I'm building a basic computer with an Intel Core i3-14100 and an SSD. It will only be used for light office work and watching YouTube, and I don't plan to install a dedicated graphics card. I'm looking for one or two inexpensive power supplies that are dependable and unlikely to damage the other components. Efficiency and fan noise aren't important to me—reliability and low cost are. I'm in Canada and would appreciate a quick recommendation rather than spending days researching PSU models.
4 Answers
Check the prices available in your area, then compare the specific models against a reputable PSU testing or tier list. For a low-power system like this, you don’t need a high wattage rating, but it’s still worth avoiding the very cheapest unknown units.
The Lian Li RB 550W is another reasonable option to check in Canada. It has plenty of power for an i3 system without a dedicated GPU, so focus more on the model’s testing results and warranty than on getting a higher wattage.
The ASRock Pro 650G is a solid inexpensive choice if you can find it at a good Canadian price. It has more capacity than this system needs, but that’s harmless and gives you some room for future upgrades. I’d choose it over a particularly cheap entry-level unit with a weaker reputation.
Yes, I’d lean toward the ASRock if the price difference is only modest. The Elite NEX is a basic budget model, while the ASRock is the safer recommendation for long-term reliability.
Use independent PSU testing databases to compare the exact model, not just the brand or the 80 Plus label. Certification mainly describes efficiency; it doesn’t guarantee build quality or protection features.
I found the ASRock model available in Canada at a reasonable price. A local store also has a Cooler Master Elite NEX 500W for quite a bit less—would you still pick the ASRock?