SFX-L PSU compilation

Aibohphobia

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Nov 16, 2013
Messages
1,340
Seems like there are quite a few SFX-L PSUs popping up lately so I thought I'd compile them all. With the exception of the Dirac unit they all seem to be rebadges of the High Power/Sirfa design so far.


SilverStone SX700-LPT
Depth: 130mm
Wattage: 700W
Fan: 120mm x 15mm
OEM: Sirfa?
Reviews:
Notes: 700W!!! Platinum rated. 600W version coming afterwards.


High Power SFX-L500GD

Depth: 130mm
Wattage: 400W / 500W
Fan: 120mm x 15mm Globe Fan (exact model unknown)
OEM: Sirfa (High Power is Sirfa's retail brand)

Reviews: Chiphell PCpop

Notes: The original :)


SilverStone SX500-LG

Depth: 130mm
Wattage: 500W
Fan: 120mm (Great analysis of the possible fan OEM by veryrarium)
OEM: Sirfa

Reviews:

Notes: Not available yet, Tony says they're taking their time to tune their version for low noise
Will come with the flexible cables like the SX600-G


Dirac Tesla Cube

Depth: 125mm deep
Wattage: 550W / 650W
Fan: 92mm
OEM: Enhance

Reviews:

Notes: Japan only
recased SX600-G?


Scythe SPKRG-S500P

Depth: 130mm
Wattage: 500W
Fan: 120mm x 15mm Globe Fan (exact model unknown)
OEM: Sirfa

Reviews:

Notes:


Chieftec SFX-500GD-C

Depth: 125mm? That's what the official spec says but it looks like 130mm
Wattage: 500W
Fan: 120mm x 15mm Globe Fan S1201512MW Sleeve Bearing
OEM: Sirfa

Reviews: Hartware

Notes: [STRIKE= ]The all-Japanese caps in the review units is apparently not what's used in shipping units: http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1041341306&postcount=209, I'm trying to get verification on that.[/s]

1/27 Edit: Apparently there was a mix-up at the factory. Chieftec has expedited delivery of the correct units to distributors and anyone who bought a unit with Chinese caps can RAM theirs for a replacement: http://nl.hardware.info/nieuws/42732/chieftec-sfx-500gd-louter-japanse-condensators


Sharkoon SilentStorm 500 SFX Gold

Depth: 130mm
Wattage: 500W
Fan: 120mm x 15mm (exact model unknown)
OEM: Sirfa? (looks the same as the other SFX-L units)

Reviews:

Notes: Doesn't have semi-fanless functionality


Scythe Gouriki Micro 300W

Thanks to veryrarium for the heads up on this, it is an early predecessor to the current crop of SFX-L PSUs.

125mm x 65mm (slightly over SFX standard) x 140mm depth and fits a slim 120mm fan.

Released about 6 years ago, doesn't look like it is available anymore.


Let me know if I've missed anything.
 
Last edited:
I'm very curious who the OEM is for the Dirac, or if it is in fact a re-cased and uprated Enhance 600W.

SFX-L is a very interesting form-factor IMO, and has a lot of potential. And it's funny, sometimes I almost forget that it was literally my idea that got it started :p For those that don't know, we contacted a few companies in early 2013 about making a longer, higher wattage SFX PSU with a larger fan, and High Power was one company that was receptive to the idea. We had to pass on it because it just wasn't within the scope of our project at the time, but a few months later they showed a prototype at Computex(?) that was basically ready for production. It wasn't long after that Silverstone picked it up. And that's how SFX-L was born.
 
Last edited:
Great tip - we'll take that into consideration and make room for 130mm SFX-L
 
I would recommend mentioning what fan manufacturer is used, since the Chieftec uses the 'Globe Fan'-fan and Tony Ou from Silverstone already said they are not using that fan (thank you, hardware gods).

Also mention anything "out of the ordinary", like Silverstone's flat ribbon cables. This will in the end justify the price difference a lot. Also component quality, the one from the Chieftec version might the be "baseline" since Chieftec hasn't been high-end for quite a while. Maybe just something like "Component Quality: 5/5"

Great topic, this will be a valuable one in the future with more and more attention for this platform.

Great tip - we'll take that into consideration and make room for 130mm SFX-L
Don't forget the modular plugs stick out about 5-10mm excluding the connectors (atleast another 10mm). So in the end I'd guess 160mm depth would be the minimum of depth you would need with the cables.
 
We've got 130mm for the cube + 15mm distance to the gpu support wall which has opening for the PSU cables. There's also enough space for the cables on the other side.
 
SFX-L is a very interesting form-factor IMO, and has a lot of potential. And it's funny, sometimes I almost forget that it was literally my idea that got it started :p For those that don't know, we contacted a few companies in early 2013 about making a longer, higher wattage SFX PSU with a larger fan, and High Power was one company that was receptive to the idea. We had to pass on it because it just wasn't within the scope of our project at the time, but a few months later they showed a prototype at Computex(?) that was basically ready for production. It wasn't long after that Silverstone picked it up. And that's how SFX-L was born.

Yup, Computex 2013: http://www.chiphell.com/thread-775031-1-1.html

I would recommend mentioning what fan manufacturer is used, since the Chieftec uses the 'Globe Fan'-fan and Tony Ou from Silverstone already said they are not using that fan (thank you, hardware gods).

Also mention anything "out of the ordinary", like Silverstone's flat ribbon cables. This will in the end justify the price difference a lot. Also component quality, the one from the Chieftec version might the be "baseline" since Chieftec hasn't been high-end for quite a while. Maybe just something like "Component Quality: 5/5"

When I get time I'll do that.

I'm not enough of a PSU expert to judge component quality. I may just make a note if the PSU uses notably low-tier caps.
 
I had no idea there were that many options for SFX all together. And it is good to have higher-power options!
 
Shouldn't these PSU threads be in the PSU forum? They're not really SFF exclusive.
 
Anyone know of any of these PSUs use better components then the Silverstone SFX600?
 
Shouldn't these PSU threads be in the PSU forum? They're not really SFF exclusive.

Perhaps, but for now I think the SFF community is the only one interested in them.

Anyone know of any of these PSUs use better components then the Silverstone SFX600?

The Dirac is quite possibly a SX600-G in a different casing, all the Sirfa based units seem to have good build quality going by the reviews.

The review for the Chieftec version noted that all the caps were either Rubycon or Nippon Chemi-Con which are considered Tier 1 caps.
 
Perhaps, but for now I think the SFF community is the only one interested in them.
Yeah, I agree. Just like most mITX boards, the discussions here about them is much more active and on-topic ("hur hur what a crappy board only one PCIe slot").
 
Yeah, I agree. Just like most mITX boards, the discussions here about them is much more active and on-topic ("hur hur what a crappy board only one PCIe slot").

Perhaps, but for now I think the SFF community is the only one interested in them.


I guess I'm just tired of seeing these things hyped here, then when they come out all the fan bitching and coil whining over noise. It's ridiculous, they seem to get plenty of hype in the M1 threads as nobody can apparently to figure out how to properly build one of those to proper noise/heat/power levels even after >14K replies and 3 threads. I kid to some degree there.
 
I guess I'm just tired of seeing these things hyped here, then when they come out all the fan bitching and coil whining over noise. It's ridiculous, they seem to get plenty of hype in the M1 threads as nobody can apparently to figure out how to properly build one of those to proper noise/heat/power levels even after >14K replies and 3 threads. I kid to some degree there.

1. You are aware that threads that do not intrest you do not require your attention, right?

2. SFX power supplies absolutely belong in an SFF forum, period!

3. I think there are about as many successful M1 builds as there are M1s. The 14K threads are about trying to find good ways of solving small isues. For many of us, that kind of knitpicking is fun.
 
I guess I'm just tired of seeing these things hyped here, then when they come out all the fan bitching and coil whining over noise. It's ridiculous..

Over time, I've actually grown quite desensitized to the clicky fan and faint whine in my SX600-G and rarely notice it.

Well, at least until you just mentioned it.. jerk :p
 
Last edited:
That's really cool veryrarium! Japan gets all the good stuff, I wish they brought more cool designs like that over to the rest of the world :p

It doesn't look like it is produced anymore so I'll add it as a footnote since it is a predecessor to the modern SFX-L units.

Not sure what is with Scythe and fan thickness, they say their 500W SFX-L unit has a 25mm thick fan when you can clearly see in the pictures that it is not.
 
Anyone with one of the Chieftec units purchased at retail willing to open it up and check what capacitors it has?

I'm trying to verify if the retail units have Taiwanese caps instead of the all Japanese caps like the review units had.
 
The fan in the sx500-lg looks exactly like the coolermaster xtraflo and this was mentioned in the sx500-lg thread as well so you might throw that in the specs.
 
I received my Silverstone SX500-LG yesterday and my first impression is quite positive.

The fan, according to its label, is also a Globe Fan S1201512MW.. However, it at least uses different fan blades than the Chieftec..
Fan used by SIlverstone:

(sorry for the bad quality)

Short comparison between the Silverstone SX500-LG and Chieftec SFX-500GD-C:
- Silverstone is semi fanless and fan seems to be more quiet (hard for me to compare, as I have no way of measuring the fan speed/load and I replaced the fan on my Chieftec. However, the Chieftec fan was audible even on idle)
- No electronic whine on either
- Silverstone has the nice flat cables
- Silverstone includes an ATX to SFX bracket

That being said, I've been using the Chieftec for a month now and I am quite satisfied with it. However, if I need a third SFX-L in the future, I would go for the Silverstone
 
Last edited:
I received my Silverstone SX500-LG yesterday and my first impression is quite positive.

The fan, according to its label, is also a Globe Fan S1201512MW.. However, it at least uses different fan blades than the Chieftec..
Fan used by SIlverstone:
(sorry for the bad quality)

Short comparison between the Silverstone SX500-LG and Chieftec SFX-500GD-C:
- Silverstone is semi fanless and fan seems to be more quiet (hard for me to compare, as I have no way of measuring the fan speed/load and I replaced the fan on my Chieftec. However, the Chieftec fan was audible even on idle)
- No electronic whine on either
- Silverstone has the nice flat cables
- Silverstone includes an ATX to SFX bracket

That being said, I've been using the Chieftec for a month now and I am quite satisfied with it. However, if I need a third SFX-L in the future, I would go for the Silverstone

What sort of load scenarios have you put it through? ...as in what case, cpu, gpu? Have you stress tested it? Overclocked?
 
I didn't have any time yet for stress testing and only run it outside a case.
I tested it with my current system:
Asus Z97i-Plus
Core i5 4690k (not OCd)
EVGA GTX 970 SSC

I run prime for roughly 20 minutes, just to check if works and the fan noise. So nothing that really pushes the PSU towards its limit.
 
I didn't have any time yet for stress testing and only run it outside a case.
I tested it with my current system:
Asus Z97i-Plus
Core i5 4690k (not OCd)
EVGA GTX 970 SSC

I run prime for roughly 20 minutes, just to check if works and the fan noise. So nothing that really pushes the PSU towards its limit.

Thanks. This is a pretty good description of what we can expect prom a real life perspective with current hardware anyway, so it's really helpful as is. It being outside the case obviously gives the PSU access to cooler air though, so the fan will probably kick in earlier and ramp up to higher rpm's when in a tight SFF case.

It'll be interesting to get other peoples impressions. There seem to be very different opinions on the other SFX PSUs. It'll also be interesting top hear form people swapping a SX600-G for this.
 
It'll also be interesting top hear form people swapping a SX600-G for this.

For us NCASE M1 users with long graphics cards, it is going to be a challenge.

I've been toying with the idea but am leaning heavily towards not trying to shoehorn it in.
 
For us NCASE M1 users with long graphics cards, it is going to be a challenge.

I've been toying with the idea but am leaning heavily towards not trying to shoehorn it in.

I'm with you on that one. I have a long, but very old GTX580 in there now. I'll probably end up going for a short 970 next time around which in turn opens the possibility upgrade to this. As of now, with a long GPU, shoehorning it in would probably just further mess up the airflow from the GPU as well, which is less than ideal.
 
For us NCASE M1 users with long graphics cards, it is going to be a challenge.

I've been toying with the idea but am leaning heavily towards not trying to shoehorn it in.

I thought the problem was only with cards that had backplates, right? Also, wouldn't it be possible to buy replacement cables and cut the casings a bit to let the cables bend tighter?
 
I thought the problem was only with cards that had backplates, right? Also, wouldn't it be possible to buy replacement cables and cut the casings a bit to let the cables bend tighter?

Nah, backplate-less cards look like a real tight fit, hence people are talking about making their own PSU brackets (to replace/mod the default NCASE ones).

And yes it's possible to cut/mod your connectors but... I'd advise exercising a lot of caution if going down this road.
 
I thought the problem was only with cards that had backplates, right? Also, wouldn't it be possible to buy replacement cables and cut the casings a bit to let the cables bend tighter?

Not having a backplate saves a bit of space but then you have to worry about the sharp component leads sticking out from the PCB possibly cutting through the insulation of the wires and causing a short.
 
so what SFX cases will fit these SFX-L PSU?

Most shoebox type cases that have a layout like the Silverstone SG05 and SG13, most LianLi mITX cases, even the PC-Q12 should easily fit it. And the RVZ01 and RVZ02 will have enough space as well. The Rajintek Metis and I think every mITX Jonsbo/Rosewill case.
 
In the SG05, an SFX-L PSU would preclude the ODD and 3.5" drive brackets.
 
Most shoebox type cases that have a layout like the Silverstone SG05 and SG13, most LianLi mITX cases, even the PC-Q12 should easily fit it. And the RVZ01 and RVZ02 will have enough space as well. The Rajintek Metis and I think every mITX Jonsbo/Rosewill case.

wouldn't SFX-L PSU be to large for SFX case?

I got silverstone ML05 and it barely fits SFX PSU.
 
wouldn't SFX-L PSU be to large for SFX case?

I got silverstone ML05 and it barely fits SFX PSU.

Most cases I see are able to fit the SFX-L when compromising other components (3.5" mounts, ODDs). In the ML05, the drive cage obviously doesn't allow for an SFX-L PSU.

I just wanted to indicate what types of cases can fit a SFX-L PSU.
 
I'm using the Chieftec SFX-500GD-C in a SG13 case.

No bracket was included, but i ordered one on ebay.
PSU is really silent and the fan is always running so it also keeps the system cool.
And enough power for the GTX 970 :)
 
I'm using the Chieftec SFX-500GD-C in a SG13 case.

No bracket was included, but i ordered one on ebay.
PSU is really silent and the fan is always running so it also keeps the system cool.
And enough power for the GTX 970 :)

Where did you find it? Is it available in the US? Is there no clicking noise like the type that plagues the Silverstone model?
 
DISCLAIMER: if quoting this post, don't quote the images. It's annoying having to scroll a bunch of times for no reason. So be kind, quote responsibly ;)

Sharkoon SilentStorm SFX Gold

Info: http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/content/silentstorm-sfx-gold

IFSLzHU.png


This is the box it comes in, nothing special of note but I think it's well-designed.


1SS4lxa.png


From the top-left: bag where the cables are stuffed, ATX bracket, zip-ties, Molex to Floppy (lolwhut?) screws, cables, box with stuffing and a sheet with some scribbling, the PSU itself and a Shuko power cable (go Europe !)


1svbadp.png


Here, the power goes in, air comes out. The switch is happy to see me. Because it is "turned on". Get it ? Yeah I failed to joke.


HZW8VZo.png


The business end of the PSU, if it would do business. IDE, seriously ?


MiQq7cn.png


The sticker if your internets is down.


fGBowpF.png


Inside the preciouuussss...
Teapo caps. One might care, I don't. Notice the fan connector on the left in the front.
I removed the white glob of goo in the grille, the Chinese person in charge of doing the last check must have known I would be able to remove it myself. I tip my hat to you, sir, you've gauged me well.


rJbFnth.png


50cm ruler. Most cables are 45cm long (minus connectors), the SATA ones are insanely long for SFF use.


That's all the pictures for now. I'm going to figure out if these use Silverstone's pinout, so I can keep my cables. Otherwise I'll be snippin' some cables.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the pics!

Do they use the same flexible silicone insulation like SilverStone?
 
They feel roughly the same, the Silverstone ones feel a little more bouncy when handling them. It was hard to make them flat like on the picture. My guess it's not the silicone Silverstone uses, but some flexible synthetic either way.

I've checked, the PCIe and SATA cables are wired completely different between Silverstone and Sharkoon. I didn't have an 24-pin and 8-pin cable on hand to compare but my guess is these are also different.

I've also tested the idle noise, by using a PSU tester. It is very quiet and yes the fan does turn at a minimum load. I've heard a few (very faint) strange noises when I have my ear inches away from the fan, but since it hasn't been run properly inside a PC, I'm not worried. At 1ft / 30cm away I had to focus hard to hear anything, it might have well been an insect outside, taking a poop.
 
Back
Top