Antec PSUs

[bengalih]

I'm deciding on a PSU for my new system.

I will be using an ASUS Mobo with mostly integrated options, and an X2 CPU.

I am looking for a case/psu combination that runs me around the $150 mark total.

I'm looking for it to run fairly quiet (as I keep it in my bedroom) and cool enough to deal with the possibiliy of 3 HDD (starting with 1) and possible OCing.

I am having a hard time differentiating between which of the Antec PSU lines to go with, the Neo, TruePower, or SmartPower.

They each seem to have their own pluses and minuses, like cable mangement, 120mm fans, thermal control, etc.

For my needs, as stated above (quiet, cool, 2-3 HDD, possible OC), which would be the best line to go with and how how of an output do I need.

Some of the Antec cases come bundled with a PSU, and as I'm looking to stay around the $150 mark for the both, any recommendations on a set are also welcome.

Thanks!

p.s. I'm not tied to Antec, so if there is something better out there for comparable cost, I'm open to it.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Bengali its very possible to get a nice case and a seperate PSU for around or even under $150.

My opinion on PSU`s at least in the price range you are looking for would be to stay away from antec and go with a Fortron.
You could get nice fortron for a very descent price.
Myself I would probably go with the forton FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN ATX12V 450W Power Supply - Retail $49.99!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=Browse&Manufactory=1919

There are a few other brands I might look at.....Zippy but now your creeping into the higher end mid level priced CPUs....

Good Luck!!

Again I think you would be much better off going seperates a nice case and a seperate PSU!!

 

[bengalih]

I can get a Antec Smart Power 450 for the same price.

What would recommend one over the other?

 

[Ping to the Pong]

I think Jedi picked good PSU for the price. Fortron PSUs are great for the price. The Antec Smart Power 450 is average, the Smart Power series is Antecs lowest line i believe. But you like Antec, then pick up the Sonata II which already comes with a Smart Power 450 watt PSU.

You can get the Sonata II on NewEgg for 99.99: Linky

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: bengalih
I can get a Antec Smart Power 450 for the same price.

What would recommend one over the other?

Well from my point of view thats an easy question...

Antec buys the Cap`s for their PSU`s in bulk without any sort of hands on quality control.

Fortron as well as a few other companies namely Zippy and PC Power & Cooling and possibly OCZ all are very selective about the Cap`s they use in there PSU`s.

From time to time Antec will have Caps go bad on there PSU`s......

Just for peace of mind mainly I would go with fortron or a different brand.

I have never heard of Zippy or PC Power & Cooling in the last few years ever having a bad batch of Caps.

Just my opinioon.
If you are happy thats all that counts!

 

[bengalih]

So Antec advertises the following bullet points about it's TruePower line:

-Single 120mm low noise fan
-Dual 12V outputs, for stability and safety
-True Spec noise level of 21.3 dBA measured at an independent lab using ISO 7779 standard
-ATX12V 2.01 compliant. 24-pin main power connector with detachable 4-pin section for universal motherboard compatibility
-4 Serial ATA connectors
-PCI Express graphic card power connectors
-Dedicated output for more stability and less ripple noise
-Feedback circuits for tighter load regulation (±3%) to maintain accurate voltage to all components
-Industrial-grade protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits, power overloads, excessive current, excessive voltage , excessive temperatures
-Fan Only power connectors allow True Power to control case fan speeds, reducing total system noise
-MTBF: 80,000 hours
-Safety approval: CB, DEMKO, FCC Class B, FIMKO, EMKO, UL, VDE, TUV
-Gold plated connectors for superior conductivity

and here are it's Smart Power features:

-ATX12V version 2.0
-Dual 12V output circuitry provides added system stability and meets 240VA UL requirements and safety purpose: 12V1 for Motherboard and peripherals; 12V2 for processor
-ATX12V v2.0 compliance allows SmartPower 2.0 to consume up to 25% less power than standard power supplies, saving you money on your electric bill. 24-pin power connector with detachable 4-pin section for backwards compatibility with ATX 20-pin motherboards.
-4 SATA Connectors support Serial ATA drives
-Flow-through dual 80mm fans (one intake and one exhaust)
-Unique Dual Fans Technology: exhaust fan starts to spin when the power supply reaches certain temperatures to ensure proper airflow, the second fan spins on power up
Industrial grade protection prevents damage resulting from short circuits, power overloads, excessive current, low voltages and excessive voltages
-Increased 12V output capability for system components that consume more power from 12V rail
-PCI-E graphic connector
-Safety approvals: UL, CUL, TUV, CB, FCC Class B, CE, CCC
-Increased MTBF: 80,000 hours
-Size: 6.1"(L) x 5.9" (D) x 3.4" (H)
-PF value greater than 90% (EU only)
-Gold plated connector for superior conductivity


So how does the Fortron model compare in these features? The Antec's have features like the Dual-Fan or the Controllable fan speeds. Are these features found in the Fortron too? And all the db levels and voltage output controls?

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: bengalih
So Antec advertises the following bullet points about it's TruePower line:

-Single 120mm low noise fan
-Dual 12V outputs, for stability and safety
-True Spec noise level of 21.3 dBA measured at an independent lab using ISO 7779 standard
-ATX12V 2.01 compliant. 24-pin main power connector with detachable 4-pin section for universal motherboard compatibility
-4 Serial ATA connectors
-PCI Express graphic card power connectors
-Dedicated output for more stability and less ripple noise
-Feedback circuits for tighter load regulation (±3%) to maintain accurate voltage to all components
-Industrial-grade protection circuitry prevents damage resulting from short circuits, power overloads, excessive current, excessive voltage , excessive temperatures
-Fan Only power connectors allow True Power to control case fan speeds, reducing total system noise
-MTBF: 80,000 hours
-Safety approval: CB, DEMKO, FCC Class B, FIMKO, EMKO, UL, VDE, TUV
-Gold plated connectors for superior conductivity

and here are it's Smart Power features:

-ATX12V version 2.0
-Dual 12V output circuitry provides added system stability and meets 240VA UL requirements and safety purpose: 12V1 for Motherboard and peripherals; 12V2 for processor
-ATX12V v2.0 compliance allows SmartPower 2.0 to consume up to 25% less power than standard power supplies, saving you money on your electric bill. 24-pin power connector with detachable 4-pin section for backwards compatibility with ATX 20-pin motherboards.
-4 SATA Connectors support Serial ATA drives
-Flow-through dual 80mm fans (one intake and one exhaust)
-Unique Dual Fans Technology: exhaust fan starts to spin when the power supply reaches certain temperatures to ensure proper airflow, the second fan spins on power up
Industrial grade protection prevents damage resulting from short circuits, power overloads, excessive current, low voltages and excessive voltages
-Increased 12V output capability for system components that consume more power from 12V rail
-PCI-E graphic connector
-Safety approvals: UL, CUL, TUV, CB, FCC Class B, CE, CCC
-Increased MTBF: 80,000 hours
-Size: 6.1"(L) x 5.9" (D) x 3.4" (H)
-PF value greater than 90% (EU only)
-Gold plated connector for superior conductivity


So how does the Fortron model compare in these features? The Antec's have features like the Dual-Fan or the Controllable fan speeds. Are these features found in the Fortron too? And all the db levels and voltage output controls?

Features:
?High efficiency
?Low ripple &Noise
?Output over voltage protection
?Short circuit protection on all output
?Safety approved: NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE
?100% burn-in under high ambient temperature (50 degree C.)
?Vacuum-impregnated transformer
?MTBF: 100K hours
?100% Hi-pot tested
?Line input fuse protection
?With 12 Cm fan

Input Characteristics:
?Voltage: 115 / 230 VAC
?Frequency: 47Hz to 63Hz
?Input current: 5 amps maximum / 230 Vrms, 50 Hz
?Inrush current: 90amps cold, 120 amps warm measured at 264 Vrms
?Remote ON/OFF Control: The Power supply shall accept a logic open collector level which will disable /enable all out put voltage (excluding +5V standby).
?Temperature range: operating 0 degree C.~50 degree C. storage -20 degree C. ~+65 degree C.
?Temperature coefficient:0.01% / degree C.
?Transient response: output voltage recovers in less than 1 ms max. following a 25%load change
?Hold-up time: 12.0 mS minimum : at 230V / 50 Hz.
?Dielectric withstand: input / output 1800VAC for1 second, input to frame ground 1800VAC for 1 second
?Humidity: 5~90% RH
?Efficiency: 70% min. 70% typical, at full load
?Power good signal: turn-on delay 100ms to 500ms
?Over current protection
?Over voltage protection: +5V +3.3V +12V

Im not going to get in a pissing contest with you about Antec vs Fortron bewcuase thats not what I thought this thread was about...

You stated at the bottom of your thread--
p.s. I'm not tied to Antec, so if there is something better out there for comparable cost, I'm open to it.

So I gave you an alternative...
I also later in this thread I told you about Antecs issues with bad Caps....
Since it appears you have your heart set to discuss one over the other why even start the thread asking for advice?

Good Luck and I hope you are happy with your Antec PSU!!

After all in the end thats all that counts!!

 

[zagood]

Yoda's got some good points, and the Fortron PSUs are very good.

So far I haven't had any trouble with the Antec's I've bought (knock on wood). The TruPower will give you better amps and better stability, and usually quiter. I've never owned a NeoHE but I've heard good things about them as long as you don't have one particular ASUS motherboard, can't remember which one...

So, six of one, half dozen of the other.

For quiet resources, see here:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/section4.html

For the best all around PSU guide, see here:
http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=136602

-z

 

[bengalih]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Im not going to get in a pissing contest with you about Antec vs Fortron bewcuase thats not what I thought this thread was about...

You stated at the bottom of your thread--
p.s. I'm not tied to Antec, so if there is something better out there for comparable cost, I'm open to it.

So I gave you an alternative...
I also later in this thread I told you about Antecs issues with bad Caps....
Since it appears you have your heart set to discuss one over the other why even start the thread asking for advice?

Good Luck and I hope you are happy with your Antec PSU!!

After all in the end thats all that counts!!

Whoa there friend, I wasn't trying to start a pissing contest with anyone, I'm just trying to be an educated consumer. It seems that most of the bullet points that you offer for the Fortron deals with its electrical chatacteristics and is more a very detailed specification of what most PSUs offer. I don't doubt the high quality of the Fortron, it just doesn't seem to offer any of the "bells and whistles" that the Antec's offer.

Maybe I am wrong, and the modular cable system, or dual-fans, or controllable fan speed that the TruePower line offers is just marketing hype. But, this is what I am trying to figure out.

I can tell from their reputation that Fortron probably has a smaller chance of failure than other PSUs, but do they offer more features and are those features actually things that give benefit or just marketing hype?

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: bengalih

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Im not going to get in a pissing contest with you about Antec vs Fortron bewcuase thats not what I thought this thread was about...

You stated at the bottom of your thread--
p.s. I'm not tied to Antec, so if there is something better out there for comparable cost, I'm open to it.

So I gave you an alternative...
I also later in this thread I told you about Antecs issues with bad Caps....
Since it appears you have your heart set to discuss one over the other why even start the thread asking for advice?

Good Luck and I hope you are happy with your Antec PSU!!

After all in the end thats all that counts!!

Whoa there friend, I wasn't trying to start a pissing contest with anyone, I'm just trying to be an educated consumer. It seems that most of the bullet points that you offer for the Fortron deals with its electrical chatacteristics and is more a very detailed specification of what most PSUs offer. I don't doubt the high quality of the Fortron, it just doesn't seem to offer any of the "bells and whistles" that the Antec's offer.

Maybe I am wrong, and the modular cable system, or dual-fans, or controllable fan speed that the TruePower line offers is just marketing hype. But, this is what I am trying to figure out.

I can tell from their reputation that Fortron probably has a smaller chance of failure than other PSUs, but do they offer more features and are those features actually things that give benefit or just marketing hype?

Okay good example....
Take a look at my PSU......
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51DX
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51DX&view=techspecs
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T51DX&view=photos

Now look at what i was considering before I went with the PC Power & Cooling...
look at all the bells and whistles...
http://www.sin-tek.com/sintek-products-sintek500sli.htm

I agree bells and whistles are very nice to have...
But if your serious about having a quality power supply and having peace of mind....
Well then you know I went and bought the PC Power & Cooling!!

Also heres something to read....

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/about/interview.php

In conclusion many many people have modular units and led readings and adjustable rails etc....

But in the end I opted for what I consider to be quality and substance over bells and whistles.

Just my opinion.

Yes I do like bells and whistles just not on the most important component in my system the PSU!!

All my fans except one is LED and even my Vid card fan as well as my Zalman 9500 all are Led Blue....

Again there is alot to consider when making a PSU purchase.

Good Luck!!

 

[JEDIYoda]

then you could always check out this whole thread which has some very good comments for and against modular and there is no flaming in this thread which i found to be totally amazing!!

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=37&threadid=1720779&enterthread=y

 

[bengalih]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Yes I do like bells and whistles just not on the most important component in my system the PSU!!

All my fans except one is LED and even my Vid card fan as well as my Zalman 9500 all are Led Blue....

Again there is alot to consider when making a PSU purchase.

I'm not looking for "bells and whistles" in the form of anything non-functional. There will be no bling-bling in my case, as I prefer to customize my motorcycle not my PC

But the "bells-and whistles" advertised on the Antec PSUs actually seem to be helpful. Again, I especially bring up the dual-fan architecture, or the fan speed controls.

As I haven't bought a PSU in over 5 years, most of these features are new, so I don't really know what works and what is just hype.

I guess the question is does the Fortron work as well at keeping cool and quiet like the TruePower or SmartPower series would? Or does the Fortron do it just as well w/out those fancier techniques?

To be honest, if I was told that the Antecs were cooler and/or quieter but had a 10% more chance of failure, I would probably take the risk, but as of yet, I'm still undecided.

 

[Wolfshanze]

There's a number of people who complain about Antec PSU's being no good, they always quote the ubiquitous "I've heard of people who have had an Antec PSU fail on them".

I've also heard of more people with Toyota engine problems then people with Saab engine problems... but then again, Toyota sells a LOT more cars then Saab, so you have more people with Toyota's then Saabs.

Antec is one of the largest producers of PSUs... it's got a large market saturation, so naturally, you're going to hear of people with bum PSUs. If you've got 102 friends, and ten say they had bad Antecs and only one said they had a bad Fortran, which is the better PSU? Would it matter if I told you 100 of your friends had Antecs and only two of your friends had Fortrans? Antec 10% failure rate, Fortran 50% fail rate. Of course, I'm completely exagerating here, but I think you get my point.

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with a Fortran (not my point), I'm simply saying people blow the failure rate of Antecs out of proportion simply because you probably ALWAYS know somebody with an Antec due to market penetration.

Bengalih... there's nothing wrong with having an Antec... I've been using various Antecs for about a decade now and have never had a single one of them fail... including one in my current system (knock on wood), that you can see in my sig-line.

If you want to get an Antec, go ahead... they are good PSUs... the TruePower (or TrueBlue) series are all fine PSUs.

 

[bengalih]

Thanks, but again, I'm really not debating which is a better quality PSU, and I'm not tied to Antec (really!!).

I just want to know how the Fortron's compare with the features of the Antec's like the dual fan or controlled fan speed technologies.

It appears that the Fortron's don't have these, so is it because they actually don't do anything (hype)? or do they work and are worth having?

 

[JEDIYoda]

Bottom line is hype works and others don1t need hype...nothing wrong with hype and nothing wrong with just plain being a good solid workhorse!1

 

[Greenman]

bengalih, fan speed controll and dual fans are value added fetures, you don't really need them, but some people want them and are willing to pay for them. The Fortron psu's are more "work horse" power supplies. No bling bling, no bells and whistles, just good quality PSU's with solid performance. The Antec True Power line has some added fetures that might or might not be worth while. Since I'm not sure what "Dedicated output" is, I don't know if you want it or not. "Feedback circuits for tighter load regulation (±3%) to maintain accurate voltage to all components " sounds like a good thing to me, but again, I don't know and have no way to test it. Read reviews, then decide.

 

[Nocturnal]

TrueControl II

 

[theslickvik]

in your dreams