Antec Neopower Blue Review

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Don't worry - I made no references to that terrible Eiffel 65 song.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=117


I've looked at several Antec power supplies lately, and this time I'm looking at a new take on a Seasonic based platform introduced with the Truepower Trio line. Only this time, there are blue LEDs and it's modular.

Come on in and join me to see if anything has changed about the platform.

[danbfree]

Well I paid $120 for this unit almost a year ago and HAD been pleased with until I recently swapped motherboards out. Whats "funny" is I am using an Antec 900 case as well and this PSU looks really good in it.... BUT a big problem is the cables are rather short! Primarily the 24-pin mainboard power (non modular one of course). I had to kind of pull a little firmly to get it to reach my new Gigabyte 790GX board. Well sure enough, it killed the PSU! I REALLY didn't pull that hard at all. I just don't get it. The cables should reach easily when Antec knows and intends this PSU to be used with the bottom-mount PSU of the 900 case. Pretty disappointing... I am going to RMA it and see what happens. I filled out the online form days ago but no reply yet.

Can anyone recommend a solid, yet budget EPS12v compatible power supply? I am considering the BFG GS-550 but haven't found any reviews out there. Thanks!

[jonnyGURU]

You won't find a GS-550 review out there because that unit is really only out there so Best Buy can make oodles of margin.

Go for the LS-550: http://www.buy.com/prod/bfg-tech-550w-atx12v-power-supply-bfg-tech-550w-eps12v-power-supply/q/loc/101/207955009.html

[Travis]

Is SM-268 alive now?

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Yup.

[Travis]

+12V SBDs are to their limit.

Assume that duty cycle is ~0.3 and +12V max. output is 52A, one diode of each rectifier is handling 52/2*0.7=18.2A average current which is beyond the 15A per diode limit. So where can we find the datasheet of 30A50CT? Which brand is it?
Combined with these 18N50 main switchers I think Antec is somewhat stingy making this unit.

Ripple results are identical to Paul's (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ0NSw4LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==), but efficiency numbers are all much higher. I don't know it's due to Antec's improvement or due to precision of the measuring instruments.

[Spectre]

Ripple results are identical to Paul's (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ0NSw4LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==), but efficiency numbers are all much higher. I don't know it's due to Antec's improvement or due to precision of the measuring instruments.

Not sure, its only advertised to 85% and I think mine peaked right close to that. But I don't have it anymore.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Ripple results are identical to Paul's (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ0NSw4LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==), but efficiency numbers are all much higher. I don't know it's due to Antec's improvement or due to precision of the measuring instruments.

Don't forget the SM-268 is recovering from a blown 12V MOSFET. The first round of testing got 95% efficiency results. It's possible the 268 needs recalibration, but I'm not equipped for that and even if I was I'd rather run a few units through it first to let the new part get broken in.

This review was done with the new Brand 4-1850, which on this unit consistently reported 15W higher power draw on test five than the Kill-A-Watt. At low loads the two agreed 100%. Test five's readings tell me that neither was being fooled by the APFC. At any rate, anything more accurate would have to be bought for me as a present - I spent $160 buying this one, and there's literally no money left here for anything better.

I forgot to mention the 12V parts are actually smaller than the PCB is screened for.

[danbfree]

You won't find a GS-550 review out there because that unit is really only out there so Best Buy can make oodles of margin.

Go for the LS-550: http://www.buy.com/prod/bfg-tech-550w-atx12v-power-supply-bfg-tech-550w-eps12v-power-supply/q/loc/101/207955009.html

Wow... Ok. I THINK it's OK to trust Jon on BFG units... still not sure though. :)

Anyway, I couldn't wait for Antec to get back to my RMA request so I got a Cooler Master Real Power Pro 650w. Seems to have good specs, efficiency, etc. And it was only $70 at Fry's. Who is the OEM on this anyway? Anyone have input?

[EaGle1337]

AcBel i think.

[HOOfan_1]

score actually dropped huh? Performance score below 7....that ain't good

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Yeah - the real efficiency numbers were not kind.

[Nuxius]

If the new score is 6.5 for performance you might want to update that in the listing table (with the total score) underneath the text, as it still gives a 7 for performance.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Doh! Will do.