Overall
Just by looking at the hardware there is a lot about the SX700-LPT that is exciting. The small fan in most SFX power supplies has to normally run at a higher RPM to keep things cool when you start to push the limited of the power supply. So moving to a larger fan does mean lower RPMs, more time with the fan turned off, and with that, it should translate to lower noise levels. The wattage bump up to 700 watts is nice, but it's really the additional PCIe connection that sets the SX700-LPT apart from the rest. Obviously, most SFX builds are going to be ITX, but I’m excited at the possibility of more SFX based mATX cases and to do that the SX700-LPT is providing the power needed for those small SLI/Crossfire builds. Of course, the larger form factor does mean that not every SFX case is going to fit this one.
The feature set for the SX700 is great so really the only issue to consider is the price. For the most part, the SFX power supplies all run about $90 for a 450 watt and $120 for a 600 watt. Currently, they are selling for $190 but the MSRP is actually $150. At that price point, I’m not seeing a lot of people jumping from the 600-watt models to the 700-watt. That said it is the only real option with dual GPU support and the 80 Plus Platinum support does still make it a great power supply. I’m sure I’m going to end up using it in a build soon, I just need to find a way to justify to myself why I need a Small Form Factor dual-GPU build, but that shouldn’t be hard.
Live Pricing: HERE
