Antec Earthwatts 650W Review [Testings + Unboxing]

Arsalan Shakil

As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I bring my decade-long expertise in electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping. My knack for exposing misconceptions in the tech world finds a perfect outlet here.

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Nauman Siddique

At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.

 

 

 

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Antec sent us the Earthwatts 650W for review. It’s a mid-range, semi-modular PSU with a reliable design. It has APFC technology for better performance. It’s energy-efficient, lowering utility costs. In this review, we will tear down this PSU to give you details of its circuitry. Of course, we will also test it as well. Going over the features, it has a single +12V rail for stable power and a 120mm fan for quiet cooling.

Key Takeaways

• Antec Earthwatts 650W is a mid-range, semi-modular PSU with 80 Plus Gold certification and APFC technology for reliable and energy-efficient performance.
• It is ideal for users seeking a stable, energy-efficient power supply for mid-range systems, featuring a semi-modular design, 80 Plus Gold certification, and a single +12V rail for gaming or general PC use.
• It is not suitable for users requiring higher wattage, prioritizing fully modular designs, expecting extensive accessories, or needing detailed testing results.

The main specifications comprise:

Packaging and Unboxing

The power supply comes inside a cardboard box of white and black colors.

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Design

The unit is wrapped for safe shipping. Semi-modular PSU, 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS pre-installed. Follows Intel Form Factor ATX 12V V 2.3, 150 x 140 x 86mm. AC Voltage 100-240V, current 10A to 5A, frequency 50-60Hz. Maximum efficiency 91%. Operating temperature 0 to 40°C. 120mm silent fan, MTBF ≥ 100,000 Hours. Basic protection features. The top side has an Antec sticker warranty void label on the screw. Fan grill for optimized heat and noise management.

Plain surface on this side of the PSU. Antec brand engraved bottom right. The power info label, dark yellow and black, is in the main section. Antec brand on top. Designed in California. Serial no info label on the right. The model is EA650G PRO. Switching power supply with Active Power PFC. Single +12V rail, 600W, 50A. Input Voltage Range 100-240VAC, frequency 50-60Hz.

The rear side has a mesh covering the entire side for effective heat dissipation. There is a 3-pin power connector and a power on/off button. The bottom side of the unit has a solid cover without any vent.

The unit has a 24-pin ATX power cable and an 8-pin EPS cable mesh sleeved in black. Other cables are modular and flat.

Internal Look

Opening the power supply reveals a black PCB with essential components. Epoxy-potted high-voltage components resist vibration, conduct heat, and absorb shocks. Blue ceramic capacitors reduce high-frequency noise. A green wire grounds the power supply and an EMI interference filter stage welcomes AC power with black sleeves-covered coils.

The image shows a large filter capacitor connected after the heat sink rectifier. It filters DC voltage through a quality 105˚C capacitor from Nippon Chemi-Con. White silicone-potted transistors create a full wave bridge for the LLC circuit with a black heat sink.

The standout feature of this Antec Earthwatts 650W power supply is its resonant LLC circuit for high efficiency. It operates on the LLC circuit’s resonant frequency with zero switching losses. Components on the black PCB are annotated in the image for a clear view.

Moving to the secondary side, it has a synchronous rectification stage, WT7527 power supervisor IC, and Taepon capacitors for filtration. Different voltages (3.3V, 5V, 12V, -12V) branch out to the output PCB with Molex connectors (SATA, VGA, Peripheral) and direct black cables for the motherboard and CPU connectors. After looking at the key components, it’s clear that Antec has included features for a reliable, robust, and efficient power supply.

Testing

Since we lacked the proper equipment to measure the PSU’s performance and waveforms accurately, we used Thermaltake Dr. Power II to test the unit. Dr. Power II checks ATX 20+4 pin, CPU 4+4 pin, PCIe 6 or 8 pins, SATA, and peripheral connectors, reporting their voltages under load. It can also identify PSU issues. Compare the reported voltages with the Intel Standard and the testing equipment’s Measuring Range.

The below-mentioned table has the Intel Standard, Measuring Range, and Reported Voltages:

All the tested voltages fall within Intel’s standards. Here are the connectors’ wise reported voltages:

Should You Buy It?

By conducting a careful evaluation of Antec Earthwatts 650W, I find that:

Buy It If

✅ You are in need of a mid-range, semi-modular PSU with 650W power capacity: Antec Earthwatts 650W is great for stable and energy-efficient power in mid-range systems, perfect for gaming or general PC use. Semi-modular design for flexible cable management. 80 Plus Gold and APFC technology ensure reliable, energy-efficient performance, possibly lowering utility costs.

✅ You prioritize a single +12V rail for stable power delivery: The single +12V rail design enhances stability, making it suitable for users who require consistent power output for their systems.

✅ You value a 120mm fan for quiet cooling: Including a 120mm fan aids in effective cooling while maintaining a quiet operation, contributing to a more pleasant user experience.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You require a higher wattage PSU for more demanding systems: If your system demands a higher power capacity, the 650W may not be sufficient. Consider a PSU with a higher wattage rating to meet the needs of more powerful components.

❌ You prioritize fully modular designs: The Antec Earthwatts 650W is semi-modular, meaning some cables are pre-installed while others are modular. If you prefer a fully modular design for complete customization of cable connections, this PSU may not meet your preferences.

❌ You expect extensive accessories or detailed testing results: If you are looking for a PSU with a wide range of accessories or detailed testing results, the provided overview may not be sufficient. This review focuses on key specifications and features rather than extensive testing data.

Final Words

Antec Earthwatts 650W has high performance, 80 Plus Gold for 92% efficiency, saving electricity. It features hybrid modular cabling, a quiet 120mm fan, and CircuitShield protection. EA650G Pro is green and ERP Lot 6 certified. Semi-modular PSU, Intel Form Factor ATX 12V V 2.3. Dimensions 150x140x86mm.

Antec has used high-quality components, employed power conversion topologies, applied safety parameters, suppressed harmonics techniques, and followed IEC standards confirming a power supply to deliver the desired results.

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Nauman Siddique

[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]

Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.

As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.

• 15+ years of PC Building Experience
• 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
• 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
• A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
• I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
• Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
• Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech

Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com