A good power supply is becoming more of an essential component for modern computer systems than it ever used to be. Three or four years ago, computer stores could get away with peddling the same generic 250W or 300W power supplies with every PC they sold, not having to worry about the actual power demands of each different computer system. The massive power demands of modern processors and video cards have made this impossible now, since a state-of-the-art gaming system requires considerably more than 300W to remain fully stable at peak operation.

In this review, PCSTATS will be testing out Seasonic's S12-430 power supply. This 430-Watt supply features Active Power Factor Correction, dual 12-volt outlets, 'silent focus' fan control, honeycomb ventilation and a full three year warranty. It also comes with a nifty 'DR. Cable' cable management kit for a neater PC interior.

Seasonic S12-430 430W power supply Includes: instruction sheet, Power Cord, 24-to-20 pin ATX connector, DR. Cable kit, triple fan connector cable, screws.

Like most modern power supplies, the Seasonic S12-430 comes with a pair of a serial ATA power connectors. It features a 24-pin main ATX power connector to supply power to the motherboard, but Seasonic include an adaptor to change this to the older 20-pin ATX standard.

According to the manufacturer the +3.3V and +5V lines can deliver up to 30 Amps. The 12V line is split into two to power the secondary 12V connector, and the two lines can pump out 14 Amps and 15 Amps respectively. Maximum peak power output of the Seasonic S12-430 is 430W.