Looking for a PSU

fierydemise

Platinum Member
Apr 16, 2005
2,056
2
81
I need a PSU that is ATX2.0 can run a 6800GT (Graphics card connector) and 3200 Venice, quiet is important but if the thing isn't silent I won't complain I just don't want something thats going to have an incessant whine. I would also like the cables sleeved to help with airflow, and I'm trying to keep this under $80 but if nessisary I'll go a little over.
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
I'll buy a Antec TPII to match my Antec SLK3000B one of these days. I've been poundering whether to get the Seasonic S12 430W or 500W. SPCR said in their that the 430W is using circuits from their previous model, while the 500W and 600W use new circuits. that's a helluva jump from $100 for 430W to $150 for 500W. That 80% efficiency sure's tempting.
 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
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Originally posted by: Baked
...I've been poundering whether to get the Seasonic S12 430W or 500W...That 80% efficiency sure's tempting.

Baked:

Which of the two was quoted at 80% efficiency, the 430W or the 500W and is that under FULL Load???

Greg

 

wisdomtooth

Golden Member
Dec 21, 2004
1,155
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0
Originally posted by: Fisher999
Which of the two was quoted at 80% efficiency, the 430W or the 500W and is that under FULL Load???

80-plus certification for Seasonic

"The 80 Plus test is quite tough: Their standard calls for 80% or better efficiency at 20, 50 and 100% loads. It's the 20% load test that's the challenge; for lower rated PSUs, this means high efficiency at very low power, which is usually difficult. Surprisingly, the newly certified 80 Plus PSU is the Seasonic SS-400HT APFC, a 400W model, which means it reached 80% efficiency at just 80W load. Seasonic says the newly released S12-500 and S12-600 retail models are, in fact, the higher power models of this 80 Plus qualifying PSU. Download the 80 Plus press release (a PDF)."
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
Well, I guess $50 or even $60 isn't that much money, but I'd like to spend less than $150 on a single PSU. Gonna wait for the next sale.
 

Promethply

Golden Member
Mar 28, 2005
1,741
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Get the Antec Truepower II, the new line of PSUs with more total Amps on dual 12V rails, and at least as quiet as their Neopower 480W
 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
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Originally posted by: wisdomtooth


..It's the 20% load test that's the challenge; for lower rated PSUs, this means high efficiency at very low power, which is usually difficult. Surprisingly, the newly certified 80 Plus PSU is the Seasonic SS-400HT APFC, a 400W model, which means it reached 80% efficiency at just 80W load. Seasonic says the newly released S12-500 and S12-600 retail models are, in fact, the higher power models of this 80 Plus qualifying PSU...
Some people have gotten down on me for purchasing the Fortron Source AX500A. If you look at Tom's recent review of 20 somethings P/S you will see over here that the Fortron Source AX500A pulled the highest efficiency of ANY of the units tested at 75.2 % at 20% load. :)
 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
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Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
Originally posted by: Fisher999
Which of the two was quoted at 80% efficiency, the 430W or the 500W and is that under FULL Load???

80-plus certification for Seasonic

"The 80 Plus test is quite tough: Their standard calls for 80% or better efficiency at 20, 50 and 100% loads. It's the 20% load test that's the challenge; for lower rated PSUs, this means high efficiency at very low power, which is usually difficult. Surprisingly, the newly certified 80 Plus PSU is the Seasonic SS-400HT APFC, a 400W model, which means it reached 80% efficiency at just 80W load. Seasonic says the newly released S12-500 and S12-600 retail models are, in fact, the higher power models of this 80 Plus qualifying PSU. Download the 80 Plus press release (a PDF)."

In fact wisdom, check out what you much beloved silentpcreview.com site has to say about the efficiency of the Fortron Source AX500A over here. They feel it has some of the highest efficiency numbers across a WIDE RANGE of loads compared to some models that just have a high PEAK efficiency at HIGH LOADS.

Greg

 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
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Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
...Seasonic says the newly released S12-500 and S12-600 retail models are, in fact, the higher power models of this 80 Plus qualifying PSU

Here's at quote taken from your beloved silentpcreview on the Fortron Source AX-500A that states "...EFFICIENCY was just short of top notch...the Blue Storm has an extremely flat efficiency curve, and its peak efficiency is between 150W and 250W: right in the typical power range. There are other power supplies that have a higher peak efficiency, but these units typically reach this peak at wattages that are beyond what most systems draw. Furthermore, the difference between the highest and the lowest measured efficiency for the whole 460W range was just 3%. Our measurements place the Blue Storm well above its rated efficiency of >70%.....

Greg

 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
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Originally posted by: Baked
But the Fortron PSU's so loud compared to the Seasonic S12.

So true Baked. In the review of the Fortron at silentpcreview.com I see that at 200W load it is tested at a reasonable 36 dBA/1m while at 250 W load the noise jumps to 42 dBA. Interesting though that it doesn't get much louder than that under heavier loads; 43 dBA at 300W, 45 dBA at 400W and 45dBA at it's 460 (highest rated) FULL LOAD.

Greg
 

nordik

Junior Member
Apr 29, 2005
18
0
0
Originally posted by: Promethply
Get the Antec Truepower II, the new line of PSUs with more total Amps on dual 12V rails, and at least as quiet as their Neopower 480W

Agreed,

Friend of mine has one of these in his rig and it runs very nice and rock-solid volt levels.
 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
0
0
Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
The 80 Plus test is quite tough: Their standard calls for 80% or better efficiency at 20, 50 and 100% loads. It's the 20% load test that's the challenge... Surprisingly, the newly certified 80 Plus PSU is the Seasonic SS-400HT APFC, a 400W model, which means it reached 80% efficiency at just 80W load.


Yeah, seasonic's are nice and quiet. I would also recomend one[/quote]

Well, it looks like the jury has reached a verdict. The Seasonics are not only EXTREMELY efficient but also EXTREMELY QUIET.

Now, would anyone like to purchase an UNOPENED, still-in-shrinkwrap Fortron Source AX-500A that I just purchased and received from over here at NewEgg ???

 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
1,670
0
0
Originally posted by: Bonesdad
Another vote for Seasonic...quitest PSU I have ever used.

I'm seriously considering purchasing a Seasonic S12-430 from PCAlchemy and then selling my just-purchased Fortron Source AX500A when I can find a buyer.

WISDOMTOOTH you were RIGHT all along ! :thumbsup:

 

fierydemise

Platinum Member
Apr 16, 2005
2,056
2
81
The problem is that the Seasonic S12 doesn't have an video card connector (except on the 500W and 600W version), and I really don't want to have to mess around with an adapter
 

deanx0r

Senior member
Oct 1, 2002
890
20
76
130 bucks + shipping is a steep price.

I still think the Fortron is a better deal for $69 shipped over here.

460W
120mm fan
Quiet (not as quiet as Seasonic, but still quiet ;))
PCI-E, SATA connectors, and EZ molex plug
Sleeved cables!!! YES !!!
Excellent reviews everywhere on the web.