Corsair TX vs. OCZ ZT 550W

Comparison

Corsair TX550M vs OCZ ZT550W 550W

Differences got a yellow marking.

We compared two power supplies in the 550W region today. With $ 89.99 both models are comparatively expensive but users should realize when buying a 550W power supply that it simply cannot cost just $ 30-40 and still deliver decent quality. We saw two very good models from Corsair and OCZ with excellent performance and 80Plus Bronze. It looks like they are copying ideas from each other since most features are absolutely identical. Both provide enough (and almost the same) connectors to support PC configurations with a powerful graphics card. One point of criticism is the large case Corsair and OCZ used. Furthermore we would like to see different fan brands since both bearings made an annoying noise. Sanyo Denki provides the best fans with ball bearing. Otherwise Corsair and OCZ could choose FDB fans to reduce loudness. 

The TX series has flat cables while OCZ used a common sleeving. With six SATA and six HDD connectors both products are well equipped. As expected both PSUs have two 6/8-pin connectors and FDD adapters as well. As for performance and quality, all the results from our tests are very impressive. There is hardly any ripple and noise on any of the rails: OCZ reached less than 40mV on +12V while Corsair demonstrated even lower results on +3.3V and +5V. Up to 87% efficiency and a high power factor are the primary reasons for the costs; such results can only be reached with high quality devices, and those devices cost more than lesser offerings.

Performance-wise, the Corsair TX550M stands out today with more stable DC outputs, longer cables, and a slightly higher efficiency. In addition Corsair implemented a better main cap. Nevertheless the OCZ ZT550W is an interesting offer with fully removable cables, especially since the price is low ($ 69.99 after mail-in rebate at newegg.com). In summary, it can be stated that both brands are shaping up well. However, this time Corsair is ahead in terms of quality.