SilverStone Strider 650 Non-Modular Power Supply Review – SST-ST650-EF-WBW

SilverStone Strider 650 Non-Modular Power Supply Review: A Solid Choice for Budget Builders

Table of Contents

Introduction

The SilverStone Strider 650 Non-Modular Power Supply (SST-ST650-EF-WBW) is a budget-friendly option for PC builders looking for reliable power without breaking the bank. It’s a 650W unit with 80 Plus certification, offering decent efficiency for everyday use. I’ve been using this power supply in my system for the past few months, and I’m ready to share my thoughts on its performance, features, and overall value.

Features

The Strider 650 is a non-modular PSU, which means all the cables are permanently attached. This is a common design for budget-oriented power supplies, and it keeps the cost down. However, it can lead to some cable management challenges if you have a lot of components in your system.

The PSU boasts a single +12V rail, delivering up to 600W of power. This design ensures a stable and consistent power delivery to demanding components like your graphics card.

Feature Specification
Color White (Lead-Free Paint)
Max. DC Output 650W
Power Density 360W per liter
Load Range Output: +3.3V, +5V, +12V, +5VSB, -12V
Combined +3.3V & +5V 120W
Combined +12V 600W
Input Voltage 180V~264V
Input Frequency Range 47Hz~63Hz
PFC Active PFC (PF>0.9 at Full Load)
Efficiency 82% ~ 85% at 20% ~ 100% loading
MTBF 100,000 hours
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 40°C
Protection Over Power Protection, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
Connectors 1 x 24 / 20-Pin motherboard (500mm)
Cooling System Single 120mm silent fan
Noise Level 18 dBA minimum
Certification 80 PLUS
Form Factor ATX
Dimension 150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H) x 140 mm (D)
Weight 1.42 kg

Performance

In my experience, the Strider 650 has performed reliably. It has powered my system without any hiccups or issues. The fan is quiet even under load, and the PSU doesn’t produce any excessive heat. This is a good sign of its overall efficiency.

I haven’t pushed the Strider 650 to its absolute limits, but it has handled my gaming rig, which includes a mid-range graphics card, without any problems. It also delivers enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity software, and video editing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Reliable performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Single +12V rail for stable power delivery
  • 80 Plus certified for decent efficiency

Cons

  • Non-modular design can be challenging for cable management
  • Might not be suitable for high-end gaming systems with multiple graphics cards

Final Verdict

The SilverStone Strider 650 Non-Modular Power Supply is a solid choice for budget-minded PC builders. It offers reliable performance, quiet operation, and decent efficiency at a reasonable price. While the non-modular design might be a drawback for some, it’s a common trade-off for budget PSUs. If you’re looking for a reliable power supply that can handle everyday computing tasks and mid-range gaming, the Strider 650 is definitely worth considering.