Corsair RM550x: the newest CWT semi-passive unit

Conclusion and evaluation

The Corsair RM550x passed the combined and crossload testing in accordance with the ATX specification, so according to my evaluation methodology, it deserves its evaluation. After quite a long time this unit showed some results I like. It has both very good voltage regulation (mostly within ±1 %, or 2 % for -12 V) and ripple suppression (mostly within 40 %). It has also good efficiency, though somewhat lower than I am used to from other 80 PLUS Gold units, but it may very well be because of different wattmeter I used this time – we will see with next unit.

The RM550x is equipped only with quality capacitors (Japanese) and comes with fully modular cabling. Also the fan works in semi-passive operation and when it runs, it usually spins quite slow. Sometimes it increases temperatures but with the quality capacitors and certification for continuous operation at 50 °C, I do not see a problem in that. Especially when Corsair offers 7-year warranty. And Channel Well once again (as with the Enermax Digifanless) showed they can make great unit.

I do not think there is much more to say. If you want high-quality and silent unit, this may be the one you should get.

The value of the Corsair RM550x as a high-end unit is as follows:

• components used: 2 p. (− for thinner wires, − for lack of gold-plating, − for lack of saver technology, + for working OTP, + for unplugging clips)
• built quality: 2 p. (− for solder balls and messy soldering)
• voltage regulation: 31 p. (+ for combined loading, + for crossloading)
• ripple: 11 p. (+ for combined loading)
• efficiency: 11 p. (+ for higher efficiency)
• hold-up time: 15 p. (+ for longer voltage hold-up time)
• others: 13.5 p. (+ for modular cabling, + for semi-passive operation, + for cable ties, + for longer warranty)

There is really a little I would think of changing in this unit. For that reason I think it is time to give our golden award! I even think for the first time actually…

If we would say the price was 2600 CZK, then the price per value ratio would be 100×85.5/2600 = 3.23. So after five high-end units, we can see the Corsair is clearly the best. It is no wonder, as it has even better voltage regulation than Cooler Master V550S, similar ripple suppression and it is semi-passive unit with longer warranty…

Pros	+ high efficiency (combined loading) + good price price for high-end + silent (semi-passive operation and slow fan speed) + good voltage hold-up time + low ripple + great voltage regulation + fully modular + long warranty
Cons	− worse crossload efficiency − may run a little warmer − lower low-load efficiency
Be aware of…	/?\

Thanks

I thank the Corsair company for providing the Corsair RM550x unit.

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