Modular or non modular psu

[richy123xd]

is it worth the extra money for a modular psu? i am have trouble picking between these 2

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4267964&CatId=2534
or
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4352342&CatId=2534

 

[drippyfausett]

One thing to think about these two you have listed have different amps. The corsair has 70amps and the Ultra has 64amps. Just something I noticed. I use a corsair hx 620 which is modular and like choosing just the amount of cables that I need and not have to worry about trying to hide the ones that aren't in use. Also Corsair is a preferred brand around here not sure about Ultra's. Maybe this would help a little.

 

[djcoolmasterx]

Corsair>Ultra

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

While the Ultra X3 series is half-way decent, the Corsair is just SO much better! Modular is nice, but I have never seen it as a necessity, hell I can find pros and cons for both easily.

 

[Jaysin]

Modular is generally considered less consistent and regular compared to non-modular PSUs. How much of that is "old wives tales" or actually backed up with voltage testing I can't confirm.

I swore by modular before just because I am sucker for cable management. But now I have the room to hide my excess cables so I went with a Corsair as well recently.

 

[theAnimal]

Modular is generally considered less consistent and regular compared to non-modular PSUs. How much of that is "old wives tales" or actually backed up with voltage testing I can't confirm.

This is a PSU myth from PC Power & Cooling.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

It is not total myth. A few reviews of some modular PSUs have had problems and some users on here, but it doesn't seem to be nearly as urgent as PC Power and Cooling makes it seems. Then again they are all bout the stability, so even something small might be big to them.

 

[cjl]

If a modular PSU has problems, it isn't because it is modular, it is because that PSU has problems. Look at the Corsair HX1000W if you think a modular inherently has problems.

Between the two mentioned though, I'd go with the Corsair for the quality.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Even then there is more chance of corroding and connection failure, but the cable management is nice. Neither option is perfect.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

I like to think it is mostly a matter of personal preference. As along as it is a high quality psu that works the way it is supposed to don't worry! Be happy!

 

[Onus]

^+1. Exactly. On a quality PSU, the difference should be insignificant. Personally, I like modular, but I use a lot of Earthwatts PSUs in builds and they aren't.
I'd also choose Corsair over Ultra any day.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Well to be honest here is my opinion on the matter:

what I like about modular:
-easier cable management, less time consuming
-easier to get into a case

What I like about non-modular:
-Cables are always there, no looking in boxes and such
-Never have to worry about pulling the damn connector off when using zip-ties

In the end I do believe that if you get a modular PSU it should be a good one, Ultra does not quite cut it. Also price is always an object and getting a cheap <600w PSU that is modular is impossible.

 

[mamw93]

At least in this instance I would go modular because it is only a twenty dollar price difference and the modular will make your case look clean. Plus Ultra PSU's are WAY better then everyone else's. Also since the price is so close go with the Ultra 1000 watt modular PSU.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Umm... no Ultra PSUs are pretty average and the Corsair PSUs are high end. Even if they were the same price, the Corsair's superior quality would make them the better choice over the Ultra.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

^+1 for what The_Blood_Raven said!

 

[cjl]

At least in this instance I would go modular because it is only a twenty dollar price difference and the modular will make your case look clean. Plus Ultra PSU's are WAY better then everyone else's. Also since the price is so close go with the Ultra 1000 watt modular PSU.

They're way better than the cheap useless ones, but they can't hold a candle to someone like PC Power and Cooling or Corsair.

 

[jaguarskx]

ULTRA products sux. All of them.

My preferred PSU brand is Seasonic who also make PSUs for:

-Antec (though it seems they want Seasonic to use less expensive components to keep cost down on some of their PSU lines)
-Corsair
-PC Power & Cooling

 

[cjl]

Seasonic is excellent, and would also be a better choice than Ultra if you're still looking for alternatives. I've used their ~400w models many times with excellent results.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

Yeah Seasonic really is the highest standard of PSUs I just wish their own line was a bit cheaper, the corsair or PC Power and Cooling equivalent always seems to be cheaper.

 

[delluser1]

The Seasonic pricing isn't all that bad, it really depends on the model.
An M12 600 is only $10 more than the after rebate price of a 620HX, and the cost of an M12 500 is actually a couple of bucks less than the after rebate cost of a 520HX.
The S12 650 is one where the pricing is out of touch with reality, at $140 it's $65 dollars more than a TX650 after rebate.
PCP&C wasn't always less expensive, they've really only recently come to thier sense's and lowered thier pricing, probably thanks to the pricing of Seasonic built Antec and Corsair units.

 

[theAnimal]

ULTRA products sux. All of them.

My preferred PSU brand is Seasonic who also make PSUs for:

-Antec (though it seems they want Seasonic to use less expensive components to keep cost down on some of their PSU lines)
-Corsair
-PC Power & Cooling

I don't recommend Ultra, but the X3 1000W received a 9.5/10 on jonnyguru.com.

 

[The_Blood_Raven]

I have read a lot of reviews on power supplies, the Ultra X3 is an average power supply with a lot of users reporting problems to make matters worse, there are just so many power supplies that put it to shame anymore.

 

[mark_k]

Modular is the way to go.

Here is a link to the same case with a modular PSU. THis is also my first time build.
You will see the difference between a modular and non modular.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261278-31-pics-antec-time-build#t1896300

 

[morun29]

Can some answer my questions:

1- So, modular Power supplies are just more pretty and organize, no power and amps difference?

2- I just bough an Asus M4A78 PRO, a AMD phenom II dual core 550 black edition, 4 Gb of OCZ reaper HPC 1066 Mhz, EVGA 8800GTS, Creative sound card, 1 sata HDD &1 DVD burner.

How much power do I need to run this pc just fine, I mean games, work, etc etc etc?

In the Asus web site there's a power calculator that says 350W is enough but I was thinking to get a 600W or 700W PSU modular or not, I have no idea, please help!

 

[shovenose]

At least in this instance I would go modular because it is only a twenty dollar price difference and the modular will make your case look clean. Plus Ultra PSU's are WAY better then everyone else's. Also since the price is so close go with the Ultra 1000 watt modular PSU.

wtf?
however, i used to be stupid and recommend coolmax psus LOL. just because ultra kind of made modular more popular doesnt mean they're great. in fact, antec. pc power and cooling, seasonic, and definitely corsair are better...