:::: Sea Sonic ::::

Technical Support

Q26

120 mm fan vs 80 mm fan

Q27

120 mm fan vs 2*80 mm fan

Q28

What is the difference between Seasonic and other PFC models?

Seasonic power supplies are not only quieter, but also significantly more efficient. Seasonic's high efficiency design saves on energy and on the electrical bill. The combination of super low noise and high efficiency gives the Seasonic a unique balance of features. The electrical AC/DC conversion efficiency of the new Seasonic models is around 78%. Compare that to the typical 68-72% efficiency of every other top brand PSU. It means the Seasonic has to deal with a third less heat while delivering the same power. This has an effect on longevity as well as noise because fan speed is directly tied to internal PSU temperature: All of these PSUs use a thermistor to monitor the heat and speed the fan up as temp rises. With the Seasonics, the fan speed increases more gradually because it produces much less heat at every power level, and the difference becomes increasingly bigger as power level rises:

When the PSU is delivering 100W...
	For others (at 70%), the total heat generated is 42W.
	For Seasonic, at 78% efficiency, the total heat generated is just 28W.
	Difference in power lost as heat: 14W
When the PSU is delivering 300W...
	For others (at 70%), the total heat generated is 128W.
	For Seasonic, at 78% efficiency, the total heat generated is 84W.
	Difference in power lost as heat: 44W

Q29

What is the difference between Seasonic and other non-PFC models?

Many other top brand PSU offer comparable product reliability comparable to Seasonic power supplies, but Seasonic power supplies feature a much more advanced forward converter design, which is partly responsible for the high efficiency of our design. Many other top brand PSU still utilize the half-bridge rectification, with the efficiency limitations of that design.

Q30

Competitor's model has independent lines for all the voltages, while most power supplies have a shared 3.3V, +5V and another for the 12V line. Is this an advantage?

None of those lines can access the full power capacity of the power supply unit, however, even if there is no load on any other line, there are still limitations on each line still. In theory the 3 independent lines instead of 2 is an advantage, because of the reduction in possible interdependence. So if there is a big surge in one voltage line, it does not affect the others—not much—until/unless the overall power limit of the PSU is reached, at which point, the advantage disappears. In practice, it is difficult to attribute any special advantage to the independent lines.

Q31

What's the normal tolerance of a power supply's output voltage?

Seasonic power supplies follow guidelines of Intel's power supply design guides. The tolerance of output voltage on each output rail is shown below. Seasonic power supplies easily outperform these tolerances.

Output rail	Range	Min.	Max.
+3.3V	±5%	+3.14V	+3.47V
+5V	±5%	+4.75V	+5.25V
+12V	±5%	+11.4V	+12.6V
-5V	±10%	-4.5V	-5.5V
-12V	±10%	-10.8V	-13.2V
+5Vsb	±5%	+4.75V	+5.25V

Please note that voltages monitored by the motherboard and shown in the BIOS are often inaccurate. If output voltages shown in the BIOS are slightly out of the recommended range, it doesn't necessarily mean your power supply has a problem. For correct readings, we recommend users check output voltages with a voltmeter.

Q32

What should I do when my power supply suddenly shuts down?

Seasonic power supplies have safety functions to protect against hazards and equipment damage. Should your power supply fail to function properly, please verify the following:

1.	Ensure that the I/O switch on the power supply is switched to "I".
2.	Make sure all the appropriate power connectors are properly connected to the motherboard and peripherals.
3.	If the system still does not turn on, please turn off the power supply through the I/O switch a few seconds to reset the protection circuits, then switch to the "I" status again.

If your power supply still fails to operate after checking all the steps, please return the power supply for warranty service.