Corsair TX550M Power Supply Review

Introduction

Corsair recently released the third version of their popular TX power supply series, dubbed “M” for “Modular.” However, it is really important to understand that this new version isn’t simply a TX or TX V2 power supply with a modular cabling system added; the internal design is completely different. The TX M series has 550 W, 650 W, 750 W, and 850 W models, all with 80 Plus Bronze certification. (The TX V2 series doesn’t have a 550 W version, and Corsair still offers a 950 W model under the first TX series.) We’ve already reviewed the 750 W version of the TX M series; now it is time to review the entry-level, 550 W model.

The manufacturer behind the TX M series is CWT, the same manufacturer that was in charge of the first version of the TX series. The TX V2 series, however, is manufactured by a different company (Seasonic). Therefore, the TX M series power supplies can’t be TX V2 units with a modular cabling system added. 

Figure 1: Corsair TX550M power supply

Figure 2: Corsair TX550M power supply

The Corsair TX550M is 6.3” (160 mm) deep, using a 140 mm ball bearing fan on its bottom (Yate Loon D14BH-12).

This unit has a modular cabling system with four connectors, two for video cards (blue) and two for SATA and peripheral power connectors (black). The power supply comes with four cables permanently attached to it, and they are protected with nylon sleeves that come from inside the unit. This power supply comes with the following cables:

• Main motherboard cable with a 20/24-pin connector, 18.5” (47 cm) long, permanently attached to the power supply
• One cable with two ATX12V connectors that together form an EPS12V connector, 23.6” (60 cm) long, permanently attached to the power supply
• Two cables, each with one six/eight-pin connector for video cards, 23.6” (60 cm) long, modular cabling system
• One cable with three SATA power connectors, 13.8” (35 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors, permanently attached to the power supply
• One cable with three SATA power connectors, 15.4” (39 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors, modular cabling system
• One cable with three standard peripheral power connectors, 14.6” (37 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors, permanently attached to the power supply
• One cable with three standard peripheral power connectors, 15” (38 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors, modular cabling system
• Two adapters to convert a standard peripheral power connector into a floppy disk drive power connector

All wires are 18 AWG, which is the minimum recommended gauge.

The cable configuration is adequate for a 550 W power supply.

Figure 3: Cables

Let’s now take an in-depth look inside this power supply.