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Summary

This is a basic summary review intended for readers who just want a quick look at a new product.  If you would like to read the full review with more technical details, pictures, and test results that you are used to seeing on PC Perspective, please click on this link.

Introduction and Features                                         

Antec recently released four new power supply units (PSU) in their Neo HE line, which range in output capacities from 380W to 550W.  The HE stands for High Efficiency.  This allows the Neo HE power supplies to be more environmentally friendly because they conserve electricity and generate less heat.   In addition to overall efficiencies of up to 85%, Antec claims the Neo HE series power supplies offer quiet operation and they feature modular cables.

 

Antec Neo HE 500 Key Features:

• High efficiency, up to 85% (typical load, 230V)
• Modular cable management system
• 500W continuous power output (up to 50°C)
• Tripple +12V outputs and Dual PCI-e 6-pin connectors
• ATX12V v2.2 compliant and EPS12V support (dual CPU)
• Universal input with active PFC
• 3-Year AQ3 warranty 

Specifications

The Neo HE 500 power supply supports ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V systems and is rated for a combined, maximum output power of 500 watts with a maximum ambient temperature of 50°C.  This is an important feature and is an area where some less reputable manufactures mislead their customers by significantly limiting a power supply’s full load output if the internal operating temperature exceeds 25°C.

The main power cable and +12V cable that feeds power to the motherboard are hard wired into the power supply.  All of the other cables, which supply power to the peripheral devices, are modular and plug into one of the five connectors.

All five 6-pin connectors are the same.  The individual cables are pinned according to the voltages they need to deliver.  Each connector is fitted with a latching mechanism to insure connectors don’t work loose and become disconnected over time.

The following picture shows the layout and components inside the Neo HE 500 power supply.  Parts are neatly arranged to allow for good airflow and cooling.

 

Testing – DC Output Voltage Load Regulation

The following table lists the DC voltage results at different loads for the Neo HE 500 PSU while operating on 115 VAC, 60 Hz.

The Neo HE 500 PSU produced good voltage regulation on all of the outputs across a broad range of loads.  Some of the readings were a little lower than I would like to see at the higher loads, but all were within Antec’s tighter ±3% specification, except for the +5V output that was still within ±5% ATX guidelines.  The only time the +12V1 rail was loaded (11.6A, 140 watts) was during the final 471watt combined load test, when it dropped to 11.71V.

The overall efficiency of the Antec Neo HE 500 power supply was very good, and actually exceeded the new ATX design recommendation of 80% under a typical load, but didn’t quite meet Antec’s claim of 85%. 

During our tests the Antec Neo HE 500 power supply reliably produced solid voltages with very low AC ripple while operating above 80% efficiency under moderate to heavy loads.  Universal line voltage input with active PFC is a plus and the Neo HE 500 comes with all modular peripheral power cables.  If you are in the market for a high efficiency power supply that is relatively quiet and features modular cables, then the Neo HE 500 deserves a close look.

To read the full review, please click on the link below (or here).  And be sure to use our price checking engine to find the best prices on the Antec Neo HE 500 power supply and anything else you might want to buy!

Be sure to use our price checking engine to find the best prices on the Acntec NeoHE 500 watt PSU, and anything else you may want to buy!

Click here for the Detailed Review