Final Thoughts and Conclusions
The SilverStone NJ450-SXL fan-less power supply totally delivered on both of its main claims: silent operation and packaged for SFF builds. The SFX-L chassis is covered on four sides by thick aluminum heat sinks to dissipate waste heat. This also seals in any potential high frequency coil whine or random electrical noises and keeps out dust and dirt.
(Courtesy of SilverStone)
The NJ450-SXL power supply delivered 450W of combined DC load with very good voltage regulation, good AC ripple and noise suppression, and excellent efficiency (meeting the 80 Plus Platinum requirements) during our tests. The power supply is fully modular and comes with a very good assortment of short ribbon style cables intended for use in small form factor cases. It even includes four 6+2 pin PCI-E connectors on two cables but with only 450 total watts you may not need all four.
The MSRP for the SilverStone NJ450-SXL power supply is $189.99 USD. Yes, you read that right. Unfortunately a fan-less power supply in the SFX-L format occupies a very small, niche market, which translates to expensive. We were disappointed to see the NJ450-SXL comes with only a 3-year warranty. In our opinion a premium product like SilverStone’s Nightjar fan-less power supply should be backed by at least a 5-year warranty.
Strengths:
• Silent operation
• Compact SFX-L form factor chassis
• Sealed enclosure keeps dust out
• Excellent efficiency (80 Plus Platinum certified)
• 450W Continuous power output
• Very good voltage regulation (±2% on the three main outputs)
• Very good AC ripple and noise suppression
• High quality components including Japanese made capacitors
• All modular cables, flat ribbon style
• Single +12V output can deliver up to 37.5A/450W
• Four PCI-E connectors (6+2 pin)
• Active PFC with universal AC input
Weaknesses:
• 3-Year warranty
• Small, niche-market dictates a premium price
A Final Word of Caution: As we said before, just because a power supply is fan-less does not mean it doesn’t still need airflow for cooling. The last thing you want to do with a fan-less power supply is stuff it in an enclosure with no airflow. Waste heat has to go somewhere or the power supply will overheat. The power supply needs at least some airflow to keep it cool. Like other passively cooled PSUs, the NJ450-SXL relies on internal case airflow to keep it cool whether it is an open case with good natural convection cooling or utilizes one or more case fans to generate airflow.
SilverStone NJ450-SXL Silent Power Supply
Our thanks to SilverStone for sending us the NJ450-SXL PSU to review!
