Best 650W PSU in 2023

Atif Liaqat | Last Updated On January 3rd, 2023

Many gamers, (including myself) have made the mistake of neglecting the PSU. Most budget builders, especially those new to the field, tend to rank all the parts of the PC in how it contributes to their gaming experience. Because of this and their budgetary constraints, they tend to go for the cheapest parts without thinking about the long term.

The PSU is the lifeblood of the PC. Though it’s not as shiny or “relevant” as the GPU/CPU, the PSU is still important because it does a lot of work in the background. It feeds power to all the other components in the PC.

It might sound cliché but it’s like the heart in the human body. Instead of pumping blood, it pumps electrical power and this is a cliché because it’s true.

It’s important not to skimp out on the PSU, so in order to help you make a more informed decision before you start shopping, I’ve set up a list of the top five best 650W PSU in the market including one which I believe is the best option for anybody. This one also provides the most balance between price, performance and upgradability.

Quick 650W PSU Recommendations

Award Model Price
Best Minimalist 650W PSU Corsair TX650M Check Price Read Customer Reviews
Best Modular 650W PSU SilverStone Technology 650W Check Price Read Customer Reviews
Best DIY-Friendly 650W PSU Seasonic Focus SGX-650 650W Check Price Read Customer Reviews
Best Silent Operation 650W PSU NZXT C650 Check Price Read Customer Reviews
Best 650W PSU Overall Corsair RM 650 Check Price Read Customer Reviews

Best 650W PSU Buying Guide

Defect computer Power Supply

Before we hop on to the list, I’ll provide a quick overview on the most important features you should look for when shopping for a new PSU. This guide will help you understand and compare the entries in this list while also helping you make better decisions in the future.

Wattage

The first thing you should look for is the wattage of the PSU. This shows the amount of power in Watts that the PSU is able to deliver. Most PSUs range from 350W to all the way to 2000W.

Finding the right wattage for your PC depends on how many power hungry components you add to it but the easiest way to figure this out is by using the GPUs “recommended PSU” specification. Make sure you look for “continuous” wattage instead of something like “Peak Power”.

Efficiency

After you’ve considered the power requirements, the next step is to figure out how efficient you want your PSU to be. PSUs with a higher efficiency tend to be more expensive, but they are definitely worth the extra money.

There is an efficiency rating called the “80 PLUS certification”. Getting a PSU with at least a “Bronze” certification is the only way to buy a good PSU. Luckily for us, all the entries on this list are rated for “Gold”.

For more detailed info on PSU brands and the various 80 PLUS certifications, check out our other article on the “Best PSU brands”.

Form Factor

Computer power supply fan

If you’re one of “those” people that chose to build a Mini-ITX gaming PC, just because it looks cool, I don’t blame you. “Stop it, get some help” and after you’ve done that, you might want to consider the form factor of the PSU.

So if you’re building a normal PC like “normal” people then you will need a PSU with an ATX form factor, otherwise you will have to get one that supports Mini-ITX. But fear not, most modern PSUs come with the SFX form factor that’s compatible with both ATX and Mini-ITX so with the proper adapters and extension cables you can fit the SFX into the ATX case as well. .

Modularity

In my opinion this is one of the features that defines a premium PSU from a not-so-premium one. Modular PSUs are awesome because you get to keep what you use, no unnecessary cables slacking around.

Semi-Modular cables are also not that bad because the cables that are attached to the PSU are the important ones, like the 24-pin for the motherboard. So you’re going to be using them anyway but they become an issue when you are trying to add ARGB or colored cables.

So I hope this guide helped you get a basic idea of the most surface-level features you want to look out for, with that out of the way let’s get into the product reviews.

The Best 650W PSU

Corsair TX650M

Best Minimalist 650W PSU

When it comes to Corsair, you know it’s going to be good. We here at bestgamingreviews.com believe that Corsair makes the best PSUs in the market. The Corsair TX650M from the TX series is a great PSU that is sure to give you the best bang for your buck. The specs on this bad boy will satisfy any conventional build and make sure that your RTX 2080-Ti will have enough “juice” to run.

Check Latest Price
  • Wattage
    • 650W continuous
  • 80 Plus certification
    • Gold
  • ATX version
    • ATX 12V v2.4
  • Modularity
    • Semi-Modular
  • Multi-Rail
    • No
  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure)
    • 100,000 hours
  • Warranty
    • 7 years

Review

If you’re looking for the most efficient and most reliable PSUs on the market, then look no further, as Corsair can deliver what you need. They are considered the best in the business and they have yet to disappoint. The Corsair TX650M is a noteworthy entry from their TX-M Series, which are optimized to provide you with a more silent performance.

Right off the box, I want to talk about the metal housing and the overall design. It’s got the usual box shape and the surface finish on the enclosure does not look cheap. On the back you can see some of the internal wiring including some capacitors and inductors, I hope that’s not going to be much of an issue in the aesthetics department.

The next striking feature is the semi-modular cables. You can see the 24-pin and 8-pin cables that cannot be removed from the PSU but everything else is fully modular and they come included in the box.

The fan looks alright. There is no integrated RGB lighting and therefore, no compatibility with Corsair’s iCUE (Corsair’s RGB and fan control software). Although they have made it out to be one of the “quiet” PSUs, there is no zero RPM mode. Even though you may experience a somewhat “silent” operation it’s not a 100% guaranteed because the fans will still be whirring around.

What We Like
80 PLUS Gold - The 80 PLUS Gold certification is a great spec for this PSU. It provides additional security and efficiency, making this one of the more high-quality PSUs on our list. It’s sitting right in the middle, making it very worth the price.
Know Before Buying
Semi-Modular - I like to keep my options open, so in this situation, having a semi-modular PSU restricts you from customizing your 24-pin and 8-pin cables.
No Zero RPM Mode - When speaking of quiet, most gamers expect to see zero RPM operation, at least during light loads. Even though Corsair claims that the fans are silent, they could have added zero RPM mode.
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SilverStone Technology 650W

Best Modular 650W PSU

If you’re all about customization and saving up for future upgrades, then you’re going to love the SilverStone Technology 650W (ST65F-GS). It’s got a ton of modular ports, including the 24-pin. So say hello to those sweet sweet ARGB power cables, because with this PSU you’ve got the chance to mix and match as you please. 

Check Latest Price
  • Wattage
    • 650W continuous
  • 80 Plus certification
    • Gold
  • ATX version
    • SFX (Compatible with ATX12V v2.4)
  • Modularity
    • Fully Modular
  • Multi-Rail
    • No
  • MTBF
    • 100,000 hours
  • Warranty
    • 5 years

Review

I emphasize modularity as one of the more important aspects of a PSU, one that you should take note of, especially when planning out your first build. With the Silverstone 650W ST65F PSU, you’ve got a fully modular PSU that’s able to help you design the perfect PC with your favorite color scheme in mind.

The overall shape and design of the box doesn’t have that “premium” look you see in most other brands. It doesn’t try to look different because it’s main focus is on providing you with raw power instead of standing around, looking pretty.

Just like the Corsair TX650M there is no zero RPM support and RGB lighting. However, the similarities end there, as this PSU is fully modular.

What We Like
Fully Modular - This is one of my favorite features and one that I always look for in a PSU. It makes cable management a breeze and it helps customize each and every power cable in your setup. Perfect for different color schemes or for setting up ARGB.
80 PLUS Gold - Another great PSU with a higher efficiency rating. I know most budget gamers would call this overkill and would like to stick to a “Bronze” certification mainly because of its lower price. However, you can never go wrong with a mid-range Gold 80 PLUS certification.
Know Before Buying
Looks A Little Cheap - The exposed wiring on the back and the design of the fan are not up to my tastes. It doesn’t have that premium look and feel to it.
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Seasonic Focus SGX-650 650W

Best DIY-Friendly 650W PSU

If you want to start out with a PSU that will provide you with some decent specs while also providing a cooler thermal performance, the Seasonic Focus SGX-650 will be happy to oblige. No more worrying about zero RPM or semi-modular cables, because this PSU has got all of these covered. It’s great for beginners and it provides a lot of flexibility.

Check Latest Price
  • Wattage
    • 650W continuous
  • 80 Plus certification
    • Gold
  • ATX version
    • SFX (Compatible with ATX12V v2.4)
  • Modularity
    • Fully Modular
  • Multi-Rail
    • No
  • MTBF
    • 100,000 hours
  • Warranty
    • 10 years

Review

The Seasonic Focus SGX-650 650W is a great PSU for beginners. It’s got the usual markings on the ports, showing which power cable goes where and such. It’s not some big-brain feature, but it adds a nice touch and saves a little bit of time. (For beginners)

The design is different and I have no idea what to make of it. The grill on top of the fan doesn’t look very effective but I’m sure they had their reasons. One of these reasons being that they didn’t want anybody to see the fan. (Which in my opinion looks a little generic and cheap)

Aesthetics aside, the performance specs speak for themselves: there’s a 120mm fan with hybrid control and a life expectancy of 50,000 hours for this fan alone. So even though it looks cheap, it definitely is not.

And finally we have fully modular cables and the 80 PLUS Gold certification. All these specs are very impressive and if you don’t mind the overall aesthetic, this is a very good PSU, which I am willing to recommend, especially if you don’t like our “best” entry.

What We Like
Quiet Operation - The hybrid fan control allows the PSU to switch between three different power modes: fanless, silent and cooling. So unlike the TX650M and the Silverstone PSU, this one guarantees fanless quiet operation.
SFX Form Factor - Just like the SilverStone ST65F-GS, the form factor on this PSU allows greater flexibility. Whether it’s conventional ATX or even a Mini-ITX. This PSU will be able to fit and it will run without any issues. 
Know Before Buying
Slightly More Expensive - With all these great features, you can surely expect the prices to go up, and that’s what they did with the Season Focus Focus SGX-650. It’s slightly more expensive than most of the other PSUs on this list. However, despite the higher price tag, I highly recommend this PSU.
Check Latest Price

NZXT C650

Best Silent Operation 650W PSU

Lots of cool features packed in a stunning new housing and sold by a well known-brand, the NZXT C650 is a great PSU that ticks all the right gamer boxes. There’s an amazing case design with fully modular and hybrid fan controls that make it one of the top PSUs out there. A great addition to your quiet PC build.

Check Latest Price
  • Wattage
    • 650W continuous
  • 80 Plus certification
    • Gold
  • ATX version
    • ATX12V
  • Modularity
    • Fully Modular
  • Multi-Rail
    • No
  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure)
    • 100,000 hours
  • Warranty
    • 10 years

Review

If all of these other cases look so boring to you, then you better check out the NZXT C650. It’s a great PSU that looks as good as it runs. The thermal performance on this bad boy is insane and along with that, you’ve got the zero RPM mode making sure that you get the most quiet experience when running on light loads.

The design on this case is amazing. It’s got a fresh new look with a bold design that makes it look very futuristic. It looks very secure and sturdy, although a bit larger than most of the other PSUs on this list. Despite its many cool features, there is no integrated RGB lighting, so that’s one thing to be concerned about, especially if you’re going for an open case build.

The thermal performance on this PSU allows for perfect zero RPM silent performance when you’re running basic tasks. Although you cannot see it, there’s the same 120mm fluid-dynamic bearing fan on this PSU just like the Seasonic Focus SGX-650. So expect to see some familiar performance specs.

What We Like
Cool Design - The housing on this PSU is just amazing. It’s very different from most of the other designs and it’s doing a good job of drawing me in. I’d definitely consider this PSU for a 650W build.
Quiet Operation And Higher Efficiency - The Zero RPM fan mode is another great addition that makes this PSU stand out from the crowd. It’s a silent but powerful unit that will rise up to meet demand whenever necessary but will also gracefully slow down when it’s time to take it easy.
Know Before Buying
No SFX Form Factor - Unfortunately, this is a direct ATX form factor PSU, so you won’t have any luck squeezing it into your Mini-ITX case. It’s a very missed opportunity for NZXT.
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Corsair RM 650

Best 650W PSU Overall

I can’t get enough of Corsair, they make good affordable PSUs that are very powerful and very efficient. The Corsair RM 650 is the perfect 650W PSU as it provides a ton of cool features that make setting it up and seeing it in action, a very interesting activity. Highly recommended for all budget or high-end gamers. 

Check Latest Price
  • Wattage
    • 650W continuous
  • 80 Plus certification
    • Gold
  • ATX version
    • ATX12V
  • Modularity
    • Fully Modular
  • Multi-Rail
    • No
  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure)
    • 100,000 hours
  • Warranty
    • 5 years

Review

If you’re looking for a solid long-term investment on a PSU, this is the one you should be considering. It’s got all the necessary features along with some optional ones that are worthy of your time. Whether you’re an entry-level gamer or a seasoned mid-range builder, this PSU will be able to keep up.

The design and form factor is where things get a little tricky. You don’t have a crazy design like NZXT or a smaller form factor like the Seasonic SGX-650. What you get is Good Ol’ fashion PSU performance with fully modular cables, 80 PLUS Gold certification and Zero RPM mode. Maybe if you had some RGB it would help liven things up a bit, but hey, nothing’s perfect.

What We Like
The Complete Trifecta - Fully Modular, 80 PLUS Gold certified and Zero RPM silent mode, where do I buy one? It’s got most (no RGB though) of the features a gamer would need.
Relatively Affordable Price - For a PSU that’s from a reputable brand and has a good price point. The RM 650 is a great option. Perfect as a long-term investment.
Know Before Buying
No SFX Form Factor - Although I recommend this for “everybody” it won’t fit in smaller cases as this PSU is a strict ATX form factor. Sorry Mini-ITX builders!
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Conclusion

Best Minimalist 650W PSU
Corsair TX650M
Check Price
Best Modular 650W PSU
SilverStone Technology 650W
Check Price
Best DIY-Friendly 650W PSU
Seasonic Focus SGX-650 650W
Check Price

A good PSU is essential if you want to protect your PC against power transients and be able to provide enough power when you have to run intensive loads. Most budget builders would try to skimp out on the PSU, only to make more expensive decisions in the future. So when you are building your first PC, it’s best to start off with a certified PSU from a reputable brand, this could save you tons of money in the long run.

We also have an article here about best gaming PC under $700 that you might be interested in.

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