So far, there are four models within Corsair’s new HX power supply series with the 80 Plus certification: 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, and 1,050 W. We’ve already reviewed the 850 W model, which received our “Golden Award.” Let’s see if the 650 W model is also a good buy.

The 850 W model is manufactured by CWT; however, the 650 W model is manufactured by Seasonic, based on the G-650 model from this manufacturer. Therefore, they use a completely different internal design.

click to enlarge
Figure 1: Corsair HX650 Gold power supply

click to enlarge
Figure 2: Corsair HX650 Gold power supply

The Corsair HX650 Gold is 6.3” (160 mm) deep. It uses a 140 mm ball-bearing fan on its bottom (Yate Loon D14BH-12).

click to enlarge
Figure 3: Fan

This power supply has a partial modular cabling system, with six connectors: two for video card connectors and four for peripheral and SATA connectors. This power supply comes with the following cables:

• Main motherboard cable with a 20/24-pin connector, 23.6” (60 cm) long, permanently attached to the power supply
• One cable with two ATX12V connectors that together form an EPS12V connector, 25.6” (65 cm) long
• Two cables, each with one six/eight-pin connector for video cards, 23.6” (60 cm) long, modular cabling system
• One cable with four SATA power connectors, 21.6” (55 cm) to the first connector, 3.9” (10 cm) between connectors, modular cabling system
• One cable with four SATA power connectors, 16.1” (41 cm) to the first connector, 3.9” (10 cm) between connectors, modular cabling system
• Two cables, each with four peripheral power connectors, 17.7” (45 cm) to the first connector, 3.9” (10 cm) between connectors, modular cabling system
• Two adapters to convert peripheral power connectors into floppy disk drive power connectors

All cables use 18 AWG wires, which is the minimum recommended gauge.
The number of connectors is, in theory, adequate for a 650 W power supply, however, competing products come with four video card power connectors instead of only two, allowing you to install up to two high-end video cards that require two auxiliary power connectors each.

click to enlarge
Figure 4: Cables

Let’s now take an in-depth look inside this power supply.