TOP 5 budget power supplies for PC around $50

DeepCool PF500 is one of the most affordable power supplies that we can generally recommend for purchase. In addition to the active reactive power correction mechanism, Active PFC also has an initial 80 PLUS White certificate. It means an efficiency of 80 percent, although only in European power grids of 220 volts.

On the main +12 volt line, which directly powers the processor and video card, the most energy-hungry PC components, the DeepCool PF500 delivers almost one hundred percent of its rated power. Whereas for even cheaper power supplies from other brands, the total power across all lines (+12, +5 and +3.3 V) is usually indicated, which misleads the potential buyer.

The high-voltage capacitor is a high-capacity Taiwanese Ltec, which provides decent power holding time. In addition, this capacitor is high temperature, allowing heating up to 105 degrees Celsius. Whereas low-voltage filter condensers are already simpler - Chinese AsiaX. The fan used is a quiet 12 cm fan with a hydraulic bearing.

Chieftec Task TPS-600S is a bronze 80 PLUS power supply with a total power of 600 W, of which 550 W are supplied through the main line, which is very good. Built on CWT circuitry with classic group stabilization of low-voltage lines. A full list of electrical protections has been implemented, including even OTP overheating protection, which most classmates do not have.

The capacitors are predominantly Chinese ChengX, and the Yate Loon fan is based on a simple plain bearing. Fortunately, the fan operates very quietly up to half the maximum load, after which it gradually increases speed. But the input electromagnetic interference filter is fully wired and there is even a varistor for lightning protection.

The cables are old-school multi-colored and only 24-pin for the motherboard in a nylon braid. But it is already 65 centimeters long, which allows you to install the power supply both on top and bottom of the case. Finally, we note that Chieftec Task is available for sale in two packages: a Retail cardboard box and a Bulk bubble bag. The second option is intended for wholesale PC assembly companies.

SilverStone Essential ET550-B is a stable power supply capable of operating over a wide input voltage range from 90 to 264 volts. De jure, this is done to support both European 220-volt and American 110-volt power grids. But de facto it can be useful in our area, especially in country houses, where the voltage often sags below normal, down to 170 V.

In addition, SilverStone is very compact by the standards of ATX power supplies - only 14 centimeters in length. But the wires, on the contrary, are quite long and, which is doubly pleasant, are made in the shape of soft, pliable noodles. Even the motherboard 24-pin cable is flat, which helps it fit neatly behind the back wall of the PC case.

The fan is a regular Yate Loon, which is used in many inexpensive power supplies, but the holding capacitor is a Japanese Nippon Chemicon. It is the electrolytes produced in Japan that are rightfully considered the most durable. The 80 PLUS Bronze Energy Efficiency Certificate means 85% efficiency, meaning only a small amount of electricity is wasted.

Xilence Performance C+ XP650R6.2 is a balanced power supply with no obvious weaknesses. It is one of the most affordable among 650 W models, at least among famous brands for sure. Let us remember that Xilence is the youngest daughter of the much more expensive German brand Be Quiet.

On the main +12 V line it produces almost 580 W of power, which is enough to power almost any video card, if not flagship, then pre-flagship. Unless your GPU has a newfangled 16-pin power connector. In this case, you will have to use an adapter with two 6+2-pin cables. Moreover, among budget power supplies for $50 there is not yet a single ATX 3.0 standard.

It can only work in 230 V electrical networks, but it has a decent efficiency of 80 PLUS White. Cables, according to modern trends, are made flat, soft and single-colored. And also very long: the processor one is 60 cm, and the video card one is as much as 75. Xilence has finally replaced its traditional red fan with a more elegant black one.

Zalman Gigamax ZM750-GVII is a South Korean high-power power supply of 750 W, of which almost 100% goes to the processor and video card. Features Active PFC power correction with a coefficient of 99.5% and an energy efficiency certificate of 80 PLUS Bronze with an efficiency of 88%. What is achieved by progressive DC-DC circuitry with separate stabilization of low-voltage lines.

There are two Taiwanese Teapo holding capacitors installed at once, which is typical for a power supply with a power of 700+ W. The internal electronic components heat up very little, for two reasons. Large aluminium radiators on power elements (the power supply unit weighs as much as 2 kg) and a relatively high fan rotation speed, even with a low load on the power supply unit.

The Dong Guan propeller is used on a wear-resistant FDB hydrodynamic bearing. Most of the cables are flat, only the mother's 24-pin cable is wrapped in a nylon braid. And so that an inexperienced PC user certainly does not confuse 4+4-pin processor connectors with 6+2-pin video card connectors, the latter are painted in a distinctive red color.