The SilverStone ST60F-TI Strider Titanium 600W PSU Review

Conclusion

Most manufacturers consider the 80Plus Titanium certification to be a badge for their pinnacle models only and thus they are offering just one or a few very high output and severely expensive models. SilverStone clearly did not take this approach. Their Strider Titanium series consists of three PSUs with a maximum output between 600W and 800W, a reasonable power level for the bulk of gamers and PC enthusiasts. Their pricing is reasonable as well, starting at $140 for the 600W model and reaching up to $170 for the 800W model at the time of this review, an average of $30 higher than corresponding 80Plus Platinum certified units. The new Strider Titanium series appear a fine mix between top grade specifications and value. However, the ST60F-TI has left us with mixed feelings.

Although the conversion efficiency of the Strider Titanium ST60F-TI 600W is exceptional, it does not really meet the 80Plus Titanium requirements with a 230VAC input. The directive dictates that, among other things, a PSU needs to reach 96% efficiency at 50% capacity in order to earn an 80Plus Titanium certification under 230VAC input. This may not be impossible but it is far too costly at this point of time and cannot be achieved by platforms such as this, which was originally designed for lower efficiency levels. As such, most OEMs and manufacturers take their certification under a 115VAC input, which is significantly less demanding. Ultimately, the ST60F-TI is more efficient than equivalent 80Plus Platinum certified units even though it cannot reach the directive’s efficiency requirements with an 230VAC input.

What took the hit for reaching this high efficiency on a platform that was not really originally designed for it however is the power quality. The ST60F-TI offers very good voltage regulation but the filtering is inexcusable for a PSU of this class. This could be easily resolved with the use of capacitors, yet such extra components induce extra losses and lower the overall efficiency of the device. It is likely that Enhance used the absolute minimum possible in order to pass the 80Plus Titanium certification testing.

On the other hand, the ST60F-TI is a compact, aesthetically pleasing, high quality PSU that is covered by a five year manufacturer’s warranty. Modders that build both compact and typical systems will love its small proportions and elegant design, as well as its low noise output and great thermal performance. Overclockers probably scratched it off their list already because of the very high ripple but the ST60F-TI does deliver power quality within the ATX design guide’s specifications and should serve most typical users reliably, as long as no overclocking or use of very poor quality components is involved.