Antec HCG-620M High Current Gamer Series Modular Power Supply Review

As many already know, computers are not just about the processor. One of the critical components is the power supply. Power supplies are what sends power to the components in your system. So it is important to have a highly stable power supply. Up for review today is the 620 Watt Antec HCG-620M High Current Gamer Series modular power supply.

It's features and specs include:

-620 watts of Continuous Power

-80 PLUS® Bronze certified — up to 87% efficient

-High Current Hybrid Cable Management — special 10-pin and 5-pin modular connectors for High Current rail

-Quiet 135 mm Double Ball Bearing cooling fan

-Stealth Wires: all wires darkened for minimal visibility in chassis

-All Japanese brand capacitors for reliability

-Thermal Manager: an advanced low voltage fan control for optimal heat & noise management

-Up to 90% power available on +12V rail

-ATX12V version 2.32 and EPS12V version 2.92 compliant

-Heavy-duty protection circuitry on all rails prevents damage from a variety of dangers:

- Over Current Protection (OCP)

- Over Voltage Protection (OVP)

- Under Voltage Protection (UVP)

- Short Circuit Protection (SCP)

- Over Power Protection (OPP)

- Surge & Inrush Protection (SIP)

-AQ5 — Antec Quality 5 year limited warranty on parts and labor

-MTBF: 100,000 hrs

-POWER SUPPLY CONNECTORS ASSORTMENT:

- 1 x 24(20+4)-pin

- 1 x 8(4+4)-pin ATX12V/EPS12V

- 2 x 8(6+2)-pin PCI-E

- 6 x SATA - 6 x Molex

- 1 x Floppy

-Safety Approvals: UL, cUL, CE, TÜV, CB, FCC, CCC, C-Tick, BSMI

-Net Weight: 1.9 kg / 4.2 lbs

-Size: - 86 mm (H) x 150 mm (W) x 160 mm (D)

- 3.4" (H) x 5.9" (W) x 6.3" (D)

The power supply came well protected in a nice printed box, with photos and info on the product opening the box revealed a well protected power supply. Being a 620 watt power supply, it was not the heaviest I have ever seen, but it did have very good heft to it. The quality of components used was very good. Looking into the power supply, I could see the components all seemed put together very well. Quality of construction, and fit and finish was very good, and appeared to be sufficient enough to provide years of reliable use.

One of the key things I look for in a power supply is reliability and stability. If a power supply goes out, it can also take the motherboard with it. that is the last thing I want. Stability is also important, especially in a high performance system. The processor requires specific voltages, as well as the memory. If you are overclocking, these voltages are even more critical. A drop in voltage can translate to an unstable system. So your power supply must be able to maintain that exact voltage with no fluctuations.

While supplying power is the primary purpose, so power supplies are also differentiated from each other in features. First of which would be power ratings. The Antec is a 620 watt power supply. They can range from as little as 250 watt up to 1200 watt. The amount of power you will need will vary depending on the components used. For example, a single graphic card system is not as power demanding as one that uses four graphic cards.

Efficiency is another important feature to look for. The more efficient a power supply is, the less power it requires and loses. This in return translates into power saving. The power saving can then reduce your energy costs of running it.

Last but not least, I also look for a fully modular design. Power supplies use cables to get power to the various components in a system. Depending on the components you have, you may not need all of the cables that are provided by the power supply. Cables mean clutter. And a case with a lot of cables does not look as good as a system with fewer cables. To help against this, manufacturers have introduced a modular design. This means that the cables are detachable, so you only connect the ones that you need.

The Antec HCG-620M performed very well. The fans did their job well. They were not too loud and the power supply was kept cool. The power supply was not only efficient, it was extremely stable. In overclocking the memory and processor, there was zero problems in maintaining a constant voltage. I know our overclocking success was partly due to our stable power supply delivering constant power.

In the end, the Antec HCG-620M delivered the goods in supplying power to your system. It is a high quality products that is built well for years of service. At $100 retail, it is good reliability without being too pricey. Based on it's design, features, quality, and performance, the Antec HCG-620M has earned our Highly Recommended Award. For more info and complete specs, check our their website at www.antec.com.