Introduction

We would like to thank Super Flower for supplying the review sample.


The cooperation with EVGA seems to be at an end, but Super Flower is still alive and kicking, releasing new models while trying to move deeper into the retail market. The latest variation of the Leadex III lines features ARGB lighting and 80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics ETA-A efficiency certifications.



There are four Leadex III ARGB models with capacities ranging from 850 W to 550 W. They are not available in the US yet. In Europe, prices including VAT range from €110 to €150. The price difference to the plain Leadex III units without ARGB ranges from €20 to €24. Another difference is that the ARGB models only have two ECO modes instead of the three the non-ARGB units feature, which is not a major issue because the difference in noise output between the two ECO modes of the non-ARGB units is low. ARGB is a welcome feature for those with a windowed chassis that doesn't hide the power supply.


I have already evaluated the 650 W and 850 W non-ARGB Leadex III models. In this review, I will take a detailed look at the 850 W ARGB model, the strongest of them. As it is based on the same platform, I expect high performance in all areas, especially transient loads.

Specifications

The fan is 130 mm across even though the PSU allows for a larger fan for an even quieter operation, and the warranty is pretty long at seven years.

Cables and Connectors

With two EPS, six PCIe, nine SATA, and four 4-pin Molex connectors, there are enough connectors to deliver the PSU's maximum power output without notable voltage drops.


The distance between peripheral connectors is short, however. Thankfully, the ATX and EPS cables are quite long. What will probably trouble most users is the presence of in-cable caps, which can make cable-routing challenging.

Component Analysis

This is the Super Flower Leadex III platform with the addition of an ARGB fan and "only" one semi-passive mode instead of the two that the non-ARGB Leadex III units feature. On the primary side is a half-bridge topology, which is supported by an LLC resonant converter for higher efficiency. The secondary side utilizes a synchronous rectification scheme, and the minor rails are generated through two VRMs. The parts Super Flower uses are of good quality, but soldering quality is not as good as with other high-end PSUs. That having been said, it won't create any problems and doesn't seem to affect the PSU's performance.


The transient filter has all the parts necessary to block any incoming and outgoing EMI emission. However, the tests I will conduct will also verify whether EMI is as it should be.


The platform uses an MOV and NTC thermistor-relay combo for protection against surges and inrush currents.


A single bridge rectifier has been bolted to the primary heatsink.


The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and an STMicroelectronics boost diode. The bulk caps have enough capacity, but I would like to see a higher voltage rating of at least 420 V.


The main switchers are arranged in a half-bridge topology, and an LLC converter reduces energy losses.


The +12V FETs are installed on two small heatsinks.


Between the +12V heatsinks are a number of electrolytic caps for filter filtering.


Two small boards host the VRMs that generate the minor rails.


The modular board hosts a number of polymer and electrolytic caps used for ripple filtering.


This is the 5VSB circuit.


Not the best soldering quality, it won't create any performance and reliability issues.


The cooling fan is by Globe Fan, and it measures 130 mm across. I hate the fan-control board because it can easily break from its base, and if so, it is next to impossible to solder back in place. Before I disconnected the fan header, I applied glue to the base of this board for more stability.