Conclusion
XFX’s Pro 650W Core Edition power supply is hitting the shelves at about £65 which makes it competitively priced with other 650W 80 Plus Bronze power supplies on the market. The XFX Pro 650W Core Edition power supply is a really solid power supply that delivers incredibly stable voltages. We saw typically +-1.5% variance across all rails under all load scenarios which is really quite spectacular for such a budget-orientated unit. In terms of PFC the unit delivered a very high standard like we’d expect from a Seasonic based unit. Efficiency met and exceeded the 80 Plus Bronze specifications, in fact it was extremely close to meeting the requirements of 80 Plus Silver. Ripple and noise was also quite typical of a Seasonic unit with there being next to none.
That said the XFX Pro 650W delivered power stability and quality that we’d expect to find on a much more high-end unit. The broader marketplace only its relatively average 80 Plus Bronze certification lets it down but even then for its price point this is totally normal. The fan profile was also a bit disappointing as after about 60% load the fan speed just takes off to a really aggressive level that makes it quite irritating. Though most systems wouldn’t push this power supply past about 300W if configured correctly (our graphics card test system with a GTX 780 and Core i7 3960X at stock uses about 350W from the PSU). What XFX have tried to create is a budget friendly power supply capable of powering some powerful gaming systems and our tests show it is capable of exactly that.
Pros
- High PFC
- Amazing voltage regulation
- Good efficiency
- Value for money
- Rugged Gamer style looks
- Held up great in CrossLoad
- 5 Year Warranty
Cons
- Noise after 60% load
- Non-modular
eTeknix says: “If you are looking for a rock solid power supply that won’t break the bank but will still manage to power your single or dual GPU gaming system then the XFX Pro 650W is really for you. It has the power quality of a power supply twice the price with extremely impressive voltage regulation and noise/ripple suppression. The non-modular design and potentially noisy fan may put some of the more picky gamers off but for the vast majority of gamers this power supply is brilliant value and has brilliant performance, XFX deliver yet another top notch power supply with the XFX Pro 650W Core Edition.”
Thank you to XFX for providing this review sample.
If I’m not mistaken, this unit is based on the Seasonic S12ii which is an excellent PSU itself. It’s perfect for just about any rational build, or if you demand modular cables.
It never ceases to amaze me how people are willing to spend top dollar for gold/platinum rated PSU’s of high wattage they don’t need and this includes some of the so called tech savvy’s. Their ignorance = manufacturers profit.
That said, i use a Seasonic platinum 660w for my decidedly mid range gaming PC but that’s only because I didn’t have to shell out for it. If I did, I’d be more than happy with a high quality 400/450-500w 80+/80+ bronze certified PSU.
And that manufacturer profit = the reason you got given a free Seasonic Platinum 660W in the first place 😉
I was very… no, make that VERY lucky to get it. You have no idea what I had to go through to end up with it. I owe someone from my supplier a special lunch. (A small price to pay for that PSU). I hope you’re able to get a Seasonic Platinum in for testing soon, It’ll undoubtedly walk away with the EC award.
P.S. You can tell your supplier you were held up & robbed while on your way to returning the PSU then you’ll have one too. 🙂 Just kidding…
Ha well we’ve got a Corsair AX1200i sitting here to be reviewed (I think thats based on a Seasonic Platinum OEM design)…not 100% sure though. Seasonic don’t really deal with UK media AFAIK so I doubt we’ll ever review their stuff. You are very lucky though, the last PSU i put in my rig was only an Antec HCG-620, although i’ve managed to get an AX760i in there now.
I know Seasonic don’t deal with SA media at all so the samples we receive come through the distributors.
As for the AX 1200i, I remember seeing something about it being Flextronics but I’m not sure, I haven’t dealt with that unit but I do know the AX 760 & the AX 860 is Seasonic.
I wonder how many purchasers of the AX 1200i actually need such a powerful unit but I suspect the percentage to be in low single digits, not that Corsair will complain.
You don’t have many options when you want a high quality built, silent power supply that aren’t terribly overpriced.
I think it would be better it this was modular.
There are modular versions of XFX PSUs available, the reason this isn’t modular is because its a “CORE” series PSU meaning its the cheapest they can offer. Non-modular is always cheaper.
I have this PSU for a year at home.
I am happy with the reliable performance and has good power and great design.
On the other hand, the PSU is intended only for the new CPUs.
It is impossible to use for processors with a TDP of 95 watts and more.
This PSU is weak for use with Pentium D series and E / X series. + Multi-core Xeons.
With the new processor (such I3 3220 or i5 3750K) without a problem this PSU handle 2x dual graphics cards in crossfire.
Strange because we’ve tested it with a 130W 3960X without any issues, and used a GTX 780. And overclocked both. The PSU is not weak in any way.
So.. try 775 socket mobos, G41 chipset.
ive got my new system today with this PSU! it is so so so NOISY! without even push the computer!
disaster! tomorrow i will return for an other one. -3 days of joy!
After 12 years I still have this PSU in use. No problems.