EVGA Vs Corsair Power Supplies: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to building a high-performance PC, choosing the right power supply is crucial. Two popular brands that often come up in discussions are EVGA and Corsair.
Both companies offer a wide range of power supplies to suit different needs and budgets, but which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll compare EVGA and Corsair power supplies across various factors to help you make an informed decision.
The most important consideration when choosing between EVGA and Corsair power supplies is the specific model and its features, rather than the brand name alone.
Both companies offer excellent options, but the best choice depends on factors such as wattage requirements, efficiency ratings, build quality, and price point for your particular build.
We’ll dive into the details of each brand’s offerings, compare performance and reliability, and look at expert reviews to give you a comprehensive overview of EVGA vs Corsair power supplies.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which brand and model might be the best fit for your PC build.
Overview of EVGA and Corsair Power Supplies
Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a brief look at the history and reputation of EVGA and Corsair in the power supply market.
Brief History And Reputation
EVGA entered the power supply market in 2010 and quickly gained a reputation for high-quality units.
They partner with manufacturers like Super Flower to produce their power supplies, which are known for their reliability and performance.
Corsair, on the other hand, has been in the PC component market since 1994 and started producing power supplies in 2006. They’ve built a strong reputation for quality and innovation across their product lines.
Product Lines Offered
Both EVGA and Corsair offer a wide range of power supplies to cater to different needs and budgets:
EVGA’s lineup includes:
- SuperNOVA G+ and G3 series (high-end)
- B3 series (mid-range)
- W1 series (entry-level)
Corsair’s lineup includes:
- AX series (premium)
- RMx and RM series (high-end)
- TX series (mid-range)
- CX series (entry-level)
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Power Supply
When comparing EVGA and Corsair power supplies, it’s important to understand the key factors that differentiate them. Let’s explore these aspects in detail.
1. Wattage And Efficiency Ratings
The wattage of a power supply determines how much power it can deliver to your components. Both EVGA and Corsair offer a range of wattages from 450W to 1600W+. It’s crucial to choose a wattage that comfortably exceeds your system’s power requirements.
Efficiency ratings, such as 80 PLUS Bronze, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, indicate how efficiently the power supply converts AC power to DC power. Higher ratings mean less energy waste and potentially lower electricity bills.
2. Build Quality And Components
Both EVGA and Corsair use high-quality components in their power supplies, especially in their mid-range and high-end models.
This includes Japanese capacitors, solid-state capacitors, and high-quality transformers. The build quality directly impacts the longevity and reliability of the power supply.
3. Modular Vs Non-Modular Designs
Modular power supplies allow you to connect only the cables you need, reducing clutter in your case. Both EVGA and Corsair offer fully modular, semi-modular, and non-modular options across their product lines. Generally, higher-end models tend to be fully modular.
4. Noise Levels And Cooling
A quiet power supply is essential for a peaceful computing experience. Both brands implement various cooling solutions, including large fans with smart fan curves that only spin up under heavy loads. High-end models from both EVGA and Corsair are known for their quiet operation.
5. Warranty And Customer Support
Warranty length is a good indicator of a manufacturer’s confidence in their product. EVGA offers up to 10-year warranties on their high-end models, while Corsair offers up to 10-year warranties on their premium AX series. Both companies are known for their responsive customer support.
Comparing EVGA and Corsair Power Supply Models
Let’s compare some popular models from both brands across different price points.
1. Entry-Level Options
At the entry-level, we have the EVGA 500W and the Corsair CX450. Both are 80 PLUS Bronze certified and offer decent performance for budget builds. The EVGA model typically offers slightly more wattage for a similar price, while the Corsair CX series has a better reputation for reliability in this range.
2. Mid-Range Options
In the mid-range, the EVGA SuperNOVA G3 650W and Corsair RM650x are popular choices. Both are 80 PLUS Gold certified and fully modular. The EVGA G3 is known for its compact size, while the Corsair RMx series is praised for its extremely quiet operation.
3. High-End Options
For high-power needs, the EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P3 and Corsair AX1600i represent the top-end offerings from each brand. The EVGA P3 is 80 PLUS Platinum certified, while the Corsair AX1600i boasts an 80 PLUS Titanium rating and digital monitoring features.
Performance and Reliability
When it comes to performance and reliability, both EVGA and Corsair have strong offerings, but there are some differences to note.
Efficiency And Power Delivery
Both brands meet or exceed their efficiency ratings across their product lines. In general, Corsair’s high-end models like the AX series tend to have a slight edge in efficiency, especially at lower loads.
Voltage Stability And Ripple Suppression
Voltage stability and low ripple are crucial for system stability and longevity. Both EVGA and Corsair perform well in these areas, especially in their mid-range and high-end models. The EVGA G2 and G3 series, as well as Corsair’s RMx series, are particularly praised for their excellent voltage regulation and low ripple.
Temperature And Noise Levels
Both brands implement effective cooling solutions, but Corsair’s RMx series is often cited as being exceptionally quiet, even under high loads. EVGA’s more recent models have improved in this area, with the G3 series offering a good balance of cooling and noise levels.
Value for Money
When considering value for money, it’s important to look at the features you’re getting for the price.
Price Comparison Of Similar Models
Generally, EVGA power supplies tend to be priced slightly lower than comparable Corsair models. However, this can vary depending on sales and promotions. It’s worth comparing prices across multiple retailers when making a decision.
Features And Warranty Considerations
While EVGA might have a slight edge in pricing, Corsair often includes premium features like better cables and bags for cable storage, especially in their higher-end models. Both offer excellent warranties, with 10-year coverage on their top models.
Expert Reviews and User Experiences
To get a more comprehensive view, let’s look at what experts and users say about these brands.
Professional review site recommendations
JonnyGURU, a respected power supply review site, has given high marks to both EVGA and Corsair power supplies. The EVGA G2 and G3 series, as well as Corsair’s RMx series, consistently receive top ratings for their performance and build quality.
User feedback and ratings
User reviews on retail sites generally show high satisfaction with both brands. EVGA is often praised for its value for money, while Corsair receives accolades for its quiet operation and premium feel.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, both EVGA and Corsair offer excellent power supplies across various price points. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget.
For budget-conscious builders, EVGA’s offerings often provide slightly better value, especially in the mid-range with their SuperNOVA G3 series.
For those prioritizing the quietest operation and premium features, Corsair’s RMx and AX series are hard to beat, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either brand if you choose from their respective mid-range or high-end lineups.
Always consider the specific model rather than just the brand name and ensure you’re getting the right wattage and efficiency rating for your system’s needs.
Remember to factor in your future upgrade plans when choosing a power supply, as it’s a component that can last through multiple system builds if chosen wisely.
