Final Words & Conclusion

Final words & conclusion

It's not like the older 2018 model is inferior, contrary, that still is an outstanding PSU series. However, three years later, Corsair wanted to prolong the RMx models' success with a refresh. This refresh entails a slight configuration change in cables, the ML135mm fan usage, and an aesthetic tweak. And while a GOLD certified product might not get you that last 10 Watt's in energy efficiency, we must acknowledge the RMx product to be a really premium PSU series. We do not doubt the quality, durability, and efficiency of this PSU series. It showed where it needs to be and looks really good. Ever since the 2018 model, the warranty was changed from 7-years towards a majestic 10-years. The way we see it, if as a company you do not 100% trust your product, then you certainly will not give it a warranty for 10 years. So while this incremental update places focus on more trivial things, you also need to realize that this PSU is silent and oozes quality. With the 650W model we tested, up-to 260 Watt, the fan doesn't even spin. Next to that, a big important factor these days are the looks, and yeah, the RMx 2021 series looks just great in its black design. A huge plus is a totally modular design with nice all-black cables and connectors.  The efficiency of the RMx series we deem to be spot on gold certification compared to other PSUs in this category; next to the modular design this, without doubt, is a very aesthetically pleasing PSU series. 

Efficiency

As with any power supply, half the maximum load rating is the point of equilibrium, the sweet-spot where it'll be the most efficient, and in this case, that is 92% efficiency (230 Volts). As such, the 350 Watt range is actually a sweet-spot as your average gaming PC with one dedicated (yet high-end) graphics card would consume roughly that during a hefty gaming session (I am talking high-end, not enthusiast class). Ranging from Bronze to Platinum, you can buy more efficient power supplies. Over the years, it has become a bit of a marketing thing really as differences a few percents really is the margin what we are talking about here. That's also the same percentual difference in your electric bill. Below we have plotted the wattage differential based on 50% PSU load versus the energy consumption (wall side). 

Let's say you game 5 hours per day, 5 days a week for a full year. During gaming, you'll consume 350 Watts (= a fair estimation). We assume you pay 23 cents for each kWh of energy (the average going rate in the EU, but that varies per country). As you can see, from 80plus to Titanium, the difference is six EUR/USD for thirteen hundred hours of gaming per year. My overall advice is to go with silver or gold; platinum/titanium power supplies often carry a big price premium. I do want to state, though, that efficiency also says something about build quality. Follow your instinct, I'd say. Now, this plot and math are based on gaming. Of course, if you'd have your PC active 24/7 for mining, you'll want as an efficient PSU as possible as coming from 80plus to Titanium you'll save roughly 100 USD/EUR per year (depending on kWh prices).

The new RM650X 2021 model is priced fancy, 130 EURO/USD, but could be well worth that money for the warranty alone, efficiency, and silent operation alone. Looks, acoustics, and quality matter, and again, that extremely nice 10-year warranty is just awesome. As far as the ODM goes, this Corsair design was outsourced to what seems to be a CWT origin.

Stability

Stability-wise, we have very little, actually, nothing, to complain about as at half load, say 300~350watts, voltages remained to drop dead in sync. But we'll trust that some other reviews will offer you some ripple tests, yet have no doubt the product will come out totally clean. Kick-ass is obviously the option for four rails; the tested 650W model has enough power to handle one fairly high-end graphics card. Realistically for a PC with a single graphics card, a 650 or 750 model is best suited as a recommendation. If you are an overclocker/tweaker .. leave some reserve and go with 750 or this 850W model. 
 

Aesthetics

The RMx series looks great with its new dark accents and all-black cabling. The PSU sticks to a smaller ATX length at 16 cm. The cables are delivered in a dark black coating, including all dark connectors, which is nice to see. Modular designs are the way to go. You use what you need in terms of wiring, keeping the innards clean and tidy, plain and simple. And overall it is a great-looking power supply.

 Final words

This power supply is excellent, that goes for silence, build quality, gold-rated efficiency, and the impressive 10-years warranty. However, Corsair will need to be careful; yes, we consider this to be a more premium PSU; however, this 650W model now will cost 130 USD/EUR, and that, my friends, is steep. You do need to place it in perspective with that ten-year warranty, though. However, perhaps 130 bucks are not that much for such a trivial and important component inside that PC real estate of yours. For a gamer gaming a few hours per day, you need to wonder if you need a Platinum or even Titanium power supply as the price premium might be way more than what it will cost you in energy. Looking at it from the other side, the less power you consume, the better, of course, from that environmental point of view. In the end, we do feel that the RMx 2021 price range could be a notch lower; then again, it just screams out loud how much Corsair quality this product series is and offers. You cannot go wrong with the RMx 2021 series as long as you are willing to pay for the premium. Other than that, the PSU ticks all the right boxes from dark design, modular, efficient, and sheer silence. It is a PSU series that is pure gold, pun intended.

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