Antec True Blue 480W Power Supply

Company: Antec Inc.
Product: True Blue 480W PSU
Street Price: $125 USD
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003
Reviewed By: Joey C. aka Chong345
Overall Rating: (9/10)

Introduction:

Power supplies may very well be the most important component of a PC. Antec is well known for their cases but what about their power supplies? Almost everybody who is a PC Enthusiast has owned an Antec case at one time or another. Now Antec has been trying to take their power supplies to a new level with their True Power line. Most of Antec’s cases now come equipped with a True Power PSU (power supply). Today we are taking a look at the Antec True Blue 480W, which is a True Power essentially but comes with a cool, blue LED modification.

Specifications and Features:

Model: True480

· Maximum Power: 480 Watts
· Switches: ATX Logic on-off additional power rocker switch (115/230 Volt selector switch)
· Special Connectors: AUX Power ATX12V 3-pin Fan Sensor Fan Only

· Transient Response: +5V,+12V outputs return to within 5% in less than 1ms for 20% load change.
· P. G. Signal: 100-500ms
· Over Voltage Protection: +5V trip point < +6.5V, +3.3V trip point < +4.1V, +12V trip point < +14.4V
· Overload Protection: Latching Protection +5V @ < 47A, +3.3V @ < 48A, +12V @ < 18A
· Leakage Current: <3.5mA @ 240VAC

· Unit Size: 5.9"(L) x 5.5"(W) x 3.4"(H) 15cm(L) x 14 cm(W) x 8.6 cm(H)
· Net Weight: 5lbs. 2.3kg

· Input Voltage: 115 VAC / 230VAC
· Input Frequency Range: 47Hz to 63Hz
· Input Surge Current: < 60A @ 115VAC
· Input Current: 9.0A for 115VAC 5.0A for 230VAC
· Hold-up Time: >17ms at Full Load
· Efficiency: > 68%
· EMI/RFI: FCC Class B CISPR22 Class

· Output (Max Load):
    +5V: 38A*
    -5V: 0.5A
    +12V: 22A*
    -12V: 1.0A
    +3.3V: 30A*
    +5V SB: 2A
    * +5V, +3.3V & +12V maximum output 460 Watts max.

· Operating Temp: 10 to 50ºC
· Operating Alt.: Sea Level 10,000 ft.
· Non-Operating Vibration: Operating: 10-300 Hz, 0.5G, 3 axes, 1 hr. ea. axis Non-operating: 10-300 Hz, 2.0G, 3 axes, 1 hr. ea. axis
· MTBF: 80,000 hrs. @ 25ºC
· Approvals: UL, TUV, FCC Class B, CB, VDE, DEMKO, NEMKO, SEMKO, FIMCO

*Courtesy of Antec

The True Power line features Dedicated Output Circuitry, which means that the 3.3V, 5V and the 12V all draw power separately so that one does not take away from the other. Older traditional power supplies usually combine some of the voltage lines. With this feature, it makes sure that the computer gets the power needed when it is necessary. In addition, to help regulate these voltages, the power supplies have Voltage Feedback Circuitry, which makes sure that the power supply supplies the right voltage in case there is a drop off on one of the rails.

Another very interesting feature that comes on these power supplies is Antec’s Low Noise Technology. This feature makes sure that the power supply stays cool and quiet by constantly monitoring the temperatures inside of the PSU and then adjusts the two double ball bearing fans accordingly. Therefore, if the power supply is cool, then the fans will rotate at a lower speed keeping the PSU quieter and vice versa. In addition, the True Power line has fan only power connectors. These connectors control the case fans speeds as well making a quieter PC. The True Blue 480W also features a blue LED modification, which adds that extra touch to those with window mods, or just wants something cool to show of to their friends.

This power supply comes with a 3-year warranty and is on AMD’s list of supported power supplies.