Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The obvious advantage of the SFX small form factor power supply is its relatively small size, especially when compared to a full size ATX PSU. However, the small size is also a disadvantage as it only leaves room for an 80mm cooling fan, not to mention a cramped space for component layout. SilverStone has addressed this issue by creating the SFX-L Series power supply, which features a chassis that is 30mm (1.2”) longer; just enough room to spread out components for better airflow and to mount a 120mm cooling fan.

SilverStone’s new SX500-LG SFX-L Series PSU brings 500 watts of combined DC output to the small form factor market in an extended chassis. 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 SX500-LG power supply delivered 500W of combined DC load with good voltage regulation and high efficiency (80 Plus Gold certified) during our tests. AC ripple and noise suppression fell well within the ATX guidelines. The build quality and component selection was very good. The power supply features an “intelligent semi-fanless” fan speed control circuit, which turns the fan off at low power for silent operation. At low power the SX500-LG is silent and at mid-power it remains very quiet.

The SX500-LG SFX-L 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 SX500-LG comes with only a 3-year warranty. The MSRP for the SilverStone SX500-LG SFX-L V1.1 power supply is $99.99 USD.

Even though the SX500-LG was designed for use in small form factor cases, it can also be used instead of a 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 one of SilverStones SFX PSUs 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 a full-sized ATX PSU installed).

Strengths:
•    500W Continuous DC output in an extended SFX form-factor housing
•    Can be used in place of a standard ATX PSU (adapter included)
•    Quiet 120mm cooling fan with semi-fanless operation
•    80Plus Gold efficiency
•    Good voltage regulation (±3%)
•    All modular cables, flat ribbon style
•    Single +12V output can deliver up to 40A/480W
•    Two PCI-E connectors (6+2 pin)
•    Active PFC with universal AC input
•    Compatible with SilverStone custom PP06 and PP07 sleeved cables

Minor Weaknesses:
•    3-Year warranty
•    Relatively high price for a 500W PSU
•    Sleeve bearing fan


SilverStone SX500-LG SFX-L Series Power Supply

Our thanks to SilverStone for sending us the SX500-LG PSU to review!

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