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Final Analysis
The SuperNOVA 650 G3 incorporates a number of improvements compared to its predecessor, including more compact dimensions, the FDB fan, quieter operation, and a nicer-looking exterior. On the other hand, we find it odd that the 650 G3 comes with fewer connectors than its predecessor. It is a great shame for such a capable PSU to only have one EPS connector and three PCIe ones (versus the two EPS and at least four PCIe connectors we want to see). It's unclear why EVGA and Super Flower restricted this PSU's usability with such a peculiar cable configuration, but we strongly believe it was the wrong decision. Updated models should be better than what came before in every discipline, at least remaining the same in certain areas. But in no circumstance should a newer model be inferior. Surely the diminished footprint and quieter FDB fan will make many enthusiasts happy, while fewer cables and connectors will bother others.
Thankfully, many mid-range Nvidia graphics cards only need a single PCIe connector. But the top models (GeForce GTX 1080 Ti and Titan Xp) need two, as do AMD's Radeon RX Vega boards. If you want to install a pair of high-end cards, the SuperNOVA 650 G3 is simply not an option.
EVGA's SuperNOVA 650 G3 demonstrates great performance in almost every discipline. Its hold-up time satisfies the ATX requirements, and its power-good signal is accurate. The only notable downside, beside the reduced cable/connector count, is an improperly tuned fan profile. In addition to getting overly aggressive at operating temperatures above 35°C, the fan also starts at unnecessarily high rotational speeds. With a lower minimum fan speed and a smoother ramp up to higher RPM, this PSU's overall noise output could be much lower.
One of the 650 G3's direct competitors is Corsair's RM650x, which gives up some points in the performance category, but generates a lot less noise. So, if you want a quieter PSU, the RM650x (or RM650i) is a better choice. On the other hand, if you're willing to tolerate noise in exchange for higher performance, EVGA's SuperNOVA 650 G3 should be at the top of your shopping list. For now, a $90 (with mail-in rebate) price puts this EVGA unit at the top of our value chart, too.
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Disclaimer: Aris Mpitziopoulos is Tom's Hardware's PSU reviewer. He is also the Chief Testing Engineer of Cybenetics, and developed the Cybenetics certification methodologies apart from his role on Tom's Hardware. Neither Tom's Hardware nor its parent company, Purch Media, are financially involved with Cybenetics. Aris does not perform the actual certifications for Cybenetics.
