Introduction and Features

The new SilverStone ST70EF PSU is designed for user’s who are looking for high efficiency along with quiet operation. It can support multiple high-end graphics adapters and features a full compliment of fixed cables.
Introduction
                   
SilverStone is focusing on high efficiency with their new Element series, which includes models ranging from 400W all the way up to 850W.  The Element ST70EF that we have today is rated for up to 700W DC output and is 80 Plus Silver certified.  It comes with a full compliment of fixed cables, including four PCI-E connectors for multiple high-end graphics adapter support.  High efficiency also means less waste heat, which should result in lower operating temperatures and less fan noise.

SilverStone ST70EF 700W Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 32
(Courtesy of SilverStone)

Here is what SilverStone has to say about their new Element ST70EF power supply:

“Equipped with higher level of design and components, SilverStone Element ST70EF continues Element serie’s climb toward new efficiency plateau.  With higher than 85% efficiency (85%~90%) across normal loading conditions (from 20% to 100%), the ST70EF produces vastly less wated heat than typical power supplies on the market and allows the included 135mm fan to operate at minimal speeds, ensuring silent operation for all applications.  The incredible stable output and efficient characteristics are packed inside an environmentally friendly casing that is compatible with nearly any ATX enclosure on the market.  If efficiency and silence are the first priorities for a high powered system, the Element ST70EF is the only choice for you.”

SilverStone ST70EF PSU Key Features:

•    High efficiency 85%~90% at 20%-100% loading
•    80 Plus Silver certified
•    700W continuous power output (40°C)
•    High performance five +12V rails (56A/672W)
•    Quad PCI-E 6-pin, Single PCI-E 8-pin
•    Active Power Factor Correction (.99 PFC)
•    Silent running 135mm fan (16.5 dBA minimum)

PSU Testing Methodology

Establishing an accurate load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  PCPerspective’s power supply test bench can place a precise 2,000 watt DC load on the PSU under test.  Each power supply is tested under controlled, real-world conditions up to its maximum rated load, using both 115 VAC and 240 VAC line voltage.  Our current suite of tests includes:

•    DC Load Regulation
•    DC Line Regulation
•    DC Cross-load (unbalanced load)
•    AC Ripple and Noise
•    Power Factor
•    Efficiency
•    Differential Temperature
•    Noise

SilverStone ST70EF 700W Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 33

The SilverStone Element ST70EF 700W power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions. 

•    (2) CSI3710A Programmable DC load (+3.3V and +5V outputs)
•    (4) CSI3711A Programmable DC load (+12V1, +12V2, +12V3, and +12V4)
•    Extech MultiMaster MM570 digital multimeter (Accuracy ±0.02%)
•    Extech 380803 Power Analyzer (Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale)
•    DS1M12 “StingRay” digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
•    Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
•    Extech Model 407738 digital sound level meter (Accuracy ±1.5 dB)
•    Custom PC60 enclosure to simulate real-world operating conditions




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