The SilverStone Strider Platinum ST1000-PT & ST1200-PT PSU Review: Tenured

SilverStone Strider Platinum 1000W & 1200W - Cold Test Results

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M  40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs - 2014 Pipeline post.

Predictably, the performance of the two top-end Strider Platinum units is very similar, with the ST1200-PT showing just a tiny advantage over the ST1000-PT on the electrical efficiency and noise output. The units just barely meet the 80Plus Platinum certification efficiency levels with an AC input voltage of 230V, with the ST1000-PT even missing the 94% efficiency goal at 50% load by a tiny bit (93.8%). The ST1200-PT fares a little better, surpassing the 80Plus Platinum certification limits, even if by only a thread. The average conversion efficiency of the two units within their nominal load range (20% to 100%) is 92% and 92.2% for the ST1000-PT and the ST1200-PT respectively.

Although both the ST1000-PT and the ST1200-PT feature a "fanless" mode, the thermal control circuitry appears to be very sensitive and starts the fans with a load of merely 12-15%. Considering the powerful systems that these units are meant for, it is even possible that their fans will never stop, even if the system is idling. Both units displayed virtually identical thermal performance, with low operating temperatures. The acoustic performance however is unbalanced, with the fans starting and speeding up quite quickly, making the units clearly audible with a load of even a few hundred Watts. The 1200W variant fares a little better here as well, but the difference between the two units is imperceptible.