Test SetupTo test this power supply, I use a system that will likely be found in OEM setting in terms of power consumption relative to processor requirement and number of optical drive that would match the rated output.
Piotke's Test Setup  |
| CPU | AMD sempron 64 2600+ @ 2 Ghz |
| Cooler | Zalman 7000Cu - Fan @ 5 Volt |
| Mainboard | Albatron K8 Ultra |
| HDD | Maxtor 250 gig |
| VGA | Albatron GF4 MX480 |
| Memory | 2*512 Mb A-Data Vitesta DDR600 |
| Optical | Nec 2500 DVD writer |
The Sempron 2600+ @ 2000 Mhz and 1.6 vcore is putting out close to 100 Watt according to this
online calculator. Measured with a power meter we found following power usage:
Idle: 99 Watt
Stressed: 151 Watt
Noise level was recorded with SmartSensor SL4001A. The lowest dBA reading in the test room was 35.7dBA
Performance
A couple of days ago I reviewed a Global Win mini Case which came with a 200 watt Mini PSU I will included it here for comparison.
Both PSU's have stable voltage lines. The graph shows Seaonic's advantage over Global Win, I assume the 50 extra watts might have played a role here. Or, it could be the experience behind Seasonic's long history in producing what they do best and nothing else. ISO9001 and 9002 certifications with the use of SPC (Statistic Process Control) in manufacturing are paying off.
Sound measurements
Two words explain it all: "Super silent".
With an ambient noise level of 35.7 dBA we got a reading of 37.9 dBA at ~60cm. That's almost inaudible. Stressing the PSU for a longer time makes the fan run faster, but only slightly louder.
Conclusion
This little PSU isn't a power beast and it is not meant to be. With only 250-watt it won't be able to pull a 3GHz + Intel Prescott and a high performance VGA card. This isn't the main goal of this PSU. The box states: "Best for upgrading your OEM power supplies" is not an over statement.
Older OEM built computers, such as Compaq and Dell were using smaller PSU's. Now, a couple of years later, the PSU's are completely dust ridden and become unreliable. This is the perfect PSU for the needed upgrade. And at the other hand, if you intend to build a low power system, such as a Sempron based system and you are aiming towards silence, this one will catch you attention.
Featuring 4 Molex connectors and 2 SATA connectors, it will feed all your optical and hard disk drive hunger?
With a price tag of ~$US39 isn't a low price unit, but a quality power supply at a reasonable price. And, you can always rely on the excellent warranty coverage in case something does go wrong from a manufacturer who has been in business for over 30 years.
PRO
Very Silent
More than sufficient connections for a 250 watt PSU
Dr. Cable and tie wraps for cable management
CON
"Only" 250 watts model available
I like to thank Celia from Seasonic for providing us the test unit.
Question/Comments: forum thread
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