PC assembly always teaches us to treat every detail with care and attention. Buyers spend a lot of time choosing a video card, processor, motherboard, but often install a poor-quality cooling system or bad power supply in the system. These auxiliary details are no less important for the system, since it is they that support its vital functions.
Variety
The power supply is presented in a wide variety. There are enough manufacturers on the market, as are models and formats. There is information that in the history of the existence of PCs, about 6 BP formats were developed. Now, of course, the most popular ones, such as ATX, are installed among them, which are installed in a standard case of the same format, and the device parameters correspond to the necessary parameters of the ATX motherboard.
In addition to the standard, which have their own varieties, there are compact models. It is interesting that if the formats known to us have not changed their dimensions over decades (AT-format PS models will fit in any modern case), then compact models have come all the way to become what they are now.
Small
The SFX power supply is one of the very first models to become classified as compact. This type has 5 different modifications at once. Among them, there are low-profile models that have a width of 100 mm and a height of 50 or 63 mm. These PSU configurations got names that characterize them by the size of the fan (40 and 60 mm). Such models are designed for self-cooling, but in no way fit as an alternative to the cooler. The fan in this case only copes with the PSU in which it is located.
If the user needed an option with powerful cooling of the case, then a couple more options were offered. The first suggested the location of the fan on the top cover. The difference between the two models was in dimensions: 100 mm wide and 125 mm in depth for the first option, and for the second - vice versa. The design assumes that the fan will peek out from under the cover by 17 mm, from here the height of the unit becomes slightly larger.
There was another variation of SFX. The power supply was called the PS3. In general, it is very similar to the ATX configuration, but somewhat shortened. Most often, this option was purchased for micro-ATX cases.
Huge selection
As it turned out, a 300-watt SFX form factor power supply 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 in demand. Among the popular ones, it is worth noting SilverStone, Seasonic, FSP, Winsis, etc. We will consider the most successful modifications.
Standard option
SilverStone SST-ST30SF PSU is not a very common option. Some parameters indicate the similarity of the model with ATX-solutions. The device is well packaged. Before us is a dense black box with a matte finish. Above are many graphic elements that help us learn a little about the model and its parameters. There is also an image of a power supply unit and an indication of its power. Interestingly, this is one of the few models that came in the box, usually the specialists received pure OEM (that is, it was packed just in a bag).
The box was easy to open, and inside it was possible to find the product itself, packed in polyethylene, a power cord, plastic ties, a special frame for mounting this PSU in the larger connectors of the case, as well as instructions.
Appearance SilverStone
The design is no different and is quite typical for SFX. The power supply received the appropriate dimensions - 125x100x63 mm. The mass of the device is almost 900 grams. The PSU case is black, which looks more attractive than in the case of unpainted models.
At the end placed a sticker with the parameters of the device. Here everything is indicated to the smallest detail, down to the serial number, barcode and other service information. The manufacturer indicates the power parameters, maximum voltage, current strength.
At the other end there is a grill through which the insides are visible. There is also a power off key and a power connector. On the other hand, there is a noticeable grille covering the fan, which by the way is also black. Of all the models, this option looks stylish and attractive. The lid itself is non-removable. The fan has dimensions of 80x20 mm. On average, the diameter of the nine-blade mechanism is 70 mm.
SilverStone Details
All the cords in the kit were equipped with a plastic braid. Power is represented by the ATX Mainboard connector, which is perhaps the most versatile option for assembling any system. The length of the cord is 31 cm. It is difficult to talk about its size, as this alone is enough, while others will remain unhappy. The power is represented by a cord with a CPU connector and a length of 410 mm.
It is also possible to connect to the video card using a PCI-e cable. The presence of it, of course, does not show the generosity of the manufacturer, but such an option is not presented in each model. Therefore, this feature, of course, is a plus of the device.
Interestingly, on the cables you 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 rightfully be called approximate characteristics, parameters and the availability of an ATX-format component for a PSU.
SilverStone Reviews
Reviews are often left not only by users, but also by experts who conduct testing. So, first of all I liked reliable packaging with high-quality printing. I was pleased with the equipment, which, albeit not to be commended for generosity, yet there is everything you need.
We noted the presence of a pair of PCI-e and CPU connectors. The test showed that with a load of 250 watts, the unit works stably and does not give out failures. Users noted a low noise level and generally a good indicator of efficiency, especially if the system does not work at full capacity. The questions remained only for the stabilization system, which turned out to be a little unfinished.
Unusual
The next good model was the PSX format power supply Seasonic SS-300SFD. In general, the model usually looks, but if you look closely, you can notice some features. So, you can immediately see the interesting location of the fan, which protrudes slightly above the surface and is placed in a separate compartment.
As practice shows, such a placement can hardly be called successful, since the format itself has other dimensions. This model weighs more than a kilogram and has dimensions 125x100x76 mm. There is a special power off button on the case.
The fan inside received similar dimensions with the previous model. On average, its diameter is 72 mm. The blades have decreased by two. Changed a little and their shape. The case is unpainted and looks standard, in gray.
Seasonic Details
As usual, there is a sticker on the case that allows us to understand the main parameters of this SFX model. The power supplies received a split line of 12 V. For one, the current strength cannot exceed 14.5 A, and for the second - 8 A. As a result, 22.5 A is obtained, and in translation to power - 270 W. Despite the fact that the model refers to a PSU with a power of 300 W, and the indicators 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 permissible.
Included are cables for powering the motherboard, which also comes with the ATX Mainboard connector. The length of the cord in this case was 32 cm. To feed the processor, in contrast to the previous version, only a single cable with a length of 32 cm is available. In general, the solution can hardly be called successful, as some modern models may refuse to start with such a connection.
Among the other cords, you can notice the Molex connectors, which are twice as many as in the previous model, and there is also 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 may not affect performance significantly, but it can negatively affect the variability for the user.
Reviews for Seasonic
This model is clearly worse than the previous one. This indicates the equipment, and parameters, and testing. Of the positive, it is worth highlighting stable operation at a load of 250 watts, silence at low power, as well as a good indicator of efficiency at values of 150-200 watts.
Then the minuses of this product begin. There are questions to the stabilization system, at maximum load, the efficiency decreases markedly. A small amount of SATA is also hardly a plus. At full speed. The system starts to noticeably make noise, and the “bulge” due to the fan compartment can play a trick on users who do not take this factor into account.
Typical
The review of such options does not end there. Before us is another 300W SFX power supply. PowerMan IP-S300BN1-0 is considered the most typical model and classic representative of this PSU format. The appearance of this product is standard, the only thing designers could do a little more with is the fan grill, and it looks very simple.
Unlike the previous model, there is no special compartment for the fan that towers above the case. Dimensions comply with the standard 125x100x63 mm. Weight - almost 900 grams. Interestingly, there is no button to turn off the power, in its place is the voltage regulator.
The fan inside is still 80 mm, which has become the standard, although not certified, for this form factor.
PowerMan Details
This SFX power supply is also equipped with a sticker with all parameters. The total power limit was 125 watts. All the necessary cables are in place, including for the motherboard and processor. There are few connectors for the periphery: a pair for SATA and Molex, and one for the drive. The main disadvantage of this model was the lack of certification 80 PLUS, which will significantly reduce the attractiveness in the eyes of the buyer.
PowerMan Reviews
This SFX 300W power supply has been tested, which indicated a couple of pluses, among which are a good level of efficiency and, finally, decent work of the stabilization system. But the real power indicators were a little disappointing, it turned out that the product does not work stably at 250 W, creates a lot of noise, has only two SATA connectors and deprived the video card of the power supply.
Powerful
A trio of the above models is the easiest option for the average system. If the user is going to build a powerful and efficient PC, then you will have to look at more powerful power supplies for computers. SFX is not the most popular form factor, but it also has 500 and 600 W models in its arsenal.
So, just a couple of years ago, the excellent Chieftec SFX-500GD-C appeared on the market. You can not pass by the packaging, which looks stylish, beautiful and at the same time strictly. Everything is made in black and gold. The BP itself is shown in front, and the model is also indicated. More detailed information about the parameters is on the back of the box.
Chieftec’s SFX 500W power supply is equipped with everything you can. Here and detachable cables, network wires, user manual, screws for installation. There are cables with connectors for the motherboard, processor, video card, and SATA and IDE devices.
This option is ideal for those who want to assemble a miniature but powerful system. Despite the excessive noise level, the 80 Plus Gold certificate is, and generally justifies itself. A large 12 cm fan fit inside. On the whole, this SFX power supply allows you to deliver 480 watts, which is enough for gaming systems with overclocking capabilities.
Strong
Well, one cannot fail to mention the 600 W model from the company that we reviewed at the very beginning. SilverStone SX600-G is also certified 80 Plus Gold. Sold in a very catchy package, with fiery elements on a black background. In addition to the necessary cables, various brochures, instructions, a Euro cable, 4 screws and an adapter frame for the ATX case form factor were placed in the box.
This SilverStone SFX 600W power supply looks good, has a black case and standardized sizes. Despite its compactness, the weight is almost one and a half kilograms. But the fan, unlike the previous model, reduced to the size of 80 mm.
According to experts, this SFX power supply can rightly be considered the most ideal option for assembling a powerful system. He has no competitors, except that the "brother" in the workshop for 700 watts, but having increased dimensions. The same BM has a passive mode of operation, which changes to active after heating above 45 degrees.
The model is made of quality materials, has high power, voltage stability and is equipped with all the 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.