Introduction

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



Super Flower's Leadex platform is very popular among PSU enthusiasts, and although it has been around for quite some time now, it is still highly competitive. With that said, Super Flower has decided that it was nigh time to renew it, so the Leadex II units were introduced, equipped with an upgraded platform featuring smaller dimensions and other improvements. The Leadex II family consists of five models which look to have variable capacities depending on their input voltage. True capacities actually remain the same, but the efficiency rating changes because input voltage is higher with 230 VAC than with 115 VAC input.

The PSU we will look at today is the Leadex II model with model number SF-750F14EG; it holds two 80 PLUS certifications. With 230 VAC input, it is 80 PLUS Gold EU certified at up to 750 W, and with 115 VAC input, it is 80 PLUS Gold certified with up to 650 W. This looks kind of confusing, and this is more of a marketing trick than an actual feature in our opinion. What you should keep in mind is that the SF-750F14EG can deliver 750 W with 115 VAC input; however, it won't deliver Gold-certified efficiency with 750 W.

The unit also has two new certifications next to the 80 PLUS Gold certification, which are based on a far more sophisticated methodology that not only measures efficiency but the PSU's overall noise output. Those certifications are ETA (efficiency) and LAMBDA (noise) and are provided by Cybenetics, a newly established company that is trying to break the monopoly of Ecova's 80 PLUS program.

Specifications

Two 80 PLUS Gold certifications and the ETA-B and LAMBDA-A badges - this product has been tested thoroughly by two institutions, and we are curious to see how it will perform in our testing routine. We should note here that the ETA certification not only takes overall efficiency, which it derives from thousands of possible load combinations, but also vampire power, the 5VSB rail's efficiency, and the unit's PF factor into account, which has it provide a great deal of information. The LAMBDA certification is there as a means to relate a PSU's noise output by the way of a single number, there to describes overall noise output throughout the unit's whole operational range.

Protection features include all those that are necessary, and the maximum operating temperature for continuous full power delivery is 50°C, which is as the ATX specification suggests. A notable difference between the old Leadex units and these new ones is the compact footprint of the later. The fan is also a bit smaller than with the previous generation even though the same fluid dynamic bearing is used, which is good since FDB fans last longer and are more reliable.

A semi-passive operation is also present, and as was the case with the older Gold-certified Leadex units, it can be turned on or off. Super Flower now also allows users to pick whether the crystal cube connectors will be lit or not, through a switch installed next to the ECO mode switch.

As per usual, the single +12V rail can deliver the unit's full power alone. The minor rails are also strong enough, and the 5VSB rail is stronger than is normally the case.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on when it comes to its power distribution.

Packaging

The white box is nice and Super Flower's logo, a butterfly, covers most of the real estate on front. The PSU boasts of its twin certification; however, we find its boasting to be pointless as it will ultimately do no more than really confuse users. What is the point of certifying it at 650 W with 115 V and at 750 W with 230 V? It is common knowledge that PSUs are more efficient with higher voltage input, which has us believe that Super Flower only paid the 80 PLUS fee twice for marketing purposes.


The PSU's features are depicted on one of the box's sides, while the other shows the colors it is available in, which are black and white. Thankfully, we got the black unit, which is easier to take photos of since we use a white backdrop.


Around the back is the specifications table, and a graph here depicts the fan's speeds in relation to the unit's internal temperatures. Interesting photos, icons, and bits of text also refer to the product's most interesting features.

Contents

On top of the unit is the product manual and a nice white bag. The PSU is protected by foam spacers, which is adequate.


The bundle includes the modular cables, fixing bolts, a pouch for storing any unused cables, and another white pouch.