Corsair CX500M (V2) Semi Modular Power Supply

Corsair’s CX500M power supply currently retails for £52.20 at Scan Computers and £54.98 at Overclockers UK. In the USA readers can pick it up for $59.99, or $39.99 with a $20 rebate card. That said the Corsair CX500M certainly offers some solid value for money. As we’ve seen from our testing the Corsair CX500M is a very capable power supply unit and while it may be very affordable it is actually very premium in terms of how solid its voltage regulation and ripple/noise suppression is. The CX500M also offers good efficiency, PFC and cable management options. These cable management options are improved by the semi-modular design and use of flat black cables. Additionally Corsair are standing behind the unit with a 3 year warranty and for most quiet-lovers out there this power supply should suffice as it never gets that loud unless pushed really close to maximum (which would never happen if you use the right components).

There isn’t that much to dislike about the CX500M from Corsair other than maybe the fact the fan could be a little quieter and that the 24pin isn’t using black cables like the rest of the cables.

Pros

• 3 Year warranty is generous for a budget unit
• Quiet under most usage scenarios
• Good voltage regulation, PFC and noise/ripple suppression
• Higher than stated efficiency
• Modular cables are all black
• Widespread availability
• Very affordable

Cons

• Not fully modular
• 24pin may irritate some who want a clean build
• Loud at 80/100% loads
• Mediocre PFC at 20% load

eTeknix says: “It is easy to see why Corsair’s CX series has become some popular. At an affordable price you get a well build power supply, backed by a 3 year warranty and capable of delivery clean stable power suitable for any demanding single GPU gaming system. The Corsair CX500M is an ideal choice for any system builder creating a mid range system and the semi-modular design with black cables is a luxury you don’t normally find on such affordable units. The Corsair CX500M comes highly recommended for eTeknix as a great high quality power supply if you’re on a tight budget. ”

Thank you to Corsair for providing this review sample.