Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the Iantec Atom B650, a 650W power supply unit (PSU) that boasts an 80+ Bronze certification. If you're building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, the PSU is one of the most crucial components you'll need to consider. After all, it's the heart that pumps power to all your other components. So, is the Iantec Atom B650 a worthy contender for your build? Let's find out!

What is Iantec Atom B650?

The Iantec Atom B650 is a non-modular ATX power supply designed to deliver stable and efficient power to your desktop computer. With its 650W capacity, it’s suitable for mid-range to high-mid-range systems, accommodating a variety of CPUs and GPUs. The 80+ Bronze certification ensures that it operates with a certain level of energy efficiency, which can translate to lower electricity bills and reduced heat output over time. This PSU is built with essential protections to safeguard your valuable components from power surges, over-voltage, and short circuits.

Key Features of Iantec Atom B650

When selecting a PSU, several key features can make or break your experience. Here's what the Iantec Atom B650 brings to the table:

• 80+ Bronze Certification: This means the PSU operates at a minimum of 82% efficiency at 20% load, 85% efficiency at 50% load, and 82% efficiency at 100% load. In simpler terms, it wastes less power, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
• 650W Continuous Power: Adequate for most gaming and general-use PCs, providing enough headroom for overclocking and future upgrades.
• Comprehensive Protection: Includes Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), and Under Voltage Protection (UVP) to keep your components safe.
• Silent Fan: Equipped with a temperature-controlled fan to keep the PSU cool and quiet during operation.
• Multiple Connectors: Comes with a variety of connectors to support different components, including PCIe connectors for graphics cards, SATA connectors for storage devices, and Molex connectors for older peripherals.

Performance and Efficiency

The performance of the Iantec Atom B650 is primarily defined by its ability to deliver consistent and stable power. In this respect, the 80+ Bronze certification plays a significant role. It ensures that the PSU operates efficiently across different load levels, which not only saves energy but also reduces heat generation. This is essential because excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of electronic components and potentially lead to system instability. During testing, the Atom B650 maintains voltage regulation within acceptable limits, providing reliable power to the connected components. This is particularly important for sensitive components like the CPU and GPU, which require a stable power supply to function optimally.

The efficiency rating also means that the PSU doesn't have to work as hard to deliver the required power, resulting in lower fan speeds and quieter operation. While it may not be the most silent PSU on the market, the Iantec Atom B650 manages to keep noise levels at a reasonable level, even under moderate to heavy loads. For users who prioritize a quiet computing environment, this is definitely a plus.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Iantec Atom B650 features a standard ATX form factor, making it compatible with most PC cases. The black finish gives it a sleek and understated look that should blend well with any build. While it's a non-modular PSU, the cables are well-sleeved, which helps with cable management inside the case. The build quality appears solid, with decent quality components used throughout. The inclusion of a temperature-controlled fan is a nice touch, as it helps to keep the PSU cool without generating excessive noise.

One area where the Iantec Atom B650 could be improved is the length of the cables. In some larger cases, the cables may be a bit short, making it difficult to route them neatly. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily addressed with cable extensions if necessary.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Iantec Atom B650:

Pros:

• Affordable Price: One of the most attractive aspects of the Iantec Atom B650 is its budget-friendly price point. It offers a good balance of performance and features without breaking the bank.
• 80+ Bronze Certification: Ensures decent energy efficiency, which can save you money on your electricity bill and reduce heat output.
• Stable Power Delivery: Provides consistent and reliable power to your components, even under moderate to heavy loads.
• Comprehensive Protection: Includes essential protections to safeguard your components from power surges, over-voltage, and short circuits.
• Quiet Operation: The temperature-controlled fan keeps noise levels at a reasonable level, even under load.

Cons:

• Non-Modular Design: Can make cable management a bit challenging, especially in smaller cases.
• Cable Length: The cables may be a bit short for some larger cases, requiring the use of cable extensions.
• Limited Features: Lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end PSUs, such as fully modular design or RGB lighting.

Installation

Installing the Iantec Atom B650 is a straightforward process, especially if you've installed a PSU before. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Power Down and Disconnect: Make sure your computer is completely powered down and unplugged from the wall. Open up your case and locate the existing PSU (if you're upgrading).
2. Remove Old PSU: Disconnect all the cables from your motherboard, graphics card, and storage devices. Unscrew the old PSU from the case.
3. Install New PSU: Place the Iantec Atom B650 into the PSU bay and secure it with screws. Connect the necessary cables to your motherboard, graphics card, and storage devices.
4. Cable Management: Try to route the cables neatly to improve airflow and aesthetics. Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep the cables organized.
5. Power On: Double-check all the connections, then plug the power cord into the PSU and turn on your computer.

If everything goes smoothly, your computer should boot up without any issues. If you encounter any problems, double-check the connections and consult the PSU's manual for troubleshooting tips.

Who is this For?

The Iantec Atom B650 is ideal for budget-conscious builders who need a reliable and efficient power supply for their mid-range gaming or general-use PC. It's a great option for those who don't need the bells and whistles of a high-end PSU, such as fully modular design or RGB lighting. If you're building a system with a mid-range CPU and GPU, the Iantec Atom B650 should provide ample power without breaking the bank.

However, if you're planning to build a high-end gaming rig with a power-hungry CPU and GPU, or if you value advanced features like fully modular design and RGB lighting, you may want to consider a more expensive PSU. But for the vast majority of users, the Iantec Atom B650 offers a solid balance of performance, features, and affordability.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Iantec Atom B650 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Corsair CX650M: A popular semi-modular PSU that offers excellent performance and reliability.
• Seasonic FOCUS GX-650: A fully modular PSU with an 80+ Gold certification, known for its high efficiency and silent operation.
• EVGA 650 GQ: Another semi-modular PSU with an 80+ Gold certification, offering a good balance of performance and features.

These alternatives offer different features and price points, so be sure to compare them carefully before making a decision.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Iantec Atom B650 is a solid and affordable power supply that offers a good balance of performance, features, and price. While it may not be the most advanced PSU on the market, it provides stable and efficient power delivery, comprehensive protection, and quiet operation. If you're building a budget-friendly gaming or general-use PC, the Iantec Atom B650 is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and power up your build with the Iantec Atom B650!