Silverstone SST-ST50EF

[Eoin]

I was looking at the Silverstone SST-ST50EF. I noticed the solid review Jonny gave the Silverstone ST50EF-Plus and was wondering about any differences there may be. The couple of differences I noticed seemed insignificant.

Do you know of any differences between these two models that would give an advantage in some way to one model over the other, besides the ST50EF-Plus model being 80 plus certified?

Thanks in advance, Eoin

[jonnyGURU]

I wish I could tell you. :) I've never used/seen/tested a non "PLUS" version of the ST50EF. :(

[MrWicked1968]

flipping between the Plus and non-Plus versions over at Deadeye data, it looks like the Plus has shorter cables and is RoHS compliant in addition to the 80-plus certification.

[burebista]

OK, I'll give you the response of Silverstone tech on SPCR who kindly response me at this question long time ago when I was curious too. :)
Hi Pitt, thank you for the question. The difference between the ST50EF and ST50EF-Plus is in the efficiency at low and full load levels. As you may already know, the ST50EF-Plus is a 80 PLUS officially certified PSU so it is capable of greater than 80% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% loading.

While the ST50EF is 80% efficient under most circumstances, it drops below 80% efficiency around very light and full loading conditions. Although a difference of 3% ~ 4% may not sound like a lot, the effort to get over 80% at all loading condition is quite challenging technically (hence the cost difference).

If your system operates between 150W ~ 400W then the difference between the two Element 500W power supplies is almost nothing. However, if your system operates outside of that range, the ST50EF-Plus will give you a small efficiency advantage and the opportunity to earn rebates from the 80 PLUS organization (for system integrators only).
And about my second question about fan/fan controller:
Hi Pitt, the fan is identical in both ST50EF and ST50EF-Plus. However, the fan controller for the ST50EF-Plus has fan voltage mapping that is more aggressive for lower fan speed. At environmental temperature of around 35C or lower, it is probably the quietest fan'ed power supply on the market.
SPCR confirmed that Element Plus is on par with S-12 noise wise.

[Eoin]

Thanks, for taking the time.