Corsair CX550M
Expert rating6.9 / 10
- Wattage:
- 550 W
- 80 PLUS Rating:
- Bronze
- Modularity:
- Semi-Modular
- ATX Standard:
- ATX 2.x
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Manufacturer: Corsair Last updated: 2026-09-12
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Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick) Review
Searching for a cheap 550W power supply that isn't a total gamble, the Corsair CX550M is the semi-modular Bronze unit Corsair sells as the budget-friendly step below the RM series.
It's fine for a budget build running a GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600-class card, but we wouldn't push it toward anything hungrier. The fixed 24-pin and EPS cables keep cost down while the PCIe and SATA runs stay modular for easier cable management.
Build and Value
The CX550M uses a CWT single-switch forward-converter platform, which is older tech than the LLC resonant designs in Corsair's RM line, but it's a known-reliable design that keeps the price low for entry-level builds.
Comparison to Alternatives
Next to the Corsair RM750x, the CX550M gives up full modularity, Gold efficiency, and 200W of headroom in exchange for a much lower price point aimed at budget rather than performance builds. Against the EVGA 600 BR, the two sit in the same budget-Bronze tier, but the CX550M's semi-modular PCIe/SATA cables make it slightly easier to route in a compact case.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Corsair |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CX550M |
Output and rails
| +12V Rail Amperage | 45.8 A |
|---|---|
| Single +12V Rail | Yes |
Standards and compliance
| Hold-Up Time | 11.1 ms |
|---|
Efficiency and noise
| Measured Avg Efficiency | 85.91 % |
|---|---|
| Measured Average Noise | 20.2 dBA |
Connector inventory
| EPS 8-pin Connectors | 1 |
|---|---|
| SATA Connectors | 6 |
| Molex Connectors | 4 |
Form factor and fit
| Length | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black |
Cooling
| Fan Bearing | Rifle |
|---|
Build quality
| MTBF | 100000 hours |
|---|
Cables
| Modularity | Semi-Modular |
|---|
Monitoring, protection and price
| Protections | OCP, OVP, SCP, OTP |
|---|---|
| Price | 54.99 USD |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Wattage | 550 W |
|---|---|
| 80 PLUS Rating | Bronze |
| ATX Standard | ATX 2.x |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Cybenetics Efficiency | Silver |
| Cybenetics Noise | A |
| 12V-2x6 Connectors | 0 |
| Zero-RPM Mode | No |
| Sleeved Cables | No |
| PCIe 8-pin Connectors | 2 |
| Connector Count | 1x 24-pin ATX (fixed), 1x EPS 4+4 (fixed), 2x PCIe 6+2-pin, 6x SATA, 4x Molex |
| Fan Size | 120 mm |
| Fan Model / Bearing | 120mm rifle bearing (HA1225H12F-Z) |
| OEM / Platform | CWT |
| Japanese Capacitors | Yes |
| Source URL | https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu/cp-9020220-na/cx-m-series-cx550m-550-watt-80-plus-bronze-semi-modular-atx-psu-cp-9020220-na |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating6.9 / 10
A safe, unglamorous budget Bronze pick for entry-level gaming PCs that don't need Gold efficiency or full modularity.
Best for
- Entry-level gaming builds under $700 total
- GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600-class GPUs
- Buyers who want modular PCIe/SATA cables without paying RM prices
Not for
- High-end GPUs or multi-GPU setups
- Anyone wanting a fully modular 24-pin/EPS
- Efficiency-focused 24/7 workstation use
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)?
The Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick) is a power supply from Corsair. Key specs: Wattage 550 W, 80 PLUS Rating Bronze, Modularity Semi-Modular, ATX Standard ATX 2.x, 12V-2x6 Connectors 0.
Will the Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick) work with my current setup?
The Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick) lists Wattage is 550 W. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick) best suited to?
It suits entry-level gaming builds under $700 total, gtx 1660 super or rx 6600-class gpus, buyers who want modular pcie/sata cables without paying rm prices.
What are the drawbacks of the Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)?
It is a poor fit for high-end gpus or multi-gpu setups, anyone wanting a fully modular 24-pin/eps, efficiency-focused 24/7 workstation use.
Compare and read more
- ASUS TUF Gaming 750W Bronze (750W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Mainstream Gaming Tier) vs Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)
- be quiet! Pure Power 12 550W (550W/80+ Gold/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Mainstream Value Pick) vs Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)
- ASUS ROG Strix 1000W Gold ATX3.0 (1000W/80+ Gold/ATX/Fully Modular/ATX 3.0) vs Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)
- be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 750W (750W/80+ Gold/ATX 3.0/Mainstream Gaming Tier) vs Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)
- be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850W (850W/80+ Gold/ATX/Fully Modular/ATX 3.0) vs Corsair CX550M (550W/80+ Bronze/Semi-Modular/ATX 2.x/Budget Value Pick)