Corsair GS800 (800W) Non-Modular Power Supply Review

Conclusion

Pricing

In the UK the Corsair GS800 costs £87.36 and £89.99 from our preferred retailers. In the USA the Corsair GS800 costs $129.99~$139.99.

Conclusion

Corsair’s GS800 (V2) power supply finds itself priced quite a lot higher than much cheaper 750W 80 Plus Bronze units but it stands alone as one of very few 800W PSUs on the market as 750W seems to be the standard. Even if we factor in for the additional 50W it has over similar units the Corsair GS800 is still about 10-15% more expensive than than units from Cooler Master, XFX, Be Quiet and OCZ, it’s also quite a lot more expensive than Corsair’s own CX750 PSU which is also made by CWT. However, what you’ve got to consider is what extra do you get for that extra cost. Well it is quite simple, you’ve got a PSU that has more concern with aesthetics and functionality. If you’re looking to theme up a gaming system in one of the chosen colours (blue, red or white) then this PSU is invaluable thanks to its range of LED colours and replacement plastic shrouds.

Sure the PSU itself is very nice in terms of performance – we’ve got great voltage regulation of within 1.75% on all rails, there’s great efficiency which was more or less 80 Plus Silver not 80 Plus Bronze like Corsair state, high PFC and solid ripple & noise suppression. Even the fan performance was pretty stellar at 0-60% load (where your PC will spend 99% of its time) though at 80/100% it did get noisy. Of course its level of performance isn’t exactly uncommon and we do see similar things from XFX’s Seasonic based units and even Corsair’s own CX series, both of which are priced much lower, so if its just performance you’re interested in then the GS800 might not be a sensible solution for you. However, if the customisable LEDs and changeable plastic strip tickle your fancy – and I’ve got to admit they certainly do it for me – then I think the GS800 is a refreshing PSU. It adds a little sparkle to a market segment that can often be a bit dull. Kudos to Corsair for going that little bit further than everyone else and offering a solid PSU with some nifty customisations.

Pros

• Customisable LEDs and plastic strips
• Solid Performer – Very good PFC, voltage regulation and noise/ripple suppression
• Higher than certified efficiency
• 3 year warranty

Cons

• Non-modular
• Loud at 80/100% load
• Plastic strips have to be purchased separately
• Pricey if you don’t need/want the customisations it offers

“Corsair’s GS800 power supply is another solid-performer to add to Corsair’s extensive range of high quality PSUs. While it may not offer the value for money that the CX series does, the GS800 still serves the market well by being probably the only customisable PSU at an affordable price point. The GS800’s design will not appeal to everyone but if it does appeal to you then Corsair’s innovative styling is definitely worth paying extra for. The Corsair GS800 offers rock solid power delivery with some great customisable aesthetics.”

Thank you to Corsair for providing this review sample.