Chieftec Proton BDF-500S

Available "Bronze"

In 2017, Chieftec released a new line of 7 Proton PSUs, where three of the younger models carry the prefix "S", and the four older models have the designation "C", which means a fully modular cable system. Otherwise, they have a lot in common: compliance with the 80 PLUS Bronze certificate, the power of the +12 V line is equal to the nominal value of the entire PSU, modern circuitry based on DC-DC converters is used, and the entire range of available protections (SIP, UVP, OCP, OTP, AFC).

Almost perfect middle class

In tests, this model proved to be a solid five. With test loads, the voltage on the +12 V, +5 V and +3.3 V power lines remained in excellent condition, the ripples were barely noticeable, and the voltage did not sag even when connected to a PC with a powerful hardware configuration. Also pleased with his tact and unobtrusiveness. Up to the 100W mark, the Proton BDF-500S is very quiet. Between 100 and 250 watts, it can be described as quiet. Above a load of 250W, the sound from the fan becomes more audible, but remains at a comfortable below-average level.

The case when it is worth overpaying

All in all, this is a great mid-range transitional model for those who don't want to overpay for Gold-certified models, but also don't plan to save $20 for cutting everything and everything, as is always the case with inexpensive power supplies. It will easily pull a configuration with a powerful processor and a voracious graphics card of the RX 5600 XT caliber, moreover, without drawdowns below the nominal value of the output lines. And to find something better for the money will be quite difficult.