Buying a power supply is a responsible matter. It must be approached carefully so as not to burn the entire system or to make it too weak. Despite the fact that most users neglect quality PSUs and prefer to buy something cheaper, there are those who care about their PC. So, for good budget systems, Chieftec GPA-500S is perfect.
Appearance
In 2011, unnoticed by everyone, the company launches a new series of iArena power supplies. Devices are all focused on the entry-level segment for the entry level. Models are designed for those regions where 230 V mains voltage is used, so they have become a little cheaper than their competitors.
This series included eight models at once. They had a power of 350 to 500 watts, while they got two indices - “S” and “S8”. The first option was endowed with those power supplies that worked at an efficiency below the declared standard 80 PLUS. The second group worked with this certificate and belonged to a more expensive segment. Also, for some unknown reason, the series received a shorter warranty on its devices. Now, instead of three years, it became only 12 months, which, of course, somewhat upset, because no one is safe from malfunctions.
Block
The appearance of the model is quite ordinary. The 500W Chieftec GPA-500S power supply is gray and boring. He did not bother to paint everyone’s favorite black color and did not even add a dull surface. But that is, that is. The case itself is durable, at first glance the materials also seem strong. It should be noted right away that the fan is slightly biased to the side. A grill rises above it, which is somewhat recessed into the body to be level with the plane and not to interfere if the device has to be located at the bottom of the chassis.
One of the ends is sealed with information about the model. Here is the main specification that comes in handy, especially if you purchased a model without a box and instructions. On the rear panel there is a ventilation grill that removes all the air that enters through the top cover and fan. There is also a place to connect the power cable and a power button. On the reverse side of all this is a “bundle” of cables, among which there is almost everything you need. Although compared with the latest models, this statement can be argued.
Wires
So, although the Chieftec iArena GPA-500S bundle is clogged with cables, it seems rare compared to current interfaces. As a result, the length to the ATX, 4 pin ATX12V PCI-E 2.0 and VGA Power Connectors is 38 centimeters each. Up to the first SATA connector - 370 mm, to the second - plus 150 mm and the same up to the third. The Peripheral Connector can be reached through 410 mm, and another 150 mm must be added to the second and third.
The set of cords has a 24-pin main power cable and another 12-volt power cable with 4 pins. There is also a VGA cord of 8 pin PCI-E 2.0 format, followed by a pair of Peripheral with 4 pins, Serial ATA works with three cables of 15 spikes, and the useless Floppy Drive is presented in one copy.
Already at that time it was believed that such a number of connectors and wires was not quite the best option. This is also due to the fact that at that time optical disks and hard drives actively began to switch to the SATA connector. Accordingly, three cords might not be enough, in addition, they all fit on one harness.
The wire length was also small. This was due to the fact that the Chieftec iArena GPA-500S power supply is considered a budget model, which was saved as much as possible. Cable lengths are enough for compact cases with a "low" and "medium" tower, provided that the PSU is located at the top.
Inside
If you open the top panel, you can see the insides of the model. It is known that the device is equipped with an active power factor indicator, although the manufacturer himself claims that power supply voltages with a standard range are used here.
If you look closely at the semiconductor elements, you will notice that they are located on small radiators, of which there are only three pieces. Their thickness is also small - up to three millimeters. In addition, the upper part of the fins were split into radiators. In general, their placement on the board is successful. Air flows freely in the desired direction, they do not block important parts, and also do not interfere with airflow inside the case. Heat dissipating elements cannot boast of unprecedented characteristics, since Chieftec GPA-500S is a budget model. At first glance it even seems that we have a 400 V version.
Aishi has specifically provided capacitors for this power supply. In the output part, such elements are installed that received the highest functioning work - 105 degrees. But in the output rectifier there is a capacitor with a capacity of 400 W, although it is typical for a similar PSU model with a power of 500 W, that the capacitors have a capacity of up to 380 microfarads.
The grill turned out to be a grill. This option is not often found in budget models. It looks good, although not particularly, and stands out among the grayness of the design. Below it is a 120 mm fan. The device runs on a bearing and can reach a maximum speed of up to 2 thousand revolutions per minute. The design of the ventilation system in Chieftec GPA-500S also looks somewhat weak. The fan, which is based on such a bearing, does not provide the necessary resources if the device is at an elevated temperature. Although the same design option is found in all cheap devices.
Specification
To understand the quality of the device and its capabilities, it is necessary to conduct testing. But first, it is worth considering what is stated in the passport parameters. Before us is a power supply whose power on the +12 V line is 396 watts. If you calculate the percentage of this indicator to 500 watts, it turns out that the difference will be 78-79%. This is not enough to get 80 PLUS certification. If we had a more expensive model in front of us, of course, we could show our displeasure. But since we have before us a device that sells for less than $ 40, complaining about such indicators is stupid.
As usual, the voltage on the +12 V line is divided in half into virtual tracks that have a load of 21 and 24 A. If the line was unified, the power supply system would look more reliable. But since the power reserve is sufficient, overload on one of the tracks can be easily avoided. The remaining indicators are not much different from the parameters in similar BP models. So, making a review for Chieftec iArena GPA-500S, you can inadvertently capture the characteristics of all other models in this segment.
Stabilization
This feature is more important than ever for our device. Tests have shown that this power supply with a voltage of +12 V gives stable results, while group stabilization is observed inside. It seemed not entirely rosy to go beyond the normal range of indicators along the +12 V line and the maximum load. If it is reduced to a minimum, a similar phenomenon will also occur in other stresses.
At +5 V, the numbers freeze almost perfectly with the usual average use of the device, and they deviate from the nominal indicators by a couple of percent. If you calculate the total load at 130 watts, then collect at +3.3 and 5 V more than 100 watts does not work. If you lift the load, then the deviations become larger. All these negative aspects are leveled, if we recall that Chieftec GPA-500S are usually purchased in budget systems for office PCs. In this case, the voltage rarely exceeds 50 watts, which means that the above negative indicators can not be achieved.
Temperature and noise
This is another important characteristic that should not be ignored. As we already said, a budget fan with a size of 120 mm is responsible for cooling the device. It reaches two thousand revolutions per minute. If the minimum load is set to 50 W, then the speed is half as much, but the speed starts to increase markedly.
That is, if you start a PSU with a voltage of 150 W, then the rustling of the blades will become noticeable, not to mention the fact that the fan will buzz disgustingly at 250 W. If you set the maximum load indicator, then two thousand revolutions cannot be achieved, but noise from 1900 revolutions is more than enough.
Benefit
We must not forget about the efficiency of Chieftec GPA-500S. This is another no less important indicator. Tests have shown that the model has its own peculiarity relative to competitors. BP received an active correlation of the power factor. As a result, at peak values we get 99.7%, and if you set the load above half, then the percentage value drops only 0.7. Efficiency is not good enough, but this is eloquently indicated by the lack of 80 PLUS. Full power indicates that efficiency reaches 76%.
Reviews
Reviews Chieftec GPA-500S received in two ways. This is due to the fact that not many buyers carefully study the specifics and monitor the compliance of the system voltage and the capabilities of the power supply. So, some users blamed on the quality of the elements, "scolded" Chinese capacitors, an output filter that just burned out after 6 months.
There were also positive feedback. It was noted that the device is stable, especially if the system itself is simple and picky. It works quietly, although, as tests have shown, for quiet operation, the device must function with a minimum load. Also noted and low cost.
But this is not limited to Chieftec GPA-500S 500W. There were also those who immediately took the model back to the store, not calculating the necessary value for themselves. But those who understood that the device is designed only for weak models and that it is advisable not to overload it, were pleased with the long-term operation and efficiency.