Streacom Redesigning the PSU SFX Form-factor with ZS800

[GFreeman]

Streacom unveiled a rather interesting power supply unit at its Computex 2023 showcase, the 800 W ZS800. While it might look a bit strange, Streacom's reasons behind such a product makes sense, considering it started as a project to create a "better" power supply for SFF builds, leading to what you can see in these pictures below.

According to Streacom, the biggest improvement to be done were on the cables, namely the 24-pin ATX cable which is bulky and quite difficult to handle, especially in tight SFF cases. The breakthrough came with the announcement of Intel's ATX12VO specification (12 V-only) and since Streacom has experience with compact DC to DC ATX converters, this led to reduced number of pins for the 24-pin cable, at least on the PSU side, as it still needs a 24-pin adapter for the motherboard. Such a hybrid solution also means that the ZS800 is actually both ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO compatible.



In terms of dimensions, the ZS800 preliminary specifications put it at 125x63.5x125 mm, and although it might sound larger than the SFX PSU standard of 125x63.5x100mm, those do not include cables and connectors. That is where Streacom actually saves some space, reducing the depth by rotating those connectors 90 degrees and keeping the full depth at 125 mm. This also allowed Streacom to use a 120 mm fan, which will also be user replaceable, allowing users to pick out any 120 mm fan that match their system. The ZS800 has 92+ efficiency which is equivalent to an 80 Plus Platinum rating, includes one 12VHPWR connector, and one 8-pin AUX connector, as well as a USB connection for advanced settings.



Unfortunately, there is no word on when the ZS800 could become available.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[LabRat 891]

Can't see it in the pics, but from the description it sounds like all they did was add a 'PicoATX' PSU to a compact 12V only PSU.

This is exactly the same 'thing' GPU miners have been doing for years.

A lot of words were put into distracting from this meager 'innovation'.

I am unimpressed.

 

[natr0n]

Looks neat. I like it.

 

[Kohl Baas]

Can't see it in the pics, but from the description it sounds like all they did was add a 'PicoATX' PSU to a compact 12V only PSU.

This is exactly the same 'thing' GPU miners have been doing for years.

A lot of words were put into distracting from this meager 'innovation'.

I am unimpressed.

Technically, yes. On the other hand, no one else did this before in the SFF space.


It's a gimmick, but a nice one. They use the picoPSU as an adapter of ATX12VO for montherboards that does not support it.

 

[duynguyenle]

Technically, yes. On the other hand, no one else did this before in the SFF space.


It's a gimmick, but a nice one. They use the picoPSU as an adapter of ATX12VO for montherboards that does not support it.

Strictly speaking, it has been done before (though not exactly the same). The implementation is very similar to the J-Hack M2427 which is a small distribution board compatible with the Corsair SF series of PSUs

 

[Chrispy_]

Something like this would be great for Dan A4 builds I've done in the past.

Ignoring the PicoPSU thing, the way they've recessed the modular cables is a massive usability and QoL improvement when building these SFF rigs, I'd imagine.

 

[Teiji]

Damn, that is clever. I'd kill to use a Noctua fan in my SFX PSU. I wish they have a 1000W+ SFX PSU though. Hopefully, other PSU companies copy this design and allow replaceable fan and advanced USB-controller fan profile.

 

[londiste]

Something like this would be great for Dan A4 builds I've done in the past.

Ignoring the PicoPSU thing, the way they've recessed the modular cables is a massive usability and QoL improvement when building these SFF rigs, I'd imagine.

Same thoughts. The placement and direction of modular connectors would be a definite plus for most SFF cases - that SFX PSUs tend to end up in.
Replaceable fan on a PSU also sounds awesome - although I would guess this is a bit of a hazard for manufacturer if someone replaces this with something not up to snuff, especially in a small, cramped and hot case.

 

[Kohl Baas]

[...] this is a bit of a hazard for manufacturer if someone replaces this with something not up to snuff, especially in a small, cramped and hot case.

Not necessarily. "All" the manufacturer has to do is to set up a decent thermal protection to shut itself down in case of inadequate cooling. Maybe some feedback LED to tell the user directly what was the problem when the system shut itself down.