Leads And Connectors
Because the device adheres to the older ATX12V 1.3 specification, it uses a 20 pin ATX connector. Extra adapter cables or connectors for 24 pin ATX motherboards, as well as a P4 cable and an AUX cable, are included. The device supports up to 6 5.25" Molex connectors for peripherals, plus two floppy connectors. As with the other devices reviewed, the two SATA connectors provided are not enough to meet all needs.
Performance
The power ratings are misleading since the maximum rated power output only applies to 230V systems. Other specifications could have been more exact, too.
All measurements were made using 230V AC power, so we were able to achieve the maximum rated power of 300 watts (users in the U.S. and other 115-120V countries, will probably top out at 250 watts or so).
At the Light Load (20%) level, we neither anticipated nor found any problems, and all measurements stayed within acceptable norms. That said, operating efficiency was only 66.1% - almost as bad as the Antec Phantom.
At Medium Load the Silverstone device showed neither stability problems nor was its operating efficiency of 75.2% terribly objectionable. Even after an hour of steady operation, we triggered no temperature warnings, and the unit continued to operate trouble-free.
At Maximum Load, however, it’s a different story. Our test system quickly gave up the ghost. After a few minutes, the temperature warning light showed yellow ; after another 15 minutes, the unit shut itself (and our PC) down. The case temperature registered at 167° F (75° C) ! But the unit stayed within tolerances right up until it shut itself down.
This unit costs US$129 (169€) at full retail, which is too much for what you get.
