SilverStone Nightjar ST45NF 450W Fan-less PSU Review

Under the Hood

Here are a few pictures showing the layout and components inside the SilverStone ST45NF fan-less power supply.  The thick aluminum bottom plate is coupled to the top of the two large heatsinks with thermal pads.  The unit appears to be built by Etasis Electronics and the overall build quality is excellent.


The most notable features inside the ST45NF power supply are the massive aluminum heatsinks.  Since the unit is fan-less, there is more room for much larger than normal heatsinks, which again are thermally coupled to the finned bottom plate to help dissipate heat.  In addition, numerous thermal pads are used to couple components and PCBs to the chassis and heatsinks to further help dissipate heat.


The primary side features three Nippon Chemi-Con electrolytic capacitors rated for 150uF, 450V and 105°C.  The secondary side uses a mix of NC-C, Teapo and solid polymer caps.  Solid polymer capacitors are smaller and more resistant to heat than are electrolytic capacitors but they cost more.