming.