New Seasonic M12II modular PSUs

[aussiestilgar]

Seasonic recently announced their new M12II PSUs, available in 430W and 500W variants.
Check out the summary here.
More detail in the PDF here.

The 430W version comes with 2 +12V Rails rated at 17A each, whereas the 500W version also uses 2 +12V rails which are rated 17A and 18A. They both come with 6 SATA connectors, along with the rest of the usual stuff. Seems almost the same as the S12.

I'm looking to buy a PSU this month, to power an overclocked E6750/Q6600 with 2 SATA HDDs, 1 SATA Optical and an 8800GT, with the option to go with SLI in the future. Do you think the 430W M12II will suffice for this setup? I want something modular, and I like the Corsair HX520, however with only 4 SATA, I'm leaning toward the Seasonic.

Looking forward to some reviews/retail pricing...

 

[tomoyo]

Looks really interesting if the pricing is right. Could be a real winner for all single gpu systems. The only thing troubling on first look is the pretty low 12v rails. Note the 430w is a 360W 12v and 500w is a 420w 12v, I would prefer something closer to 40-50w less than the rated wattage.

 

[JEDIYoda]

We have all been taught that the wattage really is not an issue...

Whats important is what is on the 12volt rail....

Notice the --
330-- 8 and 14 amp rails
380-- 10 and 15 amp rails
430-- 14 and 15 amp rails
500-- 17 and 16 amp rails
600-- 18 and 18 amp rails!!

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Earthwatts 500 is the best deal. Unit often sell for $30 AR.

The Earthwatts 380/500, TruePower Trio 430/550 (version A2), Corsair 450/520/620, and Seasonic 650 S12 Plus (88% efficiency) are based on the same core topology with slighly better voltage regulation (+/-0.08V @ 12V rail) and secondary caps on the more expensive units. Visually, these PSUs use Seasonic specs primary transformer(s). We benched them on laboratory-grade power and SPL equipments (can't specify names due to G job). Ambient air temp = 25C, +/- 1.5.

AC component is very low with the Earthwatts...less than 10mV up to full load. Corsair is highest with a very respectable 30mV.

The lower-powered Earthwatts 380 and Corsair 450 yield the best efficiency curve under 100 watts load. Often 3 to 4% higher than the more powerful PSUs. You would save the most on electric bill with these two PSUs if you don't run your rig at full load 24/7.

Above 100 watts, the efficiency of all units were within +/- 1.5% up to 85% load. The Antecs failed to maintain 80% efficiency at full load (78% efficient). I would expect the Seasonic S12 + to do much better with a claimed 88% efficiency. Perhaps Seasonic uses European voltage in the advertising literature.

Corsair is the clear winner in noise vs power output because the fan rpm is set at a very low speed up to 75% load. The result is much hotter exhaust temperature (+10C) above 40% load.

Like the Corsair and Seasonic PSUs, Antec is whisper quiet up to 35% load. The fan rpm ramps up (almost linearly) at higher load to keep the electronics cooler. The exhaust temp hits +10C at 75% load.

The Seasonic unit doesn't ramp up the fan rpm until 55% load. Therefore, the perceived noise level is somewhere between the Corsair and Antec.

The efficiency curves of these PSUs fit within a +/-1.5% window from 25 to 85% load. The Antec Earthwatts has the lowest case resistance, to make up for the noisier 80mm fan. The major factor that differentiate one PSU from the other is the noise level at medium/medium-high load. The Corsairs are tuned for very low noise at the expense of higher operating temperature. The Antecs run cooler but noisier at higher load. I suspect Antec engineers want to make sure that the 105C OST caps on the secondary side remain cool under load.

Sound pressure level operates on a log scale. If you are drawing more than 40% load on these PSUs, then your CPU, GPU, and case fans will drown out any additional noise from the PSU. Also note that very few single-gpu rig will draw more than 350 watts.

 

[The-Noid]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Earthwatts 500 is the best deal. Unit often sell for $30 AR.

The Earthwatts 380/500, TruePower Trio 430/550 (version A2), Corsair 450/520/620, and Seasonic 650 S12 Plus (88% efficiency) are based on the same core topology with slighly better voltage regulation (+/-0.08V @ 12V rail) and secondary caps on the more expensive units. Visually, these PSUs use Seasonic specs primary transformer(s). We benched them on laboratory-grade power and SPL equipments (can't specify names due to G job). Ambient air temp = 25C, +/- 1.5.

AC component is very low with the Earthwatts...less than 10mV up to full load. Corsair is highest with a very respectable 30mV.

The lower-powered Earthwatts 380 and Corsair 450 yield the best efficiency curve under 100 watts load. Often 3 to 4% higher than the more powerful PSUs. You would save the most on electric bill with these two PSUs if you don't run your rig at full load 24/7.

Above 100 watts, the efficiency of all units were within +/- 1.5% up to 85% load. The Antecs failed to maintain 80% efficiency at full load (78% efficient). I would expect the Seasonic S12 + to do much better with a claimed 88% efficiency. Perhaps Seasonic uses European voltage in the advertising literature.

Corsair is the clear winner in noise vs power output because the fan rpm is set at a very low speed up to 75% load. The result is much hotter exhaust temperature (+10C) above 40% load.

Like the Corsair and Seasonic PSUs, Antec is whisper quiet up to 35% load. The fan rpm ramps up (almost linearly) at higher load to keep the electronics cooler. The exhaust temp hits +10C at 75% load.

The Seasonic unit doesn't ramp up the fan rpm until 55% load. Therefore, the perceived noise level is somewhere between the Corsair and Antec.

The efficiency curves of these PSUs fit within a +/-1.5% window from 25 to 85% load. The Antec Earthwatts has the lowest case resistance, to make up for the noisier 80mm fan. The major factor that differentiate one PSU from the other is the noise level at medium/medium-high load. The Corsairs are tuned for very low noise at the expense of higher operating temperature. The Antecs run cooler but noisier at higher load. I suspect Antec engineers want to make sure that the 105C OST caps on the secondary side remain cool under load.

Sound pressure level operates on a log scale. If you are drawing more than 40% load on these PSUs, then your CPU, GPU, and case fans will drown out any additional noise from the PSU. Also note that very few single-gpu rig will draw more than 350 watts.

On topic,

The seasonic looks like a good model and is probably already made with a different name on it.

 

[aussiestilgar]

Thanks for the info SerpentRoyal. Interesting comparison. I think I may go with the HX520, since its modular and quiet. Two 8800GTs will run fine with it, and the warranty and support is second to none. I found on the Corsair forum that they will send you extra cables if you need them. I don't mind paying a little extra for these benefits.

 

[AmberClad]

I'm actually kind of interested in what type of modular cables the new M12IIs use. The round type with sleeves, or the Flex-Force ones that the HX and Ultra PSUs use. The Flex-Force ones are easy to fold up and hide, which is my personal preference because I don't have much space to work with. But if you're the type who likes to display them, then the sleeved, round ones are less plain looking than Flex-Force, but less cluttering than non-sleeved.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Seasonic will probably stick to the traditional "round" cable housing.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Yoxxy

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Earthwatts 500 is the best deal. Unit often sell for $30 AR.

The Earthwatts 380/500, TruePower Trio 430/550 (version A2), Corsair 450/520/620, and Seasonic 650 S12 Plus (88% efficiency) are based on the same core topology with slighly better voltage regulation (+/-0.08V @ 12V rail) and secondary caps on the more expensive units. Visually, these PSUs use Seasonic specs primary transformer(s). We benched them on laboratory-grade power and SPL equipments (can't specify names due to G job). Ambient air temp = 25C, +/- 1.5.

AC component is very low with the Earthwatts...less than 10mV up to full load. Corsair is highest with a very respectable 30mV.

The lower-powered Earthwatts 380 and Corsair 450 yield the best efficiency curve under 100 watts load. Often 3 to 4% higher than the more powerful PSUs. You would save the most on electric bill with these two PSUs if you don't run your rig at full load 24/7.

Above 100 watts, the efficiency of all units were within +/- 1.5% up to 85% load. The Antecs failed to maintain 80% efficiency at full load (78% efficient). I would expect the Seasonic S12 + to do much better with a claimed 88% efficiency. Perhaps Seasonic uses European voltage in the advertising literature.

Corsair is the clear winner in noise vs power output because the fan rpm is set at a very low speed up to 75% load. The result is much hotter exhaust temperature (+10C) above 40% load.

Like the Corsair and Seasonic PSUs, Antec is whisper quiet up to 35% load. The fan rpm ramps up (almost linearly) at higher load to keep the electronics cooler. The exhaust temp hits +10C at 75% load.

The Seasonic unit doesn't ramp up the fan rpm until 55% load. Therefore, the perceived noise level is somewhere between the Corsair and Antec.

The efficiency curves of these PSUs fit within a +/-1.5% window from 25 to 85% load. The Antec Earthwatts has the lowest case resistance, to make up for the noisier 80mm fan. The major factor that differentiate one PSU from the other is the noise level at medium/medium-high load. The Corsairs are tuned for very low noise at the expense of higher operating temperature. The Antecs run cooler but noisier at higher load. I suspect Antec engineers want to make sure that the 105C OST caps on the secondary side remain cool under load.

Sound pressure level operates on a log scale. If you are drawing more than 40% load on these PSUs, then your CPU, GPU, and case fans will drown out any additional noise from the PSU. Also note that very few single-gpu rig will draw more than 350 watts.

On topic,

The seasonic looks like a good model and is probably already made with a different name on it.

could be....any clues as to what name?

 

[JEDIYoda]

That`s what I thought...lol

 

[lilbabimac]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Earthwatts 500 is the best deal. Unit often sell for $30 AR.

The Earthwatts 380/500, TruePower Trio 430/550 (version A2), Corsair 450/520/620, and Seasonic 650 S12 Plus (88% efficiency) are based on the same core topology with slighly better voltage regulation (+/-0.08V @ 12V rail) and secondary caps on the more expensive units. Visually, these PSUs use Seasonic specs primary transformer(s). We benched them on laboratory-grade power and SPL equipments (can't specify names due to G job). Ambient air temp = 25C, +/- 1.5.

AC component is very low with the Earthwatts...less than 10mV up to full load. Corsair is highest with a very respectable 30mV.

The lower-powered Earthwatts 380 and Corsair 450 yield the best efficiency curve under 100 watts load. Often 3 to 4% higher than the more powerful PSUs. You would save the most on electric bill with these two PSUs if you don't run your rig at full load 24/7.

Above 100 watts, the efficiency of all units were within +/- 1.5% up to 85% load. The Antecs failed to maintain 80% efficiency at full load (78% efficient). I would expect the Seasonic S12 + to do much better with a claimed 88% efficiency. Perhaps Seasonic uses European voltage in the advertising literature.

Corsair is the clear winner in noise vs power output because the fan rpm is set at a very low speed up to 75% load. The result is much hotter exhaust temperature (+10C) above 40% load.

Like the Corsair and Seasonic PSUs, Antec is whisper quiet up to 35% load. The fan rpm ramps up (almost linearly) at higher load to keep the electronics cooler. The exhaust temp hits +10C at 75% load.

The Seasonic unit doesn't ramp up the fan rpm until 55% load. Therefore, the perceived noise level is somewhere between the Corsair and Antec.

The efficiency curves of these PSUs fit within a +/-1.5% window from 25 to 85% load. The Antec Earthwatts has the lowest case resistance, to make up for the noisier 80mm fan. The major factor that differentiate one PSU from the other is the noise level at medium/medium-high load. The Corsairs are tuned for very low noise at the expense of higher operating temperature. The Antecs run cooler but noisier at higher load. I suspect Antec engineers want to make sure that the 105C OST caps on the secondary side remain cool under load.

Sound pressure level operates on a log scale. If you are drawing more than 40% load on these PSUs, then your CPU, GPU, and case fans will drown out any additional noise from the PSU. Also note that very few single-gpu rig will draw more than 350 watts.

So basically, you're saying that Antec, Corsair, and Seasonic are the top 3 PSU companies for watts within the range you've mentioned?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: lilbabimac

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Earthwatts 500 is the best deal. Unit often sell for $30 AR.

The Earthwatts 380/500, TruePower Trio 430/550 (version A2), Corsair 450/520/620, and Seasonic 650 S12 Plus (88% efficiency) are based on the same core topology with slighly better voltage regulation (+/-0.08V @ 12V rail) and secondary caps on the more expensive units. Visually, these PSUs use Seasonic specs primary transformer(s). We benched them on laboratory-grade power and SPL equipments (can't specify names due to G job). Ambient air temp = 25C, +/- 1.5.

AC component is very low with the Earthwatts...less than 10mV up to full load. Corsair is highest with a very respectable 30mV.

The lower-powered Earthwatts 380 and Corsair 450 yield the best efficiency curve under 100 watts load. Often 3 to 4% higher than the more powerful PSUs. You would save the most on electric bill with these two PSUs if you don't run your rig at full load 24/7.

Above 100 watts, the efficiency of all units were within +/- 1.5% up to 85% load. The Antecs failed to maintain 80% efficiency at full load (78% efficient). I would expect the Seasonic S12 + to do much better with a claimed 88% efficiency. Perhaps Seasonic uses European voltage in the advertising literature.

Corsair is the clear winner in noise vs power output because the fan rpm is set at a very low speed up to 75% load. The result is much hotter exhaust temperature (+10C) above 40% load.

Like the Corsair and Seasonic PSUs, Antec is whisper quiet up to 35% load. The fan rpm ramps up (almost linearly) at higher load to keep the electronics cooler. The exhaust temp hits +10C at 75% load.

The Seasonic unit doesn't ramp up the fan rpm until 55% load. Therefore, the perceived noise level is somewhere between the Corsair and Antec.

The efficiency curves of these PSUs fit within a +/-1.5% window from 25 to 85% load. The Antec Earthwatts has the lowest case resistance, to make up for the noisier 80mm fan. The major factor that differentiate one PSU from the other is the noise level at medium/medium-high load. The Corsairs are tuned for very low noise at the expense of higher operating temperature. The Antecs run cooler but noisier at higher load. I suspect Antec engineers want to make sure that the 105C OST caps on the secondary side remain cool under load.

Sound pressure level operates on a log scale. If you are drawing more than 40% load on these PSUs, then your CPU, GPU, and case fans will drown out any additional noise from the PSU. Also note that very few single-gpu rig will draw more than 350 watts.

So basically, you're saying that Antec, Corsair, and Seasonic are the top 3 PSU companies for watts within the range you've mentioned?

Nope. I only compare those PSUs because they use the same core Seasonic topology.

Best value is Earthwatts 500 with rebate ($34 @ NewEgg with free ship).

TruePower Trio version A2 should also represent an excellent value with rebate. These units have superb +12VDC regulation! I recently paid $10 AR for TP Trio 430, and $20 AR for TP Trio 550. Do not use the included auxiliary molex fan speed control because it is possible to overload this circuit and cause the 120mm ADDA PSU fan to slow down or stop. There are several reports at NewEgg about these Trios going up in smoke.

Corsair 450 is also a good value if you can secure one for under $35. My only concern with this PSU is the low fan speed up to about 70% load resulting in a hotter running PSU. If the PC is drawing more than 150 watts from the PSU, then all the other fans inside the PC will certainly drown out the PSU fan noise. I do not see the logic in maintaining a low CPU fan speed up to about 300 watts output.

Note that all of these PSUs come with ADDA fans...80mm for Earthwatts, and 120mm ball bearing (100CFM) for the other PSUs. The Trio fan includes an rpm sensor output wire.