SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) Power Supply Review

[nextpage title=”Introduction”]

The Strider Plus power supply series from SilverStone has 500 W, 600 W, 750 W, 850 W, 1,000 W, and 1,500 W models, all with a fully modular cabling system. The 500 W model has the 80 Plus Bronze certification. There are two versions for the 600 W model: with the 80 Plus Bronze certification (ST-60F-P) or with the 80 Plus Silver certification (ST60F-PS), which is the model we are going to review. The other models have the 80 Plus Silver certification.

The ST60F-PS has received the 80 Plus Gold certification. However, as SilverStone couldn’t guarantee that every single model would achieve the same performance level as the sample the company sent for testing, they decided to spontaneously downgrade it to 80 Plus Silver. Kudos to SilverStone; it would be great if all companies were this honest.

The reviewed power supply is manufactured by High Power.

Figure 1: SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) power supply

Figure 2: SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) power supply

The SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) is 5.5” (140 mm) deep. It uses a 120 mm ball-bearing fan on its bottom (Globe Fan B1202512L).

Figure 3: Fan

The modular cabling system from this power supply is fully modular and has eight connectors: one for the main motherboard cable, one for EPS12V/ATX12V connectors, two for video card power connectors, and four for peripheral and SATA power connectors. This power supply comes with the following cables:

• Main motherboard cable with a 20/24-pin connector, 21.6” (55 cm) long
• One cable with two ATX12V connectors that together form an EPS12V connector, 21.6” (55 cm) long
• Two cables, each with two six/eight-pin connectors for video cards, 21.6” (55 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors
• Two cables, each with four SATA power connectors, 19.7” (50 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors
• Two cables, each with three peripheral power connectors and one floppy disk drive power connector, 19.7” (50 cm) to the first connector, 5.9” (15 cm) between connectors

All wires are 18 AWG, which is the minimum recommended gauge.

This is a somewhat standard configuration for 600 W units, with the advantage of allowing you to install up to two high-end video cards out-of-the-box because of its four video card power connectors, while a few competing products have only two video card power connectors.

Figure 4: Cables

Let’s now take an in-depth look inside this power supply.

[nextpage title=”A Look Inside the SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS)”]

We decided to disassemble this power supply to see what it looks like inside, how it is designed, and what components are used. Please read our “Anatomy of Switching Power Supplies” tutorial to understand how a power supply works and to compare this power supply to others.              

On this page we will have an overall look, and then in the following pages we will discuss in detail the quality and ratings of the components used.

 

Figure 5: Top view

Figure 6: Front quarter view

Figure 7: Rear quarter view

Figure 8: The printed circuit board

[nextpage title=”Transient Filtering Stage”]

As we have mentioned in other articles and reviews, the first place we look when opening a power supply for a hint about its quality, is its filtering stage. The recommended components for this stage are two ferrite coils, two ceramic capacitors (Y capacitors, usually blue), one metalized polyester capacitor (X capacitor), and one MOV (Metal-Oxide Varistor). Very low-end power supplies use fewer components, usually removing the MOV and the first coil.

In the transient filtering stage, this power supply is “flawless.”

Figure 9: Transient filtering stage (part 1)

Figure 10: Transient filtering stage (part 2)

On the next page, we will have a more detailed discussion of the components used in the SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS).

[nextpage title=”Primary Analysis”]

On this page, we will take an in-depth look at the primary stage of the SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS). For a better understanding, please read our “Anatomy of Switching Power Supplies” tutorial.          

This power supply uses two GBU805 rectifying bridges, which are attached to the same heatsink as the active PFC and switching transistors. Each bridge supports up to 8 A at 100° C if a heatsink is used, which is the case here. In theory, you would be able to pull up to 1,840 W from a 115 V power grid. Assuming 80% efficiency, the bridges would allow this unit to deliver up to 1,472 W without burning themselves out (or 1,656 W at 90% efficiency). Of course, we are only talking about these particular components. The real limit will depend on all the components combined in this power supply.

Figure 11: Rectifying bridges

The active PFC circuit uses two SPP20N60C3 MOSFETs, each one supporting up to 20.7 A at 25° C or 13.1 A at 100° C in continuous mode (note the difference temperature makes), or 62.1 A at 25° C in pulse mode. These transistors present a 190 mΩ maximum resistance when turned on, a characteristic called RDS(on). The lower the number the better, meaning that the transistor will waste less power, and the power supply will have a higher efficiency.

Figure 12: Active PFC diode and transistors

The active PFC circuit is controlled by a CM6502 integrated circuit.

Figure 13: Active PFC controller

The output of the active PFC circuit is filtered by one 390 μF x 400 V Japanese electrolytic capacitor, from Matsushita (Panasonic), labeled at 85° C.

Figure 14: Capacitor

The switching section uses another two SPP20N60C3 MOSFETs in a resonant configuration. The specifications for these transistors were already discussed above.

Figure 15: The switching transistors

The switching transistors are controlled by a CM6901 integrated circuit.

Figure 16: Resonant controller

Let’s now take a look at the secondary of this power supply.

[nextpage title=”Secondary Analysis”]

As one would expect in a high-efficiency power supply, the SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) uses a synchronous design, where the Schottky rectifiers are replaced with MOSFETs. Also, the reviewed product uses a DC-DC design in its secondary. This means that the power supply is basically a +12 V unit, with the +5 V and +3.3 V outputs produced by two smaller power supplies connected to the main +12 V rail. Both designs are used to increase efficiency.

The +12 V output uses four IPP023NE7N3 G MOSFETs, each one supporting up to 120 A at 100° C in continuous mode, or up to 480 A at 25° C in pulse mode, with a maximum RDS(on) of 2.3 mΩ.

Figure 17: The +12 V transistors

As explained, the +5 V and +3.3 V outputs are produced by two DC-DC converters, which are located on a single daughterboard. Both converters are controlled by an APW7159 integrated circuit, and each converter makes use of four IPD060N03L G transistors. Each transistor supports up to 50 A at 100° C in continuous mode and up to 350 A at 25° C in pulse mode, with a maximum RDS(on) of 6 mΩ.

Figure 18: The DC-DC converters

Figure 19: The DC-DC converters

The outputs are monitored by a PS224 integrated circuit, which supports over voltage (OVP), under voltage (UVP), and over current (OCP) protections. There are two +12 V over current protection (OCP) channels, but the manufacturer decided to use only one of them, giving this unit a single +12 V rail.

Figure 20: Monitoring circuit

This power supply uses Taiwanese electrolytic capacitors, from Teapo, labeled at 105° C in its secondary.

Figure 21: Capacitors

[nextpage title=”The +5VSB Power Supply”]

The +5VSB (a.k.a. standby) power supply is independent of the main power supply, since it is on continuously.

The +5VSB power supply uses a TNY278PN integrated circuit, which incorporates the PWM controller and the switching transistor into a single chip.

Figure 22: The +5VSB integrated circuit with an integrated switching transistor

The rectification of the +5VSB output is performed by an SBL05L40C Schottky rectifier, which supports up to 5 A (2.5 A per internal diode).

Figure 23: The +5VSB rectifier

[nextpage title=”Power Distribution”]

In Figure 24, you can see the power supply label containing all the power specs.

Figure 24: Power supply label

This power supply is has a single +12 V rail, so there is not much to talk about here.

Let’s find out how much power this unit can deliver.

[nextpage title=”Load Tests”]

We conducted several tests with this power supply, as described in the article, “Hardware Secrets Power Supply Test Methodology.”          

First, we tested this power supply with five different load patterns, trying to pull around 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of its labeled maximum capacity (actual percentage used listed under “% Max Load”), watching the behavior of the reviewed unit under each load. In the table below, we list the load patterns we used and the results for each load.

If you add all the powers listed for each test, you may find a different value than what is posted under “Total” below. Since each output can have a slight variation (e.g., the +5 V output working at 5.10 V), the actual total amount of power being delivered is slightly different than the calculated value. In the “Total” row, we are using the real amount of power being delivered, as measured by our load tester.

The +12VA and +12VB inputs listed below are the two +12 V independent inputs from our load tester. During this test, the +12VA and the +12VB inputs were connected to the power supply’s single +12 V rail (the +12VB input was connected to the power supply’s EPS12V connector).

Input	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4	Test 5
+12VA	4 A (48 W)	9 A (108 W)	13 A (156 W)	17.5 A (210 W)	21.5 A (258 W)
+12VB	4 A (48 W)	9 A (108 W)	13 A (156 W)	17.5 A (210 W)	21 A (252 W)
+5 V	1 A (5 W)	2 A (10 W)	4 A (20 W)	6 A (30 W)	8 A (40 W)
+3.3 V	1 A (3.3 W)	2 A (6.6 W)	4 A (13.2 W)	6 A (19.8 W)	8 A (26.4 W)
+5VSB	1 A (5 W)	1.5 A (7.5 W)	2 A (10 W)	2.5 A (12.5 W)	3 A (15 W)
-12 V	0.5 A (6 W)	0.5 A (6 W)	0.5 A (6 W)	0.5 A (6 W)	0.5 A (6 W)
Total	117.2 W	247.5 W	362.4 W	486.7 W	598.4 W
% Max Load	19.5%	41.3%	60.4%	81.1%	99.7%
Room Temp.	45.5° C	44.6° C	44.8° C	47.0° C	49.1° C
PSU Temp.	47.5° C	46.8° C	46.7° C	48.3° C	50.3° C
Voltage Regulation	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
Ripple and Noise	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
AC Power	130.9 W	272.1 W	406.7 W	556.2 W	697.4 W
Efficiency	89.5%	91.0%	89.1%	87.5%	85.8%
AC Voltage	117.6 V	116.2 V	114.4 V	113.3 V	111.7 V
Power Factor	0.982	0.991	0.993	0.994	0.995
Final Result	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass

The 80 Plus Silver certification promises efficiency of at least 85% under light (i.e., 20%) load, 88% under typical (i.e., 50%) load, and 85% under full (i.e., 100%) load. The SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) was able to surpass these requirements at high temperatures, which is excellent. As you can see, it surpasses the 80 Plus Gold levels at all loads but at full load.

Let’s discuss voltage regulation on the next page.

[nextpage title=”Voltage Regulation Tests”]

The ATX12V specification states that positive voltages must be within 5% of their nominal values, and negative voltages must be within 10% of their nominal values. We consider a power supply as “flawless” if it shows voltages within 3% of their nominal values. In the table below, you can see the power supply voltages during our tests and, in the following table, the deviation, in percentage, of their nominal values.

The SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) presented excellent voltage regulation for the +12 V and +5 V outputs. The +3.3 V output, however, was outside the 3% range that we like to see to consider a power supply as “flawless” during test five.

Input	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4	Test 5
+12VA	+12.26 V	+12.21 V	+12.14 V	+12.04 V	+11.98 V
+12VB	+12.27 V	+12.21 V	+12.13 V	+12.04 V	+11.96 V
+5 V	+5.14 V	+5.10 V	+5.06 V	+5.02 V	+4.98 V
+3.3 V	+3.33 V	+3.30 V	+3.26 V	+3.22 V	+3.19 V
+5VSB	+5.10 V	+5.08 V	+5.02 V	+4.97 V	+4.88 V
-12 V	-11.31 V	-11.73 V	-12.02 V	-12.03 V	-12.04 V

 

Input	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4	Test 5
+12VA	2.17%	1.76%	1.17%	0.33%	-0.17%
+12VB	2.25%	1.75%	1.08%	0.33%	-0.33%
+5 V	2.80%	2.00%	1.20%	0.40%	-0.40%
+3.3 V	0.91%	0.00%	-1.21%	-2.42%	-3.33%
+5VSB	2.00%	1.60%	0.40%	-0.60%	-2.40%
-12 V	5.75%	2.25%	-0.17%	-0.25%	-0.33%

Let’s discuss the ripple and noise levels on the next page.

[nextpage title=”Ripple and Noise Tests”]

Voltages at the power supply outputs must be as “clean” as possible, with no noise or oscillation (also known as “ripple”). The maximum ripple and noise levels allowed are 120 mV for +12 V and -12 V outputs, and 50 mV for +5 V, +3.3 V, and +5VSB outputs. All values are peak-to-peak figures. We consider a power supply as being top-notch if it can produce half or less of the maximum allowed ripple and noise levels.

The SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) provided low ripple and noise levels, as you can see below.

Input	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Test 4	Test 5
+12VA	41.4 mV	39.6 mV	37.4 mV	42.4 mV	55.2 mV
+12VB	39.8 mV	34.2 mV	30.2 mV	31.0 mV	41.4 mV
+5 V	8.2 mV	11.4 mV	13.2 mV	14.2 mV	16.2 mV
+3.3 V	9.4 mV	14.8 mV	13.4 mV	15.8 mV	22.8 mV
+5VSB	4.6 mV	6.2 mV	9.2 mV	10.8 mV	17.0 mV
-12 V	65.4 mV	64.2 mV	48.6 mV	36.2 mV	37.6 mV

Below you can see the waveforms of the outputs during test five.

Figure 25: +12VA input from load tester during test five at 598.4 W (55.2 mV)

Figure 26: +12VB input from load tester during test five at 598.4 W (41.4 mV)

Figure 27: +5V rail during test five at 598.4 W (16.2 mV)

Figure 28: +3.3 V rail during test five at 598.4 W (22.8 mV)

Let’s see if we can pull more than 600 W from this unit.

[nextpage title=”Overload Tests”]

Below you can see the maximum we could pull from this power supply. The objective of this test is to see if the power supply has its protection circuits working properly. This power supply passed this test, as it shut down when we tried to pull more than what is described below. During this test, ripple and noise levels were still low, however the +5VSB output was at +4.58 V, 8.40% below its nominal value.

Input	Overload Test
+12VA	26 A (312 W)
+12VB	26 A (312 W)
+5 V	10 A (50 W)
+3.3 V	10 A (33 W)
+5VSB	3 A (15 W)
-12 V	0.5 A (6 W)
Total	720.4 W
% Max Load	120.1%
Room Temp.	42.2º C
PSU Temp.	41.2º C
AC Power	862.0 W
Efficiency	83.6%
AC Voltage	110.0 V
Power Factor	0.997

[nextpage title=”Main Specifications”]

The main specifications for the SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) power supply include:

• Standards: NA
• Nominal labeled power: 600 W
• Measured maximum power: 720.4 W at 42.2° C
• Labeled efficiency: Between 85% and 88%, 80 Plus Silver certification (85% at light/20% load, 88% at typical/50% load, and 85% at full/100% load)
• Measured efficiency: Between 85.8% and 91.0% at 115 V (nominal, see complete results for actual voltage)
• Active PFC: Yes
• Modular Cabling System: Yes, full
• Motherboard Power Connectors: One 20/24-pin connector and one cable with two ATX12V connectors that together form an EPS12V connector
• Video Card Power Connectors: Four six/eight-pin connectors on two cables
• SATA Power Connectors: Eight on two cables
• Peripheral Power Connectors: Six on two cables
• Floppy Disk Drive Power Connectors: Two on two cables
• Protections (as listed by the manufacturer): Over voltage (OVP), under voltage (UVP), over power (OPP), over current (OCP), over temperature (OTP), and short-circuit (SCP)
• Are the above protections really available? Yes.
• Warranty: Three Years
• More Information: https://www.silverstonetek.com
• Average Price in the U.S.*: USD 105.99

* Researched at Newegg.com on the day we published this review.

[nextpage title=”Conclusions”]

The SilverStone Strider Plus 600 W (ST60F-PS) is a very good power supply with the 80 Plus Silver certification. Officially getting the 80 Plus Gold certification, SilverStone downgraded it to 80 Plus Silver, as they couldn’t guarantee that every single product would achieve 80 Plus Gold levels at full load. Because of that, the ST60F-PS achieves 80 Plus Gold levels (between 87.5% and 91.0% in our tests) when you are not pulling 600 W from it.

The reviewed unit provides good voltage regulation (although it could be better on +3.3 V output during full load) and low noise and ripple levels.

Other highlights of this power supply include the presence of a fully modular cabling system and its size: it is only 5.5” (140 mm) deep, fitting small form factor cases that only support power supplies with this depth.

At USD 106, it competes in price mostly with models with the 80 Plus Bronze certification, making it a no-brainer against such power supplies. However, there are a few models with the 80 Plus Gold (Fractal Design Tesla R2 650 W and Rosewill CAPSTONE-650-M) and even with the 80 Plus Platinum (Rosewill Tachyon 650 W) in the same price range. However, these models don’t have a fully modular cabling system and may have higher noise and ripple levels, and worse voltage regulation.