Modular power supplies have been a popular choice for PC Gamers and enthusiasts building clean, clutter free system. The best thing about a modular PSU is that you use the power connectors needed only which spares the clutter. This is why PCWizKid prefers modular power supplies the most.  However choosing a power supply is much more than just keeping all cables and connectors tucked away and out of sight.  Its the heartbeat of your system, and thus you need an efficient delivery of power, stability and performance.  With the Antec TruePower series of power supplies you can easily achieve that balance of power efficiency versus cooling and organization in your gaming rig.  The TruePower series is actually a "Hybrid" modular setup which means that a certain set of necessary connectors are already attached to the PSU.  PCWizKid takes a closer look in detail at the Antec TruePower 650 Watt model.  Antec also provides this series in a 550 Watt and 750 Watt for those who with different needs of power.

PCWizKid's Test System

Video Review

Power Supply Features and Specifications

• NVIDIA™ SLI™ - ready certified
• 80PLUS® Bronze Certified saves energy and lowers your electric bill
• DC to DC voltage regulator modules for greater system stability
• Highest quality Japanese brand capacitors ensure long-term reliability
• 120mm PWM fan runs up to 50% quieter than standard fans
• Blue internal LED illumination for TP-750 Blue
• Advanced Hybrid Cable Management improves airflow and reduces clutter
• Double layer PCB optimizes cooling efficiency and allows for heavy duty components
• Universal Input and Active Power Factor Correction
• Supports dual GPUs and dual/quad core CPUs
• 4 +12V output circuits provide stable power
• ATX12V v2.3 and EPS12V v2.91
• 1 x 6 pin and 1 x 8 (6+2) pin PCI-E graphics card connectors for TP-550
• 2 x 6 pin and 2 x 8 (6+2) pin PCI-E graphics card connectors for TP-650, TP-750 and TP-750 Blue
• Industrial grade protection: OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Current Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), and OCP (Over Current Protection)
• Safety approval: UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick, BSMI
• Meets 2010 EUP requirement:  5Vsb < 1W
• Weight: 2.3 kg; 5 lbs
• Dimensions:
  - 3.4" (H) x 5.9" (W) x 5.9" (D)
  - 86mm (H) x 150mm (W) x 150mm (D)

Conclusion

For today's gaming PC's a crossfire or SLI certified PSU with stable voltages is a must.  The Antec TruePower 650W has the performance and quality to delivery a consistent demand of power according to the load requirements tested.  The model is above average as it not only has 80 Plus Bronze certification but is hybrid modular and quiet.  The 650W proved to be a well rounded choice for various system configurations starting from a single GPU overclocked Quad core system to a dual GPU setup such as the ATI 5770 in crossfire.  Lets face it, today's new high end pc components are more demanding when it comes to power, specially for the latest ATI Radeon 5800 or the new nvidia GTX470 coming out sonn which is said to require a 600Watt PSU minimum.  Another highlight of this PSU is the silent fan, amazingly quiet for its 120mm size.  I would have like to have seen excluded from the attached connectors the molex since SATA drives are mainstream and molex connectors should be really optional at this point in time.  Still this is one of best 80 Plus bronze efficient PSU's out and a terrific choice in my books.