FIRST LOOK: SilverStone FX600 Platinum Flex ATX Power Supply

FIRST LOOK

SilverStone FX600 Platinum Flex ATX Power Supply

Flex ATX power supplies have gained popularity in the never ending hunt for smaller and smaller PCs in the SFF world. Many though are industrial and server PSUs that will leave you deaf with their fans, or under powered for a high-end GPU.  Silverstone has taken notice and produced FX600 aimed squarely at the sweet spot of SFF.
SilverStone sent us this PSU as a review sample. They issued no requirements, expectations, guidance, or demands for the review. They just sent it. As always, I will commend companies that show integrity in their review samples and SilverStone has always shown the highest integrity with SFFN and myself.
The box is a standard Silverstone affair. Inside you find the SX600 PSU wrapped in bubble wrap, screws, and power cable...

Continue reading...

 

[Otamot]

Fantastic info! I suspected as much. Have your units had bearing click?

Bearing click, not noticed this, if you've not already done it, unplug the fan inside the PSU then PS-ON it with no load and have a listen, it might be a bit of component switching noise. Am sure we can start to driver ourselves mad listening and trying to isolate component noises etc lol.

Little secret, we do power up every unit before it ships to asses the fan noise, because with 'production units' you will get some variance on fans. Any that are particularly out of the norm are set aside and the fan is changed, usually to a Noctua.

Out of interest, on your FX600 reviewers stock sample, does the fan have a little balancing weight on it? As I note the one I have kindly on loan, it has a little balancing weight sticker, don't know if that's something that would be carried over to production FX600s.

The Yate Loon fan is one that we can potentially have on ENP-7660B in future, but we might stick with ADDA as for high load warm environment / server type applications the extra rpm an cfm would be thermally desirable for that whilst for 500W and less loads the 5Vdc Noctua delivers the same if not a little more CFM as the ADDA but with the lower noise a fluid Dynamic bearing brings and Noctua's acoustic engineering.

 

[GucksTV]

I've got here my first impression to the FX600 from SilverStone:



Quick Unboxing & Noise Test included. But yea just a quick one in 60 sec. everything you want to know...
idle noise and while gaming (Cyberpunk 1440p ULTRA Settings with an RYZEN 5600X & RX 6700 XT)

 

[Otamot]

Bit of a long one this x.

In short Enhance ENP-7660B with Noctua fan is quiet and runs the coolest with 450W load. Noctua fan can also be added to silverstone fx600 to drop external case temp by at least 5 degrees C at this load point

 

[SFFMunkee]

Bit of a long one this x.

In short Enhance ENP-7660B with Noctua fan is quiet and runs the coolest with 450W load. Noctua fan can also be added to silverstone fx600 to drop external case temp by at least 5 degrees C at this load point

Is it still the case that you don't recommend running over 500W sustained loads with the swapped fan?

i.e. Is this correct?
- for low-mid (0-500W) loads Noctua is quieter and actually cooler, but
- at higher loads (500-600W) it may need more airflow than the Noctua can provide?

 

[Otamot]

Is it still the case that you don't recommend running over 500W sustained loads with the swapped fan?

i.e. Is this correct?
- for low-mid (0-500W) loads Noctua is quieter and actually cooler, but
- at higher loads (500-600W) it may need more airflow than the Noctua can provide?

That's about right. If there was a 12V Noctua / fdb fan available with high rpm and low startup voltage it would muller the full range and I'd just want it in at point of production.

I've had the discussion with Noctua and that's not possible with their design, the high rpm bit at least, which means you'll never get enough flow to cover the worst case scenario.

A maglev could potentially cover the range and would provide a noise level somewhere between dual ball and fdb, but currently they don't provide a low 3V startup voltage.

if you come across a credible available 40x40x20mm fdb fan with high rpm, let me know.

In low ambients, 25 degrees C, you could run the noctua to full 600W continous, but keeping that in that temp range is likey to be problematic....Would you like me to show you what external temp you'll get with max load on the 12V rail with adda fan in an Enhance 7660B? Would have to guess what the silverstone fx600 will get up to for now, till I get hold of a production model, higher of course. Perhaps we could see if egg poaching is possible.

 

[SFFMunkee]

That's about right. If there was a 12V Noctua / fdb fan available with high rpm and low startup voltage it would muller the full range and I'd just want it in at point of production.
I've had the discussion with Noctua and that's not possible with their design, the high rpm bit at least, which means you'll never get enough flow to cover the worst case scenario.
A maglev could potentially cover the range and would provide a noise level somewhere between dual ball and fdb, but currently they don't provide a low 3V startup voltage.
if you come across a credible available 40x40x20mm fdb fan with high rpm, let me know.

I'll definitely keep an eye out for fans that meet those requirements, as it would bridge the gap between the two nicely.

It's a pity the Noctua can't manage higher-rpm - what was the reason they gave? Was it the impeller assy, bearing, motor...?
Which model are you currently using? I'm guessing from your comments about FDB it's the A4x10 FLX (~4.82 CFM at 4500rpm with 17.9 dB(A)

Sofasco have a 12v-nominal 40x10 (7-13.8V) offering, but I suspect it's very loud as it's using a ball-bearing design. Their spec sheet certainly seems... optimistic?
sD4010V12H: 7 .0~13.8V | 7000 rpm | 7.50 cfm | 32 dB(A)
sD4010V12M: 7 .0~13.8V | 6000 rpm | 6.42 cfm | 37 dB(A)
sD4010V12L: 7 .0~13.8V | 5000 rpm | 5.54 cfm | 24 dB(A)
sD4010V12D: 7 .0~13.8V | 4000 rpm | 4.39 cfm | 21 dB(A)

Apologies if you've already answered these somewhere:
- What's the max depth, is it limited to the 10mm? I.e. no chance of squeezing in the A4x20 (5.5CFM at 5000rpm with 14.9dB(A)?
- Is the fan speed controlled by thermals or DC output load? (I assume it's voltage control not PWM, too?)
- I'm guessing there's no scope to modify the curve...?

I do wonder if an alternative fan type might be useful in such a small enclosure, like a blower or centrifugal fan... though I imagine it would:
1) blow (hehe) the brief on noise in terms of both tone and volume, and
2) require significant design changes or post-manufacture modification

Maybe a second fan could be added on the DC output side, how cramped is the interior of the case?

In low ambients, 25 degrees C, you could run the noctua to full 600W continous, but keeping that in that temp range is likey to be problematic....Would you like me to show you what external temp you'll get with max load on the 12V rail with adda fan in an Enhance 7660B? Would have to guess what the silverstone fx600 will get up to for now, till I get hold of a production model, higher of course. Perhaps we could see if egg poaching is possible.

Holy moly, that hot?? That's extremely concerning and definitely wouldn't be good for the life expectancy of the caps!

 

[Otamot]

I'll definitely keep an eye out for fans that meet those requirements, as it would bridge the gap between the two nicely.

It's a pity the Noctua can't manage higher-rpm - what was the reason they gave? Was it the impeller assy, bearing, motor...?
Which model are you currently using? I'm guessing from your comments about FDB it's the A4x10 FLX (~4.82 CFM at 4500rpm with 17.9 dB(A)

Sofasco have a 12v-nominal 40x10 (7-13.8V) offering, but I suspect it's very loud as it's using a ball-bearing design. Their spec sheet certainly seems... optimistic?
sD4010V12H: 7 .0~13.8V | 7000 rpm | 7.50 cfm | 32 dB(A)
sD4010V12M: 7 .0~13.8V | 6000 rpm | 6.42 cfm | 37 dB(A)
sD4010V12L: 7 .0~13.8V | 5000 rpm | 5.54 cfm | 24 dB(A)
sD4010V12D: 7 .0~13.8V | 4000 rpm | 4.39 cfm | 21 dB(A)

Apologies if you've already answered these somewhere:
- What's the max depth, is it limited to the 10mm? I.e. no chance of squeezing in the A4x20 (5.5CFM at 5000rpm with 14.9dB(A)?
- Is the fan speed controlled by thermals or DC output load? (I assume it's voltage control not PWM, too?)
- I'm guessing there's no scope to modify the curve...?

I do wonder if an alternative fan type might be useful in such a small enclosure, like a blower or centrifugal fan... though I imagine it would:
1) blow (hehe) the brief on noise in terms of both tone and volume, and
2) require significant design changes or post-manufacture modification

Maybe a second fan could be added on the DC output side, how cramped is the interior of the case?


Holy moly, that hot?? That's extremely concerning and definitely wouldn't be good for the life expectancy of the caps!enp-7660B has a very low failure rate, lower than the 200W and 400W we supply. Not that either of thoose

I'll definitely keep an eye out for fans that meet those requirements, as it would bridge the gap between the two nicely.

It's a pity the Noctua can't manage higher-rpm - what was the reason they gave? Was it the impeller assy, bearing, motor...?
Which model are you currently using? I'm guessing from your comments about FDB it's the A4x10 FLX (~4.82 CFM at 4500rpm with 17.9 dB(A)

Sofasco have a 12v-nominal 40x10 (7-13.8V) offering, but I suspect it's very loud as it's using a ball-bearing design. Their spec sheet certainly seems... optimistic?
sD4010V12H: 7 .0~13.8V | 7000 rpm | 7.50 cfm | 32 dB(A)
sD4010V12M: 7 .0~13.8V | 6000 rpm | 6.42 cfm | 37 dB(A)
sD4010V12L: 7 .0~13.8V | 5000 rpm | 5.54 cfm | 24 dB(A)
sD4010V12D: 7 .0~13.8V | 4000 rpm | 4.39 cfm | 21 dB(A)

Apologies if you've already answered these somewhere:
- What's the max depth, is it limited to the 10mm? I.e. no chance of squeezing in the A4x20 (5.5CFM at 5000rpm with 14.9dB(A)?
- Is the fan speed controlled by thermals or DC output load? (I assume it's voltage control not PWM, too?)
- I'm guessing there's no scope to modify the curve...?

I do wonder if an alternative fan type might be useful in such a small enclosure, like a blower or centrifugal fan... though I imagine it would:
1) blow (hehe) the brief on noise in terms of both tone and volume, and
2) require significant design changes or post-manufacture modification

Maybe a second fan could be added on the DC output side, how cramped is the interior of the case?


Holy moly, that hot?? That's extremely concerning and definitely wouldn't be good for the life expectancy of the caps!

I'll definitely keep an eye out for fans that meet those requirements, as it would bridge the gap between the two nicely.

It's a pity the Noctua can't manage higher-rpm - what was the reason they gave? Was it the impeller assy, bearing, motor...?
Which model are you currently using? I'm guessing from your comments about FDB it's the A4x10 FLX (~4.82 CFM at 4500rpm with 17.9 dB(A)

Sofasco have a 12v-nominal 40x10 (7-13.8V) offering, but I suspect it's very loud as it's using a ball-bearing design. Their spec sheet certainly seems... optimistic?
sD4010V12H: 7 .0~13.8V | 7000 rpm | 7.50 cfm | 32 dB(A)
sD4010V12M: 7 .0~13.8V | 6000 rpm | 6.42 cfm | 37 dB(A)
sD4010V12L: 7 .0~13.8V | 5000 rpm | 5.54 cfm | 24 dB(A)
sD4010V12D: 7 .0~13.8V | 4000 rpm | 4.39 cfm | 21 dB(A)

Apologies if you've already answered these somewhere:
- What's the max depth, is it limited to the 10mm? I.e. no chance of squeezing in the A4x20 (5.5CFM at 5000rpm with 14.9dB(A)?
- Is the fan speed controlled by thermals or DC output load? (I assume it's voltage control not PWM, too?)
- I'm guessing there's no scope to modify the curve...?

I do wonder if an alternative fan type might be useful in such a small enclosure, like a blower or centrifugal fan... though I imagine it would:
1) blow (hehe) the brief on noise in terms of both tone and volume, and
2) require significant design changes or post-manufacture modification

Maybe a second fan could be added on the DC output side, how cramped is the interior of the case?


Holy moly, that hot?? That's extremely concerning and definitely wouldn't be good for the life expectancy of the caps!

Ah, a couple of things, the fan is a 20mm width one. That spec is about right for a dual ball bearing.

You need to understand that the testing is done in an anechoic chamber, from 1m away and from the quieter side of the fan, not exhaust side. Its fairly standardised. Base level noises are not of the real world in an anechoic chamber as well, some of the best one's are negative and can be uncomfortable to be in.

At some point I'll do a short punchy version of the video that's fast and data heavy. As I think a lot of what you asking is already covered, but you'd need to watch and listen to it in its entirity.

The failure rate in enp-7660B is very low, (lower than the 200/400W we also provide). The design internally for thermals is good. The hot spot is there on the outside as the pcb has a heat pad between it and the housing in this spot. But, of course the higher it is the more heat is retained internally as well with higher ambient temps internally. Its more of external thermal mangement than internal. So now its essententially nuanceses of case design as a whole. Manage that well and entire system thermals can be lower.

ps the egg poaching is a joke. Your not likely to run the full 600W just on the 12v rail alone. We've got 1100W of variable load though so we can have fun with it, push it over the edge etc etc. On lower wattage psu, we'll often see where the over power protection kicks in. On the 200W ENP-7520B, for example, we can pull 250W before any voltage rail drop off kicks in.

 

[SFFMunkee]

Ah, a couple of things, the fan is a 20mm width one. That spec is about right for a dual ball bearing.

Oh, so I guess it's the A4x20 FLX instead then?

Maybe there are 40x20mm fans that have a second counter-rotating impeller (or 10mm fans that could be combined to that effect). I'm not an engineer, though, so I'm not sure what it does to airflow/pressure/noise quality, I just recall seeing similar methods used in tight enclosures where larger-diameter axial fans aren't feasible (maybe for increased static pressure?).

You need to understand that the testing is done in an anechoic chamber, from 1m away and from the quieter side of the fan, not exhaust side. Its fairly standardised. Base level noises are not of the real world in an anechoic chamber as well, some of the best one's are negative and can be uncomfortable to be in.

I've always assumed that most of those tests are done in such environments, but I'm also very skeptical of most manufacturer ratings. Funny you mention the negative-dB(A) 'dead' rooms, I suspect the complete absence of background noise and especially the negative dB effect (e.g. of my own voice) would thoroughly twist my grey noodles (read: Brain).

At some point I'll do a short punchy version of the video that's fast and data heavy. As I think a lot of what you asking is already covered, but you'd need to watch and listen to it in its entirity.

The failure rate in enp-7660B is very low, (lower than the 200/400W we also provide). The design internally for thermals is good. The hot spot is there on the outside as the pcb has a heat pad between it and the housing in this spot. But, of course the higher it is the more heat is retained internally as well with higher ambient temps internally. Its more of external thermal mangement than internal. So now its essententially nuanceses of case design as a whole. Manage that well and entire system thermals can be lower.

ps the egg poaching is a joke. Your not likely to run the full 600W just on the 12v rail alone. We've got 1100W of variable load though so we can have fun with it, push it over the edge etc etc. On lower wattage psu, we'll often see where the over power protection kicks in. On the 200W ENP-7520B, for example, we can pull 250W before any voltage rail drop off kicks in.

Glad to hear it's largely humour, so in theory one might add a honking great heatsink to the exterior of the PSU (or thermal pads between PSU and Alu case, for example) and receive a similar or greater benefit - than they might by trying to increase the airflow - and with no increase in noise...

 

[Revenant]

Base level noises are not of the real world in an anechoic chamber as well, some of the best one's are negative and can be uncomfortable to be in.

My Tinnitus would be a nightmare in there....

 

[SFFMunkee]

My Tinnitus would be a nightmare in there....

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[Revenant]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I see we both understand. LOL.

Best part is right now my right ear is clogged which amplifies it. Sounds like a high pitched laptop fan buzzing my ear. Off to go drink water and take sudafed.

 

[Analogue Blacksheep]

You can buy it in the UK now:

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/600w-silverstone-fx600-fully-wired-80-plus-platinum-single-rail-50a-40mm-fan-flex-atx-psu

 

[Otamot]

You can buy it in the UK now:

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/600w-silverstone-fx600-fully-wired-80-plus-platinum-single-rail-50a-40mm-fan-flex-atx-psu

Indeed or you can buy it in the UK without a shiney box or another mains lead to add to the collection but with or without a Noctua fan and custom loom x
From us:
https://www.overtek.co.uk/collectio...-atx-1u-platinum-power-supply-enhance-enp7660
or standard product from

or standard product from amazon USA

Choices choices choices, tricky

 

[SFFMunkee]

Indeed or you can buy it in the UK without a shiney box or another mains lead to add to the collection but with or without a Noctua fan and custom loom x
From us:
https://www.overtek.co.uk/collectio...-atx-1u-platinum-power-supply-enhance-enp7660
or standard product from UK
or standard product from amazon USA

Choices choices choices, tricky

So what you’re saying is…

I could save a little money and support a small maker’s business, along with additional upgrade options and fantastic after-sales support and active community engagement…

OR

I could spend a little bit more for the same product and throw money into the pit of a huge soulless conglomerate run by an oligarch?

Hmm lemmethinkaboudit..

::EDIT:: In case my tone wasn’t clear, you’d be crazy NOT to buy from Overtek if you’re in UK, and likely other locations too. I’m considering an order from Australia

Enhance ENP-7660B - 600W Flex ATX 1U Platinum power supply

600W Platinum Efficiency >92% 100% burn in cycle Single high power 12V rail 3 year warranty EN-62368 2 x 6+2pin PCI-E GPU cables and connectors *Noctua Fan option Customised loom options Enhance ENP-7660B provides huge power in the Flex ATX form factor yet its efficiency delivers near silent...

www.overtek.co.uk

 

[GucksTV]

hey!
I've got a little Unboxing of the OVERTEK PSU inside my new Video:

 

[Otamot]

So what you’re saying is…

I could save a little money and support a small maker’s business, along with additional upgrade options and fantastic after-sales support and active community engagement…

OR

I could spend a little bit more for the same product and throw money into the pit of a huge soulless conglomerate run by an oligarch?

Hmm lemmethinkaboudit..

::EDIT:: In case my tone wasn’t clear, you’d be crazy NOT to buy from Overtek if you’re in UK, and likely other locations too. I’m considering an order from Australia

Enhance ENP-7660B - 600W Flex ATX 1U Platinum power supply

600W Platinum Efficiency >92% 100% burn in cycle Single high power 12V rail 3 year warranty EN-62368 2 x 6+2pin PCI-E GPU cables and connectors *Noctua Fan option Customised loom options Enhance ENP-7660B provides huge power in the Flex ATX form factor yet its efficiency delivers near silent...

www.overtek.co.uk

Thank you we've a few customers already in Australia, for this unit, would always welcome another. I will be looking at out shipping costs as at one point there were very high coronavirus surcharges for shipping to Australia, these have been coming down and iirc are dropped from 1st April. Although New Zealand's was the worst (highest)