SilverStone SX1000 SFX-L Power Supply Review

The SilverStone SX1000 is the strongest small form factor PSU money can get you today.

By Aris Mpitziopoulos
published
SilverStone SX1000 SFX-L
(Image: © SilverStone)

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Performance Rating

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The overall performance is satisfactory. With better ripple suppression at 12V, the SX1000 could easily achieve first place here. 

Noise Rating

The graph below depicts the cooling fan's average noise over the PSU's operating range, with an ambient temperature between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius (86 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The average noise output is higher than 35 dBA because of the loud fan operation under high loads. On the other hand, it would be impossible for such a high power density PSU to remain quiet under high loads. 

Efficiency Rating

The following graph shows the PSU's average efficiency throughout its operating range with an ambient temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The SX1000's platform scores high in average efficiency. It just needs some tuning at lower loads (20-80W range). 

Power Factor Rating

The following graph shows the PSU's average power factor reading throughout its operating range with an ambient temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius.

SilverStone SX1000

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The APFC converter has good performance with 115V input, but it doesn't perform well with 230V. 

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Aris Mpitziopoulos
Aris Mpitziopoulos
Contributing Editor

Aris Mpitziopoulos is a Contributing Editor at Tom's Hardware US, covering PSUs.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • littlechipsbigchips
    Why would anyone need 1000 watts in small itx case ? it will only take one GPU anyways and no one needs 1000 watts for that.
    Reply
  • anonymousdude
    littlechipsbigchips said:
    Why would anyone need 1000 watts in small itx case ? it will only take one GPU anyways and no one needs 1000 watts for that.

    If you want to stay around 50% load for max efficiency then this needed. Especially when people cram like a 3090 and a 5950x/ into an ITX with custom water cooling and stuff just because they can. Alternatively they might be a modder where they need the smaller PSU for some reason. Definitely a niche product though.
    Reply
  • COLGeek
    I have the 700w version of this in a Fractal Design ITX case. It does not ship with the bracket necessary to mount to an ATX PSU location. Just sharing for others to be aware of.

    Nearly silent PSU, by the way.
    Reply
  • junglist724
    littlechipsbigchips said:
    Why would anyone need 1000 watts in small itx case ? it will only take one GPU anyways and no one needs 1000 watts for that.
    My 3090FE trips OCP on my SF750 platinum in several games at 4K. Asus even said they measured up to 940W peak power draw from a 3090 in a recent video showcasing their new Thor PSUs. oy65PZCTIlc:2270View: https://youtu.be/oy65PZCTIlc?t=37m50s
    Reply