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1 2 3 4 NextJuly 12, 2004 by Mike Chin
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Product
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Antec NeoPower 480
ATX12V v2.0 power supply |
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Manufacturer
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Antec Inc. |
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MSRP
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US$149; street price will probably be lower |
Antec has never been timid when it comes to self-promotion. Their marketing team managed to suggest a tongue-in-cheek association between an aluminum case and jet fighter planes, promised that using their case will induce drooling envy among your friends, and in a current ad that's running in SPCR, makes a connection between your snoring girlfriend and a quiet computer.
What they've done this time is to name a power supply after pop cinema culture's most recent futuristic savior icon. NeoPower 480: Is it The One?
Light-colored text on monitor-green: Does it look familiar?
More Matrix-inspired graphics on the back of the box.
Aside from the obvious Matrix / Neo references, what's different with this new product from the biggest retail brand for cases and PSUs? In short, quite a lot:
- First retail PSU with 120mm fan for Antec.
- First retail PSU with ActivePFC for Antec.
- First retail PSU with ATX12V v2.0 compliance for Antec.
- First retail PSU with detachable, customizable peripheral output cables — for any brand, as far as I know.
The sharp-eyed will have noticed the funny terminations on the PSU in the box photo above. Let's jump straight into the heart of the matter and and look at what they are. First an overview shot:
Yes, those are output terminals.
Only the 2x12V, fan speed monitor and main 24-pin ATX connectors are on unremoveable cables.
The output terminals: 4 for peripherals and 1 for fans only.
The exhaust end: Very unrestricted airflow grill and no 110/220VAC switch.
The concept behind the detachable output cables is simple:
- Use only the cables / connectors you need.
- Minimize the wiring mess in the case for better airflow and presentation.
- Allow users to customize connectors / cables as needed for their application.
It's an idea that has been discussed in the SPCR forums, and possibly implemented by a DIY go-getter somewhere. Now, here it is in neat, factory-manufactured form. The NeoPower will also be available in a lower power format, a 380W version. It is such an obvious benefit that you can't help think, It's the way PSUs should always have been! This kind of reaction is the mark of a Very Good Idea.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
A product sheet was unavailable so this information is culled from the very comprehensive multilingual manual.
| FEATURE & BRIEF |
COMMENT |
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ATX12V V2.0 Intel PSU Guide compliance with 24-pin main connector
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The latest standard, good for PCI Express compliance. |
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Advanced Cable Management System allows you to use only the output cables that you need to reduce clutter and improve airflow
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The NeoPower's unique feature. |
| Fan Only output for thermal control of case fans by PSU |
Same clever feature found in the PSUs included with their quiet cases. |
| PSU Fan RPM sense output |
Common for high end PSUs. |
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Universal Input AC Voltage allows use anywhere in the world without worrying about a switch.
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Nice, but more useful for inventory control than for users: PC users don't travel between different AC zones w/their ATX PCs.
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Active PFC for >0.9 Power Factor, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced current load on AC delivery systems.
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Definitely a plus. ALL PSUs should have APFC, especially higher power units. |
Protections against Overvoltage, Undervoltage, Short-Circuit, Over-current, Overload, and Over-temperature
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Pretty complete! |
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Safety / EMI Approvals: IEC, FCC-B, UL, CSA, EN certification
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Generally, the more the better. |
SPECIFICATIONS
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Antec NeoPower 480 PSU Specifications
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AC Input
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100-240VAC ±10% @ 8A, 47~63 Hz
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| DC Line |
+3.3V
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+5V
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+12V1*
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+12V2
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-12V
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+5Vsb
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| Max Output |
30A
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38A
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18A
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16A
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1A
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2A
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| Min Load |
0.3A
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0.4A
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0.4A
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0.3A
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0
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0
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Regulation
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±3%
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±3%
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±3%
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±3%
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±5%
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±5%
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| Ripple & Noise |
50mV
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50mV
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120mV
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120mV
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120mV
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50mV
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| Max Power |
99W
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190W
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216W
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192W
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12W
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10W
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384W
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460W
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22W
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* 12V1 line feeds only the main 2x12V connector
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Other Antec NeoPower 480 Specifications
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| Ambient Operating Temperature |
0 to +50°C |
| Power Efficiency |
70% (min) at full and typical loads
60% (min) at light load |
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