Choosing a power supply is as important as finding a video card. Few pay attention to this device. As a result, if you do not calculate the load of power consumption, the potential of the system is lost. You have to sit down and understand the models, manufacturers and formats of the power supply.
Formats
Before choosing a TFX power supply, you should generally deal with the options. Few people know what this appendix to the model means. Throughout the history of the existence of PCs, 6 types of PSUs have been developed. Now most often developed version of ATX. Such models are found in almost all modern PCs. In addition, they are compatible with the motherboard ATX form factor, which is also important.
Until 1995, the AT variant was often used. He maintained a voltage of + 5 / -5 and + 12 / -12 V. Further, the component developed, respectively, it was necessary to change the format. So the world became known ATX. As a result, a voltage of +3.3 V was added, as well as +5 V SB. The latter option was intended for those who often “euthanize” the PC, and then “wake up” it by pressing a button or mouse.
Next came the ATX 12V format. Its development was due to the fact that the processors received more power consumption. It was necessary to switch to the power supply of the CPU stabilizer from +12 V. This made it possible to balance the current flows and the resulting voltage. Later an improved version of this format 2.0 appeared. The bus with +12 V doubled. Thus, it was possible to unload other channels and make the food more efficient.
Compact version
The power supply unit TFX format belongs to compact models. There are already 8 types of PC cases for this variety. These PSU sizes include TFX. It is an individual format for a slim and long case. Typically, these models are equipped with a fan, which has a blade size of 80 millimeters, so often often cools the entire system at once. Its dimensions are on average 65x85x95 millimeters.
Variety
The TFX power supply is presented by several models. The most popular of them are Seasonic TFX-350, TFX POWER 2 300W, Foxconn FX-300T and others. They differ in design, characteristics, equipment. Of the general here, of course, are the standardized dimensions of the device case, as well as the size of the fan.
Leader
Before we move on to specific BP models, it is worth noting the manufacturer leader. They became the company Seasonic. The manufacturer has already released several models of this format. In addition, he is generally a leader in the market of power supplies, so there is no doubt in the reliability of his products.
So, the most popular model was the Seasonic TFX-300 PSU. The option turned out to be very high quality, interesting for many buyers. His appearance is not distinguished by something remarkable. We will talk more about it later.
Seasonic also created another TFX power supply model SS-250TFX. In addition, there is an older version of 350 watts. The price of both models is available to everyone. Although it is not quite low, as it depends on the specific format of the PSU.
300 W option
So, the first PSU watched was the Seasonic SS-300TFX. This model is part of the OEM series, provided without a box with a complete set. This line has received only ten models, so it is generally designed for integrators.
The appearance of the PSU is quite ordinary, but its dimensions are somewhat different from the declared ones. Its length reaches 17 centimeters, width and height - 8 and 7 cm, respectively. Large fan - 80 mm. He is behind a small bars. Nearby there is a sticker with the technical characteristics of the device.
The rear panel is equipped with one power slot, as well as a compact ventilation grill. There is no power off button, as if there was no place for it on the case.
There are not many cables. For example, the absence of the PCIE format for a video card is not entirely pleasant. Power 150 watts is enough for power . But the indicator of what the TFX 300w power supply received indicates the possibility of using a discrete accelerator. Just at the time of the release of this PSU, low-profile accelerators began to appear in America. They worked with several processors, among which were both economical models and more powerful chips.
The number of cables is acceptable: eight pieces. This should include a 20 + 4-pin wire for power, the length of which was 35 centimeters. The 4-pin power connector became 10 cm longer. There were also two cables for the PATA and FDD drives, which on average got a length of 30-45 cm. There were also two SATA connectors in this model.
Specification
Seasonic SS-300TFX for its channel 12 V received a power of 252 watts. Given its size, this figure is impressive. The +3.3 V and +5 V lines can withstand a load of 20 A. As a result, the load power can reach 110 watts. In principle, at the time of release, any modern PC would work perfectly together with this PSU.
The input stream range is from 110 to 240 V, which allows you to think less about problems with the voltage in the network. This model received 80 PLUS technology, which indicates excellent power consumption of the device and its good efficiency, which should be at least 82%.
Force
Another model that has 300W power is Be quiet! TFX POWER 2. The appearance of this PSU was caused by the release of a new high-performance graphics card from AMD Mini-ITX format. If earlier the component needed 150-200 watts, then this card functions at 175 watts. And given the fact that the accelerator needs a good processor, this indicator will be even greater.
Therefore, the novelty of the TFX format, the power supply, is standardized in size, but the device itself is designed for serious tasks that are beyond the power of some large PSUs.
This model comes in a nice package that shows the product, the model, manufacturer, and some features are indicated. Inside the box is a power cord, there are screws for mounting the unit, cable ties, an adapter for PATA and user instructions.
This TFX format option is introduced by the TFX12V version. The dimensions of the box are 175 millimeters in length, 6 and 8 cm in length and width. It is great for equipping a mini PC. The company took care of the quality of materials. An additional layer of black paint is applied on top, which makes this model attractive.
Characteristics
This TFX POWER 2 power supply has a convenient arrangement of all the elements. The fan through the hole takes air and cools the system. It is biased towards the hole with wires. By the way, they are decorated in a tight braid. Some users liked this option, there were those who would prefer a loop-like design. This is caused by the fact that in the current version it is not easy to lay the wires in the case, which is already quite compact.
The rated power is 300 watts. Efficiency is 82%, even if the loads are very small. In general, this BP model has a lot of advantages, among which quality stands out first of all. This model received very flattering reviews. The option turned out to be excellent for creating a mini-PC, while coping with difficult tasks, did not make excessive noise and did not overheat.
Alternatives
It is not easy to find a TFX power supply in the market right now. Foxconn FX-300T 300W received a sufficient number of connectors, compact size and good packaging. Externally, this model is inferior to the previous one. It is not coated with black paint, made in classic gray color. The dimensions of this PSU are 175x84x63 mm. The input voltage ranges from 200-240 V. But unfortunately, this model has already left the market and can only be outbid from other users.
Although the 300 V power supply option is more common, in stores you can also find the TFX 200w power supply. For example, there is an option from MAXcase. It also looks pretty standard. This option is more suitable for office mini-PCs, as not all users will have enough power.
Reviews
Speaking about power supplies of this format, users often complain about the cost. Of course, it is not surprising that a sufficiently powerful PSU has an impressive price tag, because it is not easy to make a compact device, while high-quality and productive, and even cheap. Therefore, the price often exceeds 5-7 thousand rubles. Nevertheless, most TFX format PSUs are praised for their quiet operation and the availability of technology. In addition, the models are distinguished by good indicators of voltage, stable performance and longevity.