Antec Neo HE 500 High Efficiency Power Supply Review

Testing (cont’d)

Testing — Differential Temperature and Noise Levels

The differential temperature across the Neo HE 500 power supply was calculated by subtracting the ambient room air temperature (T in) from the temperature of the warm exhaust air flowing out of the power supply (T out).

Thermocouples were placed at the air inlet and exhaust outlet.  The ambient room air temperature was 24ºC (75ºF) +/- 1ºC during testing.

T in = temperature of air entering power supply

T out = temperature of air exhausting from power supply

ΔT = T out – T in

Sound pressure level readings were taken 3′ in front of the PSU in an otherwise quiet room.  The power supply was placed on a foam rubber mouse pad during testing.  The ambient noise level was ~30 dBA. 

Temperatures were very good, indicating that the above average efficiency was contributing to less heat production.  At the same time the Neo HE 500 was quiet, especially under low to medium loads.  At loads above 300W, the fan noise became noticeable.

Price – $/Watt

And finally we have pricing for the Antec Neo 500 power supply, along with the average cost per watt.  This is the MSRP price as of November 2005.  

The Antec Neo HE 500 power supply has an average street price of $89.99 USD.  .