A Closer Look
The Seasonic S12 II 500W power supply is rated for a combined, continuous output power of up to 500 watts at 50°C operating temperature (internal case air temperature). That’s important as some less reputable manufactures limit their power supply’s advertised capacity by specifying a lower operating temperature (25°C) in the fine print. The PSU includes universal AC line input (automatically adjusts the AC line voltage) and active PFC, which makes the unit more environmentally friendly. The S12 II 500W utilizes double-forward switching circuitry that provides up to 85% efficiency over a wide load range.
The specs seem to indicate the S12 II 500W PSU uses dual +12V outputs but the wording is a little ambiguous (“Enhanced +12V current capability broadens utilization possibilities”). In reality it is a single +12V rail. This is a trend we are seeing in newer power supplies. Some manufacturers are no longer creating multiple +12V outputs by implementing current limiting circuits into their design to conform to the 240 VA maximum guidelines – no single output should exceed 240 VA (12V x 20A = 240 VA). Having multiple current limited +12V outputs can lead to power distribution problems, particularly with some power-hungry video cards. Delivering a single +12V output is a better approach IMHO.
Specifications (from the Seasonic
The Seasonic S12 II power supply enclosure is painted matte black and is only 140mm (5.5”) deep. It uses a single 120mm exhaust fan on the bottom for cooling. The fan speed is automatically controlled by the internal component temperature (speeds up as the combined load and temperature increases). The dual ball bearing Adda fan (AD1212MB-A71GL) is rated for up to 80.5 CFM at 2,050 rpm and 38.0 dBA at 12V.
The open honeycomb grill on the back allows the exhaust air to exit the power supply with minimal resistance.
The Seasonic S12 II 500W power supply has a full assortment of cables and connectors, which are hard-wired into the PSU and covered with braided plastic mesh sleeving all the way to the end connector. The cables range from 19” to 29” in length.
- Main power connector (24-pin/20-pin)
- ATX 12V (4-pin)
- EPS 12V (8-pin)
- (1) PCI Express (6-pin)
- (1) PCI Express (6/2-pin)
- (9) Peripheral Optical/HDD (4-pin)
- (6) Peripheral Serial ATA (15-pin)
- (2) Peripheral FDD (with adapter)
If liquid capacitors are well
If liquid capacitors are well made, then there is nothing to worry about; wikipedia says that seasonic uses the best electrolitic capacitors for their power supplies.