Testing and Final Words
| pcstats
test system specs: |
|
|
computer hardware: |
|
| processor: |
pentium 4 2.8b |
| clock speed:
|
21 x 133 mhz = 2.8 ghz |
| motherboards: |
msi gnb max |
| chipsets: |
e7205 |
| videocard: |
nvidia geforcefx 5900 ultra |
| memory: |
2x 256mb corsair xms3500 cas2 |
| hard drive:
|
40gb maxtor diamondmax+ |
| cdrom: |
nec 52x cd-rom |
| floppy: |
panasonic 1.44mb floppy drive |
| heatsink: |
avc sunflower |
| powersupply: |
seasonic ss-400agx |
| software setup
|
windowsxp build 2600
intel inf
5.00.1012
detonator 44.03 |
| Listed Voltages |
AMP |
Lower Voltage |
Upper Voltage |
Jitter |
|
| +3.3V |
28A |
3.25V |
3.32v |
0.08v |
|
| +5.0V |
30A |
4.97V |
5.0V |
0.03v |
|
| +12V |
22A |
11.85V |
12.04V |
0.19v |
|
| -12V |
0.8A |
12.36V |
12.44V |
0.08v |
|
| -5.0V |
N/A |
0V |
0V |
0.00v |
|
| +5.0Vsb |
2A |
4.94V |
5.00V |
0.06v |
Overall
the voltages are acceptable; the 3.3V and 5V lines are very
healthy and do not vary too much. The 12V line dips on the low side at 11.85V, though
the nVIDIA GeForceFX 5900 Ultra we used in the test system is a power hog. Do not
be alarmed that there is no -5.0V rail on the Seasonic power supply. There are
no devices that use the -5.0V rail anymore so it makes sense for them to remove
it altogether.
 These days the need for a good
power supply is more important than ever; you can no longer get by with something generic if
you plan to run a mainstream/high end computer system. Unfortunately most
people often take their power supplies for granted and that's why you'll always find at least
one power related thread computer help forums.
Seasonic
does many of the little things right. First and foremost, they include split
wire loom, a holding bracket and small zip ties. This will certainly help you keep the inside of your case clean! Next the
SuperRed CHA8012CB-A 80m fan at default is absolutely silent (and the power supply lives up
to its name). Considering how loud components have become, this is
a very welcome change. Also to help reduce vibrations Seasonic places rubber spacers between
the power supply casing and the fan!
Like
everything else in life you get what you pay for and you should definitely not
skimp on the power supply. For enthusiasts the tolerances are a little
tighter, and this model didn't quite meet those expectations. I guess it always boils down
to performance and here the Seasonic Super Silencer SS400-AGX only receives a good grade. The
12V rail dips low, but luckily enough this does not seem to
affect stability of the system. Perhaps a quality 400W power supply is not enough
when you're running a GeForceFX 5900 Ultra!
Seasonic's Super Silencer SS400-AGX Active PFC power supply tested very well.
With a retail price of approximately $127 CDN ($99 US), the SS400-AGX is a bit on the pricey side though. Still when you look
at the competition out there, I'd gladly pay a bit more for a quiet power supply that
delivers the rated power levels to within 3%-5%.
Related
Articles
Here are a few other articles that you might enjoy
as well...
1. PC Power &
Cooling Turbo-Cool 510-PFC Power Supply
2. Antec TruePower
430W Power Supply Review
3.
Vantec 470W Stealth Powersupply Review
4. Zalman 300W ZM300A-APF Quiet Power
Supply
5.
iCute4 420W Aluminum PSU Review
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