Dual 12V PSU Shootout Author: JonnyGuru Date Posted:21/07/2005 13:42.03 AMS Mercury PP-44603 SLRating: Seasonic S-12-430 SLRating: Thermaltake TWV500 SLRating: Bottom Line: The three of these power supplies really don\'t shoot-out each other. If you want cheap, the AMS. If you want quiet, the Seasonic. If you want modular, the Thermaltake. Article Navigation Introduction Testing The AMS Mercury PP-44603 The Seasonic S-12-430 The Thermaltake TWV500 A look at the cables Load test results Conclusion - AMS Mercury PP-44603 - Seasonic S-12-43 - Thermaltake TWV500 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Discuss This Article

Testing

Another Dual 12V Rail PSU Shoot Out

Today, we're going to take a look at three more power supplies with dual 12V rails.  The power supplies are from three different manufacturers: AMS Electronics, Seasonic Electronics and Thermatake.

Here are the voltages for each of our three power supplies:

Once again, we are dealing with some fairly substantial power supplies.  Each has it's own little market niche.  The AMS is rather "plain," but comes to us with a mere $60.  Yes, there are other 500W dual 12V rail power supplies out there for $60, but it's not often you find QUALITY for $60.

The Seasonic product line has always been touted for it's great efficiency and at, or just under, $100 is a bit more expensive than the AMS.  But with one 120MM fan instead of a pair of 80MM fans, it should be quieter.  Furthermore, with better efficiency it should run cooler; therefore the fan should not have to spin as fast.  However, this Seasonic makes no claim to be as efficient as models before it that have succeeded the "80 Plug Program" of having an 80% efficiency.  The label for the S-12 states it has "up to 80% efficiency."  Hmm... A bit suspicious if you ask me.  Even power supplies that state they have at least a 70% efficiency can often have 75% or better efficiency.

At $120, the Thermaltake TWV500 is the expensive power supply in this line up.  Certainly, judging by the label, the most powerful.  And with a blue LED coming out of it's 120MM fan and modular cables, is the one with the most bling.  We also pay a bit more for a "Total Watts Viewer" or "TWV."  The TWV guesstimates the wattage the power supply is putting out based on the amperage it measures on the rails.  This device also has a speed controller for the PSU's 120MM fan as well as the "bonus" 120MM fan included in the package.

let's take a look at the AMS Mercury....

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Article Navigation Introduction Testing The AMS Mercury PP-44603 The Seasonic S-12-430 The Thermaltake TWV500 A look at the cables Load test results Conclusion

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