Thermaltake Smart 500W vs Corsair CV650
Efficiency, ATX compliance, 12V-2x6 support, Cybenetics rating, and 5-year total cost of ownership.
| Spec | Thermaltake Smart 500W | Corsair CV650 |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 500W | 650W |
| Efficiency Tier | 80plus | bronze |
| ATX Version | ATX 2.x | ATX 2.x |
| 12V-2x6 (RTX 5090 safe) | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Modular | none | none |
| Cybenetics Rating | — | — |
| MSRP | $39 | $59 |
| Est. Annual Electricity Cost | $258/yr | $267/yr |
| 5-Year Total Cost (TCO) | $1329 | $1394 |
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Assuming 500W average draw, 8 hours/day gaming, and $0.15/kWh electricity:
Thermaltake Smart 500W costs ~$1329 over 5 years (purchase + electricity), saving approximately $65 compared to Corsair CV650.
Note: Corsair CV650 has higher efficiency but higher upfront cost. The TCO crossover depends on your electricity rate and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more efficient — Thermaltake Smart 500W or Corsair CV650?
Corsair CV650 is rated 80+ Bronze (~82% efficient), making it more efficient than Thermaltake Smart 500W (). Higher efficiency means less electricity waste as heat, lower operating costs, and better thermal performance.
Can Thermaltake Smart 500W run an RTX 5090?
Thermaltake Smart 500W does not include a native 12V-2x6 connector. Running an RTX 5090 would require an adapter cable, which is not recommended at the 5090's 575W TBP. Upgrade to an ATX 3.1 PSU with a native 12V-2x6 port.
Which has lower long-term cost?
At $0.15/kWh and 8 hours/day, Thermaltake Smart 500W costs ~$1329 total over 5 years (purchase + electricity) vs ~$1394 for Corsair CV650 — a difference of ~$65.