Final Thoughts and Conclusions
Not everyone wants (and very few need) an 800W to 1,200W power supply. Seasonic designed the S12 II series for mainstream users and 500W is plenty of power to run the majority of mid-level enthusiast PCs. The Seasonic S12 II 500W power supply delivers solid voltages with good regulation and excellent efficiency with minimal noise. It features a conductive polymer aluminum solid capacitor on the +12V rail for enhanced performance and reliability and is backed by Seasonic’s standard 3-year warranty.
Observant readers may have noticed the S12 II 500W power supply is nearly identical to the Corsair VX450W we recently reviewed. This should come as no surprise as Seasonic actually manufactures the VX450 for Corsair. Besides the difference in output power ratings, the main difference between the two is that the Corsair VX450 has slightly longer cables, is typically a little less expensive and comes with a 5-year warranty but only has one PCI-E connector. The two builds also use slightly different capacitors but all are high quality. So if you don’t need two PCI-E connectors, you might save a little money by buying the Corsair branded version. Either way you are still getting a high quality Seasonic power supply.
The Seasonic S12 II series of power supplies are currently shipping. The MSRP for the S12 II 500W model is $129.99 USD and our friends at Newegg.com have it for $119.99.
Strengths:
- Solid, stable voltages with minimal AC ripple
- Very quiet during normal operation – virtually silent
- Excellent build quality
- Conductive polymer aluminum solid cap on +12V output
- Excellent efficiency along with Active PFC
- Single +12V output up to 34A
- Two PCI-E connectors (one 6-pin and one 6/2-pin)
- Compact chassis size (only 140mm deep)
- Black mesh sleeved cables
Weaknesses:
- How about a 5-year warranty
For excellent performance, efficiency and reliability, the Seasonic S12 II 500W power supply takes home the gold.
Seasonic S12 II 500W Power Supply
I would like to thank our friends at Seasonic USA for sending us the S12 II 500W PSU to review – thanks! Be sure to use our price checking engine to find the best price on any of Seasonic’s great power supplies or anything else you may want to buy!
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.