Verdict: Small, but perfectly formed.
Although the Neo HE series isn't particularly new, it comprises some of the cheapest modular PSUs around, so it's definitely worth checking out. None of the Neo HEs is particularly powerful, though, with the meatiest model rated at a modest 550W.
As the Neo HE has modular cables (which is unusual for a mid-range PSU), only the 24-pin ATX and CPU connectors are hard-wired in. This means that you only have to plug in the PCI-E, Molex, S-ATA and FDD cables that your PC needs, making it much easier to build a neat and tidy PC that will improve airflow through the case. The Neo HE we reviewed is rated at 500W, and this is split across three 17A 12V rails, a 23A 3.3V rail, 17A 5V rail, 0.8A -12V rail and a 2.5A 5VSB rail. 12V1 supplies power to the ATX12V connector and half of the EPS12V connector, 12V2 powers the ATX connector and three of the modular sockets, while 12V3 powers the other two modular sockets. Unfortunately, it isn't clear from the manual which modular socket is linked to 12V2, and which is linked to 12V3. We eventually worked out that the two sockets nearest to the ATX and CPU power cables are 12V3, so the three furthest away are 12V2. This means that as long as you connect the two PCI-E wires to different 12V rails, the Neo HE 500 can support two GeForce 79-series cards in SLI or a single GeForce 8800 GTX.
Despite having only a single 80mm fan, the Neo HE 500 is all but silent at moderate load levels, and well behaved at full load. The output from each of its seven rails held up perfectly under load, and the Neo HE 500 was also efficient, averaging 82 per cent. This means that it required just 607W from the mains to produce 500W.
CONCLUSION
It's encouraging to see a major manufacturer making mid-range modular PSUs, since traditionally, these types of cables have only been used on ber-expensive high-end PSUs. This makes it hard not to like the Neo HE 500, especially when you consider its excellent triple 12V rail configuration and quiet cooling.
