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So
what makes the Stealth so special?
The reason that the Vantec Stealth aluminum power supply is so
special is because not only has Vantec met AMD's and Intel's special
requirements, they have gone above and beyond. That means Vantec has
taken into consideration that tomorrow's computers will be more
advanced and require more power than the standard PC of today. This
is why Vantec's power supplies are rated at 420, 470, and 520w. They
have also implemented new features such as three thermally
controlled cooling fans, a three speed fan switch and a auxiliary
power connector in the back. One thing is for sure, the Stealth is
no ordinary grey OEM power supply!
With generic power supplies, you often run into the trouble of not
having enough power connectors for extra devices. With the Stealth
you get a total of twelve power connectors not counting the
motherboard connectors. That is more than enough to make any
computer enthusiast happy! Not to mention the Stealth is black, not
the drab and ugly grey most power supplies come in. With the black
color, the Stealth is perfect for those colored cases, especially
the black Lian Li cases.
Okay, the Stealth sure is pretty, but we still need to run it
through it's paces. Let's test this baby and see how she does.
Testing
Testing power supplies isn't one of my favorite things to do because
there really isn't a standard way to test one. There is one thing
for sure, a weak power supply will show weakness immediately in an
overclocked system. I've noticed that a good power supply alone can
help you achieve or exceed your overclocking goals. I even put power
supplies right at the top of the list of hardware needed for a high
end overclocking system right next to good memory and cooling.
Overclocking is a great test as your system is only as strong as
your weakest link and a power supply is a big link in keeping your
system stable. Due to the high stress of an overclocking
environment, any fluctuation in voltage or even under voltage will
cause your system to fall flat on it's face.
The system used to test the Stealth is based on an ABIT KG7-RAID
motherboard and an AMD 1.33GHz Thunderbird overclocked to 1.4GHz at
1.85v. The CPU is ran at a full load with RC5 Client to ensure
stability. Okay, let's fire this puppy up and see what happens!
The system ran perfectly at 1.4GHz, just as it always has with my
other power supplies. With good cooling, this system can run at
1.5GHz+ but with a glitch here and there. Usually the system will
lock up during a video benchmark or a couple hours of RC5. However,
with the Vantec Stealth power supply, the system ran like a champ at
this speed without one single failure. This proves my point that a
good power supply can really mean the difference between
overclocking greatness and total failure! Motherboard Monitor also
shows that the Stealth is supplying the correct and steady voltage
across the board.
On another note, the Stealth power supply really lives up to it's
name as I had to turn off everything in my office to even hear the
power supply fans run, even when on their highest setting. On the
lowest setting, the power supply is virtually silent and the only
way to tell if the thing is even on is by looking at the fans spin
or hold your hand over the vents to feel for air flow. Amazing...
Conclusion
To get right to the point, the Vantec Stealth power supply is the
best power supply I have over owned or have had the pleasure of
testing. It has what it takes to help keep an overclocked system
stable and it has plenty of power to run all the devices you could
possibly throw at it. It looks awesome, it's whisper quit and it's
all that you could ask for in a top of the line power supply. Vantec
gets my vote of confidence on this one as I award the Stealth the
Club Overclocker Seal Of Approval! Outstanding research and
development Vantec, once again you know exactly what the Overclocker
needs!
The Vantec Stealth
power supplies will be available in late August 2002 anywhere Vantec
products are sold.
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