Antec EarthWatts 500W Power Supply

Introduction:

    Antec is offering a new line of power supplies that are earth friendly. So what does a earth friendly power supply do that any of the newer power supplies don't do? Well, some of the newer power supplies are only efficient at a higher load. Example: a 500W PSU only working at 30% load may use more power to work than when it's at 90% of the rated load. The new EarthWatts power supplies from Antec are 80% plus efficient when at a load of 20%, 50%, or 80% of the rated load of the power supply.

    This new efficiency rating falls under the updated Energy Star specifications, which require components to be 80PLUS certified. For more information on the 80PLUS standard, go to 80PLUS.org. The EarthWatts series of power supplies come in three different wattages, which are 380W, 430W, and 500W. The 500W model is the one that will be used in this review.

About the Company:

    So what can Antec do for you? That depends on who you are. If you’re a computer user, and you’d like to upgrade your existing computer or build a new one yourself, we’ve got the computer cases, power supplies, cooling fans, lighting components, and accessories that you need. If you’re a system builder or VAR, we’ll help you deliver reliable and cost-effective systems to your customers. And if you’re a retailer, we’ll help you reach an explosively growing market: namely, “do-it-yourself” computer users who enjoy building and upgrading their own computers.

Specifications:

A Closer Look:

Retail front

Back

Specs

Internal protection

   The Antec EarthWatts power supply comes packaged in a retail box with earth tone colors of brown and light brown. The box is not overly done with graphics; instead, a simple picture of the power supply and the 80PLUS logo are on the front. The back of the box lists some of the features, and the side panel has the specifications. The power supply itself is packed in cardboard egg-crate formed material.

Side

Vent holes

Retro

Included Items

    The exterior of the EarthWatts EA-500 power supply looks like the old school 250W units back in the day. The power supply case is bare metal and not painted in any way. The EarthWatts looks very retro, right down to the 80mm fan on the back side. The vent holes on the opposite side cover the the whole panel, and are square rather than the widely used honeycombed holes. The only other markings are the spec sticker and the 80PLUS sticker. The EarthWatts EA-500 only has two +12v power rails but is able to pump 17 amps through each rail. This should be plenty of power for the everyday user and gamer.