Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A December 2023 report described iron filings inside one opened Equites T500 power supply labeled 500W. The filings could add weight, but the report does not establish who put them there or why. It is a striking warning about judging a power supply by its heft—not proof that cheap PSU makers commonly use this trick.
What was found inside the Equites T500?
On December 8, 2023, HotHardware’s Paul Lilly reported that a Reddit user, RedditCringe990, posted images of an opened Equites T500 power supply. The report says a container of iron filings was visible inside the unit and interprets it as a possible way to make the power supply feel heavier. Read the HotHardware report.
That account concerns one unit, based on user-submitted images. It does not establish who placed the filings inside, the maker’s intent, or whether other units were treated the same way. The story therefore supports a caution about this particular report—not a claim that cheap power supply makers generally add metal to deceive buyers.
Does weight prove a PSU is good—or bad?
No. Weight alone is not a reliable way to assess a power supply’s electrical performance or safety. HotHardware notes that some shoppers once treated heft as a rough sign of more substantial components, but that was never a dependable test. Added weight cannot verify output, protections, construction quality, or certification.
#1 Best Overall
- Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output at plus 40 degree. Compliance with Intel ATX 12 Volt 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified, 80 percentage efficiency under typical load
- Supports (2) PCI E 6plus2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100,000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- High Quality Components
HotHardware’s report relays Reddit commenter Hattix’s criticism of the unit’s apparent construction and protections. Those are the commenter’s assessments, not results from an independent laboratory test or a verified certification record for this specific Equites T500.
What does the reported 281W calculation mean?
Hattix wrote that the listed current outputs would amount to 168W on the 12V rail, 70W on 5V, and 43W on 3.3V, totaling 281W. The sum is arithmetic based on the figures cited by the commenter and reproduced by HotHardware. It is not an independently measured output result.
Rank #2
- ATX PSU. Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output
- 80 PLUS Bronze certified, with 85% efficiency or higher under typical loads
- 5 Year Warranty and heavy protection including OVP/UVP/OPP/SCP
- All cables are black and not ketchup and mustard colored
- 120mm ultra quiet fan with excellent cooling performance
The unit was labeled 500W, but the report alone does not establish its actual electrical capacity. Hattix’s verdict, quoted by HotHardware, was: “That is not a 500W PSU.” The same commenter also wrote, “Do not use that PSU.” These statements should be understood as the commenter’s judgment, not as a lab finding.
How should you evaluate a replacement power supply?
Research the exact model rather than relying on a brand name, price, or weight. HotHardware names Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and Super Flower as examples of brands to research; it does not test or endorse a specific replacement model, and a brand name by itself does not guarantee quality.
Rank #3
- Delivers 600W Continuous output at plus 40℃. Compliance with Intel ATX 12V 2. 31 and EPS 12V 2. 92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified – 80% efficiency under typical load. Power good signal is 100-500 millisecond
- Supports (2) PCI-E 6 plus 2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100, 000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- Hold up time is 16 millisecond minimum within 60 percent load. Input frequency range 50 - 60 in Hz
- Look for independent testing of the exact model, including performance and protection behavior.
- Check that its capacity suits your system’s requirements.
- Review applicable safety and conformance information, warranty terms, and the seller’s return support.
Should you open a PSU to inspect it?
No. HotHardware warns that a power supply can retain a dangerous charge even after it has been unplugged. Do not open a PSU to look for filings or investigate a fault. If you suspect a problem, contact the manufacturer or the place where you bought it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED
- 10-year limited warranty, guaranteeing long term reliable operation
- Fully modular design
- ATX 3.1 & PCIE 5.1
Rank #4
- Power Supply Specifications: Apevia Venus 500W ATX Power Supply delivers reliable power for your computer system
- Comprehensive Connector Options: 1 x 20/24pin Main Power, 1 x 4+4pin 12V, 1 x 6+2 PCI Express, 3 x SATA, 3 x Peripheral, 1 x Floppy connectors for versatile component compatibility
- Advanced Cooling System: Auto-Thermally Controlled Black 120mm Fan with 115/230V Switch for efficient temperature management
- Precise Voltage Regulation: 5% Tolerance of 5V, 3.3V & 12V Output ensures stable power delivery to all components
- Complete Protection Suite: Short-Circuit/Over-Current/Over-Voltage/Over-Power/Under-Voltage/Over-Temperature Protections safeguard your system from electrical damage
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
