Antec Ships EarthWatts Power Supplies

[malware]

Antec, Inc., the leading global brand of high-performance computer components for the PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, is now shipping EarthWatts, its most environmentally friendly power supply unit (PSU) yet.


EarthWatts allows system builders to do their part for the environment by reducing the amount of energy consumed by computers. The unit allows for this in three vital ways. First, EarthWatts is certified to be 80 PLUS compliant, the newest standard for power supply energy efficiency. The 80 PLUS specification requires computer and server PSUs to be at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% rated load ultimately saving users money on their electricity bills, computer reliability and cooling costs.

Second, EarthWatts meets the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) requirements ensuring that harmful materials such as lead and mercury are not used in the manufacturing process. The final beneficial element contributing to EarthWatts' environmental friendliness is Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) with power factor value up to 99% to reduce electrical waste.

Available in 380W, 430W and 500W models, EarthWatts features ATX12V 2.2 compatibility, and 80mm low-noise fan, and dual 12V outputs for the motherboard and peripherals and for the processor. The PSU is protected from short circuits, power overloads and over- or under-voltage by its industrial-grade protection circuitry. Additionally, EarthWatts includes four serial ATA connectors and PCI-E connectors: one each for the 380W and 430W models and two for the 500W model.

"As consumers take action to protect the environment, Antec encourages everyone to look for solutions that help conserve energy and eliminate waste and pollution," said Scott Richards, senior vice president for Antec. "EarthWatts is our most energy efficient design, and it provides users with the power and stability they have come to expect from Antec products. With the 80 PLUS certification, EarthWatts is leading the way in reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment."

"We applaud Antec for taking a lead role in offering 80 PLUS certified energy-efficient power supplies," said Jason Boehlke, Channel Manager for Ecos Consulting, the company that created the specification for the highly energy-efficient PSUs. "The 80 PLUS certified PSU is perfectly suited to achieve Antec's goals to save energy, the environment and money for the end-user."

EarthWatts is available through major retailers, e-tailers and distributors for an estimated street price of $64.95 - $99.95, depending on the model. The PSUs are backed by Antec's industry-leading 3-Year warranty on parts and labor. For additional product information and full technical specifications, please visit http://www.antec.com.

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[XeoNoX]

antec has some of the worst capacitors, my true power 550 just failer just uner a year, about 11 months after i had it. im not alone either, read the links below.

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache...97d5bc+fix+antec+psu&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=9

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache...c.html+fix+antec+psu&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6

 

[Alec§taar]

antec has some of the worst capacitors, my true power 550 just failer just uner a year, about 11 months after i had it. im not alone either, read the links below.

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache...97d5bc+fix+antec+psu&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=9

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache...c.html+fix+antec+psu&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6

Could be "luck of the draw" possibly...

I say that, simply because I have been running 2 Antec PowerSupplies in both of my rigs here & neither has failed on me to date!

(E.G.-> In the rig in my signature below, 9 months or so now running strong on an ANTEC "SmartPower" 500, & in my 2nd'ary SQLServer2005/IIS6.x rig, a 550 watt "True 550" unit since late 2003)



* We all get a "lemon" now & then, but when I read some stuff on forums, or watch what my pals who are into this also go thru? I must be lucky as hell...

APK

 

[bornfree]

Antec's stuff has never been that great in independent scientific reviews. It's low end quality stuff per se. There are much better quality PSUs available for almost the same price that also have a higher efficiency rating and greater reliability. See PC Power and Coolings Silent Series PSUs as an example of the best for less.

 

[Sasqui]

"The final beneficial element contributing to EarthWatts' environmental friendliness is Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) with power factor value up to 99% to reduce electrical waste."

OMG - I figured they'd throw that in. That's marketing VOMIT. If they actually increased the efficiency, then I'd be impressed.

PFC has NOTHING to do with anything environmentally friendly - as a matter of fact, your electric bill will INCREASE with PFC.

I have a 4-yr old 430W TruePower still in use. That was back when they really were top of the heap.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

At least they're trying to help the environment, I don't think anyone should fault them for that. Their PSUs are certainly better than no brand offers, but from what I read one of the best manufacturers at the moment is Hiper. I like their modular design and intend to get one sometime.

 

[XeoNoX]

Could be "luck of the draw" possibly...

I say that, simply because I have been running 2 Antec PowerSupplies in both of my rigs here & neither has failed on me to date!

(E.G.-> In the rig in my signature below, 9 months or so now running strong on an ANTEC "SmartPower" 500, & in my 2nd'ary SQLServer2005/IIS6.x rig, a 550 watt "True 550" unit since late 2003)



* We all get a "lemon" now & then, but when I read some stuff on forums, or watch what my pals who are into this also go thru? I must be lucky as hell...

APK

i forgot to mention that i left the PC running all the time and never turned it off, so it was 11 months of constant 24/7 use. if you dont run that much i guess its bound to happen farther down the line, i was just trying to point out that Antec doesnt really use the best of parts although they claim too, u can look for yourself if you open it up and look at the manufacture of the capacitors and other parts.

 

[Sasqui]

At least they're trying to help the environment, I don't think anyone should fault them for that. Their PSUs are certainly better than no brand offers, but from what I read one of the best manufacturers at the moment is Hiper. I like their modular design and intend to get one sometime.

Not trying to argue - "(RoHS)" is adopted by almost all major PCB manufacturers, so there's nothing really special there... and PFC has nothing to do with being environemntally freindly - it has to do with how the electric companies measure your watt usage.

Again, if they got over 80% efficiency, I'd be impressed.

Hyper makes a good PSU (I have one)... I do have some serious grips about the modular cables...

 

[overcast]

I would imagine Earth Friendly is going to translate to crappy power supplies.