The best SFX power supplies: specifications and reviews

Building a PC always teaches us to treat every detail carefully and carefully. Buyers spend a lot of time choosing a video card, processor, motherboard, but often install a poor-quality cooling system or a poor power supply in the system. These auxiliary parts are no less important for the system, since they support its life activity.

Variety

The power supply is represented in a wide variety. There are enough manufacturers on the market, as well as models and formats. There is information that over the whole history of the PC's existence, about 6 BP formats have been developed. Now, of course, among them the most popular ones, such as ATX, are installed, which are installed in a standard case of the same format, and the parameters of the device correspond to the necessary parameters of the ATX motherboard.

In addition to the standard ones, which also have their own versions, there are compact models. It is interesting that if the formats we know have not changed their dimensions over the decades (the BP models of the AT format will fit into any modern case), compact models have gone the whole way to becoming what they are now.

Little

The SFX power supply unit belongs to the very first models, which were classified as compact. This type has at once 5 different modifications. Among them there are low-profile models, which have a width of 100 mm, and a height of 50 or 63 mm. These BP configurations received names that characterize them by the size of the fan (40 and 60 mm). Such models are designed for independent cooling, but in no way will be suitable as an alternative to the cooler. The fan in this case can cope only with the power supply unit itself, in which it is located.

If the user needed a variant with a powerful chassis cooling, then another couple of options were offered. The first assumed the location of the fan on the top cover. The difference of both models was in dimensions: 100 mm in width and 125 mm in depth in the first variant, and in the second - on the contrary. The design assumes that the fan will look out from under the cover for 17 mm, hence the height of the block becomes somewhat larger.

There was one more variation of SFX. The power supply was called PS3. In general, it is very similar to the ATX configuration, but it is somewhat truncated. Most often this option was purchased for micro-ATX cases.

Huge selection

As it turned out, the SFX formatter power unit with a power of 300 W is a very common option on the market. Most of these models were released in 2012-2013. Among them there are interesting models that attracted the attention of buyers and became popular. Among the popular ones are SilverStone, Seasonic, FSP, Winsis, etc. We will consider the most successful modifications.

Standard version

The SilverStone SST-ST30SF is not an ordinary option. Some parameters indicate the similarity of the model with ATX-solutions. The device is packaged well. In front of us is a black, dense box with a matte surface. Above there are many graphic elements that help us to learn a little about the model and its parameters. Immediately there is an image of the BP and an indication of its power. Interestingly, this one of the few models that was supplied in the box, usually experts received a clean OEM (that is, packed just in a bag).

The box was easily opened, and inside it was possible to find the product packed in polyethylene, a power cord, plastic ties, a special frame for mounting this PSU into larger connectors of the case, as well as instructions.

SilverStone Appearance

The design is nothing remarkable and is quite typical for SFX. The power supply unit received the corresponding dimensions - 125x100x63 mm. Mass devaysa - almost 900 grams. The case of the BP is black, which looks more attractive than in the case of unpainted models.

A sticker with device parameters was placed on the end. Here everything is indicated to the smallest detail, down to the serial number, barcode and other official information. The manufacturer indicates the power parameters, maximum voltage, current strength.

At the other end there is a grill through which the viscera can be seen. There is also a power button and a power connector. On the other hand, there is a noticeable grating covering the fan, which, incidentally, is also black. Of all models, this option looks stylish and attractive. The cover itself is not removable. The fan measures 80x20 mm. On average, the diameter of the mechanism with nine blades is 70 mm.

SilverStone Details

All the cords in the kit were equipped with plastic braid. The power is represented by the ATX Mainboard connector, which is perhaps the most versatile option for collecting any system. The length of the cord is 31 cm. It is difficult to talk about its dimensions, as this alone will suffice, and others will remain unhappy. Power is represented by a cord with a CPU connector and a length of 410 mm.

There is also the possibility to connect to the video card using a PCI-e cable. The presence of it, of course, does not show generosity of the manufacturer, but this option is not represented in each model. Therefore, this feature, of course, is a plus device.

Interestingly, the cables can also find connectors such as SATA and Molex. There is a forgotten connector for the Floppy drive. As a result, the main advantage of this model can rightly be called approximate characteristics, parameters and the availability of components to the BP format ATX.

Reviews about SilverStone

Reviews are often left not only by users, but also by specialists who conduct testing. So, first of all I liked reliable packaging with high-quality printing. Pleased with the bundle, which, albeit not praise for generosity, yet everything necessary is there.

They noted the presence of a pair of connectors of PCI-e and CPU. The test showed that with a load of 250 watts, the unit is stable and does not fail. Users noted a low noise level and a generally good performance factor, especially if the system is not operating at full capacity. The questions were left only to the system of stabilization, which turned out to be a little unfinished.

Unusual

The next good model was a power supply unit SFX Seasonic SS-300SFD. In general, the model looks normal, but if you look closely, you can see some features. So, you can immediately see the interesting location of the fan, which slightly protrudes above the surface and is placed in a separate compartment.

As practice shows, this arrangement can hardly be called successful, since the format itself has other dimensions. This model weighs more than a kilogram and has dimensions of 125x100x76 mm. On the case there is a special power button.

The fan inside got similar dimensions with the previous model. On average, its diameter is 72 mm. The blades became smaller by two. Their form has also changed a little. The case is unpainted and looks standard, in gray.

Details of Seasonic

As usual, there is a sticker on the case that allows us to understand the basic parameters of this SFX model. Power units received a divided line of 12 V. At one point the current strength can not exceed 14.5 A, and the second - 8 A. The result is 22.5 A, and in translation for power - 270 Watts. Despite the fact that the model belongs to a power unit with a power of 300 W, and the figures give only 270 W, this value can be considered positive, since it is also indicated in the specifications, and in general such a maximum is acceptable.

The kit includes cables for the motherboard, which also come with the ATX Mainboard connector. The length of the cord in this case was 32 cm. To replenish the processor, unlike the previous version, only a single cable with a length of 32 cm is available. In general, the solution can hardly be called successful, since some modern models may refuse to start with such a connection.

Among the remaining cords, you can see Molex connectors, which are twice as large as in the previous model, and there are a pair of connectors for the Floppy drive. The length of these wires is about 650 mm. But there are only two SATA connectors, which, although it does not significantly affect performance, can still affect the variability for the user.

Reviews of Seasonic

This model was clearly worse than the previous one. This indicates both the configuration, and parameters, and testing. From the positive it is necessary to allocate stable work at a load of 250 W, silence at low power, and also a good efficiency index at 150-200 W.

Then the minuses of this product begin. There are questions to the operation of the stabilization system, at maximum load, the efficiency is markedly reduced. A small amount of SATA is also difficult to call a plus. At full speed. The system starts to noticeably rustle, and the "bulge" due to the fan compartment can play a cruel joke on users who do not take into account this factor.

Typical

This is not the end of the review of such options. We have another 300W SFX power supply. PowerMan IP-S300BN1-0 is considered to be the most typical model and classic representative of this BP format. The appearance of this product is standard, the only thing that designers could do with a little more work is with the fan grille, and it looks very simple.

Unlike the previous model, there is no special compartment for the fan that would rise above the case. Dimensions correspond to the standard 125x100x63 mm. Weight - almost 900 grams. It is interesting that there is no button to turn off the power, in its place is located the voltage regulator of the network.

The fan inside is still 80 mm, which became the standard, although not certified, for this form factor.

PowerMan Details

This SFX power supply has also been equipped with a sticker with all the parameters. The total power limit was 125 watts. All the necessary cables are in place, including the motherboard and the processor. There are few connectors for the periphery: pair for SATA and Molex, and one for the drive. The main drawback of this model was the lack of 80 PLUS certification, which will significantly reduce the attractiveness in the eyes of the buyer.

PowerMan Reviews

This SFX 300W power supply passed the tests, which indicated only a couple of pros, among which - a good level of efficiency and finally a worthy work of the stabilization system. But the real power indicators are somewhat disappointing, it turned out that the product does not work stably at 250 W, generates a lot of noise, has only two SATA connectors and deprived the video card of the power connection.

Powerful

The trio of the above models is the simplest option for an average system. If the user is going to build a powerful and workable PC, then you have to look for more powerful power supplies for computers. SFX - albeit not the most popular form factor, but also has in its arsenal models for 500 and 600 watts.

So, just a couple of years ago, the excellent Chieftec SFX-500GD-C model appeared on the market. You can not go past the packaging, which looks stylish, beautiful and at the same time strictly. Everything is done in black and gold. Front shows the BP itself, as well as the model. More detailed information about the parameters is on the reverse side of the box.

The SFX 500W power supply from Chieftec has been equipped with everything it can. Here, and detachable cables, network wires, user manual, mounting screws. There are cables with connectors for motherboard, motherboard, processor, video card and SATA devices and IDE.

This option is ideal for those who want to build a miniature but powerful system. Despite the excessive noise level, the certificate of 80 Plus Gold is and generally justifies itself. Inside, fit a large fan of 12 cm. In general, this SFX power supply allows 480 W, which is enough for gaming systems with the ability to overclock.

Strong

Well, you can not fail to mention the 600 W model from the company, which we reviewed at the very beginning. The SilverStone SX600-G is also provided with the 80 Plus Gold certificate. Sold in a very catchy package, with fire elements on a black background. In addition to the necessary cables, various brochures, instructions, euro-cable, 4 screws and frame-adapter for the form factor of the ATX case were placed in the box.

This SFX 600W power supply from the company SilverStone looks good, has a black body and standardized dimensions. Despite the compactness, the weight is almost a half kilogram. But the fan, in contrast to the previous model, reduced to a size of 80 mm.

According to experts, this SFX power supply unit can rightly be considered the most ideal option for building a powerful system. He has no competitors, except that the "colleague" in the shop is 700 W, but has an increased size. The same BM has a passive mode of operation, which is replaced by the active after heating over 45 degrees.

The model is made of high-quality materials, has high power, voltage stability and is equipped with all necessary cables. The only thing you should pay attention to is the length of the wires, which may not be enough, if you install the device in a standard case.