X-650: Seasonic hits Gold

MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS

These recordings were made as 24-bit / 88 kHz WAV files with a high resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's own anechoic chamber (11 dBA ambient), then converted to LAME 128kbps encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of what we heard during the review.

These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!

Each recording starts with 6~10 seconds of room ambient, followed by 10 seconds of the product's noise. For the most realistic results, set the volume so that the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don't change the volume setting again while comparing all the sound files.

• Seasonic X-650 at various loads in anechoic chamber at one meter
  — idle to >150W (ambient of chamber - 11 dBA@1m)
  — 200W (12 dBA@1m)
  — 250W (14 dBA@1m)
  — 300W (16 dBA@1m)
  — 400W (31 dBA@1m)
  

Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives in the Anechoic Chamber

CONCLUSIONS

Expectations ran high for the X-series Seasonic power supplies. Not only were they the first 80 Plus Gold approved units, Seasonic promised semi-passive cooling for super quiet operation and fully modular cables as well. It was a long wait since the 80 Plus test results late last year, but all expectations have been clearly met or surpassed by the X-650. It takes the crown in every significant category we can think of — except sheer output capacity.

Seasonic power supplies have been impressing us on the test bench and inside real computers since 2002. The company's drive to improve acoustics and efficiency has been a constant for the past decade, and the X-650 is a fitting culmination. It's hard to imagine how this power supply could be bettered in any significant way. As it stands, I'm of the opinion that the Seasonic X-650's electrical performance is much better than any computer needs a power supply to be.

Acoustically, the X-650 breaks new ground with its effective semi-passive "Hybrid Silent Fan Control", made possible with the combination of a super-quality fan, PWM fan speed control, and Seasonic's long-heralded intelligent fan control algorithm.

The Seasonic X-650 is a superb power supply. It deserves our highest recommendation.

Much thanks to Seasonic USA for this review sample.

SPCR Editor's Choice Award

Buy the Seasonic X650 from our Sponsor Newegg.

SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
Recommended Power Supplies
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Antec Signature 650
Seasonic M12D-850W
Enermax Modu82+ 625W
Antec CP-850: Unique PSU with Top Performance
NesteQ ECS7001 700W PSU: A Modular Twist

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