Anandtech 300W to 450W Round Up

QuietOC · Post by **QuietOC** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 8:34 am

The first page.
Noise
Efficiency

I am really tired of percentages of rated output being used for PS testing. I'd like to see numbers at the same loads for all units: say 25W, 50W, 100W, 150W, etc. I have to think this would be easier way to test too.

The graph scale on the efficiency page is also horrible. The graph and text makes it seem like there is a huge difference between 80% and 85% efficient. All the interesting low wattage data is completely obscured!

maf718 · Post by **maf718** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:54 am

Thanks for the link, it's good to see some comparisons in this power range instead of the ultra-high wattages that are usually reviewed.

It is nice to see a relatively low budget unit like the Corsair CX400 doing well in the tests. I took a chance on one of these a while back and have been very impressed so far.

Happy New Year

zoatebix · Post by **zoatebix** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:54 am

Between the Nightjar review here and the Element review as part of that Anandtech round-up, it looks like Siliverstone is really having folks manufacture some nice power supplies.

Firetech · Post by **Firetech** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:01 pm

Thanks for the heads up on the article QuietOC!

donart · Post by **donart** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:05 pm

Seems like "Silverstone Element" and "Tagan SuperRock" takes a complete knock-out on all the other PSU's regarding being silent.

That's really interesting. Anyone tried any of those two PSU's? I'm tempted to buy a tagan superrock, it's not very expensive either, and it's gotten good reviews other places too.

niels007 · Post by **niels007** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 4:29 am

Enhance makes really good products but Anandtech isn't that specialized in accurate sound readings. Fan RPM would give some more clue.

Some ranges of powersupplies seem to have the same % load vs fan speed curve, if a 400W psu starts ramping the fan up at 200W, its 300W sister might do so at 150W

From that review it seems the Enhance models of Tagan and Silverstone don't really do so.. I'd say lets review one of those SPCR!

loimlo · Post by **loimlo** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:43 pm

At least, Anandtech reviewed meaningful items from 300~450W rather than concentrated meaningless items like 800W for most people. One of my friend used a famous Silencer 750W for his main rig and peace of mind.

larrymoencurly · Post by **larrymoencurly** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:47 am

Which PSU was rated fastest? Hey, it's Anandtech, and they'd do that.

psiu · Post by **psiu** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:57 pm

Was this article of theirs any good?

I usually stay away as their testing procedures make my head hurt. Hey lets stick the PSU in a insulated box with no exhaust...that's realistic!

For the most part I appreciate SPCR's reviews as among the best in regards to consistency, making intelligent comparisons if review platforms have changed, and documenting the process.

Anyways, just picked up an Antec Earthwatts 430 for under $40 shipped? How'd it do?

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:25 pm

psiu wrote:
Anyways, just picked up an Antec Earthwatts 430 for under $40 shipped? How'd it do?

You could have done A LOT worse choice. Earthwatt's are nice PSU that are quiet enough for most peoples. And with easy fan-swap you really can get them SPCR-quiet... Not to mention Antec PSU's lines are very stable and have minimal ripple ^^

loimlo · Post by **loimlo** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:59 pm

I'm interested in Earthwatts 430W acoustic performance out of box since Antec changed Earthwatts OEM supplier from Seasonic to Delta. Would you mind sharing it with us?

Dr Prozac · Post by **Dr Prozac** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:11 am

psiu wrote: For the most part I appreciate SPCR's reviews as among the best in regards to consistency, making intelligent comparisons if review platforms have changed, and documenting the process.

+1
Also, Hardware Secrets make good PSU reviews, but they don't really deal with noise characteristics.

That Silverstone Elemen looks interesting though.