Final Thoughts and Conclusions

SilverStone’s new SX600-G SFX is a very interesting little power supply that brings 600 watts of combined DC output to the small form factor market. Its most obvious feature is its small size, but the PSU also incorporates many of the features found in enthusiast-grade ATX power supplies (good voltage regulation, high efficiency, and modular flat ribbon style cables).

The SX600-G SFX power supply delivered 600W of combined DC load with good voltage regulation and high efficiency (80 Plus Gold certified) during our tests. AC ripple and noise suppression easily fell within the ATX guidelines but was not as good as you typically find in a high-end 600W ATX PSU. The build quality was very good and the component selection ranged from excellent to average. The power supply features an “intelligent semi-fanless” fan speed control circuit, which is supposed to turn the fan off at low power for silent operation, but during our testing the fan stayed on the entire time. Actually I was glad to see this fan profile as I personally like having a little air moving through a PSU at all times. Quiet, virtually silent at first, and then eventually ramping up to full speed at max load to keep all the internal bits cool.

The SX600-G SFX power supply is fully modular and comes with five relatively short ribbon style cables intended for use in small form factor cases. If you find one or more cables are too short for your particular build (especially if you are installing the SX600-G in a larger ATX enclosure) SilverStone offers a complete line of full-size modular cables that can be purchased separately. All of the sleeved cables in the PP06 and PP07 Series will work with the SX600-G SFX power supply.

SilverStone offers a 5-year warranty on some of their premium PSUs but unfortunately the SX600-G comes with only a 3-year warranty. Too bad, as the little SX600-G deserves better. The SilverStone SX600-G SFX power supply is currently available and selling for $129.99 USD (Amazon.com, December, 2014).

Even though the SX600-G was designed around the SFX form factor, it can also be used instead of a much larger ATX power supply via the included ATX adapter bracket. This can be a big advantage when working inside a relatively cramped enclosure packed with components, cables and hoses. As you can see in the photo above (CM Elite 110 mini-ITX case), using the SilverStone SFX PSU instead of a standard ATX power supply left enough room to incorporate a water cooling system into the build (no way would it fit with an ATX PSU installed).

Strengths:
•    600W Continuous DC output in the SFX form factor
•    Can be used in place of a standard ATX PSU (adapter included)
•    80Plus Gold efficiency
•    Good voltage regulation (±3%)
•    Good AC ripple and noise suppression
•    All modular cables, flat ribbon style
•    Single +12V output can deliver up to 50A/600W
•    Two PCI-E connectors (6+2 pin) and one 4+4 pin ATX/EPS12V connector
•    Active PFC with universal AC input
•    Compatible with SilverStone custom PP06 and PP07 sleeved cables

Minor Weaknesses:
•    3-Year warranty
•    Relatively high price when compared to 600W ATX PSUs

While the overall build quality and performance are good, the SX600-G doesn’t stand out in any particular area (other than size!) when compared to other enthusiast-grade 600W ATX power supplies. It normally would not bring home a PCPerspective Gold Award (especially with a 3-year warranty) except that the SX600-G is unique and occupies a very specific niche market. We have enjoyed our time with the SX600-G and have come to appreciate the advantages of a relatively high power small form factor PSU for use in compact, cramped chassis; even when they are designed to accommodate a full size ATX PSU. The SX600-G does an excellent job of delivering on its design goals and deserves to be recognized.

SilverStone SX600-G SFX 600W Power Supply

Our thanks to SilverStone for sending us the SX600-G PSU to review!

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