Seasonic Super Versatile 250W PSU Review

Cases & PSU/Power Supplies by piotke @ 2006-02-14

I sometimes repair computers for relatives. Most of them have pre build computers, such as Compaq, Packard Bell ... When the PSU fails it?s very difficult to find one that fits those special designed cases. Seasonic has a solution for that. The Seasonic Super Versatile 250W PSU should fit in most of the cases. Let?s find out if it is a worthy replacement ? we test performance and noise level.

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Introduction & Installation

Introduction



Today we'll be testing a Small Form factor Power Supply. Seasonic was so kind to send us their newly introduced SS-250SVP Active PFC, a 250-watt mini power supply. There is another model Super Versatile 200, rated at 200-watt.

Seasonic you say? Seasonic has been in the business for over 30 years, a veteran in power supply manufacturing serving the OEM markets. Its channel of distribution expanded to mass market a few years ago using its own brand name allowing the PC enthusiasts the same quality products once enjoyed only by OEMs. . Here is a little history overview from their site:

  • 1975 - Sea Sonic incorporates to manufacture Electronics Test Equipment.
  • 1980 - Sea Sonic enters PC power supply market to support Apple II and IBM PCs.
  • 1984 - Headquarters relocates to Shih-Lin, Taipei, Taiwan.
  • 1986 - The factory phases in Automated Test Equipment in production methodology, this is the first in switching power supply manufacturing in Taiwan.
  • 1990 - Second factory in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan begins operation.
  • 1993 - European office opens in The Netherlands.
  • 1994 - Dong Guan China I factory begins full operation.
  • 1995 - Sea Sonic develops our ATX power supply for the Pentium market.
  • 1997 - Dong Guan factory receives ISO9002 certification.
  • 1998 - The Dong Guan II factory begins full operation.Taiwan headquarters and Tao-Yuan factory receive ISO9001 certification.
  • 1999 - Headquarters relocates to present address at Neihu, Taipei.
  • 2000 - Dong Guan factory receives ISO 9001 certification.

    The first PSU maker to provide PC and IPC market cost-effective Active PFC (Power Factor Correction) solutions. Designs and applies S2FC (Smart & Silent Fan Control) towards PC and IPC products.

  • 2002 - USA office opens in California, USA.
    Sea Sonic Electronics Co., Ltd. lists on the Taiwan's Gre Tai Securities Market (OTC Stock Exchange).
  • 2003 - Launched retail products with own brandname and won awards and recommendation worldwide.
  • 2004 - Dedicated to develop green & silent power supplies with higher efficiency and higher power output.
  • 2005 - the USA office was renamed as Sea Sonic Electronics Inc. , a 100% Sea Sonic owned branch, to serve North and South America customers.


    • Impressive history, I may add. While Seasonic is new to me, it is certainly not for other MAD reviewers, we have had tasted their excellent S-12 500 in the past; and their Power Angel just a few days ago.

    Features:

  • Active Power Factor Correction (99% PFC)
  • Super High Efficiency (up to 80%): Save 15% more energy than regular Power Supply.
  • Smart & Silent Fan Control: Reduce noise without increasing temperature, silent enthusiast’s best choice.
  • Full three years warranty
  • All-in-one Bracket: Upgrade or replace your brand name PC’s power supply. (e-Machine, HP& Compaq)


    • The last item certainly sounds interesting, as this might replace the aging power supply in an older computer, which may otherwise cost a lot more from the friendly OEM hard part department.

    Let's take a look at the package and the unit itself. In the box we found:

  • SS-250SVP
  • Power cable
  • Screws
  • Short manual
  • Dr. Cable and cable tie for cable management


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    For 250-watt unit, this power supply packs quit a lot of connectors. Except for the normal ATX connections (20 and 4 pins) there are four (4) molex connectors, two (2) SATA and two (2) floppy drive connections. The last connection is a fan header with two leads for monitoring the fan speed in the power supply.

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    Size wise this unit is dwarfed by a conventional ATX power supply; in the photo’s below you can see it compared to a Zalman PSU.

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    Installation:

    The installation is plain and simple, but there are some extra's that need to be addressed. First the back plate which makes the PSU multifunctional in either a small or large case: Secondly, the Dr. Cable to wrap over the main and 4-pin cables or however neat the user likes to make it in optimizing case airflow.

    Dr. Cable comes in two sizes; a large one for the main and the smaller for SATA, Molex and however the user sees fit to work on. For the finishing touch there are tie wraps provided.

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    Time for some testing ->
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