Question Advice on buying a new SFX PSU, which one is best reliability?

[RAIDGoblin]

A short while ago I posted this question:
https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...enough-and-what-cooler.3860837/#post-23377744

...at the moment I'm running ryzen 3 3200G internal graphics, but I'm upgrading to a ryzen 7 2700X, but no internal graphics means I need a GPU now, I have an old Radion HD7770 card so I'm going to use that...

Specs;
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G and stock cooler - GPU: Ryzen CPU internal graphics
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M Gaming, Micro-ATX
RAM: 2x16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000MHz
Storage: 240GB Corsair MP510, M.2 (boot drive for Debian 10), 2x 1TB Seagate BarraCuda (RAID 1)
PSU: 300W SilverStone SST-SX300-B, SFX Seiries, OS: Debian 11, Use: Minecraft, Video/photo editing, Digital art
Build log: https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/build-log-sleeper-pc-with-raid-1-array.3681817/

the general conclusion was that I probably do need a bigger PSU, but that I should get away with the one I have (300W) using the old graphics card I have at the moment, that power supply is only 3 years old but it won't get wasted because I have a project planed using it and my old CPU. So all things considered getting a new PSU will save me effort when I upgrade my GPU in the future

I already have the new (second hand) CPU so I don't need alternative suggestions on different CPU's

This is pretty much my short list of PSU's at the moment, but because of annoying reasons I have to modify my case a bit to use the corsair ones or the cooler master one so I probably won't be going for them, and the Antec one is the only one I'm 100% sure will fit without any case modification at all. If there's any on this list that you specifically wouldn't recommend, or any that you would, please let me know

Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 750W: (7 year warranty)
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/750...0-plus-gold-single-rail-625a-92mm-fan-sfx-psu

Antec SF850X 850W: (7 year warranty)
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/850...old-single-rail-7083a-92mm-silent-fan-atx31-p

Corsair SF Series (2024) 750W: (7 year warranty)
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/750...m-single-rail-625a-92mm-fluid-bearing-fan-sfx

Corsair SF Series 600W: (7 year warranty)
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/b-gr...modular-sfx-power-supply-cp-90-bg-11v-cs.html

Cooler Master V750 SFX 750W: (10 year warranty)
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/cooler-mas...qEqQsmpL-IU7h-7RMQ3LlHwCw2XcbnYRoCshUQAvD_BwE

there are also some silver-stone wired ones that I could consider

my decision is on reliability rather than price, and any advice would be great because I'm kinda stuck with what to buy,
thanks for any help

 

[Aeacus]

my decision is on reliability rather than price

I'll add another contender;
Seasonic Focus SPX, specs: https://seasonic.com/focus-spx-2021/
and Seasonic Focus SGX, specs: https://seasonic.com/focus-sgx-2021/

Only diff between the two Seasonic units is efficiency. SPX is 80+ Platinum rated and SGX is 80+ Gold rated.

SGX review: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/seasonic-focus-sgx-650w-sfx-l-psu,6045.html
SPX review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/seasonic-focus-spx-750/

When it comes to SFX PSUs, Seasonic Focus SGX would be my 1st choice. Especially reliability wise, since both Seasonic SFX PSUs have 10 years of warranty.
Though, SPX seems to have OTP issue.

Other than Seasonic, Corsair SF-series would be my 2nd option.

Corsair SF750 (2024) review: https://hwbusters.com/psus/corsair-sf750-atx-v3-1-psu-review/
Corsair SF750 review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-sf750/

Corsair SFX PSUs have 7 years of warranty, so, less reliable than Seasonic units.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

I'll add another contender;
Seasonic Focus SPX, specs: https://seasonic.com/focus-spx-2021/
and Seasonic Focus SGX, specs: https://seasonic.com/focus-sgx-2021/

interesting, thanks for that, for some reason I hadn't picked that one up on my searching, even if it does make my decision a bit harder, it's better to consider all the options

also I think it would fit without case modification, there looks to be a decent amount of room above the plug/switch*, and just so folk know what I'm on about:

if the plug/switch is too high (like on the corsair SF series), because of slightly dodgy modified case, it won't fit, I had hoped not to need to get everything out of the case to cut that metal away but given product availability is not too good and will keep getting worse, I might just end up doing that anyway, small price to pay

*[EDIT] sadly it won't fit, I had it upside down in my head, the switch would be at the bottom and is too close to the left hand edge to fit, honestly this is actually really annoying, I'm kicking myself for not cutting out the extra metal when the case was empty for all the other mods, argggghhh.... What I said earlier, I will end up modifying it anyway

Other than Seasonic, Corsair SF-series would be my 2nd option.

Corsair SF750 (2024) review: https://hwbusters.com/psus/corsair-sf750-atx-v3-1-psu-review/
Corsair SF750 review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-sf750/

Corsair SFX PSUs have 7 years of warranty, so, less reliable than Seasonic units.

good to know, and thanks a lot for your reply

 

[Aeacus]

I'm kicking myself for not cutting out the extra metal when the case was empty for all the other mods, argggghhh.... What I said earlier, I will end up modifying it anyway

Either that or use ATX to SFX bracket.

E.g this thing,
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Bracket-Supply-Mounting-Conversion/dp/B0C826YKPX

Far easier than to disassemble the build, cut the PC case and re-assemble everything afterwards.
Also, would give you enough clearance all around to use any SFX PSU of your choosing.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Either that or use ATX to SFX bracket.

E.g this thing,
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Bracket-Supply-Mounting-Conversion/dp/B0C826YKPX

Far easier than to disassemble the build, cut the PC case and re-assemble everything afterwards.
Also, would give you enough clearance all around to use any SFX PSU of your choosing.

I could use that to mount the psu more central to the hole, I would have to modify the bracket instead, still easyer than emptying the case (I'm more bothered about having to get the hdd’s/dvd drive out, than the mobo), idk if there is room next to the mobo, it’s kinda tight, I’ll have a look

[edit] there is room, cutting the case would still be a tidyer solution, or the aintec PSU that will just fit, is that a good one or is there any reason why I shouldn't get it? it's guaranteed 7 years, on par with corsair
https://www.antec.com/product/power/sf850x

happened upon info that aintec and corsair PSU's are both made by seasonic, they might just be the same inside anyway?

also I looked up the warranty times and added to my first post, cooler master offer 10 years? kinda crazy, and I'd been previously advised not to buy cooler master power supplies and seen some not so great reviews

 

[--SID--]

happened upon info that aintec and corsair PSU's are both made by seasonic,

Seasonic does not have an ATX3.x SFX platform ready. The Antec SF850x is made by FSP with the Dagger Pro platform.

At this moment there is no single Corsair PSU made by Seasonic and it won't be happen again soon since the problems with the Corsair AX Titanium a few years ago.

Avoid Seasonic if you can. They're overrated and overpriced and warranty is smt you pay for. It's not a gift from the manufacturer. At the high end they can't beat a 6 year old Corsair AX1600i and the latest Focus has protection issues.

Check here if you're looking for a SFX ATX3.x PSU https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-atxv3-pcie5-ready-psus-picks-hardware-busters/8/

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Avoid Seasonic if you can. They're overrated and overpriced and warranty is smt you pay for. It's not a gift from the manufacturer. At the high end they can't beat a 6 year old Corsair AX1600i and the latest Focus has protection issues.

Check here if you're looking for a SFX ATX3.x PSU https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-atxv3-pcie5-ready-psus-picks-hardware-busters/8/

OK, thanks a lot for that info, and the links

...The Antec SF850x is made by FSP with the Dagger Pro platform.

interesting to know, thanks a lot, I guess that wouldn't be the worst choice then?


[edit] my choice is pretty much narrowed down to this:

Corsair SF Series (2024) 750W:
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/750...m-single-rail-625a-92mm-fluid-bearing-fan-sfx

Antec SF850X 850W:
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/850...old-single-rail-7083a-92mm-silent-fan-atx31-p

there's only £10 in it so price isn't a player, corsair looks to be a better PSU, antec fit's in my case with no work required, they're both guaranteed 7 years and both get reasonable reviews with slightly different pros and cons, I'm not bothered about noise (nothing is louder than the old GPU and stock cooler I'm currently running), what would you do?

 

[Aeacus]

happened upon info that aintec and corsair PSU's are both made by seasonic, they might just be the same inside anyway?

Corsair SF-series isn't made by Seasonic. Instead Great Wall is the OEM of Corsair SF-series.

Btw, disregard the Seasonic hater above.

Antec SF850X PSU was just released,
announcement: https://www.techpowerup.com/325632/antec-introduces-new-sf850x-sfx-80-plus-gold-power-supply

And due to that, there are 0 reviews of the PSU.
When PSU doesn't have any reviews, don't buy it. Since you have no idea how it fares. Don't believe the marketing. Instead, read what reputable reviewer says about it.

With Corsair SF-series, you have reputable reviews to read, where you can see how the PSU fares.

With this, the choice between Corsair SF-series and Antec SF-X series, the choice is only Corsair unit (since no reviews of Antec unit exist as of now).

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Yep, I got that the info I read was out of date, the market is constantly changing and I guess that at one point in the past that was the case, and as for the Seasonic hater lol, they must have reasons, and unless some more people comment I won't have a balanced view

but that aside, the seasonic PSU that's available over here is 650w, all my other choices are 750w+ and I know I won't exceed 650 with my planned build, but the bigger I go the less likely I will need to replace it in years to come. I have learned my lesson on buying 'just enough' because it's the cheaper option, and there isn't much difference in price anyway. Also that one isn't in stock scan and I'll be driving over there at weekend for a different reason so I might as well get one scan have

Antec SF850X PSU was just released,
announcement: https://www.techpowerup.com/325632/antec-introduces-new-sf850x-sfx-80-plus-gold-power-supply

And due to that, there are 0 reviews of the PSU.
When PSU doesn't have any reviews, don't buy it. Since you have no idea how it fares. Don't believe the marketing. Instead, read what reputable reviewer says about it.

thanks for finding that, I have already spent too long searching for reviews on that PSU, that's why I was suspicious of it, and now I know why there aren't any

corsair-SF series it is then, thanks a lot for your help

 

[Aeacus]

they must have reasons, and unless some more people comment I won't have a balanced view

I linked Seasonic SPX and SGX reputable reviews for you to read.

What SID linked, is Seasonic Focus GX-750 V4 (2024) ATX PSU review, which, while latest, is different platform compared to the SPX/SGX platforms which are SFX PSUs, not ATX PSUs. SGX was released in 2019 and SPX in 2022. But haters love to take one PSU review and apply it to another PSU, without considering different platform or even completely different manufacture date (revision). As long as name is similar, they think it is good enough.

It's like when e.g Ford Explorer 6th generation would have steering rod issue and one then applies it to all Ford Explorer generations, including the previous 5th generation since the vehicle name is the same. No. One can not apply the same argument onto two different objects.

Also that one isn't in stock scan and I'll be driving over there at weekend for a different reason so I might as well get one scan have

Yes, availability is also another issue to consider.

In my years, i've found plenty of fancy/great hardware but due to the availability reasons, i haven't been able to purchase.
E.g regarding PSUs, Seasonic PRIME Airtouch, specs: https://seasonic.com/prime-airtouch/
would be something i'd love to have, since it's color theme would be perfect for my build. Sadly, none are available in my area.

Or MSI RTX 4070 Super Gaming X Slim MLG-edition, specs: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4070-SUPER-12G-GAMING-X-SLIM-MLG/Gallery
Another perfect fit for my build (love the aesthetics), but again, no availability nowhere near me.

corsair-SF series it is then, thanks a lot for your help

 

[--SID--]

At least. I'm not a fanboy. My opinion is based on facts.

corsair-SF series it is then

Why not SFX-L? The SF850L is a lot cheaper and it's even a bit better than the SF750.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

At least. I'm not a fanboy. My opinion is based on facts.


Why not SFX-L? The SF850L is a lot cheaper and it's even a bit better than the SF750.

SFX-L doesn't quite fit, there's a case fan in the way, it's an annoying case, but thx for the idea

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Yes, availability is also another issue to consider.

In my years, i've found plenty of fancy/great hardware but due to the availability reasons, i haven't been able to purchase.
E.g regarding PSUs, Seasonic PRIME Airtouch, specs: https://seasonic.com/prime-airtouch/
would be something i'd love to have, since it's color theme would be perfect for my build. Sadly, none are available in my area.

Or MSI RTX 4070 Super Gaming X Slim MLG-edition, specs: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4070-SUPER-12G-GAMING-X-SLIM-MLG/Gallery
Another perfect fit for my build (love the aesthetics), but again, no availability nowhere near me.

that's got to be the nicest looking PSU I've ever seen! such a shame you couldn't get it

 

[Aeacus]

that's got to be the nicest looking PSU I've ever seen! such a shame you couldn't get it

Shame, yes.

Though, my current PSU looks almost identical, minus the red grille, which is instead silver.
I have this unit, as 650W version, specs: https://seasonic.com/prime-tx/
My 2nd PC (missus'es PC) also has the very same PSU powering it as well.

If you want more pics (and specs) of my builds, you can see them from my signature.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

Though, my current PSU looks almost identical, minus the red grille, which is instead silver.

I have this unit, as 650W version, specs: https://seasonic.com/prime-tx/
My 2nd PC (missus'es PC) also has the very same PSU powering it as well.

If you want more pics (and specs) of my builds, you can see them from my signature.

hey, if it were me I would paint the grill red, I know it ruins warranty but it might be worth it for the coolness, here's a video where you can see how to strip it:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs3Mmp4Hxns

then take the fan off the inside of the grill, mask it off and spray the silver part red, it's probably a stupid idea but it's what I would do LOL

those are some awesome builds btw, thx for pointing me in the direction of the link

 

[Aeacus]

hey, if it were me

My Seasonic PRIME TX-650 PSU has 12 years of warranty. Longest there is. And just for mere eyecandy, i will not void my warranty.
Would you void 12 years worth of warranty for eyecandy? I don't think so.

My unit is 8 years old as of now and still going strong. While i still have 4 years worth of warranty left.

then take the fan off the inside of the grill, mask it off and spray the silver part red, it's probably a stupid idea but it's what I would do LOL

Opening up PSU is really bad idea. But it would be great way to get Darwin Award though.

those are some awesome builds btw, thx for pointing me in the direction of the link

What you see, is a lot of dedication and passion towards one's own PCs.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

My Seasonic PRIME TX-650 PSU has 12 years of warranty. Longest there is. And just for mere eyecandy, i will not void my warranty.
Would you void 12 years worth of warranty for eyecandy? I don't think so.

My unit is 8 years old as of now and still going strong. While i still have 4 years worth of warranty left.

honestly I would, warranty is future self's problem (unless it is really expensive, by that I mean at least enough that I could never afford to replace it), but I'm an engineer by trade and most things I own have been modified in some way, so I probably can't claim warranty on much

obviously I said it's probably a stupid idea because I didn't expect anyone else in they're right mind to think like I do, I was merely pointing out that it could be done if someone so wished

Opening up PSU is really bad idea. But it would be great way to get Darwin Award though.

the only reason that fuss is made is because a PSU is the only thing in a PC that can electrocute you, and children build PC's so best not give anyone the wrong idea, if it's opened when it's unplugged from mains nothing can happen, there's no capacitors that can hold enough charge for anything bad, not like a microwave or a CRT monitor, now they really are the stuff of Darwin awards! enough power to kill even when unplugged

[edit] still a bad idea tho, unless your an electrician