Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
As I have already referred to in this article, the SilverStone SX700-LPT 700W is an SFX-L size power supply. However, as you may or may comprehend how small it is, I have a banana beside it for relative sizing. For more precise numbers, this stretches out 13.0cm in length, which is approximately a centimeter shorter than most of the "smaller" ATX power supplies. In addition, it is only 12.5cm wide and 6.35cm tall, making the SX700-LPT the first power supply I can easily hold in one hand. Considering SilverStone can stuff 700W worth of electronics into this size with an 80 Plus Platinum rating, this is already impressive on its own. I should note this is also a fully modular power supply, which generally takes up more space in compared to a semi-modular or non-modular unit. Thus for most cases, fitting the SX700-LPT into any case should not be an issue. However, I should remind you again this is an SFX-L unit, which means it is longer than standard SFX. If the case says it can only fit SFX power supplies, you may not be able to use this one.
From this top view. you can see the SilverStone SX700-LPT 700W has a pretty standard look shared with other SilverStone units. There is a multiple circle grille where air is drawn into the power supply. SilverStone's logo is labeled smack dab in the middle for a clean look. Underneath the circular grille is the SX700-LPT's 120mm fan, which we will take a closer look at later on. The entire enclosure is covered in black matte paint. The stickers you see on the side include the unit's serial number, internal quality test certifications, and warranty label. At the back, we have a honeycomb pattern to allow for air to exhaust out this side. Otherwise, the external casing is held together with four screws on the sides, with one screw covered by a warranty sticker. Getting access to this screw will void the three year manufacturer warranty. As for the banana, it is yellow, ripe, and ready to be eaten. But I will stop monkeying around and continue the external tour.
Starting at the back, we have a pretty standard honeycomb look. The hexagonal pattern has been used in many power supplies, and is found on other ventilation holes, as it maximizes airflow while minimizing air resistance. This ventilation area plays a crucial role to allowing heat to flow out the back. Most modern power supplies have an automatic full range (100V-240V) AC line voltage selection, so there is no need for a manual switch, as seen on some older units. Therefore, the back only has a power switch and a standard power input. Thankfully, SilverStone has avoided the C20 plug found on some other units, so any standard cable will work with the SX700-LPT 700W.
Like most power supplies we have reviewed here at APH Networks, the SilverStone SX700-LPT 700W is a fully modular power supply. This means all cables are completely detachable from the main unit. While there are some obvious cables you will need for any build, including the ATX 24-pin and the ATX 4-pin/EPS 8-pin, there are still benefits to making them modular. For one, cabling is much easier, as the cable can be routed prior to placing the power supply in place. Secondly, there are third party sleeved cables for power supplies, which allow users to even customize the cables to match their system's colors. For obvious reasons, this can only be done using modular power supplies. On the other hand, there is a higher, but very negligible, electrical contact loss at the connectors compared to permanently fixed cables. At the end of the day, I think most people will prefer fully modular units, as there is more upside to having removable cables.
The rear connection panel is pretty standard, but SilverStone has done a great job in making it clean and still clear for plugs. At the top row of connections, we have an ATX/EPS 4+4 pin output, followed by an ATX 24-pin connection. Rounding out the top is one peripheral output. On the bottom row, we have two PCI Express outputs and three more peripheral outputs. Considering the main purpose for an SFX-L power supply is to be built into a smaller computer to begin with, I think the number of connectors is quite sufficient. I quite like the fact SilverStone included the plastic covers for the unused connections, making for a cleaner look.
The external build quality of the SilverStone SX700-LPT is quite good, and this is great to see from SilverStone. We will see what it looks like from the inside soon enough. Fit is done well with minimal panel gaps, and all of the edges are finished nicely off. No edges feel sharp on the fingers, which should ensure you do not cut yourself while dealing with the unit. The only other thing to note about the power supply is the underside, which has nothing other than a large SilverStone name and logo on it.
The voltage specification label for the SilverStone SX700-LPT 700W is on the top panel. There are two main virtual rails. Up to 22A can be delivered via the +3.3V rail for a total of 72.6W. The +5V rail can deliver 22A too, bringing the output to 110W in this area. The total combined output for the +3.3V and +5V rail is 120W. In other words, your power allocation combination must fall within the limits of the listed specifications. Meanwhile, a single powerful +12V rail delivers up to 58.4A (700.8W) to reduce operating overhead compared to multiple +12V rails. Overall, the combined power output for the whole SX700-LPT 700W is an unsurprising 700W. Just to note, the 0.8W difference is only due to the precision of the numbers on the label. Again, your power distribution in your system must fall within the limits provided -- it must not exceed 72.6W on the +3.3V rail, 110W on the +5V rail and 120W combined for both, 700.8W on the +12V rail, and 700W combined between the positive rails. All these confusing numbers aside, this configuration allows for flexible power demands. It should be sufficient to accommodate most users, and the overall distribution is reasonable for a 700W power supply.
The SilverStone SX700-LPT 700W is 80 Plus Platinum certified, which means it is certified to be at least 90%, 92%, 89% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load, respectively. Higher certifications for other PSU lineups available at press time include 80 Plus Titanium. Now I am just waiting for 80 Plus Diamond or Sapphire. Of course, that could also cause for some Pokémon trademark issues, haha.
Coming with the SX700-LPT are a total of nine modular cables and one power cable. All of the cables are flat ribbon cables and are relatively easy to bend. The cables, however, separate in odd fashions, due to the fact some wires cross about. For a flat cable, however, it is generally all quite acceptable. These wires are 18AWG, which should be able to handle most high currents found through PCI Express and ATX/EPS connections.
The following modular cables are included out of the box:
- 1x ATX 20+4pin, 30.0cm
- 1x ATX/EPS 4+4 pin, 40.0cm
- 1x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors, 40.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors, 55.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 2x SATA, 3 connectors, 30.0cm to first connector, 20.0cm to the second connector, 10.0cm to the third connector
- 1x SATA, 3 connectors, 60.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x Molex, 3 connectors, 30.0cm to first connector, 20.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x Molex to Floppy adapter, 10.0cm
These measurements are specified from the manufacturer. As this is a SFX-L power supply meant for a smaller enclosure, the cables are on the shorter side. If you are looking to use this in a larger ATX case, you may want to get different cables, or a different power supply altogether. In mini ITX and micro ATX cases, these cables should be long enough to reach the necessary parts, but of course, your mileage may vary. The spacing between connectors is quite adequate for multiple drives. I question why power supply manufacturers even include floppy connectors nowadays, as floppy drives are practically relics now. However, the nice thing is this floppy connection is only an adapter and can be left unused.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
