Antec Earthwatts worth the extra cost?

[rivethead]

I've been starting to seriously look for a new PSU to replace my aging Antec Basiq 350W.

I've been looking for something in the 400W area which should be plenty of power for my needs.

The Antec Earthwatts 430W unit is $65
The Corsair Buildiers Series 430W unit is $27 (after a rebate).

The Antec has two rails (vs 1 for the Corsair) and is 80 Plus Bronze (vs just 80 Plus for the Corsair). But from what I can tell, that just means a 2% difference in efficiency.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...E17-139-026-TS

Now normally I'm all about the best bang-for-the-buck components. And in that case that appears to be the Corsair. However, I'm having second thoughts with a PSU since it's such an important component and really won't ever be obsolete (unless my power requirements change).

So my question is: is the Antec worth the extra cost?

I guess I could also "settle" for the Antec Earthwatts 380W unit for $48.......but damn that Corsair rebate sure does make that unit appealing.

 

[Meghan54]

Well, the Antec can put out 4A, or 48W, more on the +12V rail than the Corsair. And it's a Delta built unit, probably a cut above the Corsair build. I'd more than likely buy the Antec for my own use, the Corsair for a low power build for an acquaintance. Neither is bad by any means, just would lean towards the Antec for my own use.

 

[Throckmorton]

What are the odds that you can distribute your loads between two rails to use them optimally, rather than maxing out one and leaving the other with unused amperage?

 

[lehtv]

$65 for a 430W Antec? For the same price after rebate you can get an XFX 650W, also by seasonic, with 5 year warranty and a strong single rail and 4 PCIe connectors. Or Corsair CX500 V2 for about $35 after rebate and promo.

 

[Wizlem]

$65 is about the max I've seen the 430W earthwatts at, you'll often seen it or the 500W down around 40-45 shipped on the egg. Antec unit is $50 on amazon right now

 

[fffblackmage]

Even if the Delta-built Antec EW is a bit better than the CWT-built Corsair, it's not two times better.

 

[rivethead]

Thanks all. I ordered the Corsair CSX 430 V2 for a net cost of $18.24 after rebate. That should be plenty of power for my needs and if I end up needing more.....well I'm only out $18.24 and will probably just use it in a build for one of my kids.

I'd much rather have had the antec....but just couldn't justify the huge premium.

 

[BoomerD]

The Antec Earthwatts 430 is a Seasonic build
The Corsair CX430 is a Channel Well (CWT) build.

IMO, the Earthwatts is probably a slightly better power supply. but with Corsair's fabulous customer service and warranty, I don't think you'll regret the purchase...especially at that price.

 

[lehtv]

Earthwatts 430W is Seasonic, Earthwatts 430D Green is a Delta. I think the old Earthwatts are not available in most places anymore.

 

[BoomerD]

Earthwatts 430W is Seasonic, Earthwatts 430D Green is a Delta. I think the old Earthwatts are not available in most places anymore.

Good catch. I didn't follow his link to the Newegg comparison...so just went from the OP where he said Earthwatts 430.

It's still not a bad PSU, better than many in that price range.

 

[Zap]

What are the odds that you can distribute your loads between two rails to use them optimally, rather than maxing out one and leaving the other with unused amperage?

The splitting of the +12V rail
"The bottom line is, for 99% of the folks out there single vs. multiple +12V rails is a NON ISSUE. It's something that has been hyped up by marketing folks on BOTH SIDES of the fence."

$65 is about the max I've seen the 430W earthwatts at

That's because it is not on sale, and is at regular price. FYI the Corsair CX430 and CX430V2 regular price is around $50. You just see it on sale often because most people won't buy it at regular price.

 

[lehtv]

And putting it on sale is good for Corsair, helps them gather more customers who might buy a more expensive Corsair later, just because they owned a Corsair before