Reference
Features and technical specifications
Depending on the technical specifications of this power supply, we can already see that the model is simple and, in fact, "minimal". The wiring is not modical, it is not Zero RPM technology for fans, and its 80 Plus Bronze efficiency is somehow outweighed by the standards we manage today. However, we must remember that cheap power supply, and its details are compatible with it.
With its power of 550 watts, this source provides us with sufficient connectors for almost any medium or high-performance machine, because while not compatible with multi-GPU configurations, it has two 6-pin 2-pin PCI-Express connectors that can operate high-speed graphics cards . According to the manufacturer's description, its rail + 12V is capable of supplying up to 44A power.
The interior is built by a 120 mm fan with PWM functionality, which means that even if it stays open, the cooling source will operate at low speed to maintain the temperature while maintaining low noise.
Finally, remember that this is It is not a digital device, and as such is not compatible with ICUE software and we cannot configure or monitor its parameters.
Non-writing, commentary and first impressions
The Corsair CV550 is packed in the standard cardboard box used by Corsair in many of its products. On the front side we get, under the yellow background, a source image that fits the model and an 80 Plus certification logo, while the back has a description in several languages, font size on the right, power table and graphical performance and the sound of fans in the basement.
Only in one of the four directions do we get more details. Here we have compliance tracking logs, an ATX and EPS compatibility description, and on the right side is the number of connectors, next to the hard-sighted label.
Let's take a look at what accessories are installed and the power supply. In this case, Corsair does not include a complete brochure (which is a white paper) containing information about the product that is usually included in its power sources, but only a brochure on warranty. Includes a standard power cord and a small four-screw socket, which are required to hold the source in the box during installation.
Completing its installation, here we have the Corsair CV550, which, since it's not modular, comes with the whole «hub» cord.
On both sides we find the product sticker and source model. As we have seen in previous sources of Corsair, unfortunately we have to unpack this seal to be able to open it and get inside.
In the background, the one that will remain exterior as long as the source is included in the PC box, we have a small bee-like grid for ventilation outside, near the open / closed clock Power Connector. The grid is smaller than usual because Corsair in the top three was good for removing its mark.
In the lower part we have a standard identification table with power table and compliance logo, while on the other hand we get a grid in the back where the 120 mm piece of furniture is concealed to put fresh air into the well and consequently cool its internal components.
Finally, on the remaining side we only get a cosmetical sticker where all the threads come out.
Now let's take a look at these threads. We got ATX for 20 + 4 pins, 4 + 4 pin EPS, one PCI-Express 6 +2 connector, two cables for 3 SATA connectors, and one extra SATA cord, MOLEX two with four pins and a Floppy connector, already used (all said).
Look at the power supply from the outside, it's time to turn it on to see what kind of stuff is hiding inside.
An internal review
As we mentioned earlier, in order to get inside the generator we have to remove the sticks on both sides, otherwise we cannot remove the four screws that attach the two anchors to their housing.
Once these screws are removed, we can remove both parts, but carefully because the fan is attached to one of them and we will have to cut the cord so that we do not break anything.
This is a fan, which attracts you not to Corsair but to JaLn. It operates at 12V and 0.3A, at a maximum speed of 1200 RPM, and has features 7 feet wide and inclined, designed to produce good tuli pressure and thus remove effective heat from the internal components of the source.
Here we have another section of the CV550, which we will see in detail. At first the view is beautiful, all-inclusive and well organized, but the only thing we don't really like to see is the "edge" strings at the top of the picture. Now we're talking about it.
It starts as an internal filter, which is in the case of a small board with two capacitors And that ensures that the electricity comes in already clean and free of noise. The green wire you see – with a perfect weld, by the way – is a wire of the earth. There is nothing I can deny here.
This sister board looks better here, where the merchandise is off and on and off. Next to it and similarly we have another sister board, for this control and fan connector.
What is wrong is the "device" of introducing two X capacitors into the input filter, which completes the filtering. They are exterior, wired and covered with functional plastic.
Transistors have high aluminum heatsinks to maintain high temperatures. The AC / DC converter arrives, as always, covered with Corsair tape and logo, indicating that this is part of the product itself.
Even poorly painted transistors have their own heatsinks. By the way, in this photo we take the opportunity to see the coil that is part of the system's safety and protection systems, as well as many capacitors and sold on the plate, and signed by Corsair.
The main capacitors are signed by TEAPO, certified by 105º but not Japanese, but Chinese. Here Corsair has survived, and even though it is a good and high-quality product, in the end all good sources using Japanese capacitors are something.
We head across the fountain, where we find the cables. As we mentioned earlier, we don't like to see those "free" wires out there, but it's absolutely necessary for a source like this one with fixed wires.
Luckily we have no other duck boards here, but the wires are sold directly on PCBs, and with high quality welds, by the way.
In the end, we just want to highlight some of the things we didn't like within this source, and that's a little … not a lack of quality, but a doubt. For example, hot plastic melts remain on the coils or stain inserts on the heatsinks. It's a small detail that doesn't take us for granted, of course, but these things don't happen in the mainstream media where much attention is given to the details.
Performance appraisal
As always, before adding a source to the test bench to see how it works, we connect it to the tester to see if its values are correct. This is especially important because we have opened it (something we do not recommend) to see its internal parts, but also because it may be faulty in the factory.
Having seen the values set by the tester, and that this Corsair CV550 should work well, we continue to add it to our test bench. As in this case we are dealing with a broader input source, instead of using a standard test bench we have used one according to its capacity, the Intel Core i5-6600K at 4 GHz with 2 × 8 GB DDR4 at 3000. MHz and AMD Radeon Vega 64.
First, the Aida64 ensures that the volume values are within the acceptable range, even though the +3.3V train is very high.
To test the source to a limited capacity we will use OCCT in its latest version, with a maximum load of 10 minutes (CPU + GPU) including a rest and start time.
It is interesting that OCCT sees the best value on a +3.3V train.
Try a cold source
The following experiment was performed with a cold source, that is, with a new computer and a warm room supply. The results obtained from the test were below:
If you look at the graph below in the center, the voltage values are very stable throughout the test, straight lines with no variations no matter when the equipment is loaded and if not, it shows that the power controller does its job perfectly.
A hot test
In this test, it is heated up, using a hair dryer, electrically to keep its temperature up to 50 ° C (well above the manufacturer's stated good, but normal pressure). You know that the elements work worse when heated, and the electrical power is no different, so in this experiment we are dealing with a very bad situation.
This resulted:
And amazing prices, with only a +12V light rail.
80 Plus Accessibility Testing
In order for the capacity to receive an 80 Plus efficiency certificate, a series of rigorous tests must pass and a certain amount of data, depending on which one or another certificate is issued. In this case, we are facing a source with 80 Plus Bronze certification, and it has been a result.
Efficiency:
Power Delivery:
Waveform (V / A):
Table Operation:
The result obtained, except in cases with 10% load, is excellent.
Examination and conclusion
The Corsair CV550 is a cheap power source but it gives us all the assurance that we are able to install a mid-range system on it without breaking our packs too much. It is true that Corsair has saved a lot of points (80 Plus Bronze, non-modular wiring, non-Japanese capacitors, etc.), but it does provide us with enough power and all the necessary protection to be reckless.
If in your case it is not a problem that the wiring is not modical or not the most efficient source in the world because you do not want to spend a lot of money but do not trust unknown products, without a doubt this is a model of power supply you can take care of
For all of this, this Corsair CV550 wins our Silver Award, as well as our recommendations on performance / pricing.
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