Difference between gold and bronze PSU

Nelmo

My son's PC has a Corsair 550W gold PSU but he has just swapped his 1050 graphics card for a 1080 and the PSU has started squeaking. Corsair state this is not a problem but it is annoying and we're considering changing the PSU.

Now I know the gold, silver, bronze classification relates to efficiency but does anyone know what this means in the real world? Does the efficiency just mean a bronze needs more electricty to generate its 750W than a gold PSU? Will a bronze 750W PSU provide as much power as a 750W gold PSU?

EndlessWaves

Yes, PSU ratings are for how much power they can output to the system, not how much power they draw.

So the efficiency doesn't affect component compatibility, only running costs and heat output.

What's causing the squeaking? If it's the fan then it'd be cheaper to just replace that than the whole PSU.

Also, going up from 550W to 750W is unlikely to be necessary. 550W is already an awful lot of power and most GTX1080-equipped systems won't get within a hundred and fifty watts of that.

Nelmo

Many thanks for the reply - according to my son, there is an FAQ on the Corsair website where they acknowledge the problem, say it doesn't affect performance and will fix it under warranty, so we'll just do that (my son is a bit OCD and doesn't like the noise

Backspace

This PSU is made by Great Wall. I don't think they have a very good rep as to their quality. The Corsair line up has different manufacturers. What you want is the Seasonic or Super Flower made PSUs. Some Corsairs are Seasonic made (like the TX650).

Trollslayer

Corsair are a good brand, Great Wall sounds like a label slapped on whatever comes out of a factory.

Backspace

You're showing your ignorance mate.

andy1249

FYI
Greatwall

OEM seller of budget products “remarkably similar” to high end branded products.
Buyer beware.

mjn

Great Wall? Never heard of them and i’ve bought a lot of PSUs over the years.

Backspace

You're in for a surprise mate. The name on the unit doesn't say who makes em. I have this site BMed for reference.

PSU Review Database - RealHardTechX