Installation and Testing:

The b-Tarantula 650 Watt PSU actually matches some of the black interior cases I've seen around the web. The recently reviewed Ultra m998 Mid-Tower actually goes quite well with the b-Tarantula. It almost looks like the two conspired to create matching black appearances.

b-Tarantula 650 Watt Installed

The shorter modular cabling coming out of the PSU did make installation easier in both the m998, Lian Li PC-A10 black version, and even the DangerDen Torture Rack. The cabling is nicer in that I didn't have to go fishing for the right angle to plug the connector in to the right socket. Trying to look in to a PSU chamber like that in the Lian Li to fit the cabling in is even trickier. With the b-Tarantula, it wasn't a big deal at all and it doesn't look any different than a regular modular PSU. The Torture Rack was easier to access. It was the only case that is friendly with any and every kind of power supply.

Two tests were performed to see what you can expect in real world use. The rail voltages were tested for typical system use at stock and overclocked settings to look for any voltage fluctuations. Then a full load test where the PSU is tested up to its 650 Watt rating. You don't want to buy a PSU if it can't provide its rated wattage. This is where I basically can say a power supply passes or fails. Let's heat it up.

Oh, yeah! The fresh smell of electronic components that haven't had to power 650 watts since it left the factory. Preliminary system testing had only pulled a lowly 380 watts at maximum load. At 650 watts, the 130mm fan really isn't loud at all, which is nice to know for those needing a quieter PSU. The power supply's circuitry eventually powered down at about 665 watts. The main thing that was nice to see is the very limited voltage rail drops as the PSU reached 650 watts. The rails were quite acceptable during the BBQ and this is really all that matters when selecting a power supply.

Standard performance is right on par with a great PSU. Voltages were stable and fluctuate more than .08 volts. Every power supply I've tested to date all have some sort of fluctuations. With the exception of one, which can't be found for sale anymore, the rest never saw a solid voltage drop during normal operations that would warrant it a failure. Just as expected, the Tarantula 650 had reasonably stable 3.3 and 5 volt rails which never fell below specs. At full power, the 12 volt rails were the only thing to droop to the 12 volt area, but never below.

Conclusion:

And the truth about big wattage power supplies is still true. Very few users need 750 to 1000 watt power. The reality is such that most of us just don't need that kind of power. And while we have those power houses on the shelves, there are still far more power supplies in the 500 to 700 watt range to choose from at your local PC stores. You'll probably all kinds of names to choose from, but typically not the ones you want. Those really cheap no name power supplies are the epitome of "you get what you pay for". At around $129.99, the price reflects the time taken to construct the power supply with some good components. But, at this price, it positions itself closer to the range of more powerful power supplies from the likes of Antec. If the market price is a bit lower, it will definitely compete above and beyond comparable power supplies. 

VH Approved!

What can be said that the testing hasn't? The b-Gears b-Tarantula 650 Watt Moduler PSU is aimed at the folks looking for a bit more power for their Quad Core or gaming machine. Voltage performance is as good as any serious computer owner should expect. Voltage rails are reliable and live up to its rated wattage. There really isn't much that could be improved with the internal circuitry. The fact that a power supply can power a system without worrying about reliability is all that's really worth something. This is exactly the kind of thing you want for your hard earned dollar.

The outward appearance is pretty decent and quite clean. b-Gears put a bit of focus on this new power supply line that's nice to see, especially for a final revision. Not much can really be improved upon a PSU that is a bit more budget oriented. You might find the cabling idea a little too unique at first, but it'll surprise you just how handy it can be redirecting the modular cables for easier connecting. Users with a more compact computer case will like how much easier it is to maneuver the wiring. If there's a weakness in the b-Gears 650 Watt b-Tarantula power supply, I couldn't find it. If you want to save some cash and don't need that over rated "Giga watt" power supply, this is an excellent, new choice that's well balanced and worth the price.

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