New VPF units with 80 PLUS Bronze efficiency and 350 to 650W capacities at this year’s Computex. Antec’s latest effort targets the average user who wants a budget-oriented PSU that’s reliable and geared toward a mid-range system. Company representatives let us know they decided not to use the VPF nomenclature in the U.S. market.
The older VPF series carried a plain 80 PLUS certification, so the upgrade to Bronze makes a significant difference. In addition, the VPF650 can support up to two high-end graphics cards with its four PCIe connectors. Furthermore, it is compatible with the sleep states that Intel’s Haswell CPUs introduced S6 & S7.
Specs
- Max. DC Output: 650W
- PFC: Active PFC
- Efficiency: 80 PLUS Bronze
- Modular: No
- Intel Haswell Ready: Yes
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 40 °C
- Protections: Over Voltage, Under Voltage, Over Power, Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Cooling: 120mm Sleeve Bearing Fan (D12SH-12)
- Semi Passive Operation: No
- Dimensions: 150x86x155mm (WxHxD)
- Weight: 2.0kg (4.41lb)
- Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
- Warranty: 3 Years
The max temperature at which the PSU can deliver its full power continuously is 40 degrees Celsius, and although the ATX specification recommends 50 °C, 40 degrees is still high enough for a mainstream PSU. The cooling fan uses a sleeve bearing, which is expected in a budget PSU. As for the unit’s dimensions, the VPF650 has restricted length, meaning it will fit in every ATX case. Finally, the warranty is set at three years.
The single EPS connector is powered by a dedicated rail and it is not mixed with the PCIe connectors. This is definitely the way to go. But we don’t like the fact that the 12V1 is overloaded with connectors, while the 12V2 rail has only the single EPS to worry about. If it were up to us, we would power all PCIe connectors from 12V1 and all the rest from 12V2. This way, the load would be much more balanced.
Determination
It is very difficult to find a PSU that uses only Japanese capacitors in this price range. The VPF650, along with its U.S. version, the EA-650 PSU, offers great functioning and, thanks to its decent price, attains a high functionality per dollar score.