Accidental dup of: https://sh.itjust.works/post/45493802 .. or cross post? idk.
Wait, this is 'cheap' these days?
Last I bought a PSU, it was a 750 watt, at only $49.99 or so.
Sure it ended up having some issues after like 5 years of use, but hey, a smoker just kinda has to take that hit in the balls once in a while. I cleaned the board though and now it works again, yay!
I was shocked seeing $130 be considered "so cheap"
Compared against a 250€ be quiet! Dark Power 13 1000W ATX 3.0, it is.
I got my ASUS ROG 850W Platinum for 100 euros, two years ago. XPG is a pretty unknown to me so I'm shocked this is considered cheap.
Edit: had a check on my go to tech website and this unit used to be around 250. I guess it has some unique features or something.
That said, the CyberCore II has replaced it. This is the older model. I also see they run on 115V making them pretty useless in Europe.
Heads up - your location is showing in this picture
Be careful with Walmart. Just cause it's on their website doesn't mean it's legit. That said, looks cheap, but not that cheap. I'd rather go name brand
Converting AC electricity into low voltage DC is fairly trivial. If you're so inclined, you can build a rudimentary 12v psu yourself for pocket change.
Maintaining a consistent power output within a certain tolerance under load is where things get complex and costly.
The finer your tolerance and more robust your protection systems, the more expensive your components get and the more of them you need.
Assuming that there is good market competition and prices aren't being jacked up for no reason, the difference between a $100 psu and a $500 psu is the difference between one with redundant protection systems, smooth and reliable power output, and a long life expectancy vs one that has far fewer of those things.
If you're slapping a replacement psu into an old system that you've had for five years, and you don't have a lot of investment in, then go cheap. If you're building new and high end, then don't cheap out on a component that could fry thousands of dollars worth of new equipment when things go wrong.