EVGA 550 B3, 80+ BRONZE 550W, Fully Modular, EVGA ECO Mode, Compact 150mm Size, Power Supply 220-B3-0550-V3, Black

EVGA are a pretty respectable name when it comes to computer hardware. I needed a new PSU for two reasons; 1) to replace my old crappy OEM Dell one (Yes, I'm one of those people who upgrades OEM PCs!), and 2) it had to be suitable for my new build so I can transfer it over to my new case. I did some research before buying a PSU, and this one ticked some of the boxes that people SHOULD be looking for when shopping for a PSU; an 80+ certification (it's only Bronze, but it's more than fine for a budget build or any mid end system without any kind of overclocking being done), quality parts, and fairly priced. Installation was simple, it slotted in just fine. This PSU is standard ATX size (140 x 150 x 86 mm), so it will fit in any ATX or mATX tower just fine. It's super quiet, looks sleek and overall has a quality feel.When buying a PSU, you do not want to go with low end PSU names/brands, just to save a few quid. This PSU ranks on tier three on the PSU tier list over at Tom's hardware, which like I mentioned before, is more than fine for any mid end non SLI non OCed gaming rig, which seems to be the target audience for this PSU. 500w is more than enough for any processor + single card GPU combo, and with an 80+ certification, you can't really go wrong. I'm currently running an RX 470 in my machine and this PSU is doing just fine with it at high load.The only con I can think of is that it is not modular, and the cables (which there are a LOT of) are quite thick and braided, so if you haven't much room in your case, or an area to hide all the excess cables, you may have an issue. With some smart cable management it's really not an issue though; I have this bad boy installed in a micro atx tower with a monstrous rx 470 and multiple sata drives, and I managed fine, as can be seen from the picture. I don't think I can even count that as a con because at this price, you can't really expect it to be modular.

So, power supplies (PSU) for a PC...I am guessing this review is likely to be read by people who know their way around a PC.For those people I will simply say it is semi-modular, very well made, totally reliable (8 months and counting of some pretty demanding use at times) and quiet. Just buy it!For those who may be less comfortable with PC equipment, either first time builder or maybe trying to fix your pc yourself, a non-tech review (and some guidance).The power supply is that often overlooked box of metal and wires (usually) sitting at the base of your PC case.It does not light up (well if does it will usually be a flash followed by silence and a sense of dread) and usually is hidden away in its own cage within the case.In short it is the shy unsung hero of your pc. Never noticed until it stops working!So if your pc has suddenly stopped working - as in it won't even power up and light up anything - then once you have checked the fuse in the plug, and the switch itself is on (the PC, it is on the outside of the power supply) , then this is the (very) likely culprit.They have a finite lifespan which is shortened by a build-up pf dust and fluff (along with most things in a PC).Keep those fans and vents clear of dust and things will last longer.So, why this power supply and what is with the Bronze name and the 750w?EVGA supply good quality PC equipment. I have one of their GeForce RTX graphics cards in my machine along with this power supply. It is one of the known and respected brands.DO NOT BUY CHEAP POWER SUPPLIES!Expect to pay £60 upwards for a power supply and go for a good brand like EVGA, Corsair, Cooler Master, MSI etc.A non-scientific method to use is that a power supply should have some weight to it (due to the way they are made). Lightweight here is not good.Bronze relates to overall efficiency of the unit and means it is better than 80% efficient at converting the power that comes out of the wall (AC) into power your pc wants (DC) at various load levels.There are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium ratings.For the majority of us, Bronze is fine – unless you are going to build a serious setup.750w is the measurement of the power it can supply to your computer.Everything in your computer will need a supply.The motherboard, hard drives, graphics card etc. The power demands soon add up.These days I would say you want at least a 650w supply to power everything and I chose 750w to give some headroom in power demand.If you are going to be a serious gamer, think about 800w or more.This particular power supply is what is known as semi-modular.That applied to the cables that come out of the power supply and go into the computer.A semi modular supply has the main supply fixed (the one that powers your motherboard) but other secondary connectors for other items that you may not need are detachable.This is good because the last thing you want cluttering up your case are unused cables!As you might guess, fully modular means all cables are detachable and fixed means all are fixed (avoid these if possible).Don’t worry about what connectors go where. The guide provided is helpful and if you get really stuck, look up the user guide for the motherboard.Oh and most connectors are different so you can’t really use the wrong one.All power supplies are a standard size now so don’t worry about that. It will fit in the space occupied by your current one (it is secured by a few screws).There is not a lot more to add here.It is clearly very well made, has a good user guide, the cables and connections are excellent and it is quiet in use.In short, buy it – if you need a new power supply

I am happy so far with this 750W PSU. It is quiet, in fact I cannot hear it. My twin fanned graphics card makes more noise. There are plenty of cables included, too many for my need, and they are of a fairly good quality. The braided cables can be a little inflexible at the connector end due to the heat shrink, but this is only a slight issue if you need to make a sharpish bend. The modular cables are flat and I found them to be flexible enough to get a good job done.I bought this PSU for what it is; a PSU. Don't let the 'tester' sway your decision. (see attached pic) It is next to useless. Yes you can power up the PSU by shorting the appropriate pins, but so what? I have never found this rudimentary test worth while. Over the years have seen plenty of PSUs that pass this test, but on installation find they are faulty in some other way. Invest in a dedicated PSU tester if you need one.Cannot comment on reliability. Apparently it comes with a 5 year warranty. Only thing is, the RMA address is in Germany, so whether I'd pay the postage or scrap it in the event of failure is debatable. This is not unique to EVGA, but worth considering if the warranty appeals to you. Hopefully I won't need it!

I purchased this to replace a 300w psu that came supplied with my pre-built due to installing a 2060rtx. It's seems solid and is definitely not noisy. Others have mentioned noises and coil whine but I've heard none.My PSU has been in placed since the end of 2022 and its been rock solid.I would recommend this to anyone

It’s a great power supply! It’s quiet for what it is and it’s worth the price too, however don’t buy this as if it’ll power your RTX 3090 and Intel i9 like it’s in a paradise of bliss and peace only get the power supply that your pc parts are rated for e.g you’d use a 1000w+ power supply for the things I’ve just stated above and obviously moreDon’t trust my tip it this power supply was just suggested to me

This is a very good psu, comes with included cable ties and helpful instructions and made zero noise would recommend