Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W = Seasonic, but what model???

[Dave]

Getting ready to do a budget build for some friends of the family. (yeah, I
know, bad idea, ha ha)

When it comes to building PCs, I am obsessed with high quality power
supplies, and I've always favored the Seasonic brand power supplies in
particular. But I'm working with a tight budget on this build.

So, I thought I'd possibly try the Antec Earthwatts. This is a 500W power
supply manufactured by Seasonic. I've read reviews, including jonnyguru.
They confirm that the Earthwatts is Seasonic. But I can't seem to find
WHICH Seasonic model the Earthwatts compares to.

I'm not crazy about the bland looks of the Earthwatts. I'm trying to decide
if I want to fork out extra (well, not my money, but still...) for a black
Seasonic model to match the case I've chosen. It would be helpful for
comparison purposes to know WHAT to compare to, though.

Anybody know what specific model Seasonic the Antec Earthwatts EA500 is
based on? For example, if it's based on the S12, then it's about 40%
cheaper, which would make the plain looks more bearable. :) -Dave

[Paul]

There is no reason for it to correspond exactly to any Seasonic model.
They can upgrade or downgrade parts, according to the price point and
terms of the contract manufacture.

You can compare pictures on this page. One supply has a fan on the
end of it, the other a top mounted fan, so the heatsinks could
be shaped differently. But the PCB seems to share similarities.
The Jonnyguru article mentions brand names for capacitors and
the like.

EarthWatts EA-500
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&file=print&reid=35

Seasonic S12-II 500 Watt
http://www.techaddicts.net/reviews/s12ii500/s12ii500.html

Look at the EarthWatts reviews, before you decide.
For example, see "8/26/2008 2:44:33 PM" posting, where it is revealed
a new non-Seasonic source is being used (Delta EA500D). With contract manufacture,
they can change sources on a whim.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

Paul

[Dave]

> Look at the EarthWatts reviews, before you decide.
> For example, see "8/26/2008 2:44:33 PM" posting, where it is revealed
> a new non-Seasonic source is being used (Delta EA500D). With contract
manufacture,
> they can change sources on a whim.
>

Whoa. Ummmm, not the information I was looking for. But that particular
bit of info is a dealbreaker. THANK YOU for preventing me from having to
RMA a power supply! -Dave