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

The Seasonic S-12-430

The Seasonic unit we're taking a look at today is the entry level 430W from their newest S12 product line. 

Like all of the S12's, this one features dual 12V rails, a thermally controlled 120MM fan and a flat black finish.

The Seasonic features a very nice "honeycomb" vent along the back of the unit.  100~240V is supported through auto-switching.  Like most Seasonic's, our 430W has active power factor correction.

There aren't many frills with the Seasonic's cables.  They are twisted to help reduce EMI but none of the cables are covered.

The S12 comes with some plastic wire covers that one can use to "pretty up" their cable job...

After covering up my ATX and 2x2 connectors with the plastic, I decided I'd probably be better off without it.  It didn't look too hot and it made the cables very stiff and difficult to route.

Looking inside of the Seasonic, we can see no lack of quality.  The heatsinks are significantly larger than they need to be, the main transformer and choke coils shown at the above angle certainly convince me that overkill in construction is consistant throughout.

In the photograph of the other side of the inside of the power supply, we can see some fairly neat wiring.  You can also see the PCB for the fan thermistor precuriously leaning to the right.  This PCB is held to the main circuit board by only two points of solder.  Fortunately, you're not SUPPOSED to open your power supply, this shouldn't be an issue for anyone.

Now let's take a look at the Thermaltake TWV500.....

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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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