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MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made as 24-bit / 88 kHz WAV files with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own anechoic chamber (11 dBA ambient), then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
Each recording starts with 6~10 seconds of room ambient, followed
by 10 seconds of the product's noise. For the most realistic results,
set the volume so that the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then
don't change the volume setting again while comparing all the sound files.
Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives
in the Anechoic Chamber
CONCLUSIONS
While bleeding edge power supplies are pushing 90% efficiency (and
$200), it's good to see that the lower end of the market is thriving as well.
The Eco80+ is Enermax' economy line, but it's still a very worthy power supply.
Sure, it's not really tops in any particular category, but it still exceeds
the requirements of most systems out there. Unless your workstation needs (and
I mean really needs) multiple blazing graphics cards, the difference between
an Eco80+ and a Seasonic X-650 is mostly bragging rights.
It's wonderful to discover that even this lowly power supply has
a noise profile that matches the best. Bad as they are, Enermax' overwrought
marketing buzzwords can be forgiven because the Magma fan — with its Batwing
blades and its Twister bearings — really is quiet. Exceptionally
so. We really need to get hold of some individual fan samples, because this
power supply is worth it just for the fan.
And what of the middling efficiency and cooling performance? It's
good enough, and, especially if you go for the cheaper 400W version (the 350W
doesn't seem to be carried anywhere), it's much better value than the high end
competition.
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Enermax Eco80+ 500W Balance Sheet
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Likes
* Magma fan
* Silent in typical use
* 80 Plus certification
* Rate capacity suits real system needs
* "Bundled" cable sets |
Quibbles
* Thermal design
* Marketing buzzwords
* Misleading "Eco" branding |
Much thanks to Enermax
for this review sample.
The Enermax Eco80+ 500W is Recommended by SPCR
* * *
SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power
Supply Fundamentals
Recommended
Power Supplies
SPCR
PSU Test Rig V.4
Seasonic X-650: Seasonic Hits
Gold
Seasonic M12D-850W
Enermax
Modu82+ 625W
Antec CP-850: Unique PSU with Top Performance
* * *
Discuss
this article in the SPCR Forums.
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