Antec HCG 520W: A Good PSU for Bargain Hunters
by Martin Kaffei on May 31, 2011 6:55 PM ESTAntec's HCG 520W PSU
Antes seems content to continue releasing non-modular products, and like the larger HCG-750, the HCG-520 comes with 80 Plus Bronze certification. We have already tested the 750W version, so it will be interesting to compare the two units and see what other changes are in store beyond the rated power output.
The delivery contents are identical to the 750W version. There is one manual, some screws, and a power cord. In contrast to the HCG-750, the 520W model only has a 3-year warranty (instead of five) and there aren't quite as many cables and connectors. The case is 160mm long, so it is also much shorter than its big brother.
The 520W unit can theoretically draw up to 8A from the power grid (115VAC), and it delivers up to 40A on the single +12V rail. The maximum output from 12V is thus 480W if you don't stress the other rails, which are both rated at 24A. Together, 3.3V and 5V can deliver an additional 130W, which is more than enough for a system with modern components such as SSDs. By way of comparison, the HCG 750W has four 12V rails that can deliver up to 40A, along with a more powerful standby rail.
The packaging lists OCP, OVP, SCP, and OPP safety features, so the power supply should be safe. Interesting to note is that UVP isn't listed. The PWM/PFC IC has it's own under voltage protection while the PS223 IC delivers this feature on all outputs; Antec could benefit from listing these additional features on their homepage. Anyway, let's find out if the PSU itself needs to be improved.
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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...