Review

July 24, 2003

Sea Sonic Electronics Co., Ltd

 www.seasonic.com

Reviewed item (Product ID Super Tornado ATX 12V V1.3 Retail Price $65.00 MSLP)

Products and accessories

Power supplies are the least considered component when purchasing a computer or upgrading a PC. In Actuality, the power supply should be given as much attention as the processor and memory. Without a stable power supply, the rest of the computers components cannot perform at their peak efficiency. With gamers adding fast processors, 512 Megs or more of memory, high speed video cards, 3D surround sound cards, and pushing the processor to the max by over clocking will require an efficient source of energy.

This is where the Sea Sonic power supply fits the bill nicely. What’s the main complaint about over clocked power PC’s? That’s heat and a consistent power supply. The Super Tornado by Sea Sonic has one of the largest fans I have seen. The fan is 120 mm. which is 50 % larger then most power supplies which use an 80 mm fan. Another unique feature is the air outtake port. The traditional outtake port is no longer used on this model and is replaced with a honeycombed plate that surrounds the power switch. This is a truly efficient design that takes power supplies to a whole new level.

This power supply is also an active power supply. 4 levels of protection are built in.

1: Over voltage

2: Over power

3: Over temperature

4: Short circuit protection

With these features you are guaranteed that if you make a mistake when putting your ultimate gaming machine together the power supply will not power up. During those heated gaming sessions or hot summer days, the power supply will take care of itself. With 300 watts of available power there is no shortage of power for these custom gaming systems.

The list of advanced features on this power supply is too immense to cover all of them. I will touch on some that really caught my eye. On top of what’s been mentioned earlier, here is an overview of other features.

1: Automated fan function. This reduces noise without increasing the temperature.

2: Universal free Input. No more switching from 100/240 Volts. Just plug and run safely anywhere in the world. Just replace the power cable. Not supplied.

3: Cable Management Kit – more on this later

4: PFC – Power Factor Correction which conserves power and reduces your electricity bill over other 300 watt power supplies.

5: Cool and quiet performance.

When connecting your system, you do not have to worry about using power cable splitters. The power supply comes connected with these connectors.

There are plenty of peripheral connectors to satisfy the ultimate power system user. With this in mind, typically you will run into a zoo of cables throughout your case making upgrades and also air flow issues a problem. Sea Sonic supplies with this power supply the cable management kit called Dr. Cable. This allows you to keep all the cables neatly together and in a managed area. Also allows you to maximize the area within the case for proper air circulation.

If you are serious about protecting your investment, you will consider using a good quality UPS (Uninterruptible power supply). Really though before the UPS you will require a high end power supply. The Super Tornado will fill this category nicely and ensure that all components receive the proper power levels. This power supply will ensure that your system will last for years with minimal stress due to power fluctuations

Overall, I rate this power supply 9+ out of 10. The power supply is perfect in all aspects but long term function is very important and this cannot be evaluated in the scope of this review. Also the companies support and return capabilities are also an issue with hardware products. In the box, Sea Sonic has included documentation on their simple 24 hour RMA return. Just go to www.Seasonic.com/usa/rma.jsp or call 1- 800- 451- 9771. This is another added feature that I would like to thank Sea Sonic for providing. It’s not common to see an RMA return procedure prominently mentioned in the packaging. Also with a guarantee return within 3 days after receipt is another plus.

Go to www.Seasonic.com to see this and other products available from Sea Sonic. Ask your local dealer to carry Sea Sonic products if they do not already. It’s a product that has everything going for them. Sea Sonic has been around since 1975 therefore you are sure to be dealing with a respected company.  Don’t be fooled into using a cheaper imitation or lower grade power supply. Check out Sea Sonic for your next power supply purchase.

Copyright 2003 www.technobrains.com

bkatayama@technobrains.com