Packaging

The PSU's native cables were photo-shopped out of its photograph on the face of the box since their unsleeved sight would not have left the best first impression on potential buyers. Silverstone placed the 80 Plus badge into the top-right corner and the unit's capacity description is highlighted by a yellowish frame at the bottom of the front. Above the capacity description is a list with the unit's most crucial features. It doesn't include anything exotic.


At the top of the box is a mention of the series this unit belongs to, and Silverstone has also given the capacities of both models comprising the line.


A useful list with all available connectors for both Strider units can be found here, along with the PSU's version number. The only difference to the 700 W model is that the latter has two 6+2 pin PCIe connectors instead of one; however, both have four PCIe connectors in total.


Some specifications of the PSU and the power specifications table are on this side.


The two graphs describing the 80 Plus Bronze efficiency requirements and the unit's fan speed curve that exceeds 2000 RPM under full load are probably the most interesting bits of information on the back of the box. We definitely don't expect the fan to be very quiet under full load.

Contents

No packing foam or bubble wrap protects the unit inside the box, which we disapprove of as the PSU is likely to get damaged if transportation is rough. At least the cardboard box is sturdy enough.


The bundle is, as we expected, pretty poor and only includes the AC power cord and a set of fixing bolts. Silverstone has, on the other hand, as they do with all their PSU products, included two incredibly informative manuals.

Exterior

Silverstone states that the paint used is lead-free, and it is, in our opinion, even of acceptable quality, especially for a PSU with such low price tag. The PSU's external design adheres to the boring guidelines we have become used to and expect from a mainstream PSU. The specifications label has been installed on one of the two sides, and its unsleeved native cables at the rear remind us of the olden times when sleeved cables were considered luxury items. However, those times are long past and even cheaper PSUs offer sleeved cables, so Silverstone should rethink their stance on this matter. They thankfully didn't drop the grommet around the cable-exit hole as it protects the bare cables by giving them something other than the enclosure's sharp edges to chafe against.


The unit's dimensions are compact, and its looks are rather dull. Its unsleeved cables make it look like a colored octopus, and we are pretty sure that its cables will give you a hard time during cable management.


Only the main ATX cable is, as you can see, sleeved. You can try to sleeve the other cables yourself if you want to practice sleeving cables or are simply in the mood to waste some time and money on improving such an inexpensive unit. There is a very good guide here which was put together by a friend and fellow reviewer. The only problem is that the aforementioned article is in Greek, but the pictures speak for themselves.


Not the best sight for a user that hates bare cables, even at this price range.