Top 8 Best budget friendly 550W PSUs in 2023 – Reviews and Comparison

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is responsible for supplying power throughout your system unit.

It does its job by converting alternating voltage (AC) from your sockets to low-voltage Direct Current (DC), the power that your PC components can utilize.

The PSU supplies the components power through rails with varying voltage levels. The most common voltage rails are 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, as contained by a PSU with an ATX form factor.

PSUs come in a variety of power ratings like 550W, 650W, 750W, 850W, 1000W and so on. Higher watt rated PSUs can provide more power.

So the choice of PSU power rating in your pc build should depend on what components you are adding to your system and what are their power requirements.

For example multiple GPU setups with high end CPUs need more power whereas regular desktop builds for home and office users do not require as much power.

In this article we take a look at 550W PSUs that are available in a low price point for budget pc builds. A 550W PSU can adequately power a regular desktop pc build with a ryzen or intel 8 core processor and a mid range graphics card that does not require a dedicated power cable.

PSUs vary not only in form factors but also in terms of their modularity. Modular PSUs are those that have detachable wires, providing easier cable management and better airflow for your devices, while non-modular PSUs, on the other hand, have fixed cables, even extra ones.

Our Top Picks for Best Budget 550W PSU

Here are some of our top picks for 550W psus that are budget friendly. Before you select your favorite PSU, you might want to read more about PSU specs by checking this article: 8 Technical Specifications of PSU Explained - The Power Supply of PC.

Most of these are non modular and have 80+ bronze rating which should be fine for budget builds.

1. Aresgame Power Supply 550W 80 Plus Bronze Certified PSU (AGW550)

As a fresh competitor in the PC components manufacturing business, Aresgame has decided to enter the market by targeting those who are going for a mid-range set-up, the ones who are on a strict budget but also want to provide a decent PSU for their PC. The Aresgame AGW550 provides a cheap and reliable 550W of 80+% efficiency to your PC components.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.3 inches
• Brand: Aresgame
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 100V - 240V
• Fan: 1 x 120 mm
• Protection: OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP, OTP and OCP
• SECC black coating casing, black bushing cables and connectors
• Honeycomb ventilation design for optimal heat dissipation
• Connectors: Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin)

Review

The Aresgame AGW550 hits two key factors when buying any PSU components. It offers an excellent bargain and a performance that makes you doubt its price. Its black exterior coating, cables, and fan does not betray the fact that this PSU is among the cheapest in the market. Its honeycomb ventilation design enables the unit to dissipate heat efficiently. Its fan also has a smart speed control.

With an 80+ Bronze Certified rating, it peaks up to 85% efficiency on 50% load. The PSU is non-modular so it might be inconvenient for those who are keen on proper cable management. However, for a PSU that has the price-to-performance ratio of the Aresgame AGW550, it is easy to overlook any lacking minor features.

2. Corsair CX Series 550W Modular PSU (CX550M)

The earlier installations of Corsair's CX line had a bad reputation, however, the company listened to the community's criticisms and managed to rebuild the reputation of the CX line. A testimony to that is the improved CX550M. Corsair's CX550M is a mid-range PSU that outperforms its economic value.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.38 inches
• Brand: Corsair
• Modular: Semi Modular
• Form Factor: ATX, supports ATX12V 2.4/2.3/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.92 standards
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 100V - 240V
• Fan: 1 x 120 mm Sleeve Bearing Technology
• Sleeved Black Cables
• Protection: OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP, and OTP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 1 x CPU 12V 8 pin (4+4), 4 x Molex Peripheral Connector, 5 x SATA Connector, 1x FDD Connector

Review

The CX550M is an 80+ Bronze Certified PSU that is perfect for medium PC builds. With its semi-modular design, you can manage space inside your system unit more efficiently since only the basic cables are fixed on the power supply.

Its sleeve bearing fan is thermally controlled, meaning it's quieter at idle and will scale as the PC load increases. Its matte black finish also offers a quiet and cool look for your PC. For its price range, the performance, efficiency, and load regulation are something to behold.

3. SilverStone Technology 550W PSU (ET550-B)

Like the first 2 entries, this is also a budget PSU. While the high-end PSUs are talked about more, the ones that are really marketable are the ones that are economically friendly. This is what Silverstone Technology is going for. The ET550B belongs to Silverstone Technology's Essential series, which is their entry-level line.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.51 x 3.39 inches
• Brand: SilverStone Technology
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 100V - 240V
• Fan: 120mm Silent Fan
• All-black flat cables design
• Protection: OVP, OPP, SCP, OCP, and OTP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 1x CPU 12V 8 pin (4+4), 3 x Peripheral Connector, 6 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

The ET550B is an 80+ Bronze Certified PSU, it peaks at 85% efficiency on 50% load. It also has a +12V voltage rail that is one of the key points that Silverstone Technology is highlighting on its product. Its 120mm fan is also perfect for quiet settings as it only gives around 18 dBA of noise levels.

Another interesting point for this unit is the black flat cables design. While some might argue that it just comes down to preferences about the form of the wire, the flat cables are easier to bend and manage, unlike the sleeved round cables.

Like the first entry, Silverstone Technology might not be a household name yet in the PSU category but that shouldn't cloud your judgement. This PSU is still a solid investment for entry-level enthusiasts.

4. EVGA 550W Power Supply (550 N1)

The EVGA 550 N1 does its job at a low price point. This unrated PSU from EVGA supports 43A on a +12V rail that is enough to power your PC's requirements. If your PC is a basic build, this PSU is the best for you.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.51 x 5.91 x 3.35 inches
• Brand: EVGA
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX
• Wattage: 550W
• VAC Input: 100V - 240V
• Fan: 120mm Silent Sleeve Bearing Fan
• Protection: OVP, OPP, SCP, OTP and OCP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector 8 Pin (6+2), 1 x CPU 12V 8 Pin (4+4), 3 x Peripheral Connector (4 pin), 6 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

It might not be among the best of EVGA's instalment but the purpose of this PSU is not to compete with the high-end ones. It's targeted towards simpler users whose system does not ask for a lot of power.

The protection protocols for this unit checks out and it even has an Over Temperature Protection which some of the high-end PSUs do not have. Its fan exhibits an intelligent design, where the operation is silent when the load is low.

It provides power, offers protection for other components in the event of a malfunction, and also comes with a 2-year warranty from EVGA, a brand that has already proved its worth and credibility.

5. Thermaltake Smart BX1 550W Non Modular Power Supply

The Smart BX1 550W from Thermaltake does not follow the brand's reputation towards incorporating RGB lighting with every PC component. However, what it lacks with bright lights, it makes up for by introducing a solid PSU for those on the lower-tier of PC builds.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.51 x 3.39 inches
• Brand: Thermaltake
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX 12V v2.3 and EPS v2.92
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 100V - 240V
• Fan: 120mm Hydraulic Bearing Fan
• Japanese Capacitor Design
• Protection: OVP, OPP, and SCP
• Connectors: 1x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 1 x CPU 12V 8 pin (4+4), 4 x Peripheral Connector (4 pin), 6 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

With an 80+ Bronze Rating, it promises up to 88% efficiency on a certain load, an off-the-charts efficiency for a Bronze Certified PSU. This is made possible with Japanese main capacitors that make the working circuitry more durable and stable. The hydraulic bearing fan also uses intelligent RPM control technology to reduce noise levels that peak up to 37.6 dB on full load.

The PSU also promises no higher than 80mV ripple voltages on the +12V rail and even lower on the lower voltage rails. This ensures that the voltage that the PSU supplies is not dangerously spiking or getting out of control, extending your other PC components' lifespan. The single +12V design also implements a DC to DC design that ensures a flawless performance for a long period of time.

6. Rosewill Arc Series 550 Watt Gaming Power Supply (ARC550)

Rosewill's ARC550 is another option for the 550W category. It sports an 80+ Bronze Certified rating with promises of up to 87% efficiency. This PSU is a decent bet for those who are intending to use it for their gaming set-ups. It also comes up with several safety standards and EMI approvals that is important for those manufacturers who are new to the scene.

Features

• Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches
• Brand: Rosewill
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.31 and EPS12V v2.92
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 115V-230V
• Fan: 120mm Silent Fan
• Mesh Sleeved Cables
• SLI and CrossFire Ready
• Protection: OVP, OPP, SCP, OCP, UVP, and OLP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 1 x CPU 12V 8 Pin (4+4), 4 x Peripheral Connector (4 pin), 5 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

One of the selling points of the ARC550 is its silent operation that functions as the other intelligent designs of the earlier fans. The wires of the PSU are long enough that is good for larger system units. It also supports Crossfire and SLI and features an active power factor correction with a PF value of 0.99. It has a single +12V rail that it efficiently uses to lower the heat loss and generate more useful power.

Another benefit from Rosewill's entry is its 3-year warranty. It is a big deal when relatively smaller brands offer a long warranty, especially for lower-end PSUs. It means that they are confident that the product can reliably support your PC for a longer time. You can also be relieved that it possesses most of the protection package of a decent PSU.

7. Antec VP550 Plus 550W Non-Modular Power Supply

The Antec VP550 Plus is an update to Aztec's earlier series. This PSU offers up to 85% efficiency through the use of active power factor correction. It sports a black exterior casing, a 120mm fan, and ketchup and mustard cables for its connectors.

Features

• Dimensions: 6.30 x 5.9 x 3.39 inches
• Brand: Antec
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX, ATX12V v2.4 / EPS12V v2.92
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Standard Certified
• VAC Input: 100V-240V ±10%
• Fan: 120mm Silent Fan
• Protection: OVP, OPP, SCP, and UVP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 1 x CPU power (4+4 pin), 2 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 2 x Molex Peripherals Connector, 7 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

The VP550 Plus is a non-modular PSU. Its active power factor correction is greater than 0.9 and a reliable single 12V rail design, making an efficient power supply and distribution possible. It also offers Circuit Shield, consisting of several important protection protocols. It features a 3-year warranty, which is a good number of years for this level of power supplies.

The fan for this PSU implements Thermal Manager, Aztec's low voltage fan control for excellent heat dissipation and noise level optimization. Its simple aesthetic goes along with its quiet fan noise levels and solid power performance.

8. Seasonic S12III 550W Power Supply

Seasonic is one of, if not, the best players in the PSU industry. They built their credibility throughout the years by making their own solid PSUs and being the prime manufacturer for other PSU brands on their different series. It's a given that one of their own will make this list. The S12III is a classic from Seasonic, adding to the OEM's reputation.

Features

• Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.9 x 3.3 inches
• Brand: Seasonic
• Modular: Non-Modular
• Form Factor: ATX12V
• Wattage: 550W
• Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze Certified
• VAC Input: 110V-240V
• Fan: 120mm Sleeve Bearing Fan
• S2FC Fan Control
• Flat Black Cables
• Japanese Capacitor
• Protection: OVP, OPP, SCP, and UVP
• Connectors: 1 x Mainboard Power Connector (20+4 Pin), 4 x PCI-E Connector (6+2 Pin), 1 x CPU 12V 8 pin (4+4), 3 x Peripheral Connector (4 pin), 6 x SATA Connector, 1 x FDD Connector

Review

The Seasonic S12III 550W offers up to 85% efficiency on medium loads and 82% on lowest and highest loads. This efficiency is because of a great active power factor correction and Japanese capacitors implementation, meaning higher usable power is supplied and lower heat dissipated. The voltage regulation for this PSU is also impressive.

It also features a sleeve bearing fan that implements a smart and silent fan control. The noise starts rising midway from 50% to 100% loads. This is made possible by S2FC technology. The installation for this product is also relatively easy with its cables being non-modular and pre-attached to the PSU itself.

Given Seasonic's long history of producing high-quality PSUs, it just makes sense that their entry on this list is the one with the longest warranty period, specifically 5 years. This feature is very rare on Bronze Certified PSUs. If you're tight on budget with a powerful PC to power up, Seasonic is an easy bet to make.

Conclusion

As stated in the title, all of the PSUs listed on this compilation fit well within the budget category, which is expected for a 550W rating PSU. The highest efficiency rating on this list is a Bronze certification.

This means it just comes down to the user's preference of which manufacturer they like. You can't go wrong on investing in a PSU from a trusted manufacturer, however, you should not discount the newcomers as they will not make this list if they are not competitive enough.

When buying a PSU always make sure to first use a power supply calculator to get a rough estimate of how much power your system or pc is going to consume. There are a lot of free online power supply calculators that can do this for you instantly.

Newegg's Power Supply Calculator:
https://www.newegg.com/tools/power-supply-calculator/

PC Builds PSU Calculator:
https://pc-builds.com/psu/

Just fill in the hardware component details that you have on your pc build, and the tool will calculate the maximum required power for the pc. Then you should ideally choose a PSU that has a higher power rating than what the tool reports.

Alternatively you could also use the PcPartPicker List builder and it will indicate the required wattage.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/

For example if the tool tells that maximum drawn power would be 383 watts, you should go for a 450W or a 550W power supply for optimum power supply and future proofing your system for upgrades.

So you can pick any PSU on this list, what matters is you that check the compatibility of other components and do your research to meet the demand of your own components.