Value and Conclusion
- The Silverstone ST60F-PS retails for $105
- Delivered full power at 45°C
- High enough price/performance ratio
- Good ripple suppression
- Small footprint
- Fully modular
- Compatible with optional PP06 cables
- Aggressive fan profile at operating temperatures above 38-40°C
- Less than 16 ms hold-up time
- Voltage regulation at 3.3V
- Performance of 3.3V rail on Advanced Transient Response tests
The fresh ST60F-PS manages a good overall performance with high enough efficiency levels and good ripple suppression at high operating temperatures. Its small footprint and fully modular design increase its usability significantly. You can also, if you want elegant cables, grab yourself all the PP06 cables you need, since the ST60F-PS (along with all modular Silverstone units released after 2009) is compatible with those. The PP06 cables surely don't come cheap, but the production of individually sleeved high-quality cables takes time, and you should be prepared to pay more if you want style.
Moving on to the downsides I spotted in this unit, they include the not so tight voltage regulation on all rails (especially at 3.3V) and the aggressive fan profile that makes the fan operate at full speed regardless of load once the operating temperature exceeds 38°C. I strongly believe that a more relaxed fan profile would suit this particular PSU better, especially since it wouldn't compromise its lifetime cycle.
To wrap up, this unit exploits a modern platform that uses many parts we usually see in higher efficiency PSUs (Gold and Platinum). Also, its fully modular design and very small length won't pass unnoticed amongst users. Finally, overall performance is good, although not groundbreaking, and its decent price tag results in a high price/performance ratio, which means that you should take a look at this unit if you need a compact ATX PSU.