Power Supply [SFF Network] SilverStone ST30SF V2.0 and ST45SF V3.0 Review

[confusis]

Welcome to this special double feature PSU review! On the docket today are the SilverStone ST30SF V2.0 and the ST45SF V3.0, which are non-modular, Bronze-rated units with 92mm cooling fans of 300W and 450W capacity respectively. As the revision number at the end signifies, these are updated versions of previous SilverStone SFX power supplies and as such, they retain the old naming scheme.

After reviewing high-end SFX-L monsters like the SilverStone SX700-LPT, Lian Li PE-750, and SilverStone SX800-LTI, it feels a bit strange to be reviewing more down to earth units like these, but realistically 300-450W would cover the vast majority of SFF builds. So let's take a look!

Read more here.

 

[Phuncz]

Excellent review @Aibohphobia ! Too bad they aren't quiet SFX PSUs for more than light loads, though I'd still chuck one of these in a NAS build any time.

 

[TheHig]

Good stuff. Thanks for the review!
I have the V2 450w in my sons pc and the only issue I have with it is noise. I was hoping for more of a reduction there considering he larger fan in these V3s. Still seems solid for he price however.

 

[ricochet]

Wait a minute, the version 2 of the ST30SF doesn't have the "intelligent semi-fanless" option like my version 1? I have yet to hear my PSU fan or any noise emitting from my Silverstone ST30SF Version 1 for that matter... it is supposed to kick on when the PSU hits 51 C, but I have not experienced that yet... hell, it may not even work for all I know!

 

[Ceros_X]

Corsair SF450 supremacy. I have still never seen the fan turn on.

 

[jeshikat]

Wait a minute, the version 2 of the ST30SF doesn't have the "intelligent semi-fanless" option like my version 1? I have yet to hear my PSU fan or any noise emitting from my Silverstone ST30SF Version 1 for that matter... it is supposed to kick on when the PSU hits 51 C, but I have not experienced that yet... hell, it may not even work for all I know!

Yeah, I really dislike the semi-fanless behavior in the SX600-G and to a lesser extent the SX500-LG, but the ST30SF V1.0 has actually pretty good about keeping the fan off most of the time.

 

[K888D]

I agree with everyone hear, the ST30SF v1 is really good, it ran silent for HTPC level usage. Ive built dozens of PCs using them and had zero issues. It was the cheapest silent PSU you could get, not anymore!

 

[jeshikat]

The 300W V1.0 will still be sold for several years, it's not getting discontinued yet.