Phew! It has been a long weekend finishing up the ST50F Power Supply unit review. After sending it back, I received another Power Supply unit in its place, the Silverstone ST56F.
In actual fact, many forumers here actually asked me to do this review, and honestly, I am delighted to do so for you guys. All I can say is, enjoy! Feedback is always welcomed

For as long as I can remember, this unit has been through so much change in terms of specifications and efficiency.
the unit that i received was labeled as Version 3.1. I'm not aware of the latest model for this unit, but I heard that there is another version of this unit that comes with the 8-pin PCI-Express connector. Lets leave this to all the si fu's around this forum to help me out a little here.

On with the review,

The Silverstone ST56F is not a new product from Silverstone Technologies. As you all know, this is what we call the Super Affordable and Value for money because the performance ratio to the price is greater than that of many Power Supply units out there. Compared to its younger brother, the ST50F, this PSU packs in another additional 60W. This PSU should be enough to power up a low end SLI rig (as stated on the ST50F review) and with the additional 60W, stability should be even greater. Like its younger brother too, the most attarctive feature of this PSU is that its Active PFC.

Now what is Active PFC? Well, its long to explain it here so I am just going to refer you to SilverStone's fantastic explanation. You can find it here!

Lets move on with the features,

Efficiency over 80%
Dual +12V rails for advanced systems
Dual PCI-E connectors (Certified by ATI CrossFire)
Silent running 120mm fan
Support for ATX 12V 2.01 & EPS 12V
Active PFC

The fan that came along with this power supply is silent. Many forumers raised the question on whether this unit is very much louder than the Silverstone ST50F, but to be honest, I didn,t really feel there was much difference in terms of sound. In short, this power supply unit is still suitable for HTPC setups because it is still silent, and packs a punch. Oh yes, and the air blowing out from the ventilation holes was cold!

here are the specs off the Silverstone Website:



oh yes, and all of these comes to you for only RM349!

This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 24 2007, 07:08 PM

First look:
So we are back here with the same magnificent designed box by SilverStone. The Strider series has always been seen in a small and simple designed black box with a hint of blue.


The front of the box


Another look at it!


A glimpse at the Special features.


Le manual


the black screws that came with it! A power cable was included too. but everyone knows what it looks like


the 8-pin to 4-pin EPS converter

This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 23 2007, 05:55 PM

here is what this baby looks like :




A look on the Super Silent fan that came with it


the back of the PSU. Honey Comb ventilation holes. Notice how the switch is in the middle?


Another look at it. Its standing tall



This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 23 2007, 06:01 PM

The cables :


Phew, thats a lot of cables!


A look at the 24-pin and 8-pin connectors


the 2 6-pin PCI-Express Connectors.


The Sata Power connectors. Non 90 degree ones like the ST50F.


And of course, the 4-pin molex connectors

The test bed :

Processor: Intel C2D X6800 @ 3.65GHz This is an overclocked system
Motherboard: Asus Maximus Formula Special Edition
RAM Module: Team Xtreem DDR2 Special OPB Edition (Micron D9GMH)
Graphic Card: Galaxy 7300GT
Heat Sink : Thermalright IFX 14
Hard Disk: Western Digital 36Gb Raptor
Operating System : Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2


Testing Methods.
1.Orthos is used to put the setup under load. Digital Multimeters with up to an accuracy of .00 is used to monitor the voltage fluctuations.
2. Voltage fluctuation readings are taken one every 30 seconds, the average is taken
3. OCCT is used to stress the system with Everest ultimate running to monitor the voltages
Cool down of 1 minute is given between each stress test.

This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 23 2007, 06:07 PM

Results :-


here are the results with the DMM!

here are the OCCT results


3.3 Volt


5 volt


12 Volt



Conclusion :
My doubts of this PSU handling my system disappeared when i reviewed the ST50F, but i still was concern that 560W was not enough. Luckily, I was proved wrong for the second time. This Power Supply is definitely suited at systems that do not need crazy amount of power to power their system. Low end SLI equiped systems will not face any difficulties using this PSU unit in their system. Overall, this PSU is silent and strong.The voltage fluctuations for load and idle were minimal according my my trusty DMM! Moreover, the silence of the fan was maintained although the system was stressed. Oh yes, and as you can see, the 12V from the OCCT is super

Pros :-
-Definitely the most value for money PSU
-Cables long enough for those with the PSU cage at the bottom of the mobo.
-Has 2 6-pin PCI Connectors
-Active PFC
-Very silent. Suitable for HTPC setups
-Only Rm 349

Cons :-
-Not all cables fully sleeved (only 4-pin molex connectors and SATA power connectors not sleeved.)


Overall, I award this PSU a 8/10

A special thank you to InterAsia for providing me with this lovely PSU to review.


This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 24 2007, 07:09 PM

sure grab this psu after read ur review.nice review bro

Wow..now this is a review my of current psu...nice job there..appreciate it..this is a hot rocking psu from silverstone man!

yo nice review there, i'm using the psu as well. never thought it's so good after reading ur review. thxs for the info.

great PSU, nice review there also btw, Market Price how much for this Babe?

Just wondering, can this PSU support 8800GT SLi?

sure no problem.. since there got 2x 6 pin connector.

This post has been edited by angelic-x: Nov 24 2007, 09:42 PM

Approximately around rm330-rm350...

What i meant was is it stable enough to support 2x8800GT Sli?

open ze PSU lol.

I might be able to poast basic topology analysis.

i think if ze PSU was to be opened.
he will receive ze bill from interasia...

This post has been edited by cstkl1: Nov 24 2007, 11:03 PM

using this psu now hehe

Sure boh?

I do get samples and i'm usually allowed to open them for analysis.

Although i'm not too sure about Malaysian distri policy, i usually get my samples from the manufacturer.

super great PSU

im not allowed to cause SilverStone Taiwan does not permit me to
sorry guys

Wow no doubt about it....you are my PSU for my new rig.

nice review

this psu at ate have price about rm340...but they dont have stock...anyone know any place that have cheaper price..

can try to get from moderno. go check his bulk or go to his shop at usj.

can anyone pls answer my question? does this psu have enough juice to support 8800gt sli??

This post has been edited by hypermax: Nov 25 2007, 12:41 AM

to answer u hypermax, it is definately enough for 8800GT sli........

but if OC and large amount of peripheral is counted in, then i'm not sure

Thanks for the quick reply bro

This is a nice psu

ya..alot of ppl say its good...but i still try to search for modular type psu

Worth to buy this PSU with nice price also.

If ur looking for a modular psu at almost the same price range as this..u would wanna go for mushkin 550w...

hohoho.. im using it right now.. very quiet.... am thinking of changing my the other p4 1.8 rig to this super high end (as comparing to cpu it is using relatively) psu to achieve almost dead silent setup...

If 8800GT *2 can support then its a good buy tho

when you face problems with modular PSUs esp the mushkins, ure in for the journey of your life
i returned my DA850W and opted for an Olympia.
personally, i do not trust modulars anymore. the high end ones for Silverstone as doing fine, but from what i know those cheaper brands besides Corsair, Enermax,Hiper and SilverStone are somewhat still reliable.
the rest, its up to you to try

Yeap. This psu is super silent.~!~

Worth to get it:)

Even my mushkin 580W fan also louder than this..~!~ Want change it de....Want get one unit corsair hx520w to use..

Hey boss..any chance to review Corsair psu?

Try look around LYP. I bought mine last time, at MyPC for about RM330 which was the cheapest around last time..

I somehow agree with you about modular PSUs. Even the OCZ ModStream have some reliability issue for me last time when i tested it. This is one of the best bang for buck PSU available out there. Really good indeed.

Bear in mind, there is one known problem with this PSU. It emits some kind buzzing sound which is not dangerous but kinda annoying..

@lehteck
well, i only do reviews for my sponsors
so if you sponsor me okay la
of course there are strings attached

@akachester
yeah the buzzing sound is there[for those that are scared, the buzzing sound is normal for PSUs with high efficiency. the buzzing sounds occur with SilverStone PSUs with the 80Plus Structure, but it is in no way dangerous remember that], but i didnt really notice it as much as my DA850. i wonder why
Modular PSUs are not to say unreliable but still their reliability is still yet to be proven. but personally i like the fact that you can move cables around. but performance, im not to savvy bout it.

but hey, may i also repeat that high end manafacturers such as Corsair, Enermax, Hiper and Silverstone are deemed to be reliable manafacturers for modular PSUs.

others like cooler master, gigabyte, thermaltake (though their 1kW+ PSUs are apparently solid.) and Mushkin which are still relatively new to the market, its really up to you to make that choice.

I'm not here to ban you guys from modular PSUs, just buy them from reputable companies that have been in this industry for a long time. they would have done all their research and stuff

oh yeah, and guys let me know what you want me to review from SIlverStone next. I'll see what I can do

This post has been edited by DaRkSyThE: Nov 25 2007, 09:44 PM

+1 from me for this PSU. I was looking at the Enermax Liberty 620w, but it was a bit too expensive and not easily found. Got the ST56F instead and am very satisfied. Bought it for RM320 from MyPC @ early May this year. Running a c2d, GTX, 2 hdd, 1 dvd, 3 fans, 1 blower & 1 pci vga fan cooler bracket thing.

nice and simple review....sadly sabah dont have sell Silver Stone product...made me buy gigabyte...

u can buy from lyn.net in the bulk section...hmm seems like i have to buy non-modular type psu with my current bdget

I thought the latest version 3.1 already fixed the sound problem on ST56F.

oh.this is the newer version ST56F, a stronger +12v rail than older one...

@TS, whats the next review ? Olympia series ?

1 thing i can say
nice but not a modular 1...
hehe
im looking forward to psu that easily to hide the wire 1

is there a significant different in performance between modular and non-modular PSU?

nope...
just for good looking 1

---

Added on November 26, 2007, 6:30 ammodular 1 can attach n detach the wire
mean u can easily do the wire management
since not all the wire is going to be used
for example
u need 1 molex for rom
1 more for hard disk
then the rest of the wire just messing ur case rite
now that when the modular psu have the advantage
just detach the extra wire mah


This post has been edited by nelienuxe_sara: Nov 26 2007, 06:30 AM

performance?? 12V, 3.3V and 5V rail? stability?

This post has been edited by bulibulizaimon: Nov 26 2007, 06:35 AM

It's depend on which modular psu u mean...~!~

Every psu have different spec....

Yea, as i said, the buzzing sound is not something dangerous but it can be annoying at times. At least it scared me last time

P.S: I would really love to see a review on the OP650 here.


Cable management on modular PSU had been discussed before and it really depends on a persons rig. If you are owning a rig that comes with little hardware, yes, cable management on modular PSU is better as unused cables can be taken out easily. However, if you rig are full of hardwares and almost every single cable is occupied, then having a normal PSU would be better as all cables are coming out from a single place and thus, allowing better cable management.

Regarding other issues, many enthuasist still doubts the reliability and capability of modular PSUs. Not sure how reliable are they..

Hopefully but i know im getting he Zues 1200 Watts

you got it champ
i'll see what i can do
i actually wanna do a 1kW PSU

I've tested this psu with the 8800ultra, run a few rounds of 3dmark06 continuously also no prob at all, i would say, this is 1 of the best value for money psu. Bsides, 3 years warranty is the best edge at the moment.

How bout SLI for 8800? Anyone tried it before?

Ah, 1kW PSU. That would be nice to see as well but seems overkill to me. OP650 does seem to be another best bang for buck PSU right now..

I bought mine from moderno at RM345, glad to see the 8/10 rating, satisfied

The inner photo of ST56F

When Bro? Looking forward to it..

op1000, st1000

you guys vote and let me know.
ill just ask InterAsia to pass it to me

as soon as posible

wow looks cool inside. organize. look like this is a good PSU to get for those who wan to purchase one.

This post has been edited by eusioxn: Nov 26 2007, 06:54 PM

How to check the version for this PSU?

For ST56F, there is a sticker on the box. State whether it's 3.0 or 3.1.

So far i think now all ST56F is 3.1

may i know whats the differences between v3.0 and v3.1?

the different in +12V rails AMP, while older version has 36 total AMP while newer version is 40 AMP

before i know silverstone got make psu .. i tot silverstone tyre only .. haha

ooooo my one is v3.0, haha guess i bought this psu too early. hehe.

The 3.1 also just available not longer ago

These 2 are totally different company. They are different but shares the same name. Do not get confused with both of them. The Silverstone Tyre company is NOT the one making this PSU.

Nolar. Actually the name is SilverStone Technology

Anyone have idea where can i get this PSU at LYP???

I think Sri-Comp has it..or you can go other shop to check it out...~!~

i think the guy who posted just right below you is selling it.. ,got it from him too..lol..

This post has been edited by dkcc87: Nov 26 2007, 10:58 PM

Lol..But i need it this thurs d..So cant get it in bulk..
Anyway..If i wanna SLI, this psu can use?? Cause this is xfire certified

how to know the psu is the new ver of ST56F

There is a sticker .... check the box:)

State whether is V3.0 or V3.1

What about the OP650 ? AnandTech implies that it's not actually a single-rail PSU, but actually a quad-rail one. Since it's marketed as a single-rail PSU, it would be interesting to find out if it's really just four rails instead of one.

Source : http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/s...spx?i=3037&p=12

hmmm this is something really interesting here
though, i am still pondering on how to test or rather show that its a Quad railed PSU

i shall keep ya updated

yes, pls keep us update. thanks!

Those guys who gets from the bulkers in LYN will get new version 3.1, coz all order new stocks from Inter-asia mah. If u buy from the shops, u might b getting old stocks, coz those shops alwiz stock up and sell slowly.

i've heard of SLI 8800GTS 640MB on a OP650. So, u guys judge whether its tempting or not.

I've tried SLI of the 8800GT on the ST56F, no prob at all. The ultra drained more power than 2 of the 8800GT 512 (stock clock). Just my experience anyway.

To know the version that u guys r getting, either u check for the v3.1 sticker which is sticked near the cables on the PSU casing, or check the Silverstone sticker for Amps on each of the +12V rails.

Happy hunting guys.

Guy my psu made buzzing sound...should i change it or not ?

Yealo. Rich ass...SLI 8800GT

Erm.. Buzzing sound no problem one. As they claim that those effiency over 80% has sound. As my previous ST56F is like that also..

lehteck: Not me rich la, supplier is the one who want to tryout the SLI, I was there to watch only. haha. U can play oso mah haha


Godek: U can send back to ur seller and ask if can RMA or not lo. But, sometimes those noise can be from the fan too. I've seen some noise coming from the fan itself. Depends whether do u need it desperately or u have another spare to use or not lo. Despite these "noise" the performance are never compromised for sure.

Mine is ver 3.1..yea mine has he buzzing sound also..it's normal don't worry man...

the level of buzzing sound is loud or what, like annoying or just normal noise from PSU? im thinking of getting this psu too.

Not loud one..Don't worry.

Just like 'zzzzz' like that...

looking 4ward to take this PSU.....yeah.....
heard many superb reviews about it....

yup not loud but if can change with other psu (upgrade version), why not right ?

Yours is Version 3.0 or?

Maybe you can give a try to call Inter-Asia and see can change or not lo:)

got no. ?

look at the side of the box, got written v3.0 or v3.1.

no i mean phone no for inter-asia..

got version 3.0

http://www.inter-asia.com.my/main.php?sect...e=contact_index

can i change it ?

Saturday open or not ?

How long need to wait ?

When was V3.1 released? I bought mine from jy14 in october.