Seasonic 330, 380, or 430?

[nightmorph]

I read the Seasonic 330 review here on SPCR, and it's actually discouraged me somewhat from using it for my planned AM2 system. I'd think that about 300W is more than enough for an X2 4600, GeForce 7600, 3 HDD, up to 4GB RAM, and a couple of PCI cards, so I wouldn't want more wattage than I need (generating waste heat, higher bills, etc.).

But based on the review, it seems like getting a slightly higher model PSU actually reduces noise, since they'd stay quiet even at likely maximum loads for my system, and, I assume, just as cool as the 330.

What do you think? The components won't use the extra power, but if an additional 50W - 100W will substantially decrease noise while maintaining the same cool temps, is it worth buying a higher-rated Seasonic?

If it wasn't for this review, I'd go with the 330 -- I won't ever run SLI, so it's not like I need breathing room.

[merlin]

It's been mentioned that the 380 has similar larger heatsinks like the 430. I'd say the 380 or 430 would be the best choice for noise if you have any worries of exceeding 150w on your psu. Otherwise the 330 will suffice just as well.

[dhanson865]

so I wouldn't want more wattage than I need (generating waste heat, higher bills, etc.).

I hope you do realize that the rated wattage of a power supply doesn't reflect actual power draw.

At almost every wattage the S12-430 beats the S12-330 in using LESS electricity to power the same equipment.

Presumably there isn't much difference between the 380w and 430w version but the 330w has smaller heatsinks and I personally would avoid it.

After avoiding the 330w version I'd make your choice based on connectors needed and price..

Let me drop a quote in here:

Code: Select all

Model       Output (W)  65      90      150     200     250     300     400     500     600

S12-330     Efficiency  75.5%   77.9%   80.3%   82.0%   80.9%   79.9%   **
S12-430                 78.3%   80.5%   81.6%   81.8%   80.5%   79.6%   *
S12-500/600             75.1%   78.0%   81.2%   82.0%   81.8%   81.1%   79.0%   79.7%   78.9%
M12-500                 ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%
S12-550E+               ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ??.?%   ***


S12-330  Temp Rise (°C) 4       2       3       7       8       6       **
S12-430                 3       4       5       5       7       8       *
S12-500/600             2       1       3       3       3       5       5       6       7
M12-500                 ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ?
S12-550E+               ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ?       ***


S12-330  Noise (dBA@1m) 21      21      21      22      30      35      **
S12-430                 20      20      22      25      29      32      *
S12-500/600             21      21      22      25      28      34      39      40      40
M12-500                 ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ??
S12-550E+               ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ??      ***

Both the S12-500 and S12-600 were tested but were merged into one row by taking the worst value instead of averaging. Confusing, but useful none the less.

* S12-430 was not measured at 400W. At 430W it got 75.5% efficiency at 37dBA and a rise of 8°C. The article stated ambient conditions in the test lab were 21°C and 19 dBA SPL.

** S12-330 was also measured at 330W. Ambient conditions during testing were 21°C and 20 dBA, 122V/60Hz. It got 78.3% efficiency at 37dBA and a rise of 8°C.

*** Presumably the S12-550E+ won't be tested at 500W. I would assume data for 550W would be in this footnote instead.

[nightmorph]

so I wouldn't want more wattage than I need (generating waste heat, higher bills, etc.).

I hope you do realize that the rated wattage of a power supply doesn't reflect actual power draw.

Actually, this clarifies that particular issue, thanks. I read your chart, and it looks like the higher wattage version is more efficient than the 330. I thought I'd seen testing results elsewhere that indicated higher wattage PSUs drew slightly more power at the wall.

Presumably there isn't much difference between the 380w and 430w version [. . .]

I'm very hesitent to make buying decisions based on assumptions, even if everyone else in the know is making the same assumption. The problem is that I still can't find reviews on the Seasonic 380, or much on the new M-series which may or may not find its way to North America. I haven't found any articles that explicitly declare the 380 to be as good as the 430 (i.e. better than the 330).

After avoiding the 330w version I'd make your choice based on connectors needed and price..

Price is definitely a consideration; I'm trying to keep total costs under $1200, so I may have to shave off a few bucks and get a 330. Connectors . . . well, 3 SATA drives, one IDE optical, motherboard -- well within its capabilities. IIRC the GeForce 7600 doesn't even need a separate power connector.

Hmm, would Nexus case fans need their own PSU connections? They don't add all that much to the total load, do they?

[BillyBuerger]

Actually, this clarifies that particular issue, thanks. I read your chart, and it looks like the higher wattage version is more efficient than the 330. I thought I'd seen testing results elsewhere that indicated higher wattage PSUs drew slightly more power at the wall.

Higher wattage PSUs tend to be less efficient on the low end. Cheap ones especially. We're talking below 65W especially. So that won't make much of a difference unless you have a very low power PC.

I'm very hesitent to make buying decisions based on assumptions, even if everyone else in the know is making the same assumption. The problem is that I still can't find reviews on the Seasonic 380, or much on the new M-series which may or may not find its way to North America. I haven't found any articles that explicitly declare the 380 to be as good as the 430 (i.e. better than the 330).

The 380 and 430 are based on the same design. So I cannot image any way that you would be able to notice the difference between them unless you have some very good testing equipment. As was mentioned, the only thing that made the 330 any worse than the 430 was the smaller heat sinks. Which people have confirmed the 380 uses the same larger heat sinks found in the 430. I don't think you need to worry about the 380.

Hmm, would Nexus case fans need their own PSU connections? They don't add all that much to the total load, do they?

I assume they have a 3-pin fan connector. So no. They should plug directly to the motherboard.

[nightmorph]

That 380 is looking better and better. Now, what I'd really like is the older version with shorter cables. Maybe that'd be even cheaper, so I'll do some extra shopping. The 380 is #73 on Newegg, while the 330 is $54. I think I can swing the difference.

I wish Seasonic would offer a modular PSU, though. I'd definitely plunk down a few extra bucks for it.

[jaganath]

I wish Seasonic would offer a modular PSU, though. I'd definitely plunk down a few extra bucks for it.

They do offer one, but only in capacities of 500W+:

Seasonic Introduces the M12-Modular Series

No indication that lower-power models will be released as yet.

[krille]

Definitely not the 330 (due to its smaller heat sinks), as you said yourself, get the 380 or 430 instead. Which one? Well, through a noise point of view, they should be identical. So it's your choice really, keep it cheap (380) or "future-proof" (extra juice is never bad, just in case). I'd get the 430 personally, but not everyone thinks the same. I think you'll be equally happy with either.

Good luck!

~ Kris

[rpsgc]

It's been mentioned that the 380 has similar larger heatsinks like the 430.

That's good to hear. I'm also in the need of buying a new PSU (this one has started buzzing a lot) and was interested in one of the cheaper Seasonics.

[RDaneel]

I had the same issue for my upcoming Conroe build, and I went with the 380. if you look at the SPCR Recommended page for PSUs, there is a note for the S12 430 model that says, essentially, the 380 wasn't tested, but is used at SPCR all the time, and it sounds and feels like the 430. I figured the 380 is cheaper and provides all the juice I need, so I went with it... Good luck with your choice!