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Product:
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Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply |
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Price:
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$190 (CAN) / $160 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Seasonic Electronics
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Author:
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Skaal-Tel
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Date:
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October 1st, 2005
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Celia from Seasonic Electronics
for providing the Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply for review.
Introduction:
For those of us who seek the latest and greatest in powerful gaming technology, there is a constant balancing
act between what your existing hardware can handle, and what the new hardware demands. Full SLI rigs with
modern dual core or extremely high powered single core processors, and the usual attendant pack of ravenous
hard drives and disc burners can bring a sub-standard power supply to its knees. This can be contributed to a
lack of cabling and connectors, lack of cooling capacity, or most importantly the amperage available through
those multi-coloured strands. The more power hungry cards, such as the 6800s, 7800s, and the x800 series of
cards will gladly devour a cheap and poorly made power supply. Make sure you buy quality when it comes to
power supplies - this is the ONE piece that should not be, and most often IS ignored. Today in the MTB Labs,
we will be evaluating the Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply, a product aimed squarely at bleeding edge performance
hardware.
Specifications:
Seasonic Electronics offers 5 different power supplies in this product line which includes 330, 380, 430, 500 and 600 watt models.
NVIDIA’s spec for their top of the line cards is 100-110 watts each, and ATI's is at roughly 95. The 500 and 600 watt
models are capable of providing 150 watts maximum power on each PCI-Express video card connector, which should be
music to any enthusiast's ears. Here are some specifications taken directly from the Seasonic Electronics website:
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Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply - Key Specifications:
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| Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply: Manufactured by Seasonic Electronics |
| Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm (5.9"x5.5"x3.4") |
| Complies with the latest Intel ATX 12V v2.0 specifications |
| Total protections: OVP, OPP, and SCP |
| MTBF > 100,000 hours @ 25°C |
| PFC harmonics compliance: EN61000-3-2 |
| Double +12V outputs for increased safety and twice the applications |
| External quiet fan control output |
| Super high efficiency - the optimal solution for low noise, cooling, and high reliability |
| Active Power Factor Correction conserves energy |
| Smart & Silent Fan Control reduces noise without increasing temperature |
| 120mm bottom mounted Quiet Cooing Fan doubles the air flow and lifetime with half the RPM & noise |
| Ultra ventilation (honey comb structure) maximizes ventilation to minimize heat and noise |
| Advanced forward converter circuit design for the highest reliability and efficiency |
| Universal Free AC Input (Full Range) allows you to plug & run safely anywhere in the world |
| Twisted & Tidy Wires for improved neatness, case airflow, and EMI result |
| Patented Easy Swap Connector allows you to unplug connectors easily & quickly |
| Dual 6P VGA Power Connectors supports SLI and dual PCI-E graphic cards |
| Dr. Cable Cable Management Kit |
| All-in-1 Connector Design supports PC, IPC, workstation, server, and dual CPU systems |
| AC Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz |
| Voltage Regulation: ±5% on all lines except -12V line ±10% |
| 24-pin Main power connector (adapter for 20-pin supplied) |
| Manufacturer's 3 Year Warranty |
| Silent S12 600 Watt ATX 12V V2.0 PSU
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| +3.3V |
+5V |
+12V1 |
+12V2 |
-12V |
+5Vsb |
| Orange |
Red |
Yellow |
Yellow |
Blue |
Purple |
| 30A |
30A |
18A |
18A |
0.8A |
2A |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Seasonic S12 600w Power Supply arrived in a pretty snazzy box with blue and orange contrasting colours and a killer whale on
the front. The box is clearly labeled with wattage on the front, and specific max amperages on the left side. I have seen
enough boxes without specs on them to appreciate this step. Inside the box is a bubble wrapped power supply and the
peripherals.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Included with the power supply is some frosted white easy wrap cable sleeving and cable clip, a 3 fan speed controller Molex,
various little paper brochures and the requisite power cables. It seems that Seasonic's approach to speed control is very
simple, the Molex provided gives you 3 fan headers, 2 labeled "L" for low, and one labeled "H" for high. The secret? the two
low connectors are 5v and ground, whilst the high is 12v and ground. For anyone concerned, any fan set to 5v will be almost
entirely noiseless. It will also move very little air. According to Seasonic's website: "Automatic temperature adjustment
prevents manual errors." However, there is nothing automatic about this and I wish I never had to see marketing claims like
this but at least there is a method of quieting fans provided, and that is a cut above many. I should mention that the
internal fan is thermally voltage controlled, but that isn't quite what the box hints on the packaging.
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