Silverstone ST50EF (not the "plus" model)

[Icepick]

Does anyone know anything about this power supply? All I've been able to find is that it's manufactured by ETASIS (I think). (Note: this is not the ST50EF-Plus model.)

I don't know about ETASIS. Are they considered to be quality power supplies?

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817256001

It's a 500 Watt power supply that is supposedly greater than 80% efficient. It's less expensive than the "80 plus" model. Is it worth getting instead of a more expensive Seasonic S12 500W?

I'm looking for an 80% (or better) efficient power supply that will comfortably power a quad-core and g80 (maybe ). Additionally, quiet operation is important. From the reviews of the plus models I've seen the plus model seems to be fairly quiet. :)

This is what I'll be powering.
e6300 @2.8-3.2GHz
2GB Geil DDR2 667 RAM
Asus P5B-E
EVGA 7900GTO --> might upgrade to G80 series some time next summer
2 SATA hard drives
1 Optical drive


**Edit: Actually I just saw this in the stickied thread "Based on Etasis units, a company known for server grade PSU's."
So, given this evalutaion of Etasis in general, should I bother with this PSU? I have to make this purchase from Newegg since I'm using a gift certificate so Enhance is out of the question. This one is $87 at the egg right now. So, is this non-plus version worth the money or should I bite the bullet and get an S12 500W Seasonic?

[jonnyGURU]

Etasis is pretty great stuff.

The ST-50EF "non-PLUS," was an early attempt at a super efficient PSU before Enhance was able to get the trick done with what is now the "ST-50EF Plus." The PSU is pretty efficient, but it's not over 80% at 20%, 50% and 100% for the 80 Plus certification.

If you can get an ST-50EF for a decent price, I'd certainly get it.

[Steeeeve]

I believe they also have a ST-50EF Short Cable Edition for those that have smaller PCs. Didn't you give it a good review Jon?

[Effect]

Not the ST50EF, he reviewed the ST50EF-Plus. One thing i'm wondering, is why the 80Plus listing for the ST50EF doesn't mention the "-Plus" anywhere; could it be that the ST50EF-Plus was originally a revision of the ST50EF (made by Enhance, instead) and only got it's name when it gained the 80Plus certification?

In slightly less related news....my ST50EF is soon to be shipped, after much waiting for the damn store to get it in stock (got the rest of my new pc lying in pieces around the room awaiting the PSU).... (i'm in Australia, we've only got some 4 or so stores stocking the ST50EF, and none with the "Plus" version =S)

[GalvanizedYankee]

The Plus has >80% efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% load.
It is also RoHS compliant.(lead free solder)

The non-plus probably fails just short of meeting the 80Plus criteria at full or low loading.
The non-plus is not RoHS compliant.:cool: