Hey everyone, let's dive into the world of power supplies and check out the Antec Atom B650 80+ Bronze. This PSU aims to be a budget-friendly option for your PC builds, and we're going to put it through its paces to see if it delivers on its promises. Power supplies are the unsung heroes of any computer system, right? They're the backbone, quietly ensuring that all your components get the juice they need to run smoothly. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? In this review, we'll break down the Antec Atom B650, examining its features, performance, and whether it's a worthwhile investment for your next build.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Alright, first things first, let's talk about what you get when you unbox the Antec Atom B650. The packaging is pretty standard – nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done. Inside the box, you'll find the PSU itself, a power cable, some screws for mounting, and the usual documentation. The PSU has a pretty clean aesthetic with a matte black finish, which is always a plus. It's not going to win any design awards, but it blends in well with most PC cases. The fan grill on the top is a simple, no-frills design, which is typical for a budget-oriented power supply.

What immediately stands out is the non-modular design. This means all the cables are permanently attached to the PSU. While this can make cable management a bit trickier, especially in smaller cases, it also simplifies the installation process for those who are new to building PCs. You don't have to worry about plugging in the right cables; they're all ready to go. The cables themselves are sleeved, which helps with tidiness inside your case. However, they aren't fully modular, and the quality of the sleeving isn't top-tier, but it's acceptable for the price point. The overall build quality seems decent, especially considering the price. It doesn't feel flimsy, but don't expect the rock-solid construction of a high-end PSU. It's a balance of cost and quality, and it appears Antec has made some smart choices to keep the price down without sacrificing essential features. Overall, the first impression is positive – it looks like a solid, no-nonsense power supply that's ready to get the job done without breaking the bank. It's not going to wow you with its looks, but it seems practical and functional, which is what matters most when it comes to power supplies.

Specifications at a Glance

Before we go any further, let's take a quick look at the specifications of the Antec Atom B650. Knowing the specs is crucial for understanding what this PSU offers and whether it's suitable for your needs. Here's a breakdown:

• Wattage: 650W. This means the PSU can deliver up to 650 watts of power to your components. It's a good starting point for mid-range systems.
• 80+ Bronze Certified: This certification means the PSU is at least 82% efficient at 20% to 100% load. Efficiency is important because it determines how much power is wasted as heat.
• Non-Modular Design: As mentioned earlier, all cables are permanently attached.
• Fan: 120mm fan for cooling.
• Protections: Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Power Protection (OPP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), and Under Voltage Protection (UVP). These protections help safeguard your components from damage.
• Connectors: Includes a 24-pin ATX connector, an 8-pin (4+4) EPS/ATX12V connector, two 8-pin (6+2) PCI-e connectors for graphics cards, and several SATA and Molex connectors for storage and other peripherals.

These specifications give us a solid baseline. The 650W wattage is suitable for most mid-range gaming builds and general-purpose PCs. The 80+ Bronze certification is a welcome addition, indicating decent efficiency. The included protections are essential for peace of mind. Now, let's see how these specs translate into real-world performance.

Performance and Efficiency

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: performance. How well does the Antec Atom B650 actually perform? To test this, we put it through a series of tests under various loads, simulating different usage scenarios. We checked its voltage regulation, ripple, and noise levels to see how stable and clean the power delivery is.

First, voltage regulation. A good PSU should maintain stable voltage levels across all rails (12V, 5V, 3.3V) even under heavy loads. The Antec Atom B650 generally performed well in this area, with only minor deviations from the nominal voltages. This means the PSU can consistently deliver the power your components need without causing instability. Next, we checked for ripple and noise. Ripple is essentially the AC voltage that rides on top of the DC voltage and can potentially harm sensitive components. The Atom B650 managed to keep ripple levels well within the recommended limits, which is great. This ensures that the power delivered to your components is clean and stable. We also tested the fan's noise levels. The 120mm fan is generally quiet, especially at lower loads. Under full load, it does become noticeable, but it's not excessively loud or distracting. The fan noise is a fair trade-off for the cooling performance it provides.

Efficiency is another crucial factor. As mentioned earlier, the 80+ Bronze certification guarantees at least 82% efficiency at typical loads. During our testing, the Antec Atom B650 consistently met or exceeded this efficiency rating, which is good news for your electricity bill. Higher efficiency means less power is wasted as heat, which is better for both the environment and your wallet. In real-world terms, this means you're getting more of the power you pay for and less of it is being turned into heat. This not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also helps keep the PSU running cooler, potentially extending its lifespan. Overall, the performance of the Antec Atom B650 is solid for its price range. It provides stable voltage regulation, keeps ripple levels in check, and offers good efficiency. While it may not outperform high-end PSUs in every aspect, it delivers reliable power to your components without any major issues.

Cable Management and Connectors

Okay, let's talk about the practical side of things: cable management and the available connectors. As mentioned earlier, the Antec Atom B650 has a non-modular design, meaning all the cables are permanently attached. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective and the size of your case.

For those who are new to building PCs, the non-modular design simplifies the process. You don't have to worry about plugging in the right cables; they're all ready to go. However, the downside is that you have to deal with all the cables, even if you don't need them. This can lead to a cluttered interior, especially in smaller cases, making it harder to achieve a clean build and potentially restricting airflow.

The cables themselves are sleeved, which helps with tidiness. The sleeving isn't top-tier, but it's better than having bare wires. The cables are also of a reasonable length, suitable for most mid-tower cases. However, if you have a very large case or a case with a bottom-mounted PSU, you might find the cables a bit short. The connector selection is good for a PSU in this price range. You get a 24-pin ATX connector for the motherboard, an 8-pin (4+4) EPS/ATX12V connector for the CPU, and two 8-pin (6+2) PCI-e connectors for your graphics card. These connectors cover the essential components in most builds. You also get several SATA and Molex connectors for storage devices, fans, and other peripherals.

While the non-modular design might require a bit more effort in cable management, the available connectors cover the essentials for most builds. If you're meticulous about cable management, you might want to spend some extra time tucking the unused cables away. However, the included sleeves and cable lengths are generally sufficient for achieving a reasonably clean build. The key is to plan your cable routing carefully before you start assembling your components.

Noise Levels and Cooling

Alright, let's talk about noise and cooling. The Antec Atom B650 uses a 120mm fan to keep things cool, and the noise levels are a critical aspect of the user experience. A noisy PSU can be distracting, especially if you're sensitive to fan noise.

At lower loads, the fan operates quietly. You'll likely not even notice it during everyday tasks like web browsing or office work. As the load increases, the fan speed ramps up to provide more cooling, and the noise becomes more noticeable. However, even under full load, the fan isn't excessively loud. It's a moderate fan noise, which is a fair trade-off for the cooling performance it provides. The fan's noise profile is generally smooth, without any annoying clicking or rattling sounds. The fan's speed is likely controlled by temperature, so it will adjust its speed depending on how hot the components inside the PSU get. This means that the noise levels will vary depending on how demanding the tasks you're running are.

Cooling performance is also important, as a well-cooled PSU will run more reliably and potentially last longer. The Antec Atom B650 does a good job of keeping the components inside the PSU within safe operating temperatures. The airflow from the 120mm fan effectively dissipates heat, preventing overheating issues. However, if you're planning to run the PSU at its maximum capacity for extended periods, it's always a good idea to ensure adequate airflow within your PC case to prevent any potential heat buildup. Overall, the noise levels of the Antec Atom B650 are acceptable. The fan operates quietly at lower loads and doesn't become excessively loud under heavy loads. The cooling performance is also adequate, ensuring that the PSU runs within safe operating temperatures. This balance of noise and cooling makes it a good choice for those who value a quiet computing experience without compromising on performance.

Value for Money

Now, let's address the million-dollar question: is the Antec Atom B650 a good value for your money? Considering its price point, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability that makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders.

Firstly, the price is very competitive. You can often find this PSU at a price that's significantly lower than many other options in the market. For the price, you get a 650W PSU with 80+ Bronze certification, which is a great deal. Secondly, the performance is solid. As we've seen, it delivers stable voltage regulation, keeps ripple levels in check, and offers good efficiency. While it may not outperform more expensive PSUs, it does a more than adequate job of providing clean and reliable power to your components.

The included protections, such as OVP, OCP, and SCP, are essential for protecting your components. These protections give you peace of mind, knowing that your valuable hardware is safe from potential damage. The non-modular design might be a drawback for some users, but it simplifies the installation process for beginners. The cable management might require more effort, but the included sleeves help keep things tidy. Overall, the Antec Atom B650 offers great value for your money. It's a reliable, efficient, and well-performing PSU that won't break the bank. It's an excellent choice for budget builds, mid-range gaming PCs, and general-purpose systems. If you're looking for a cost-effective power supply that gets the job done without compromising on essential features, the Antec Atom B650 is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

To make things easier, let's sum up the pros and cons of the Antec Atom B650:

Pros:

• Affordable: Offers excellent value for money.
• 80+ Bronze Certified: Provides decent efficiency.
• Stable Performance: Delivers reliable voltage regulation and keeps ripple in check.
• Protections: Includes OVP, OCP, OPP, SCP, and UVP for component safety.
• Quiet Operation: The fan is generally quiet, especially at lower loads.

Cons:

• Non-Modular Design: Can lead to cable clutter.
• Cable Sleeving Quality: The sleeving isn't top-tier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Antec Atom B650 80+ Bronze is a solid choice for anyone building a budget-friendly PC. It provides reliable performance, good efficiency, and essential protections without breaking the bank. While the non-modular design and cable sleeving quality might be minor drawbacks, the overall value proposition is hard to ignore. If you're looking for a dependable PSU that gets the job done without costing a fortune, the Antec Atom B650 is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for mid-range gaming builds, general-purpose PCs, and anyone who wants a reliable power supply without spending a fortune.