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SilverStone SFX Series SX700-LPT PSU Review

SilverStone released a powerful new SFX-L unit that boasts 700W capacity, Platinum-rated efficiency, fully modular cabling, and a single +12V rail. The SX700-LPT is based on a Sirfa platform and promises quiet operation thanks to its 120mm fan.

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Protection Features

Check out our PSUs 101 article to learn more about PSU protection features.  

Our protection features evaluation methodology is described in detail here.

Protection Features
OCP12V: Not tested 5V: Not tested 3.3V: Not tested 5VSB: Not tested
OPPPSU broke with 1040W Load (148.57%)
OTP> 46 °C
SCP12V: Yes 5V: Yes 3.3V: Yes 5VSB: Yes -12V: Yes
PWR_OKDoes not function correctly
NLOYes
SIPSurge: MOV Inrush: -

As you can see in the table above, OPP failed to protect the SX700-LPT, which eventually led to its destruction at 1040W (admittedly very high for this specific platform). Sirfa probably forgot to set the OPP trigger point properly. This can be very dangerous, as we noticed a burning smell from our sample right before it died with a loud explosion. That's why we have a large fire extinguisher in our lab. Thankfully we didn't need to deploy it.

We also asked for a second sample from SilverStone, which performed the same with the first one, meaning that it didn't shut down up to 1020 W - 1040 W load. We had to terminate the test early, because the PSU would definitely break eventually and in such situations we aren't concerned about the PSU, but for our equipment. SilverStone informed us that most likely we were unlucky with our samples, since according to their internal testing results the OPP is present and it is triggered a little above 900 W.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • JQB45 27 October 2016 15:00
    Overpriced
    Reply
  • powernod 27 October 2016 15:56
    Purely disappointing!!.
    A permanent flaw (false power-good signal), combined with a periodical flaw (far out of specs ripple if this unit gets overloaded), are more than enough evidence in order for me to conclude that this PSU is a potential danger for the rest of the hardware!!.
    Once more, thanks for the great review Aris!
    Reply
  • basroil 28 October 2016 04:26
    I looked at the internals first, and from that assumed this thing would be an utter mess. Surprisingly it's only a mess... If it was rated as a 550W unit I would have just said the holdup time was disappointing, but as a 700W rated unit this thing goes in the junk list.

    And seriously, what were they thinking with that layout? One short and the thing will definitely fry and take down your circuit breaker with it. Considering the number of missed surface mount solder points, shorts are going to be likely.
    Reply
  • gadgety 12 November 2016 11:30
    Great review. Thank you.
    Reply