A Good Buy, But Not a Single-Rail PSU

Looking at our measurements, we see that this is a very well-regulated PSU with moderate ripple and noise results and a strong (but noisy) fan. Comparing the ratings on the label with reality, we have to mention the wrong documentation for the +12V rail; this is in fact a multi-rail design. There are two different solder points and there is no direct connection between those rails. Sometimes there is a big wire on the back of the PCB to create a single-rail where multi-rails was planned, but we can find nothing to suggest that is present. Thus, Corsair has two rails, just like the original S12D design that serves as the basis for this PSU.

The package includes all the important accessories for installation and a user guide. Like the previously tested Antec HCG 750W, the Corsair TX V2 750W uses fixed cables. All the cables have lengths of 60cm or more, so this PSU will work well in larger cases. It includes four 6/8-pin PCIe connectors and 16 peripheral connectors (8 SATA + 8 Molex), plus an FDD adapter (15cm). The black cable sleeving is better than the cheaper version where you still can see every single cable. Moreover it looks very nice and fits with the black finish of the case.

Internally, Corsair implemented a well-equipped filtering stage against emission from the conductors. Furthermore, the case has a good shielding. Corsair uses well chosen capacitors from Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon. There is a lot of glue inside, but glue is a good and cheap solution for stabilizing components. The PSU has active PFC, all the important safety functions, and not least DC-to-DC VRM with all solid capacitors. All other parts have components from reliable sources.

The TX750 doesn't need active rectifying with modern transistors to reach 80 Plus Bronze. Even so, the efficiency is relatively high with 76-86% at 115VAC and even better 81-88% with 230VAC. (If you only run at 20% loads or higher, minimum efficiency climbs to 83%/84% for 115VAC/230VAC.) Considering the good efficiency, the fan could be quieter, particularly at low loads. 24 dBA is too high for 10% load when other manufacturers are able to stay under 20dBA with low temperatures.

The Corsair TX V2 750W may not be the greatest in all areas, but it does have some advantages over the competition. The voltage regulation is excellent, with all rails starting at less than 1% overvoltage and landing very close to 0% at overload. The current online price of $105 ($95 after $10 mail-in rebate) makes the Corsair TX V2 750W affordable and puts it near the top of the "budget" 750W list, even with all the opponents it has to face. Antec's HCG 750W has great components and performance as well, but the price and ripple results are higher. The PC Power & Cooling Silencer 760W is another strong competitor, but the price is higher ($110 after rebate; $130 otherwise). The design is almost the same as well, since the PCP&C is identical to the older Seasonic S12D while Corsair is using the improved version.

Overall, the Corsair looks to be the best of the less expensive 750W PSU offerings right now, and it's a definite improvement over the original TX750. If you want to buy an 80 Plus Gold model with a good fan, the Corsair AX750 is still better, but you're looking at $160 for the slight improvement in results—definitely a case of diminishing returns. If 80 Plus Bronze certification is sufficient for your needs, and you don't mind the fixed cables, the TX750 V2 is a good buy. Let's hope Corsair can bring this quality into lower rated power supplies as well.

 

Noise, Efficiency, and PFC
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  • mfenn - Monday, May 16, 2011 - link

    The review really seems to jump into things with no intro.
  • JarredWalton - Monday, May 16, 2011 - link

    I thought I had copied over Martin's text from the front page summary, but I apparently didn't. It's not on the first page.
  • quiksilvr - Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - link

    I hate to be a grammar Nazi but please change the title. How can something be new AND improved. It's either an entirely new product or an improved or upgraded version of its predecessor.
  • JCheng - Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - link

    It's a newly released iteration that improves upon the previous iteration.
  • Etern205 - Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - link

    It's "new" as it just came out and "improved" since this is marked as version 2.
    Stop nitpicking.
  • veri745 - Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - link

    And stop ripping off George Carlin...
  • quiksilvr - Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - link

    So if a comedian points out an oxymoron it's called ripping off? I'll keep that in mind.
  • ekstor - Thursday, May 19, 2011 - link

    Technically, you're not actually pointing out a grammar issue.
  • Mathieu Bourgie - Monday, May 16, 2011 - link

    I quickly read the article, but I didn't see any mention of how well the TX750 V2 does compared to the its predecessor, the TX750?

    What are the pros/cons of going with the V2 compared to the original?

    Otherwise, great review, thanks!
  • ymetushe - Monday, May 16, 2011 - link

    Same here. I was really looking for some comparison to the TX750 "V1", the original one.

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