Antec HCG 520W: A Good PSU for Bargain Hunters
by Martin Kaffei on May 31, 2011 6:55 PM ESTInterior
This is a different layout than that of the HCG-750. The PCB is much shorter and there is a lot of free space in the case (which makes the PCB spacer on the left useless). We can see two thin heatsinks for the transistors and diodes so the fan can easily direct airflow at all the components. The rectifier bridge has its own heatsink for cooling. The overall impression is good but the distances between some circuit parts could be larger--specifically the linear choke behind the phase and neutral conductor could be a source for magnetic coupling on the standby rail. Another point of criticism is the PFC choke that needs more glue to affix it. These are relatively minor concerns and tend to go with the target market; let's continue with some positive aspects.
The EMI filtering is equipped well including a MOV for overvoltage protection. The ferrite core on the conductors helps to reduce EMC troubles with high frequency current. The main cap is from SMQ with 85°C and 330 μF, and the Infineon ICE1CS02 controls the Power Factor Pre-regulator. We can find four identical transistors with common ratings: two for PFC and two for the "Two Transistor Forward" design. In the secondary circuit are 105°C caps from Nippon Chemi-Con as well as a PS223 for the safety functions. The PS223 provides all the earlier mentioned mechanisms like OCP for four rails and UVP.
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radium69 - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
Great review,Glad to see Antec doing well in the power supply business especially the "Gamer" series.
Also for $60 you can't really go wrong with it. And its efficiency on 230V is simply remarkable at lower loads.
Only problem is that we get ripped off here in the Netherlands...
The model currently costs at it cheapest! 72 euro = $103
I remember I bought my 750W OCZ GameXtream (HQ components, great power supply) for 90 euro. That was like 4 years ago...
European markets suck...
dingetje - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - link
I am (a dutchie) in Taiwan and Antec hcg 520 costs here just over 2900 TWD which around 72 Euro (calculated with XE currenc converter).So this is the current streetprice here in Taipei. (I could probably haggle a few euro's off but no more than 5, and probably only even half of that.)
Weird how those prices are the same.
By the way, I have always wondered why hardware prices in the USA are so much lower compared to Taiwan streetprices, considering most of the stuff is fabricated here in China and Taiwan.
weird...
groeten uit Taiwan :)
Nataku - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - link
I didn't think you could get anything Antec in Taiwan? either that or the store I went to 3 years ago just decided to give me the finger lolI'm not sure if this is the reason, but may be tax hasn't been included in the US version?
laserwing6 - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - link
Well, they make the stuff in China, then send it back to US where they distribute it...not very smart if they ask me...or at least thats what most companies do :Pdingetje - Thursday, June 2, 2011 - link
Right, i guess it doesn't make sense for an american company to do that.The weird thing is that if i compare (street)prices between usa and taiwan of almost any hardware brand, the prices are 10 to 15 percent lower in the usa (so even for taiwan based companies).
I guess it has something to with tax or middle-men or both.
radium69 - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
Scuse me, that should read 700W :)Quizzical - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
Is this, by any chance, a rebranded Seasonic S12II?Folterknecht - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - link
Look at last Page:"Pricing ends up being the big selling point here, especially when we consider the original Seasonic version cost $20 more."
JasonInofuentes - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
Glad I picked this up when I thought my PSU had blown. Sad that it turned out to be my mobo. :( Ahh well.SlyNine - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - link
So I found this site talking about PSU reviews, Worth a good read and also shows why Anandtech is one of the best PSU reviews out there!, So keep up the good work Anandtech!http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Why-99-Perc...