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The Enhance 500W ATX power supply offer advertised at $12.89 plus shipping is a dead 2009 deal, not a current price or available listing. AnandTech Forums posts from April 19–22, 2009 document buyers’ orders and impressions, but do not establish the unit’s present availability, warranty, safety certification, or independently tested electrical performance.
What was the Enhance 500W deal?
AnandTech Forums’ thread was titled “basically flaming hot. 500 watt enhance power supply $12.89 + shipping DEAD.” It concerned a physical desktop power supply sold through a historical online-retail promotion. Participants discussed it as a conventional replacement or build PSU; some bought multiple units for backup stock and computer repair work. By the time later posts appeared, participants reported that the deal was out of stock. The thread’s dates run from April 19 to April 22, 2009. AnandTech Forums archive
The title’s “DEAD” label matters: $12.89 plus shipping is the old offer’s advertised price, not a price a shopper can rely on today. The archived thread does not establish a current retail listing.
What did buyers report about the connectors and build?
One participant warned that the 24-pin motherboard connector and 8-pin connector did not separate, writing on April 21, 2009: “The connectors DO NOT SEPARATE! Neither the 24 pin nor the 8 pin.” That is a forum user’s report, not a manufacturer specification. Anyone considering an equivalent replacement should verify the actual unit’s connector arrangement against the motherboard and graphics card requirements rather than assume those plugs split into smaller connectors.
#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
Reports of physical condition were mixed. The same participant said the units seen so far had no major dents or damage, while other buyers described beat-up shipping boxes. Another reported a system that booted and then hung. These posts are individual experiences, not a systematic inspection or proof of the PSU’s reliability.
Could it power an older gaming PC?
Thread participants debated period hardware, including a Q9650 processor, GTX 275 graphics card, several drives and an optical drive. One poster estimated roughly 130 watts for the processor under full load and about 150 watts for the graphics card, then judged that the system would have headroom. Another estimated approximately 36A on the relevant rail. These are informal forum calculations, not measured output or a validated compatibility test.
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
A “500W” label alone is not enough to determine whether a PSU suits a particular build. Before buying any replacement, compare its documented sustained output and rail ratings with the system’s requirements, confirm the exact 24-pin, CPU 8-pin and PCIe connectors needed, and account for drives and other components. The archive does not provide independent laboratory testing that would confirm this Enhance unit’s actual electrical performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the 2009 thread does—and does not—establish
- Established: the old advertised price was $12.89 plus shipping; the deal was later reported dead; buyers discussed ordinary desktop replacement and repair use.
- User-reported, not manufacturer-confirmed: the 24-pin and 8-pin connectors did not separate, and one participant estimated approximately 36A on a relevant rail.
- Not established: current availability, a current warranty or returns policy, present-day safety certification, or independent test results for sustained output, efficiency, acoustics, or reliability.
For a current purchase, treat “Enhance 500W ATX power supply” only as a search phrase and verify that a live listing actually exists. If evaluating another unit, compare verified capacity and connector fit alongside noise, efficiency, independent test evidence, physical condition, warranty and return terms, and current price. The dead deal thread cannot answer those present-day buying questions.
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
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
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.
