Conclusions and Antec PSU Tester
Conclusions
During our tests the Antec Neo HE 500 power supply reliably produced solid voltages with very low AC ripple while operating above 80% efficiency under moderate to heavy loads. Universal line voltage input with active PFC is a plus and the Neo HE 500 comes with all modular peripheral power cables.
Thanks to the high efficiency with less heat, the built-in 80mm fan and speed controller did a good job of keeping things cool and quiet, especially at lower output levels (<300W).
If you are in the market for a high efficiency power supply that is relatively quiet and features modular cables, then the Neo HE 500 deserves a close look. I would like to thank Antec for sending us the Neo HE 500 power supply to review — thanks!
Antec ATX12V Power Supply Tester
In addition to the Neo HE 500 power supply, the good folks at Antec sent along one of their new power supply testers. The Antec ATX12V Power Supply Tester is a small, self-contained unit that works with both 24-pin and 20-pin ATX power supplies. For a quick check, you just plug the power supply’s 24/20-pin connector into the socket on the end of the tester and switch on the power supply.
There are five LED’s associated with the +3.3V, +5V, +12, -12V and 5Vsb outputs that light up to indicate their status (green = normal, yellow = too low, red = too high). In the previous picture you can see a PSU is connected to the tester that is exhibiting a low voltage the +12V output. There is also a green Pwr-Good LED and a red Power Fault LED that provide an overall status of the power supply’s working condition.
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As you can see, there is a lot more circuitry inside than just a few simple load resistors. The terminal strip at the top provides test points for attaching volt-meter probes if desired.
Note: Some switching power supply units require a minimum load on the various outputs to insure proper voltage regulation. As it turned out, there was nothing wrong with the power supply connected in the previous test — placing an additional load on the +5V output immediately brought the +12V output into spec and produced green lights across the board.
The Antec ATX12V Power Supply Tester is currently available from your favorite Antec reseller for $19.95 USD.
Be sure to use our price checking engine to find the best prices on the Acntec NeoHE 500 watt PSU, and anything else you may want to buy!
Excellent PSU! Glad to see
Excellent PSU! Glad to see that it is still marketed. I have this PSU in a steel case ANTEC tower which was acting as a server. I have the MAIN SERVER tower and a newer case from your company, too. The first mentioned has an ancient but very well endowed ASUS board.
I would like to buy extra pluggable cables for the supply because I shall use it with a more advanced motherboard.
Also; please inform and let me know if (upon opening PSU) Voltages can be tweaked. (I’m electronics engineer so no problem with spoiling anything!
Thank you, Robin Marstrand.
I would also like the .PDF
I would also like the .PDF maintenance manual.
Thanks, Robin.
I have an issue with this PSU, maybe you can help.
I’m trying to jump start it without a computer. I connected the right pins (green and black).
The fan spins as soon as I turn it on, however, as soon as I connect it to any device the PSU turns off.
Thanks in advance.