What makes those referred to as "Lite PSUs" perform well or poorly?

F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking What makes those referred to as "Lite PSUs" perform well or poorly?

What makes those referred to as "Lite PSUs" perform well or poorly?

What makes those referred to as "Lite PSUs" perform well or poorly?

S

soldierman45
Member

152

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM

#1

I have a Dell Optiplex pre-built Mini-Tower with a fairly small 265W PSU. Because I’m planning to buy either a GTX950 or 960 (Asus Strix 2x Fans), this PSU needs to be replaced.
I’m on a very limited budget, so those high-power modular PSUs that people often boast about aren’t an option!
Currently, I’m thinking about the Thermaltake Lite Power 450, Cooler Master 500 Lite, and also Corsair VS450; though I think the Corsair model is also 'lite' in price but I’m not sure.
In any case, I’m leaning towards the Thermaltake since it’s significantly cheaper and 450W should be more than sufficient for the GTX960, which typically draws around ~125W at full load (according to Guru3D benchmark). The 950 can go up to about 90W if needed.
So... is this a good choice or not?

S

soldierman45

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM #1

I have a Dell Optiplex pre-built Mini-Tower with a fairly small 265W PSU. Because I’m planning to buy either a GTX950 or 960 (Asus Strix 2x Fans), this PSU needs to be replaced.
I’m on a very limited budget, so those high-power modular PSUs that people often boast about aren’t an option!
Currently, I’m thinking about the Thermaltake Lite Power 450, Cooler Master 500 Lite, and also Corsair VS450; though I think the Corsair model is also 'lite' in price but I’m not sure.
In any case, I’m leaning towards the Thermaltake since it’s significantly cheaper and 450W should be more than sufficient for the GTX960, which typically draws around ~125W at full load (according to Guru3D benchmark). The 950 can go up to about 90W if needed.
So... is this a good choice or not?

T

Texas1047
Posting Freak

889

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM

#2

If the Corsair VS is the Grey and Black model, then the Cooler Master comes next.

T

Texas1047

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM #2

If the Corsair VS is the Grey and Black model, then the Cooler Master comes next.

P

petereater1003
Member

150

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM

#3

If the Corsair VS is the Grey and Black model, then the Cooler Master comes next.

P

petereater1003

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM #3

If the Corsair VS is the Grey and Black model, then the Cooler Master comes next.

Q

QualityGamer25
Junior Member

1

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM

#4

In my opinion, any PSU carrying the term "Lite" in its title raises doubts. What does "lite" actually refer to here?

Q

QualityGamer25

08-03-2025, 03:27 AM #4

In my opinion, any PSU carrying the term "Lite" in its title raises doubts. What does "lite" actually refer to here?