Our Corsair CX550M review showcases a power supply device more than capable of giving your PC what it needs to function optimally. It is engineered to produce high efficiency for less heat and to lower operations costs, which makes it one of the best-selling products on the market today.
Whether you run intensive operations or not, this modular power supply uses its silent operations at low and medium loads to good effect, which is why it has consistently positive ratings and good reviews from users. With the feature set and capabilities that this unit has to offer, read this complete guide to determine whether or not it’s an excellent option for your rig.
Contents
Corsair CXM 550M Review: Product Highlights
The power supply (PSU), including this one from Corsair, is one of the most critical components to think about when building your PC as the device delivers power to every other part of your PC. Even at an average weight of 4.8 pounds, the Corsair CX550M size does not disappoint and boasts of the following main highlights:
- 550 watt semi-modular power supply
- 80PLUS Bronze certification
- Fan size: 120 mm
- Overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage and short-circuit protection
- Single dedicated +12V rail
- Modular cabling system
- Supports ATX12V 2.4/2.31/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.92
Product Review
Basic computing and intensive functions just got easy with this Corsair Cx550m power supply. It is a certified performer using the high standard DC/DC technology to gain increased efficiency and maximum electrical stability at all times. It’s ideal for gamer-centric actions if you’re a gamer.
Thanks to its modular system, this power supply provides built-to-order usability. The individual use of the cables supports optimized airflows for each computer case for better heat dissipation. Furthermore, at the bottom, there’s a 120-millimeter silent fan. We know how useful it is for a smooth operation, mainly if you play intensive games.
At the back end, there is an actual connector for the wall and a physical power switch to get it going. Also, we observed that no voltage is auto-sensing between 100 and 240 volts, which is nice.
In addition, the Corsair CX Series PSUs have an unmatched reputation for reliability. That has made them the clear choice for value-conscious PC builders. The 550M and others in the CX lineup are designed in response to users’ requests for a budget modular PSU. However, they’re built to high levels of quality with configurable cables that simplify installation and help PCs stay cool and uncluttered.
Product Features Breakdown
Like all top power products, the Corsair CX550M specs make for good reading, but it doesn’t end there thanks to the many specifications it offers. The quiet features, stable temperature, and excellent power make this product ideal for all types of users. Let’s take an in-depth look at the prominent features that this unit offers.
– 550 Watt Modular Power Supply
When you are searching the market for a PC power supply, there are two things to consider: wattage and efficiency rating. For most people, a 500W or 550W power supply is more than enough, but if you’re using high-end gaming components, you will want to get something with a bit more juice. Something above the standard 500W will suffice for high-end functions.
A power supply is a hardware part that supplies power to an electrical device. It receives power from an electrical outlet for conversion from AC to DC (direct current), which is what the computer requires. Also, it regulates the voltage to an adequate amount, which allows the computer to run without overheating problems. We know its an integral part of any computer and must function correctly for the rest of the components to work.
The CX Series features and appearance prove that it was subjected to careful testing by the best hands. The power supply cables are attached to let you connect only the cables you need to configure PCI-E cards and storage devices. The cables won’t add to any clutter or restrict airflow. Besides, the cables are hidden from view when you install the power supply.
You get devices constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility across different functions. The Corsair CX550M is a quiet, high-quality, and attractive device to have around. Also, it’s 80+-rated, can work in any configuration from mATX to full ATX, and can even drive SLI configurations in mATX.
Some people want high-wattage PSUs because of the large number of platter drives. However, the CX550M is more than capable of performing well, and it’s a budget power supply that won’t dent your pockets.
– 80PLUS Bronze Certification
Along with the five-year warranty that ensures you get a reliable operation that will last across several systems builds, the CX550M is 80 Plus Bronze Certified. That means the power supply has been tested for efficiency at 20 percent, 50 percent, and 100 percent loads. You will be using a supply that can measure up to different tasks you put it to.
This is a great way to know that the product has been tested at different capacities and can withstand performing during great stress. You can rest assured that it has what it takes to perform at its best.
– Thermal Fan
The Corsair 550W power supply comes with a 120mm fan. Note that using a thermally controlled fan makes this power supply operate quietly. It has a modal range, while the large diameter reduces noise, even when your system faces enormous tasks.
Once you’ve installed a PSU, there’s no need to worry about it. At least, that is the case with many power supplies, so this one follows suit, thanks to the thermally controlled fan. It makes the CX Series Modular quieter at idle times, and the large diameter reduces noise even when pushing your system hard.
– Overvoltage, Overcurrent, Undervoltage, and Short-circuit Protection
This proven power supply employs some protection techniques. They include options for overcurrent, Undervoltage, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection. It would help if you operated the power supply within permissible temperature limits so that heat produced at the junctions gets dissipated. Heatsinks are appropriate for such instances.
Over-voltage can lead to unscheduled turn ON of the CX550M or its permanent destruction. Some factors responsible for such incidences are commutation and lightning.
Overcurrent is another aspect under the control of this Corsair power supply. They can be either external or internal. However, Corsair has adequate preparation for such events with built-in measures to curb the impact of excess electrical power, which is a good addition.
For short circuits, Corsair includes fuses to deal with them, but you should do your part by having grounded outlets and unplugging your power supply when idle. It is important to conduct routine checks to make sure that everything is in order.
– Single Dedicated +12V Rail
Over time, 12V rail became the most critical energy delivery line for all voltages. As a result, the CX550M is not left out. Do you play intensive games or handle some major overclocking? A big 12V rail will make a difference.
However, if you use your PC for occasional gaming, video, and editing, you won’t need the additional boost from the 12V rail. Since it’s part of the CX550M, you might as well enjoy its capabilities.
– Modular Cabling System
We like that the modular cabling system lets you use only the cables you need. In line with that, there’s no need to save space and reduce clutter for a cleaner-looking build and improved airflow. We all know that a cluttered setup can be distracting and unsightly, so this is a great way to avoid this issue.
Moreover, the peripheral power cables aren’t hard-wired to the power supply and reinforce the need to connect only the cables necessary for the exact configuration of PCI-E cards and storage devices. Unlike some brands, the rest of the cables stay in the box, not your PC’s case, which is a great help with aesthetics and your setup looking neat.
– Functional Supports and Connectivity
The CX550M has a matte black finish, black-sleeved cables, and black connectors to help give your system a restrained, high-tech look. But appearance isn’t all there is to the power supply, thanks to compatibility with other devices and more options for connections than you might need. It supports ATX12V 2.4/2.3/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.92 standards.
From the box, you get items that lead to a straightforward installation process, but the power supply has one eight-pin CPU power connector, which splits into four each way. If your older system doesn’t have an eight-pin connector, break it and use four of it.
Furthermore, you get six Serial ATA power connectors, three Molex power connectors, and two 6 + 2 pin PCI Express power connectors. These are awesome for 1070, 1080, 1070Ti, or a Vega 56. The devices mentioned would work fine using that cable with two eight-pin power connectors.
– Modular PSU
In the long run, having a modular PSU will pay off since it is future-proof against any upgrades further down the line.
Furthermore, a modular PSU will allow you to add extra cables when you need them or take out unused ones to free up valuable room inside your case. This is handy if you intend to get a bigger graphics card or want the flexibility of adding other peripheral connections later. Even semi-modular or fixed cable designs will do the job efficiently.
Conclusion
The Corsair CXM 550M presents top performance, reliability, and convenient modular cabling so you can get set for low noise and flexible cabling. Also, it’s an excellent choice for assembling basic systems and upgrading desktop PCs for a cleaner-looking assembly, better airflow, and reduced clutter.
The CX550M is manufactured and tested to strict standards for smooth installation and operation and includes an intelligent fan design. Its 80 PLUS Bronze certified efficiency means that noise levels are virtually undetectable during regular operation. In addition, the product performs well and guarantees optimal performance with whatever it is tasked with.
