PSU Roundup:Antec vs Vantec 420a

[imported_mystro]

I just read a review on upper-end PSU's and the Vantec 420a was rated higher then the more common better known Antec Truepower's. What little I know about both by reading the spec's,one main difference was the Time Before Failure period..the Vantec is 140,000 hours the Antec Truepower was 80,000 hours another difference was the Vantec 420a supported PFC whereas the Antec TP did not..can someone explain what this means please?

The review mentioned how robust the build quality was on the Vantec and especially the high grade ball bearing fans and heavier wiring and pots(?) Can some of you PSU geeks do a comparison for me before I make final judgement on this before my new build..this time I'm spending the $$ for a quality PSU..no more skimping in that area this time especially since I've had measureable problems OCing due to the PSU stability with so-called good PSU's.:shocked:

 

[imported_mystro]

Oops,I'm trying to find that review site..sorry

 

[AnnoyedGrunt]

PFC = Power factor correction. PFC improves the input efficiency of the Power Supply. My last electrical engineering class was about 10 years ago, so I don't know the details, but for some reason (either the switching of the supply, or the sine input of AC power or something like that) the powersupply needs to use extra power to over come reflections of the power (I'm thinking it is like back EMF in motors, but I don't know for sure). Anyhow, PFC compensates, and companies that promote it say that Active PFC will take you to a 99% efficiency level, passive PFC will get you to a 70%, while no PFC gets you 50%.

In addition to the PFC, you have the conversion efficiency (wich is where the heat is generated). Most PSU's are around 65% to 70%, but some advertize 80%

So, if you worst case vs best case for a 400W output (for example), you would have:
Worst Case:
400W * 1/.65 * 1/.5 = 1230 Input watts

Best Case:
400W * 1/.8 * 1/.99 = 555 Input watts

Saves quite a bit on power.

Seasonic has some high effeciency 400W supplies, and have this stuff on their website. No idea how "truthful" it is, since it often uses words like "up to", but it's a good place to start if you want to check it out www.seasonic.com

Here's a link to their brochure:
http://www.seasonic.com/pdf/datasheet/01PC/Super%20Tornado.pdf

Don't know about the mechanicals of the supplies you are asking about since I haven't seen them in person, but it seems like most are happy with their Antec (I have a 350 right now, and it seems OK) so if the Vantec is even better then it sounds like it could be a good choice.

I do know that my next supply will have PFC though (I really like that Seasonic one, but I don't know how stable they are).

EDIT: And they don't have SATA power connectors yet, which may be important (although I guess you could just get an adapter).

-D'oh!

 

[Gravity]

I had the vantec stealth 470 but it was so freakin loud I had to sell it. Running a Zalman 400 and a seasonic 350 now. Both quiet and efficient.

 

[imported_mystro]

Originally posted by: Gravity
I had the vantec stealth 470 but it was so freakin loud I had to sell it. Running a Zalman 400 and a seasonic 350 now. Both quiet and efficient.

That review mentioned it was just fine noise-wise in a normal room enviroment but pointed out that the Vantec Stealths all have *three* ball bearing fans..I'm not worried about the extra noise for what I want it for.

BTW,I forgot to also post a data sheet link for reference as AnnoyedGrunt did with his very helpful reply..it's quite detailed:

http://vantecusa.com/pdf/van420.pdf

 

[CraigRT]

I am running a Vantec Ion 400B, fantastic supply... 3 speed fan control means if you don't want it loud, it doesn't have to be

it's got a very hefty output too... this PSU just shows it's quality as soon as you open the box.. just search for a review online, all the ones I read said nothing but good things about this supply. I replaced a perfectly good working Antec PP403X 400W supply which got toasted in a storm (R.I.P.) and so far so good

 

[PreachTru]

I have a Vantec 470w power supply and I absolutely LOVE it.

The person who said it was very loud might of had it on a different speed setting. There are 3 adjustable fan speed settings on the PSU: high, normal, automatic (hotter it gets the faster the fans go).

If you are looking for the mercedes benz of power supplies then Vantec is for you