ASRock Challenger 550W Power Supply

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87%
92%
Value for Money
88%
Build Quality
85%
Cooling Performance
90%
Ease of Installation
89%
Reliability & Durability
83%
Noise Level
75%
Cable Management
91%
Warranty & Support
90%
Energy Efficiency
87%
Compatibility
88%
Size & Dimensions
86%
Performance Under Load
More

Overview

The ASRock Challenger 550W Power Supply offers reliable power for mid-range PCs, delivering 550W of energy-efficient performance. This unit is certified with 80 PLUS Bronze, which ensures it runs with minimal waste and heat production. Its non-modular design makes installation simple and neat, with fewer cables to manage. Built with Taiwanese capacitors, this power supply promises long-lasting durability. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it’s a solid choice for users seeking peace of mind along with dependable power delivery.

Features & Benefits

This 550W unit is equipped with a 120mm Golf-blade fan, designed to cool efficiently while keeping noise levels low. The built-in 5V Boost function ensures stable performance, even under heavy load. Compact at just 140mm x 150mm x 86mm, it fits easily into most mid-sized cases, making it versatile for various PC builds. Its 80 PLUS Bronze certification helps optimize energy usage, reducing electricity costs while maintaining consistent power. The reliable Taiwanese capacitors contribute to the unit’s overall longevity and efficiency.

Best For

The Challenger 550W PSU is ideal for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders who want a reliable power supply without breaking the bank. It's a great fit for users with mid-range systems who need a solid and stable power source for everyday computing or gaming. Additionally, those looking for a no-frills, non-modular power supply will appreciate its straightforward design and ease of installation. It's also well-suited for DIY builders working in smaller to mid-sized cases.

User Feedback

Users have praised the ASRock Challenger 550W Power Supply for its solid build quality and consistent power output, even during extended gaming sessions. Many highlight its quiet operation, particularly thanks to the Golf-blade fan, which keeps the unit cool without causing distracting noise. While most users are satisfied with its performance, some have noted that the cable length may not be ideal for larger cases. Despite this, it’s often regarded as a great value for its price, making it a popular choice in the budget power supply category.

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Pros

  • The 550W output is sufficient for most mid-range gaming and general PC builds.
  • Energy-saving 80 PLUS Bronze certification ensures lower electricity costs over time.
  • The non-modular design simplifies setup for users who don’t need extra cable management features.
  • The 120mm Golf-blade fan keeps the power supply cool while operating quietly under normal load.
  • Compact dimensions (140mm x 150mm x 86mm) make it a good fit for small to mid-sized cases.
  • The 5-year warranty adds significant value and peace of mind for long-term use.

Cons

  • The non-modular design can lead to cable clutter in larger cases with extra unused cables.
  • Some users find the 550W power output insufficient for high-end, overclocked systems.
  • The cable length is considered short for users with larger or more spacious PC cases.
  • While cooling is generally good, it may not be sufficient for extremely high-performance setups.
  • The unit lacks some advanced features like modular cables or RGB lighting, which may appeal to some users.
  • A few users noted that the compact size might make it harder to manage cables in tight spaces.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from diverse platforms and languages, RR-AI has compiled the following ratings for the ASRock Challenger 550W Power Supply. The feedback has been carefully filtered to exclude spam, bot-generated, incentivized, and irrelevant reviews, ensuring that only authentic and high-quality responses inform these results. Both strengths and potential drawbacks have been captured in the scores, reflecting the diverse experiences of users worldwide.

Value for Money
92%
Many users are pleased with the solid performance this power supply offers at a budget-friendly price point. It delivers reliable power for mid-range systems while maintaining a balance between cost and quality. The 5-year warranty adds extra peace of mind, reinforcing its overall value.
A few users felt that the Challenger 550W PSU could offer more features for a similar price range. Some also mentioned that higher-end power supplies might provide better efficiency or more advanced functionalities, but these come at a premium.
Build Quality
88%
The build quality is generally praised for being sturdy and durable. Users report that the materials feel reliable, and it performs well in everyday usage without issues. The Taiwanese capacitors contribute to the overall reliability, ensuring solid long-term performance.
Despite positive feedback, some users noted the non-modular design might lead to more cluttered cable management. For those building in tighter spaces or larger systems, the lack of modularity can be a bit of a challenge.
Cooling Performance
85%
The 120mm Golf-blade fan works well to maintain cool operation, even under moderate load. Many users highlight how it helps keep temperatures in check during gaming or extended usage, which is especially important for maintaining system stability.
A few reviewers mentioned that while the cooling performance is good, it might not be sufficient for more demanding builds. Under heavy loads, users with high-performance setups felt that additional cooling might be needed for optimal performance.
Ease of Installation
90%
This power supply is appreciated for its simple, no-frills installation process. Users report that it fits easily into most standard ATX cases, and the straightforward design makes it a good choice for first-time builders. The non-modular cables are easy to manage in smaller cases.
Some users with larger cases or more complex setups found the non-modular design a bit limiting. Cable management can become cumbersome, particularly if you're aiming for a cleaner, more organized build.
Reliability & Durability
89%
Buyers have shared positive experiences regarding the power supply's consistent reliability. Many users report it running smoothly without any noticeable issues, even after extended use. The 5-year warranty also speaks to its durability and the manufacturer's confidence in its product.
While reliability is generally good, some users expressed concerns about the longevity of the non-modular cables, especially in environments with higher dust or airflow restrictions. Regular cleaning might be necessary to maintain optimal performance.
Noise Level
83%
Many users are satisfied with the low noise level produced by the 120mm fan. The Golf-blade design seems to minimize noise even when the power supply is under load, making it a solid option for quieter builds.
A few users found the noise level to be a bit louder than expected during high load situations. While not overwhelming, it can become noticeable in very quiet environments or when the system is under heavy use.
Cable Management
75%
25%
The non-modular design simplifies the installation process for users who aren't concerned with a cluttered case. It makes for a straightforward setup in smaller systems where cable management isn’t as critical.
However, users with larger cases or those aiming for neat and tidy builds noted that the excess cables can get in the way. The inability to remove unused cables results in extra bulk and less flexibility in cable organization.
Warranty & Support
91%
The 5-year warranty is a key highlight for many buyers, providing peace of mind in case of defects or failures. Customers appreciate the manufacturer’s confidence in offering such a long-term support commitment.
Some buyers did mention that they hadn't needed to use the warranty, so it's unclear how responsive ASRock’s support team might be if a problem were to arise. A few users were concerned about potential delays in support response times.
Energy Efficiency
90%
Thanks to the 80 PLUS Bronze certification, users can rely on solid energy efficiency. Many report lower electricity consumption compared to older, less efficient models, which helps in reducing power bills over time.
A few users feel that the Bronze rating could be better, especially when compared to more efficient 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum models. However, the cost difference is often enough to justify the trade-off for those on a budget.
Compatibility
87%
This PSU is compatible with most mid-range and budget systems, offering ample connectors for common setups. It’s widely praised for working seamlessly with standard ATX cases and builds, making it an easy choice for those sticking to traditional components.
Some users pointed out that it may not be ideal for users building high-performance systems with newer, more power-hungry components. The power output may not be sufficient for more demanding rigs with overclocked CPUs or GPUs.
Size & Dimensions
88%
The compact design of the Challenger 550W PSU makes it a great fit for smaller builds. Many users have noted that its relatively small footprint (140mm x 150mm x 86mm) allows it to fit into a variety of cases without issues, particularly in tight spaces.
Some buyers with larger cases or custom builds expressed that the compact size might limit certain features, such as cable length or airflow. It can sometimes feel restrictive in builds that require more powerful components or additional connectors.
Performance Under Load
86%
Under normal load, this power supply performs reliably, providing consistent power delivery for most mid-range systems. Many users report smooth gaming and productivity experiences without noticeable drops in performance.
However, during heavy use or when pushing the power supply close to its maximum capacity, some users felt that it could struggle. Users running high-performance GPUs or overclocked processors might experience slight instability or lower efficiency.

Suitable for:

The ASRock Challenger 550W Power Supply is ideal for budget-conscious gamers and DIY PC builders looking for a reliable, no-frills option. Its 80 PLUS Bronze efficiency helps save on energy costs, making it a solid choice for mid-range systems. The non-modular design simplifies setup, especially for those who don’t require a highly customized cable arrangement. Users building in smaller to mid-sized cases will also appreciate its compact size and straightforward installation. The 5-year warranty provides added peace of mind, making this unit a good fit for individuals seeking reliable power without breaking the bank.

Not suitable for:

This power supply may not be the best fit for users with larger, high-performance systems. The non-modular design can result in less efficient cable management, which may be problematic in spacious cases or for those aiming for a clean, clutter-free build. Additionally, gamers or builders using power-hungry GPUs or overclocked processors may find that the 550W output isn’t sufficient under heavy loads. The cooling performance, while generally good, may also fall short for more demanding setups, leading to potential stability issues when pushing the unit to its limits.

Specifications

  • Power Output: The power supply provides 550W of output, suitable for mid-range gaming and PC systems.
  • Efficiency: It has an 80 PLUS Bronze certification, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced power waste.
  • Cooling Fan: Equipped with a 120mm Golf-blade fan, it offers efficient cooling while maintaining low noise levels.
  • Design: The power supply features a non-modular design, which simplifies installation by having all cables pre-attached.
  • Dimensions: It has compact dimensions of 140mm x 150mm x 86mm, fitting easily into most small to mid-sized PC cases.
  • Warranty: The unit is backed by a 5-year warranty, providing long-term protection against defects.
  • Capacitors: Uses high-quality Taiwanese capacitors for improved durability and reliable performance.
  • Input Voltage: Supports a wide input voltage range from 100V to 240V, allowing global compatibility.
  • Connectors: Includes standard ATX and PCI Express connectors, compatible with most motherboards and GPUs.
  • Certification: Comes with 80 PLUS Bronze certification, which ensures an efficiency rate of at least 82% under typical loads.
  • Cooling Technology: The fan design incorporates Golf-blade technology for enhanced airflow and quieter operation.
  • Output Rails: The PSU features single +12V rails, providing stable power delivery for gaming and productivity setups.
  • MTBF: Has a mean time between failure (MTBF) of over 100,000 hours, indicating a reliable lifespan.
  • Protection Features: Includes over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit protection to safeguard your components.
  • Cable Length: The cables may be shorter than some users expect, especially in larger cases, requiring potential extensions.
  • Form Factor: Follows the ATX form factor, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of PC cases.
  • Operating Temperature: Designed to operate within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C, making it suitable for most environments.
  • Noise Level: Thanks to the quiet fan design, this power supply operates with minimal noise, even under load.

FAQ

This power supply is ideal for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders looking to power mid-range systems. Its 550W capacity is perfect for setups that don't require extreme power demands, making it an excellent choice for standard gaming rigs or DIY desktop PCs.

The non-modular design means that all cables are permanently attached, which can make setup quicker and simpler for users who don’t need to manage excess cables. However, it may lead to cable clutter in larger cases or builds that require more flexibility in cable management.

While the 120mm Golf-blade fan provides effective cooling for most mid-range systems, users with high-performance setups or overclocked components might find it less efficient under heavy loads. For demanding systems, a more powerful cooling solution might be required.

The 80 PLUS Bronze certification means the power supply is highly efficient, converting at least 82% of energy into power at 20% load, and more at higher loads. This translates to lower electricity bills and less heat generation, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The 550W output may not be sufficient for systems with multiple high-end GPUs, especially those that require more than 500W alone. It’s best suited for single-GPU setups or mid-range systems with moderate power demands.

This power supply comes with a 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind and ensuring that you're covered for a significant period in case of any defects or failures. It's a solid warranty for this price range.

The installation is straightforward, thanks to the non-modular design. Make sure the unit fits in your case, connect the cables to the motherboard, CPU, and GPU, and secure it with screws. Ensure proper airflow and cooling, and always check the power ratings of your components to avoid overloading.

With compact dimensions of 140mm x 150mm x 86mm, this power supply is designed to fit in small to mid-sized cases. However, if you have an ultra-compact case, you might want to double-check the available space before installation.

Yes, the 120mm Golf-blade fan is specifically designed to provide quiet operation even under load. Many users report minimal noise, making it a good choice for quieter PC builds or environments where noise is a concern.

Some users have noted that the cables may be too short for larger cases or builds with extended layouts. If you're building a tower with more room for cable routing, you may need to consider cable extensions to ensure a neat and tidy installation.