Is a modular psu worth it?

[First time pc builder]

Hey so I was wondering do you get alot better airflow with a modular beacuse I'm looking at the corsair 550vx(non modular) and the 520hx should a spring for an extra $20 and get the modular? Or should I just hide the extra cables in a drive bay, I am only going to have one hard drive and optical drive too, what do you think?

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

There are studies that say modular PSUs may be less reliable and even if that is not true I would never pay more just so I don't have to spend 10 minutes routing cables.

 

[First time pc builder]

Ya, do you think all the extra cables would fit snug in a extra drive bay lol first time builder or does anyone else have a alternate opinion on modular psus thanks.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

With some finesse you will be fine, I have used none modular 1000w PSUs and their extra cables are still easy to store. Your only problem is bundling the wires in a way that will allow it to fit in there with out too much trouble, just analyze it and take your time.

 

[First time pc builder]

Ok thanks.

 

[delluser1]

I'm still going to spend the time to route the cables, there's just going to be less of them to try to hide.
VX550 has;
1- 24 pin main
1- 4+4 CPU
2- 3 connector molex runs
2- 3 connector sata runs
2- pcie runs

The HX520 would allow the OP to do away with at least 3 cable sets, maybe 4 or 5 depending on video choice, which is helpful in smaller cases where there isn't much room to hide or route cables.

 

[4Ryan6]

Just about all of us have hidden unused wires in a drive bay, some of the newer cases have enough room behind the M/B tray to hide them back there, and thats a whole lot neater.

The most important thing is not to disrupt the airflow path of the case, and hopefully you have purchased one with good airflow.

Snag yourself some Nylon Wire Ties it makes for a lot nicer and easy to deal with situation, personally I've never bought a modular P/S and have excellent airflow.

I know it takes more time but if you plan your wire routing all through the build you won't have a mess to deal with in the end.

 

[First time pc builder]

Thanks.

 

[theAnimal]

There are studies that say modular PSUs may be less reliable

Link(s) please. And PC P&C doesn't count.

 

[dirtmountain]

It's not usually worth the extra money for me, but i have used the 520 on a smaller microATX build with a single HD/burner and it made routing the cables easier and cleaner. Both are good quality power supplies, a first time builder may have fewer hassles with the modular.

 

[First time pc builder]

Ya thats what I was thinking are they any good cases with a bottom psu anyone could recommend with a vent so I can keep the psu fan facing down in the $50 area thanks?

 

[dirtmountain]

The best choice (imo) would be the Coolermaster 690 at $70, especially if you could use the combo deal for the PhenomII 940 or 955

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

Buy.com price $80 with free shipping
http://www.buy.com/prod/cooler-master-690-without-power-supply/q/loc/101/206177908.html

 

[delluser1]

And PC P&C doesn't count.

I tend to shy away from typing things like this , but LOL.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/power-supplies-psu,8016.html

And some other article I read somewhere but can't find. I never said that modular power supplies are THAT much at a disadvantage, just that there is no arguing about the fact that the modular connection adds resistance, but I doubt that it is anything serious.

 

[First time pc builder]

I really like the coolmaster 690 though I'm going to wait for it to be $70 with free shipping on newegg cause I'm a budget and I'm planning on getting the amd phenom 2 x3 720.

 

[dirtmountain]

An option might be this Rosewill case with bottom mount PSU, filtered bottom intake, 2x120mm fans included with option for a 120 or 140mm top fan and 2 side fans. $60 with free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147135

personally i like the 690 a lot more

 

[theAnimal]

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/power-supplies-psu,8016.html

And some other article I read somewhere but can't find. I never said that modular power supplies are THAT much at a disadvantage, just that there is no arguing about the fact that the modular connection adds resistance, but I doubt that it is anything serious.

Since the only quote in the article is from PC P&C (of course not backed up with any facts), it really doesn't count.

Was it this article?
http://www.motherboards.org/articles/guides/1488_1.html

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

My article was from Enermax, Seasonic, and Corsair too.

Yeah that was the article. Their findings showed some results that supported what Tom's said, but their attitude and conclusion were too biased to reflect that.

Do notice that I do not necessarily agree with the report from Tom's, but that's what is out there.

 

[delluser1]

Their findings showed some results that supported what Tom's said, but their attitude and conclusion were too biased to reflect that.

I doubt that there was any bias there, the author , Jon Gerow , is also known as "jonnyguru".

 

[theAnimal]

My article was from Enermax, Seasonic, and Corsair too.

But they actually make modular PSUs, which means they don't think there is any issue. Besides which there were no quotes from them.

Do notice that I do not necessarily agree with the report from Tom's, but that's what is out there.

No problem.

 

[swifty_morgan]

I have a 520 mentioned above. I also have non modulars. If you have a lot to hook up either will be a "mess" to deal with. If on the other hand you only need to run a few cables the modular will do for a neater job.

Back to the 520. The cables are stiff and hard to work with to an extent. If you want neatness, the Ultra's used to have round cables and seemed to me to give a slightly neater job. not sure if they still make them that way or not. Read around and if the "ribbon' type wires are flexible I'd go for one of those. ( Ultra )

 

[jimishtar]

modular PSUs definitely are less efficient because of the added cable connections. with the extra money for modular, u can get non-modular psu and use the extra money on a better case (if u don't already have it), one that enables u to route the cables behind the case side.

 

[theAnimal]

modular PSUs definitely are less efficient because of the added cable connections.

There is more resistance in the actual cable than the connectors.

There are far more 80Plus Bronze & Silver modular PSUs on newegg than non-modular.

 

[jimishtar]

there is resistance only if the cable is used (running electricity). direct connection is less resistant than a +connector line. like someone said above, this resistance is not something that can bother a user.
why there are far more modular PSUs on newegg ? -> modular are more attractive. people sell what people buy, right?

 

[4Ryan6]

Ya thats what I was thinking are they any good cases with a bottom psu anyone could recommend with a vent so I can keep the psu fan facing down in the $50 area thanks?

The COOLER MASTER Centurion 590, is an excellent case, great airflow and wire hiding capability behind the M/B mounting plate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152&Tpk=Coolermaster Centurion 590

I have one myself and heres my Non-Modular wire tucking job with a 750Watt PCP&C Power Supply.